Thailand Visa-Free for Indians 2026: New 30-Day Rule Explained for Kerala Travellers
Thailand cut its visa-free stay for Indians from 60 to 30 days from 15 September 2026. Here is what changed and what to carry.
In short: Indians can visit Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days. Fill the free TDAC arrival card within 72 hours before arrival and carry THB 20,000 per person, a return ticket and hotel bookings.
Thailand visa rules for Indians at a glance
From 15 September 2026, Indian passport holders can visit Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism. The earlier 60-day visa-free stay has ended, but you still do not need to apply for a visa before a normal 4 to 10 day holiday.
- Visa: not needed for tourism stays up to 30 days
- Arrival card: free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), filled online within 72 hours before arrival
- Cash: carry at least THB 20,000 per person (about ₹58,000) or equivalent
- Passport: valid for at least 6 months from arrival
- Also carry: confirmed return ticket and hotel bookings
What changed and when
- November 2023: Thailand first allowed Indians visa-free entry for 30 days.
- 2024: the stay was extended to 60 days under Thailand's wider visa-free scheme.
- May 2026: Thailand's Cabinet decided to end the 60-day scheme for 93 countries, which caused confusion among Indian travellers.
- July 2026: the Cabinet kept India visa-free but capped stays at 30 days.
- 15 September 2026: the 30-day rule came into force. If you entered before this date, the stay stamped in your passport still applies.
Documents to carry at Thai immigration
Thai immigration can check these documents at random, so every traveller, including each member of a group, should carry their own set:
- Passport valid for 6 months from arrival, with blank pages
- Printed or digital confirmed return or onward ticket
- Hotel bookings for your whole stay
- Your itinerary (a Tourfly day-wise plan works)
- At least THB 20,000 per person in cash, or the equivalent in another currency
- TDAC confirmation (screenshot or QR)
The Indian Embassy in Bangkok also advises that anyone with a job offer in Thailand should not enter visa-free, but apply for the correct visa.
How to fill the TDAC arrival card
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card replaced the paper arrival card. It is free on the official site tdac.immigration.go.th; do not pay any website that charges a fee.
- Open the official TDAC site within 72 hours before your arrival.
- Enter your passport details, flight number and hotel address in Thailand.
- Submit and save the confirmation QR or PDF on your phone.
- Show it at immigration if asked.
Tourfly travellers get help with the TDAC as part of their package.
What if you want to stay longer than 30 days?
Once in Thailand, you can apply once at an immigration office for an extension of up to 30 more days (fee THB 1,900, approval at the officer's discretion). If you already know you will stay more than 30 days, apply for a Thai e-Visa before travel on the official portal thaievisa.go.th.
Best Thailand trips from Kerala under the new rule
The 30-day limit makes no difference to most holidays from Kerala. Our Thailand tour package from Kerala (4 nights / 5 days in Pattaya and Bangkok, from ₹24,999 per person, land only) fits easily, as do longer Phuket and Krabi plans. See also our guide to the best time to visit Thailand from Kerala.
Frequently asked questions
Is Thailand visa-free for Indians in 2026?
Yes. Indian passport holders can enter Thailand visa-free for tourism for up to 30 days from 15 September 2026.
Is the 60-day visa-free stay still available?
No. The 60-day stay ended. From 15 September 2026, Indians get 30 days visa-free. Travellers who entered before that date keep the stay stamped on arrival.
Do I need to show THB 20,000 at the airport?
Immigration can ask to see at least THB 20,000 per person (or the equivalent) during random checks, so carry it in cash or be ready to show it.
Is the TDAC free?
Yes. The Thailand Digital Arrival Card is free on the official site tdac.immigration.go.th. Fill it within 72 hours before arrival.
Can I extend my 30-day visa-free stay?
You can apply once in Thailand for up to 30 more days at an immigration office (fee THB 1,900), subject to approval.
Plan your Thailand holiday with Tourfly
Tell us your month and number of travellers. Our Kochi team sends a day-wise plan, a clear price and help with the TDAC.
