Thailand Visa for Indians: Requirements & Process

Indian passport holders do not need a visa in advance for tourism or short business trips. The 60-day visa exemption introduced in July 2024 is still effective according to the official website page (Visa section) of the Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi.

Nevertheless, a major change is underway. Hence, you must verify the latest status close to your travel date to avoid inconveniences. Regardless of your visa route, each traveller must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) 72 hours before your arrival date at any of Thailand's airports.

Visa Policy for Indians

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Here's an update about the latest visa policy for Indians.

• In May 2026, Thailand's Cabinet approved ending the 60-day blanket exemption for several countries, which also includes India.
• Nationals of most countries will get a 30-day exemption. But India, Azerbaijan, Belarus, and Serbia will be shifted out of the exemption list and moved into the Visa on Arrival (VOA) list.
• However, this change is not yet effective. Implementing notifications are still pending publication in the Royal Gazette, and new rules apply only 15 days after that publication.
• Until then, the current 60-day exemption will be eligible for Indian travellers meeting entry conditions.

Important Note: Immigration policy can change with little notice. Reconfirm on the Royal Thai Embassy website or thaievisa.go.th shortly before departure, and keep a VOA/e-Visa backup plan ready.

Thailand Visa Indian Citizens: Types

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Indian tourists are exempt from visa and can visit Thailand for no more than 60 days.

Accordingly, the visa types include:

Visa Exemption

• Eligibility: For Indian passport holders visiting Thailand for tourism or short business for up to 60 days.
• Charges: This visa is free of charge
• Funds Required: THB 20,000 per person or THB 40,000 per family
• Where to Apply: Directly at the immigration queue + TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card)
• Processing Time: Immediate upon arrival (yet, subject to officer discretion and on-spot fund checks

Thailand e-Visa

• Eligibility: For Indian passport holders looking to stay in Thailand for more than 60 days or if travelling for non-tourist purposes such as business activities not covered by short-term visa exemptions, for long-term education or any other purposes not covered under visa exemption.
• Charges: Varies by visa type (approximately THB 1,300–3,500 or equivalent)
• Funds Required: THB 20,000 per person
• Where to Apply: https://thaievisa.go.th/
• Processing Time: 3–10 business days prior to departure. Upfront online application is required. Processing may get delayed.

However, based on the passport type and specific purpose of visit, Indian nationals may also apply for the following visa types.

Important Note: Visa requirements, eligibility criteria, fee and other rules and regulations may change without prior notice. Therefore, you are advised to check the latest visa rules, regulations and conditions pertaining to your purpose of visit to Thailand at the official website of the Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi.

How to Apply for Thailand e-Visa (Step-by-Step Guide)

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• Thailand e-Visa application process for Indians takes just a few minutes. Here's how you can apply for it.
• Register Your Account: Visit the official portal at thaievisa.go.th and create a user account.
• Select Your Jurisdiction: Select your country of residence (India) and the embassy/consulate based on your state of residence. For example, Royal Thai Embassy New Delhi, or the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Mumbai or Kolkata.
• Complete Your Application Form: Enter your personal details, passport metadata, travel dates, and accommodation address in Thailand. Ensure you fill all the information accurately. Recheck the entered information before submitting your application.
• Document Upload: Upload scanned colour copies of required supporting documents, including:
  • Bio-page of passport valid for at least 6 months.
  • Recent passport-sized photograph.
  • Confirmed round-trip air ticket.
  • Hotel booking or proof of accommodation.
  • Bank statement showing sufficient funds and financial liquidity
• Fee Payment: Pay the official visa processing fee online via credit/debit card.

The processing time is 3-10 working days. Once the embassy approves your visa, you will receive the official e-Visa endorsement via email as a PDF document. You must print the confirmation to present it at the immigration counter.

Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) Instructions - How to Apply for TDAC?

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About TDAC

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is an online form that replaces the traditional paper-based arrival card. The card facilitates the entry process for travellers to Thailand. The system also aims to strengthen security measures and enhance immigration procedures and make arriving in Thailand a seamless experience for visitors.

Who Must and When to Submit the TDAC?

All non-Thai nationals looking to enter Thailand must complete the TDAC before and submit the card information three days in prior to their arrival date.

How to Apply for the TDAC?

• Applying for the TDAC takes just a few minutes. Here's how you can apply for it.
• Keep documents and details such as your Indian passport (valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date), flight details, accommodation details, and a valid email address to receive your electronic confirmation and QR code.
• After that, visit the https://tdac.immigration.go.th/
• Click on the Arrival Card tab on the left-hand side bottom
• The system will direct you to an application-looking webpage to fill in essential information.
• Over there, enter your details as asked, including your passport information and personal details. Ensure the details entered match the passport.
• Next, enter your arrival flight details such as entry airport, mode of transport, flight details, and purpose of visit.
• Enter your accommodation address in Thailand, including accommodation type, hotel name and phone number, province and district and full address.
• Furthermore, complete the health declaration
• If you are travelling with family or group members, click Add Other Travelers to register everyone together under a single, joint submission.
• Review all the details, submit and download the QR code.

Important Points to Remember

• Avoid confusing the letter O with 0 while typing your passport number.
• Enter the actual flight number and not your airline PNR or booking reference code.
• Maintain an offline screenshot of your TDAC QR code. Save it in your phone's photo gallery.
• If you want to change your flight, hotel details or both after submitting, use Update Arrival Card on the Homepage with your application reference number.

Step by Step Arrival Procedure at Thai Airports

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Here's what you must do once you arrive at a Thai airport.

• Present your passport and TDAC QR code at airline check-in while departing from India.
• After landing, go to the main Immigration Hall. Follow Passport Control/Visa Exemption signs
• Present your passport, physical return flight ticket, confirmed hotel booking, and scan your TDAC QR code.
• Next, complete the facial photograph capture and digital fingerprint scan at the officer counter/booth.
• The immigration officer stamps your passport with a 60-day entry permit stamp.
• Once stamped, verify the departure date stamped on your page before walking away.
• Collect your checked luggage and exit through Customs.

Mandatory Thailand Entry Requirements for Indian Tourists

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Here's what you must have while entering Thailand.

• Passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.
• Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
• Confirmed return flight ticket that shows departure from Thailand within the allowed 60-day window.
• Confirmed hotel reservation or an invitation letter with the details of the host if you will be staying with friends or family.
• An equivalent of a minimum THB 20,000 per person that may be inspected at the airport.

Note: Thailand entry requirements may change without prior information or intimation. Hence, travellers are recommended to check the latest rules, regulations and conditions before planning their trip to Thailand.

Common Visa and Immigration Mistakes to Avoid

Let's look at some common pitfalls to avoid while travelling to Thailand.

• Avoid carrying just cards. Ensure you also have a minimum of THB 20,000 cash per person. Immigration officers conduct random inspections to check proof of sufficient cash.
• Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Thailand. Airlines will refuse boarding if your passport expires in less than six months from date of entry, even it is by a few days.
• Authorities flag unconfirmed return flights or unverified dummy tickets during inspection. Hence, you must always have a verified, confirmed return ticket.
• Apply for TDAC only through the official TDAC website.
• Visiting and entering Thailand multiple times consecutively under visa exemption without clear itineraries may trigger immigration questioning regarding unauthorised work.

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