24/05/2026
*Thailand’s new visa rules – May 2026 update*
Thailand’s Cabinet approved a major overhaul on May 19, 2026. The changes scrap the 60-day visa-free scheme and move to a “one country, one visa privilege” system. 000f6bca
They’ll take effect 15 days after publication in the Royal Gazette. Until then, the old rules still apply. 000f
1. *End of 60-day visa-free entry*
- The 60-day visa-free scheme for 93 countries/territories is abolished. 6bcad9ff
- This includes India, which got 60-day visa-free entry in July 2024. 6bca
- Reason given: concerns over security, illegal employment, nominee businesses, and transnational crime. Officials want to focus on “quality tourists”. 6bca
2. *New structure*
Thailand now splits entry into 4 categories: 6bca
Category What changed
**30-day visa exemption** Cut from 57 countries to 54. Most countries still get 30 days visa-free.
**15-day visa exemption** New category for 3 countries: Seychelles, Maldives, Mauritius.
**Visa on Arrival (VOA)** Cut from 31 countries to 4: India, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Serbia.
**Other visas** Use e-Visa system or bilateral agreements.
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3. *What it means for Indians*
- India moved from 60-day visa-free to Visa on Arrival. 6bca
- Stay under VOA is limited to 15 days. 6bca
- You’ll need to apply at authorized immigration checkpoints with required documents. 6bca
- Extensions are possible once at an immigration office, but it’s up to the officer. 185b
4. *Why the change*
Officials said the 60-day scheme caused confusion and misuse. Data showed 90% of tourists leave within 30 days anyway. The goal is tighter security screening and to reduce overstays. 95f8aa935cd3
5. *Other 2026 changes still in place*
- *Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)*: Required before arrival. No form, no entry. 125f
- *Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)*: 5-year multiple entry for digital nomads, remote workers, freelancers. Stay up to 180 days per visit. 2ee8d2bd
- *ED Plus visa*: For students combining study and internships. d2bd
*Bottom line*: If you’re Indian or from one of the 93 countries that had 60-day visa-free, you’ll now get less time or need to apply for VOA/e-Visa. Check the Royal Gazette for the exact start date once published.