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Thailand will revolutionize visa rules in 2026: This is what Indians need to know!
Thailand updates visa policy 2026: Stricter controls, digital arrival cards and changes for Indian travelers.
Thailand will revolutionize visa rules in 2026: This is what Indians need to know!
The paradise of Thailand is entering 2026 with a comprehensive update of its visa policy. On February 13th, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced that the new regulations aim to efficiently balance record numbers of international visitors with stricter border controls. A key aspect of these changes is the introduction of a new arrival procedure, which includes, among other things, the well-intentioned pre-legal declaration for Indian citizens.
Visa-free entry remains possible for holidaymakers from 57 nationalities, including Nepalese and Bhutanese. However, crucial adjustments will come into force from April, which will entail a strict review of the length of stay and proof of financial resources. According to the TAT, random checks will be carried out upon entry to see whether travelers can prove they have at least ₹75,000 or corresponding hotel bookings. This is intended to curb the misuse of visas through “border runs” while at the same time not hindering legitimate tourism.
Digitalization in travel management
One of the most noticed points is the replacement of the previous paper form TM-6. Instead, travelers must now fill out a digital arrival card via the Thai e-Arrival portal before boarding. Airlines are encouraged to refuse check-in without a QR code confirming this digital card. This is very reminiscent of the SG Arrival Card system in Singapore and is intended to speed up processing at the airport.
The travel industry is reacting to these innovations with cautious optimism. It is hoped that digitalization will shorten waiting times at Suvarnabhumi Airport. But the change also brings challenges: Companies have to train their employees in how to use the new system and take additional steps into account when issuing e-tickets right from the start.
Combination of visa categories
A significant change in the visa system is the merging of the existing tourist visas (TR) and special tourist visas (STV) into a new “T-visa”. This visa is valid for 90 days and can be extended twice on site. On the other hand, the long-term and smart visas remain in place to facilitate entry for Indian start-ups in Phuket's technology parks.
The TAT authorities place great emphasis on compliance with these new regulations to improve travel experiences in Thailand while ensuring that there is no abuse. How these changes will ultimately affect tourism in Phuket remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the sun will continue to shine over the beaches of Thailand in 2026, and travel preparations just got a little more exciting thanks to these new regulations.