Thailand, renowned as one of the most stunning tropical destinations globally, perfectly combines culture, nature, and vibrant nightlife. The best part? It has always been an accessible and budget-friendly getaway for Indians. Whether you’re planning a short vacation or considering a longer stay as a digital nomad, the country provides numerous options. However, Thailand is set to reduce the number of days foreign tourists can stay without a visa from 60 to just 30 days. This decision comes as the country aims to address issues related to travelers misusing the waiver for illegal activities, according to Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong. Read on to know about this update on the Visa-Free Stay policy.
In July 2024, Thailand declared a complete visa exemption allowing a 60-day stay for travelers from 93 countries. This policy enables passport holders from nations such as India, Cambodia, Australia, Fiji, Finland, South Korea, Hong Kong, Oman and more to visit for tourism without a visa for a maximum of 60 days. However, various government ministries have tentatively agreed to reduce this duration to 30 days.
Authorities are expected to reveal the official start date for this policy soon, along with any possible exemptions or transitional measures for affected travelers.
Tourism plays a vital role in Thailand’s sluggish economy, which ranks as the second-largest in Southeast Asia. The government aims to attract over 40 million international tourists this year, potentially surpassing the record set in 2019. With this new visa-free stay policy update, it will be interesting to see how tourists react and does it hampers the numbers. Keep an eye out for further updates.
