Thailand has approved the cancellation of its 60-day visa-free entry scheme for travellers from 93 countries and territories, with most visitors expected to return to the earlier 30-day visa-free stay limit. The decision was approved by Thailand’s Cabinet on Monday as part of a wider review of immigration and tourism policies.The revised rules will officially take effect after publication in the Royal Gazette, according to local reports. Thailand had introduced the extended 60-day visa-free arrangement under the P.60 exemption scheme to revive tourism, boost spending by foreign visitors and strengthen the country’s post-pandemic economic recovery.Under the new changes, travellers from countries including India, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and the UAE are expected to revert to shorter visa-free stays.
What It Means for Indian Travellers?
For Indian tourists, the rollback means shorter stays without a visa in one of the country’s most popular international holiday destinations. India remains among Thailand’s largest tourist source markets, with thousands of Indians travelling there every month for vacations, weddings, business trips and shopping.The earlier 60-day visa-free scheme gave Indian travellers more flexibility for longer holidays, remote work plans and extended family visits. With the likely return to the 30-day limit, travellers planning longer stays may now need to apply for visas or extensions depending on the purpose and duration of travel.Travel industry experts believe the revised rule may not significantly impact short-term tourism because most Indian travellers typically visit Thailand for less than two weeks. However, it could affect digital nomads, long-stay tourists and travellers combining Thailand with multiple Southeast Asian destinations.Airlines and tour operators are also expected to closely monitor the changes as Thailand continues to remain one of the most affordable and accessible international destinations for Indian tourists.
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| Region | Countries Included |
|---|---|
| Asia | India, China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Macao |
| Europe | United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Norway |
| Middle East | UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait |
| Americas | United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Uruguay |
| Oceania | Australia, New Zealand, Fiji |
| Africa | South Africa, Mauritius |
