Planning a Thailand trip? New travel rules for Indians from September 15

Thailand has new rules starting September 15, 2026. The Indian embassy in Bangkok has issued an advisory for all Indian travellers.The Embassy of India in Bangkok has now issued an advisory listing the documents and other requirements Indian travellers should keep in mind. (Photo: Unsplash)Planning a holiday to Thailand? There is an important change you need to know before you pack your bags. From September 15, 2026, Indian ordinary passport holders travelling to Thailand for tourism will be allowed to enter without a visa and stay for up to 30 days. The change cuts the visa-free stay from the earlier 60 days, while keeping Thailand visa-free for Indian tourists.The Embassy of India in Bangkok has now issued an advisory listing the documents and other requirements Indian travellers should keep in mind when using the visa-exemption facility. Here is everything you need to know.1. Indians can still travel to Thailand without a visaThe most important point first: Indian tourists do not need to apply for a visa in advance for a stay of up to 30 days under the visa-exemption facility, once the new rule comes into effect on September 15.The revised 30-day limit applies to Indian ordinary passport holders travelling for tourism. It does not mean that Thailand has ended visa-free travel for Indians. The earlier 60-day visa-free arrangement was introduced in 2024 and has now been reduced to 30 days under Thailand's revised visa-exemption regulations.2. Your passport must be valid for at least six months The Embassy advisory says travellers should carry a valid passport with at least six months' validity from the date of arrival in Thailand.It is worth checking this well before your trip. If your passport is nearing expiry, you should get it renewed rather than assume that having a confirmed flight and hotel booking will be enough.3. Keep your return ticket ready Indian tourists travelling under the visa-exemption facility should have a confirmed return ticket. In other words, don't just book a one-way flight and assume that visa-free entry means you can decide your return date later. Keep proof of your onward or return journey handy when you travel.4. Hotel booking and travel plans are also requiredThe advisory also asks travellers to have confirmed hotel bookings and clear travel plans and itineraries. This means it is a good idea to keep your accommodation confirmations and basic itinerary accessible on your phone, along with your other travel documents.5. There is also a money requirementThis is one of the details travellers should pay particular attention to. According to the Embassy advisory, tourists using the visa-exemption facility should carry at least THB 20,000 (Rs 57, 899 approx) per passenger in cash.The amount is in Thai baht, so travellers should arrange the required cash before approaching immigration rather than assume that a credit card or digital payment will necessarily be accepted as proof of funds.Thai embassy guidance also lists THB 20,000 as the financial requirement for travellers using the tourist visa-exemption scheme.6. Don't forget the Thailand Digital Arrival CardThere is another mandatory step before entering Thailand: the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC).All travellers entering Thailand by air, land or sea need to complete the TDAC. The form can be submitted within 72 hours before arrival. The official TDAC website confirms that the submission window is up to 72 hours before entry.Travellers should keep the confirmation accessible after completing the form, along with their passport and other travel documents.7. What if Thailand is only your transit point?The Embassy has also included a reminder for travellers who are transiting through Thailand.If Thailand is not your final destination, you should carry all the relevant documents and visa required for the country you are ultimately travelling to. So, a Thailand transit does not remove the need to check the entry requirements of your final destination.If you are someone planning a trip to Thailand soon, hope this information comes handy.- EndsPublished By: Tiasa Bhowal Published On: Sep 9, 2026 15:56 IST