Planning a trip to the land of smiles? Great news â Indian passport holders can now visit Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days. Yes, you read that right! Thailand has extended its visa exemption for Indians, making it one of the most accessible international destinations from India right now. But before you pack your bags, there are a few important things you need to know â from completing the mandatory Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) to understanding your visa options if you plan to stay longer. This complete guide covers everything: visa types, fees, documents, the step-by-step application process, and tips to ensure a smooth entry.
Do Indians Need a Visa for Thailand?
As of 2026, Indian citizens do NOT need a visa to visit Thailand for tourism for up to 60 days. This is thanks to Thailand’s extended visa exemption policy for Indian passport holders. However, this doesn’t mean you can simply book a flight and show up â there are mandatory requirements you must meet before boarding:
- Complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 72 hours before departure
- Hold a valid Indian passport with at least 6 months of validity from your travel date
- Have at least 2 blank pages in your passport
- Carry proof of onward/return flight and hotel booking
- Show proof of funds: at least THB 20,000 (~â¹48,000) per person or THB 40,000 per family
Important: If you fail to complete the TDAC before boarding, airlines are required to deny you boarding. This is not optional â it is a mandatory entry requirement.
Types of Thailand Visa for Indians
While most Indians will use the visa-free entry, there are several official visa options depending on your purpose of travel and duration of stay.
1. Visa Exemption (Visa-Free Entry)
Allows Indian passport holders to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days for tourism purposes. Can be extended by another 30 days at a local Thai Immigration office. No visa fee. Only requirement is TDAC completion.
2. Tourist Visa (TR)
If you plan to stay longer than 60 days or prefer the security of having a stamped visa, you can apply for a Thailand Tourist Visa (TR) through the Thai consulate in India or via the official e-visa portal.
3. Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Available at major international airports including Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang in Bangkok. Allows a 15-day stay and is ideal for last-minute trips where you didn’t plan ahead.
4. Thailand e-Visa
Fully operational for Indian applicants through the official portal at thaievisa.go.th. Covers Tourist Visa (TR), Non-Immigrant Visa, and other categories. Processing takes approximately 14 working days.
5. Non-Immigrant Visa
For Indians traveling to Thailand for business, education, work, or retirement. Available in multiple sub-categories (B for business, ED for education, O for family, etc.).
Thailand Visa Fees for Indians
| Visa Type | Duration of Stay | Fee (Approx.) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Exemption | 60 days (extendable to 90) | FREE | Instant at port of entry |
| Visa on Arrival (VOA) | 15 days | THB 2,000 (~â¹4,600) | 30â60 min at airport |
| Tourist Visa â Single Entry (Consulate) | 60 days | â¹2,500ââ¹4,000 | 3â5 working days |
| Tourist Visa â Multiple Entry (Consulate) | 60 days per entry (6 months) | â¹6,500ââ¹8,000 | 5â7 working days |
| e-Visa (Tourist) | 60 days | â¹2,500 approx. | ~14 working days |
| Non-Immigrant Visa (Business/Work) | 90 days | â¹4,000ââ¹8,000 | 5â7 working days |
Note: Fees are approximate and subject to change. Always verify with the Royal Thai Consulate or thaievisa.go.th before applying.
Documents Required for Thailand Visa (Checklist)
Here’s what you need for a smooth entry to Thailand:
For Visa-Free Entry (Tourism up to 60 days):
- â Valid Indian passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages)
- â Completed TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) â must be done within 72 hours before departure
- â Return/onward flight ticket
- â Hotel booking or proof of accommodation
- â Proof of funds: THB 20,000 per person (~â¹48,000) in cash or bank statement
For Tourist Visa (TR) â via Thai Consulate or e-Visa:
- â Valid Indian passport (6+ months validity)
- â Visa application form (filled and signed)
- â 2 recent passport-size photographs (white background)
- â Return/onward flight ticket
- â Hotel booking or accommodation proof
- â Bank statement (last 3â6 months, minimum â¹1,00,000 balance recommended)
- â Income proof (salary slips, ITR, or business documents)
- â Leave approval letter (if employed)
- â Travel insurance (recommended but not mandatory)
For Visa on Arrival:
- â Valid Indian passport
- â Completed TDAC
- â Return flight ticket
- â THB 2,000 in cash for VOA fee
- â Passport-size photo (carry 2 just in case)
- â Hotel booking confirmation
How to Apply for Thailand Visa Step by Step
Option A: Visa-Free Entry (Most Indians Use This)
- Book your flights and hotel â confirm your travel dates.
- Complete the TDAC â visit tdac.immigration.go.th and fill in your details. Do this within 72 hours before departure. You’ll receive a confirmation email â save it or screenshot it.
- Prepare your documents â print or have digital copies of your flight ticket, hotel booking, and proof of funds.
- Arrive at Bangkok airport â proceed to the immigration counter. Show your passport, TDAC confirmation, and required documents.
- Get your entry stamp â you’ll be stamped for 60 days. That’s it!
Option B: Thailand e-Visa (via thaievisa.go.th)
- Visit thaievisa.go.th â the official Thailand e-visa portal.
- Register/create an account using your email address.
- Select your visa type (Tourist Visa TR recommended for longer stays).
- Fill the application form â personal details, travel info, purpose of visit.
- Upload required documents â passport scan, photo, flight/hotel booking, bank statement.
- Pay the visa fee online using a credit/debit card.
