Planning a trip to Thailand? You’ve probably searched for “Thailand visa on arrival for Indians” — and you’re in the right place. Here’s the good news: Indian passport holders don’t even need a Visa on Arrival for Thailand in 2026. India is part of Thailand’s visa exemption list, which means you can enter Thailand completely free for up to 60 days. No fees, no pre-approval, no waiting.
That said, there IS a Thailand Visa on Arrival (VoA) option for those who need it — and you’ll need to know about the new Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) that’s now mandatory for all travellers. In this guide, we cover everything: who qualifies, what documents you need, how the TDAC works, and how to extend your stay. Let’s get into it.
Do Indians Need a Visa on Arrival for Thailand?
No — and that’s actually great news. Indian passport holders are eligible for Thailand’s visa exemption scheme, which gives you 60 days of visa-free access for tourism. This is far better than the Visa on Arrival (VoA), which only gives you 15 days and costs 2,000 THB (approximately ₹4,800).
Here’s how it works: When you land at any international airport in Thailand (Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Bangkok Don Mueang, Phuket, Chiang Mai, etc.) with a valid Indian passport, you can go through immigration and get a stamp for a 60-day stay — no visa, no fees.
However, the Thailand Visa on Arrival is still available if you arrive without the visa exemption eligibility confirmed, or if you prefer that route. We’ll explain both options below.
Types of Thailand Visa Options for Indians
Indian travellers have several options to enter Thailand in 2026:
- ✅ Visa-Free Entry (Recommended) — 60 days, free, for tourism
- ✅ Visa on Arrival (VoA) — 15 days, 2,000 THB, for certain situations
- ✅ Thailand e-Visa (Tourist Visa) — 60 days single entry or multiple entry, applied online before travel
- ✅ Thailand e-Visa (METV) — Multiple Entry Tourist Visa, valid 6 months
For most Indian tourists visiting Thailand for a holiday, the 60-day visa-free entry is the best and easiest option.
Thailand Visa Fees for Indians in 2026
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee | Who It’s For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa-Free Entry | 60 days | FREE | Indian tourists (recommended) |
| Visa on Arrival (VoA) | 15 days | 2,000 THB (~₹4,800) | Limited tourism visits |
| Tourist e-Visa (TR) | 60 days (single) | ~₹5,000–6,000 | Those applying in advance |
| Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) | 6 months (each stay 60 days) | ~₹15,000 | Frequent Thailand visitors |
| Stay Extension at Immigration | +30 days | 1,900 THB (~₹4,600) | Extending visa-free stay |
Note: Thailand has proposed a tourism entry fee of approximately 300 THB for air arrivals, but as of April 2026, this has NOT yet been implemented. We’ll update this post as soon as it goes live.
Documents Required to Enter Thailand (Indians) ✅
Whether you’re using the visa-free option or Visa on Arrival, carry these documents:
- ✅ Valid Indian Passport — minimum 6 months validity from your date of travel
- ✅ TDAC QR Code — Thailand Digital Arrival Card (mandatory, completed online 72 hours before arrival)
- ✅ Return or Onward Ticket — proof that you’re leaving Thailand
- ✅ Proof of Funds — 10,000 THB per person or 20,000 THB per family (cash or bank statement)
- ✅ Hotel Booking — accommodation confirmation for your stay
- ✅ Travel Insurance (recommended, not mandatory)
For Visa on Arrival specifically, you also need:
- ✅ One passport-size photograph (4cm x 6cm, white background)
- ✅ Completed VoA application form (available at the airport)
- ✅ 2,000 THB in cash (cards may not be accepted at all counters)
Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) — Step by Step
One of the biggest changes for Indian travellers in 2026 is the mandatory Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). This replaced the old paper TM6 card and must be completed online before you arrive. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to the official portal: Visit tdac.immigration.go.th — this is the only official website, completely free
- Create an account with your email address
- Fill in your details: Passport number, flight details, accommodation address in Thailand
- Complete it within 72 hours of arrival — not before, not too early
- Submit and download your QR code — you’ll receive a digital card via email
- Show QR code at Thai immigration on arrival — they scan it and stamp your passport
Pro tip: The TDAC is completely free on the official government portal. Be careful of third-party websites that charge a fee to submit your TDAC — these are middlemen. Always use the official tdac.immigration.go.th website.
