Thailand just made holiday planning a lot easier for Indian travellers. The country has extended its visa-free entry policy for Indians indefinitely, which means Indian passport holders can now skip the visa process entirely. Initially set to end on November 11, 2024, this policy was introduced in November 2023 by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Now, there’s no end date on this perk, allowing Indians to enter Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa—and if they decide to stay longer, they can extend it for another 30 days at an immigration office.
Thailand is already one of the top destinations for Indian travellers, thanks to its beaches, culture, and proximity to India. Until recently, visiting required a visa, which cost around INR 3,000 and needed extra paperwork like bank statements and hotel reservations. But now, Indian tourists can skip all that, making travel to Thailand even more budget-friendly and convenient.
This visa-free policy has had a significant impact, with a huge surge in Indian visitors. According to reports, between January and mid-October 2024, about 16.17 million Indians visited Thailand.
But it’s not just individuals making use of the visa-free entry. Thailand’s reputation for destination weddings is growing, with many Indian families choosing to host large celebrations in its luxurious resorts. There’s also been an increase in group trips for friends, families, and even corporate retreats as more people take advantage of the simplified entry.
From the turquoise waters and sandy beaches of Phuket and Krabi to the bustling, culture-rich streets of Bangkok and the temples of Chiang Mai, Thailand offers a mix of adventure, relaxation, and tradition. Its cuisine—known for bold flavours and fresh ingredients—is world-renowned, featuring dishes like pad thai and green curry.