- Wait for approval â approximately 14 working days.
- Download your e-visa â present it at immigration on arrival.
Option C: Visa on Arrival at Bangkok Airport
- On arrival at Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang Airport, look for the Visa on Arrival counter.
- Fill the VOA form available at the counter.
- Submit your passport, photo, flight ticket, hotel booking, and THB 2,000 cash.
- Wait (typically 30â60 minutes) and collect your passport with a 15-day stamp.
Thailand Visa on Arrival for Indians â Everything You Need to Know
The Visa on Arrival is available to Indian passport holders at the following entry points:
- Suvarnabhumi International Airport (Bangkok)
- Don Mueang International Airport (Bangkok)
- Phuket International Airport
- Chiang Mai International Airport
- Hat Yai International Airport
- Several land border crossings
Key details: Stay duration: 15 days (non-extendable). Fee: THB 2,000 (~â¹4,600) payable in cash at the counter. Processing time: 30â60 minutes. Maximum 2 VOA entries per calendar year.
However, given that Indians now get 60 days visa-free, the Visa on Arrival is rarely needed unless you missed completing your TDAC. Always complete your TDAC to avoid complications.
Processing Time
- Visa-Free Entry: Instant â processed at the immigration counter on arrival
- Visa on Arrival: 30â60 minutes at the airport
- Tourist Visa (Thai Consulate): 3â5 working days (single entry), 5â7 working days (multiple entry)
- Thailand e-Visa: Approximately 14 working days
- Non-Immigrant Visa: 5â7 working days
Pro tip: Always apply at least 3â4 weeks before your travel date if applying for a consulate or e-visa.
Common Reasons for Thailand Entry Rejection
Even with visa-free access, Indian travellers can be denied entry at Thailand immigration. Here are the most common reasons:
- â Not completing the TDAC before boarding â airlines can refuse to let you board
- â Passport validity less than 6 months from travel date
- â Insufficient funds â unable to show THB 20,000 per person
- â No return flight ticket or onward travel proof
- â Suspicious travel history (too many short trips suggesting work without a work visa)
- â No confirmed hotel booking
- â Previous overstay in Thailand
Tips to Get Your Thailand Visa Approved
- â Always complete the TDAC â this is non-negotiable. Do it within 72 hours of travel.
- â Book a refundable return ticket before applying for visa â it strengthens your application.
- â Keep your bank statements showing consistent funds for at least 3 months.
- â Carry both digital and printed copies of all your documents.
- â If you plan to extend your stay, visit a Thai Immigration office at least 7 days before your visa expires.
- â Never overstay â Thailand has a strict overstay penalty of THB 500/day and a potential ban on future entry.
- â For work in Thailand, always apply for the correct Non-Immigrant B visa â working on a tourist visa is illegal.
Extending Your Stay in Thailand
If you entered on visa-free (60 days) and want to stay longer:
- Visit any Thai Immigration office with your passport and a fee of THB 1,900 (~â¹4,400)
- You can get a 30-day extension, taking your total stay to 90 days
- Bring a passport photo (1â2 copies) and proof of accommodation
- Popular immigration offices: Bangkok (Chaeng Watthana), Phuket, Chiang Mai
Apply for Your Thailand Trip with VisaForTrip
Getting your documents ready for Thailand can still feel overwhelming â especially if you’re applying for a Tourist Visa or e-Visa with your family. At VisaForTrip, our experts help you with document preparation, TDAC guidance, and visa applications so you can travel stress-free.
ð Apply Now â Get expert help with your Thailand travel documents
ð¬ WhatsApp an Expert â Have questions? Chat with our visa advisors now
Also check our guides on Singapore visa for Indians, Malaysia visa for Indians, and Indonesia visa for Indians for your next Southeast Asia adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions â Thailand Visa for Indians
1. Do Indian citizens need a visa to travel to Thailand in 2026?
No. Indian passport holders can visit Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days for tourism. However, completing the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 72 hours before departure is mandatory.
2. What is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) and how do I fill it?
The TDAC is a mandatory digital form that replaces the old paper arrival card. You must complete it at tdac.immigration.go.th within 72 hours before your flight departs. Fill in your passport details, flight information, and accommodation details. You’ll receive a QR code on your registered email â show this at immigration.
3. How long can Indians stay in Thailand without a visa?
Indian citizens can stay for up to 60 days under the visa exemption scheme. You can extend this by 30 more days (total 90 days) by visiting a Thai Immigration office and paying THB 1,900.
4. What is the Thailand Visa on Arrival fee for Indians in 2026?
The Visa on Arrival fee is THB 2,000 (approximately â¹4,600), payable in cash at the airport counter. The stamp allows a 15-day stay.
5. How do I apply for Thailand e-Visa from India?
Visit the official portal thaievisa.go.th, register an account, select your visa type, fill the form, upload documents, pay the fee, and wait for approval (approximately 14 working days). Download and print your e-visa before travel.
6. How much money should I carry to Thailand as an Indian tourist?
You should be able to show proof of at least THB 20,000 (~â¹48,000) per person or THB 40,000 (~â¹96,000) per family. This can be in cash or via bank statement/travel card.
7. Can Indians work in Thailand on a tourist visa?
No. Working in Thailand on a tourist visa or visa-free entry is illegal. If you plan to work in Thailand, you need a Non-Immigrant B visa and a valid work permit issued by your employer.