Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

The Government of India has extended its free 30-day e-tourist visa scheme for Thai nationals until June 30, 2026, offering continued visa-free access in terms of fees for short-term leisure travel. The measure allows Thai passport holders to apply for a single- or double-entry e-tourist visa without paying any visa charge, lowering travel costs and simplifying entry procedures. The extension is expected to sustain and potentially increase outbound tourism from Thailand to India over the next 6 months.

The announcement was made through a press release issued by the Embassy of India in Bangkok, dated December 31, 2025. The statement confirmed that the existing arrangement, which had been due to expire, will remain in place under the same terms and conditions. Applications must continue to be submitted through India’s official e-visa portal, and the visa validity remains capped at 30 days per entry.

India introduced the free e-tourist visa initiative for Thai nationals as part of broader efforts to promote tourism and strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries. Thailand is regarded as a key source market for Indian tourism, with cultural, religious and medical travel forming major components of Thai visitor arrivals. The policy has been periodically extended since its introduction, reflecting its perceived effectiveness in encouraging short-haul travel.

Tourism industry observers note that the continued waiver of visa fees removes a common barrier to spontaneous travel decisions. Travel agents and airlines are likely to benefit from increased demand, particularly during holiday periods and festival seasons in India. The ease of obtaining a single- or double-entry visa also supports short multi-city itineraries and repeat visits within the 30-day window.

For Thai travellers, the extension provides certainty when planning trips well into 2026, particularly for those booking flights and accommodation months in advance. It also aligns with India’s wider digitalisation of immigration services, as the e-visa system allows applicants to complete the entire process online. No changes were announced regarding eligibility criteria or permitted activities under the e-tourist visa category.

Khoasod reported that the scheme will remain in effect until June 30, 2026, unless further revised by the Indian authorities. Travellers are advised to apply only through the official e-visa portal to ensure compliance with current regulations. Any future changes or extensions are expected to be communicated through official government or embassy channels.

Key Takeaways

• India has extended the free 30-day e-tourist visa for Thai nationals until June 30, 2026.

• Thai passport holders can apply for single- or double-entry e-tourist visas at no cost via the official portal.

• The extension was confirmed in a December 31, 2025 press release from the Embassy of India in Bangkok.

 Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2026-01-02

 

On 1/1/2026 at 4:17 PM, Georgealbert said:

been periodically extended since its introduction, reflecting its perceived effectiveness in encouraging short-haul travel.

xxx

FREE visa is just not good enough.

When will they begin paying us to go there?

Years ago, I would have gone.

Now, I will not go.

Would you?

Looks like India wants a chance to recover missing Gold Chains

Around 130,000 (0.13 million) Thai tourists visited India in 2024

Thailand welcomed over 2 million Indian tourists in 2024,