How to Enter Thailand Step by Step (Indians)
- Book your flights — Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) or Don Mueang (DMK) for Bangkok, Phuket (HKT) for Phuket
- Complete your TDAC — within 72 hours before departure, get your QR code
- Carry all documents — passport, TDAC QR code, return ticket, hotel booking, funds proof
- Arrive at Thai airport — head to the immigration counters (not the VoA counter unless you want VoA)
- Show your passport and TDAC QR code to the immigration officer
- Get your 60-day stamp — you’re in Thailand, visa-free!
Most Indian travellers clear Thai immigration in 10–20 minutes during off-peak hours. During peak season (December–January, April Songkran), expect 30–45 minutes at immigration.
Visa on Arrival Process for Indians at Thai Airport
- Look for the Visa on Arrival counter at immigration — it’s separate from the regular immigration queue
- Collect the VoA application form and fill it in
- Submit your passport, photo, filled form, and 2,000 THB cash
- Wait for your VoA stamp — usually takes 30–60 minutes at busy airports
- You’ll receive a 15-day stay permit
Important: Since the visa-free option gives you 60 days (4× more than VoA) and is completely free, most Indian travellers have NO reason to use the Visa on Arrival. Use VoA only in exceptional circumstances.
Can I Extend My Stay in Thailand?
Yes! If you entered on the 60-day visa-free option, you can extend your stay by 30 days at any Thai Immigration office. The extension costs 1,900 THB (approximately ₹4,600) and gives you a total of 90 days in Thailand.
To extend, visit a Thai Immigration office (Bangkok Chaeng Wattana, Phuket, Chiang Mai) with your passport, 1,900 THB in cash, one passport photo, and the completed TM7 extension form.
Extensions are usually processed the same day. Do not overstay — overstaying in Thailand results in a fine of 500 THB per day and can lead to a ban from re-entering.
Common Mistakes Indians Make at Thai Immigration
- ❌ Not completing the TDAC before arrival — you may be turned back or face delays
- ❌ Carrying insufficient funds — immigration can ask for proof; 10,000 THB per person is the minimum
- ❌ No return ticket — immigration may deny entry if you can’t prove you’re leaving
- ❌ Passport valid for less than 6 months — always check validity before travelling
- ❌ Using the VoA queue unnecessarily — it takes much longer than the regular visa-free immigration queue
- ❌ Overstaying — fines, bans, and being blacklisted
Tips for a Smooth Thailand Trip for Indians
- 💡 Complete your TDAC 3 days before departure, not at the last minute
- 💡 Carry 10,000 THB per person in cash for immigration
- 💡 Keep your hotel booking confirmation handy on your phone
- 💡 Buy travel insurance before you go — inexpensive and covers medical emergencies
- 💡 Download the TDAC QR code offline — airport Wi-Fi can be unreliable
- 💡 Arrive at Bangkok airport with at least 2–3 hours to spare, especially during peak season
- 💡 If visiting multiple times a year, consider the METV (Multiple Entry Tourist Visa) for convenience
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Thailand visa on arrival available for Indians in 2026?
Yes, the Thailand Visa on Arrival is technically available for Indian passport holders at 2,000 THB for a 15-day stay. However, most Indians don’t need it because Indian passport holders qualify for visa-FREE entry for up to 60 days — completely free and giving 4× more days.
2. How long can Indians stay in Thailand without a visa?
Indian passport holders can stay in Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa under the visa exemption scheme. This can be extended by 30 more days (to 90 days total) at a Thai immigration office for 1,900 THB.
3. Do I need to fill in the TDAC before going to Thailand?
Yes, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is mandatory for all international travellers including Indians. It must be completed online at tdac.immigration.go.th within 72 hours before your arrival. It’s completely free and replaces the old paper TM6 card.
4. What documents does an Indian need to enter Thailand in 2026?
You need a valid Indian passport (6 months validity), a completed TDAC QR code, a return or onward ticket, proof of funds (10,000 THB per person), and hotel/accommodation booking. For VoA, you also need a passport photo and 2,000 THB cash.
5. How much money should I carry for Thailand immigration?
Thai immigration officers can ask you to show a minimum of 10,000 THB per person (approximately ₹24,000) or 20,000 THB per family. Carry cash or show it via your banking app.
6. Is there a Thailand entry fee for Indians in 2026?
As of April 2026, there is no entry fee for India to Thailand. Thailand has proposed a 300 THB tourism entry fee for air arrivals, but it has not been officially implemented yet.
7. Can I work in Thailand on a tourist visa or visa-free entry?
No. Working in Thailand on a tourist visa or visa-free entry is strictly prohibited. You need a Non-Immigrant B visa (work visa) and a valid work permit from the Thai Department of Employment.