Thailand on February 20 added India to its "Form 60" visa-exempt list, allowing Indian passport-holders to enter for up to 60 days without a visa and to extend their stay once by a further 30 days at any immigration office. The decision replaces the previous 30-day visa-on-arrival (VOA) regime and removes the THB 2,000 (≈₹4,600) airport fee that travellers had to pay on landing.
Government spokesperson Airin Phanrit said the measure aims to lift average visitor spending and support conferences, remote work and family visits. India was Thailand’s fourth-largest source market in 2025 with more than two million arrivals; tourism officials expect the longer window to raise that total by at least 15 percent this year.
![Thailand Doubles Visa-Free Stay for Indians to 60 Days, Drops VOA Fee]()
For travellers who might combine their Thai getaway with hops to neighbouring countries—or who simply want expert guidance on future visa needs—VisaHQ’s India portal (https://www.visahq.com/india/) provides quick eligibility checks, digital applications and courier pick-up services for dozens of destinations, helping you navigate paperwork effortlessly while you focus on planning the fun parts of your trip.
Airlines are already reacting: IndiGo and Thai Airways plan to add over 20,000 weekly seats between Indian metros and Bangkok/Phuket for the summer 2026 schedule, while Air India is evaluating new routes to Chiang Mai. Online travel agencies report a 40 percent spike in search volumes since the announcement.
Practical tips for travellers: complete the mandatory Digital Arrival Card at least three days before departure, retain proof of accommodation and onward travel, and respect the still-hefty THB 500-per-day overstay fine. Business delegates should note that paid work and long-term assignments still require the appropriate Non-Immigrant B or SMART visas.
Government spokesperson Airin Phanrit said the measure aims to lift average visitor spending and support conferences, remote work and family visits. India was Thailand’s fourth-largest source market in 2025 with more than two million arrivals; tourism officials expect the longer window to raise that total by at least 15 percent this year.
For travellers who might combine their Thai getaway with hops to neighbouring countries—or who simply want expert guidance on future visa needs—VisaHQ’s India portal (https://www.visahq.com/india/) provides quick eligibility checks, digital applications and courier pick-up services for dozens of destinations, helping you navigate paperwork effortlessly while you focus on planning the fun parts of your trip.
Airlines are already reacting: IndiGo and Thai Airways plan to add over 20,000 weekly seats between Indian metros and Bangkok/Phuket for the summer 2026 schedule, while Air India is evaluating new routes to Chiang Mai. Online travel agencies report a 40 percent spike in search volumes since the announcement.
Practical tips for travellers: complete the mandatory Digital Arrival Card at least three days before departure, retain proof of accommodation and onward travel, and respect the still-hefty THB 500-per-day overstay fine. Business delegates should note that paid work and long-term assignments still require the appropriate Non-Immigrant B or SMART visas.
