Global Travel Update: Thailand Grants Extended Sixty-Day Visa-Free Stay for Indians, India Restores Thirty-Day Visas, and China Tightens Visa Access in 2025-The Latest Update Travelers Need To Know

Published on December 24, 2025

The global travel landscape is experiencing significant shifts as countries modify their visa policies to either ease or tighten entry requirements for international travelers. In a move to boost tourism and strengthen its economic ties with India, Thailand has announced a major change: it will now allow Indian nationals to stay in the country for up to 60 days without a visa, provided they possess a digital card for entry. This new policy comes amidst a broader trend of visa adjustments, with India reopening its 30-day tourist visas for foreign nationals in November 2025 and China tightening its visa-free access for certain countries starting in late 2024.

While the global travel sector is slowly recovering from the impacts of the pandemic, these adjustments in visa policies indicate that countries are taking selective approaches to tourism—offering easier access to certain nationalities while implementing stricter monitoring or limitations for others. For Indian travelers, these policy changes come as both an opportunity for more extended travel and a reminder of how fluid the international visa landscape has become.

Thailand’s New 60-Day Visa-Free Stay: A Boon for Indian Tourists

Starting in 2025, Thailand has introduced a new provision for Indian nationals, allowing them to stay in the country visa-free for up to 60 days. This extension significantly enhances the previous policy, which permitted shorter stays. In addition to the visa-free period, Indian travelers will need to carry a digital card, an innovative step to streamline the immigration process while maintaining security and control.

The move is part of Thailand’s broader strategy to attract more tourists from India, a rapidly growing market for travel and tourism. With India emerging as one of the largest outbound travel markets, Thailand is positioning itself as a top destination by making it easier for Indian nationals to visit for longer periods, whether for leisure, business, or cultural exchange.

A Digital Card for Seamless Entry

The introduction of the digital card is a significant shift in the immigration process. This electronic system is designed to be quick, efficient, and secure, allowing Indian nationals to enter Thailand with minimal hassle. The card will serve as a form of verification upon entry, helping reduce wait times at immigration checkpoints. The digital card also aligns with Thailand’s increasing reliance on technology to enhance travel security and streamline border control procedures.

Thai authorities are optimistic that the extended visa-free stay and the digital card will encourage more Indian tourists to explore the country’s rich cultural heritage, beautiful beaches, and vibrant cities. For Indian travelers, this new initiative offers a hassle-free way to explore Thailand for an extended period.

India Reopens 30-Day Tourist Visas: More Opportunities for International Travelers

In another positive development for travelers, India reopened its 30-day tourist visas in November 2025, offering greater flexibility for foreign nationals planning to visit the country. This decision follows the easing of restrictions post-pandemic and marks a significant step towards restoring India’s tourism sector.

The 30-day visa allows tourists to explore India’s diverse culture, heritage, and natural beauty without the lengthy paperwork often associated with long-term visas. For Indian citizens traveling abroad, these new visa policies come as a welcome respite, ensuring more accessible and convenient international travel.

China Tightens Visa-Free Access: A Shift in Policy for Some Countries

Meanwhile, China has introduced stricter entry requirements starting in late 2024, tightening its previous visa-free access for certain countries. The new measures are aimed at improving border security and controlling the flow of tourists, especially in the wake of geopolitical tensions and concerns over tourism management. China’s decision to scale back its previously generous visa policies will likely impact tourists from several nations, including some neighboring countries.

For Indian travelers, this means that planning trips to China may require more preparation and longer processing times for visas. While China remains a key destination for many Indian travelers, particularly for business and cultural tourism, the tightening of visa access may discourage some from making spontaneous travel plans.

Russia’s Effort to Ease Group Tour Visas for Indian Travelers

In contrast to China’s tightening measures, Russia is working to make travel more accessible for Indian nationals by offering visa-free travel for group tours. This initiative is designed to encourage cultural and tourism exchanges between Russia and India. Indian tour groups visiting Russia will now have a simpler visa process, making it easier for groups to explore Russia’s rich cultural landmarks, such as the Kremlin and Red Square.

The move is part of Russia’s broader strategy to strengthen diplomatic ties with India, and it’s likely to appeal to organized travel groups interested in exploring Russia’s history and culture. While this initiative is a step in the right direction for easing travel, individual tourists from India may still face more stringent visa requirements.

Global Visa Trends: Selective Easing and Stricter Monitoring

The varying visa policies across countries indicate a broader trend towards selective easing and stricter monitoring. Countries like Thailand and Russia are focusing on attracting specific demographics, such as Indian nationals, through visa-free options or simplified processes. In contrast, other nations, such as China, are tightening access to ensure better control over who enters the country.

These shifts suggest that travelers should be more vigilant when planning international trips, as visa requirements can change rapidly. Travelers are advised to keep up with the latest information on visa policies from official government websites, including the Ministry of External Affairs for India and the respective immigration authorities of the destination country.

Conclusion: What These Changes Mean for Indian Travelers

For Indian travelers, these changes present new opportunities and challenges. The extension of the visa-free stay in Thailand is a huge benefit for those wishing to explore the country more deeply, while the reopening of India’s 30-day tourist visa facilitates easier travel for foreign nationals visiting India. At the same time, the tightening of entry requirements in China and the introduction of group tour visas for Russia reflect a global shift toward more selective tourism policies.

As international travel continues to rebound, it is clear that visa policies will play a significant role in shaping travel trends. Whether travelers are heading to Thailand, India, China, or Russia, staying informed about the latest visa requirements and adjustments is crucial to ensuring smooth and hassle-free travel.