Thailand Visa for Indians: Types, Requirements & Application Guide

Thailand has become one of the most popular international travel destinations for Indian tourists. Known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant cities, cultural heritage, and exciting nightlife, Thailand attracts millions of visitors every year.

If you are planning a Thailand trip, understanding the Thailand visa rules for Indians is important before traveling. While Indian passport holders can currently enter Thailand with visa-free entry for up to 60 days, there are still other visa options available depending on the purpose and duration of travel.

This Thailand visa guide for Indians explains the different visa types, entry requirements, and important travel information to help you plan a smooth and hassle-free trip.

Quick Facts for Travelers Visiting Thailand

• Currency: Thai Baht (THB)
• Language: Thai (official), English widely spoken in tourist areas
• Time Zone: Indochina Time (ICT) – UTC +7
• Visa Options & Processing Time:
  • Visa-Free Entry: Up to 60 days for Indian tourists (Check current validity for Indians)
  • eVisa: Around 3–5 working days
  • Visa on Arrival (VoA): Instantly available at designated international airports 
  • Tourist Visa via Embassy: Approx. 5-7 working days
• Popular Places to Visit in Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, Krabi, Koh Samui, and several other best places to visit in Thailand.

Thailand Visa for Indians: Types, Eligibility & Requirements

Applying for a Thailand Visa? Here is everything you need to know about the current eligibility and entry protocols:

Eligibility: All Indian passport holders are eligible for entry. As of early 2026, Thailand has extended the Visa-Free entry for Indians to 60 days (previously 30 days). This stay can also be extended for an additional 30 days at any local immigration office in Thailand.

Mandatory Requirement (TDAC): Before you fly, you must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online. It replaces the old paper forms and generates a QR code that you need to show at immigration.

Types of Visas & Requirements

Tourist Visa (Single Entry & Multiple Entry)

The Thailand Tourist Visa is designed for travelers visiting the country for tourism, holidays, or leisure activities. It is available in two categories: Single Entry and Multiple Entry.

Single Entry Tourist Visa:

• Validity: 3 months from the date of issue
• Maximum stay: Up to 60 days

This visa allows travelers to enter Thailand once during the validity period.

Multiple Entry Tourist Visa:

• Validity: 6 months
• Stay duration: Up to 60 days per entry

Travelers can enter Thailand multiple times within the visa validity period.

Documents Required (Single Entry & Multiple Entry):

Both visa types generally require:

• Passport with 6 months validity & 2 blank pages.
• A completed visa application form.
• Two passport-size photographs with white background.
• Confirmed flight itinerary including return or onward ticket.
• Proof of accommodation such as hotel booking.
• Financial proof.

Financial requirements typically include:

• Single Entry Visa: Minimum ₹50,000 bank balance (last 3–6 months statement).
• Multiple Entry Visa: Higher financial proof may be required.

Travel insurance is recommended but usually not mandatory. Visa fees are payable according to embassy guidelines.

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

The Thailand Visa on Arrival allows eligible travelers to obtain a visa at designated immigration checkpoints in Thailand.

• Maximum stay: 15 days
• Visa fee: 2,000 THB (Approx. ₹4,800) subject to change.

This option is typically used when visa-free entry is not available or when travelers require a short stay.

Visa on Arrival Requirements

Travelers must carry:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months validity.
• A completed visa application form available at the airport.
• A recent passport-size photograph (4×6 cm).
• A confirmed return or onward flight ticket within 15 days.
• Proof of sufficient funds
  • 10,000 THB per person
  • 20,000 THB per family

Thailand eVisa

The Thailand eVisa allows travelers to apply for a visa online without visiting a Thai embassy or consulate.

Processing time usually ranges from 3 to 10 working days.

Thailand eVisa Requirements

To apply for an eVisa, travelers generally need:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months validity.
• A passport-size photograph (4×6 cm).
• Confirmed flight itinerary including return ticket.
• Proof of accommodation.
• Financial proof such as bank statements.
• Purpose-specific documents depending on the visa category.

Applicants should ensure that all information provided in the application matches the supporting documents to avoid delays or rejection.

Documents Required to Enter Thailand for Indian Travelers

As of March 2026, Thailand has streamlined its entry process. Indian passport holders now enjoy a 60-day visa-free stay, but there are specific digital and physical documents you must carry to avoid being denied entry at the airport.

Here are the key documents Indian travelers should keep ready before traveling to Thailand.

Mandatory Digital Requirement: TDAC

• Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC): This is the most critical update. Since May 2025, the old paper arrival forms (TM6) have been replaced by the digital TDAC.
  • Timing: You must complete this online at the Official Thai Immigration Portal within 72 hours (3 days) before your arrival.
  • The QR Code: Once submitted, you will receive a QR code. Keep a digital and printed copy of this code; it will be scanned at the immigration e-gates or counters.

Entry Documents:

• Valid Indian Passport: Must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry and at least 2 blank pages.
• Confirmed Return/Onward Ticket: You must possess a confirmed flight ticket out of Thailand within 60 days of your arrival.
• Proof of Accommodation: A printed or digital copy of your hotel booking or a letter of invitation if you are staying with friends/family (including their address and contact details).

Financial Requirements (Random Checks)

Thai immigration officers frequently conduct random checks to ensure travelers can support themselves. You must be able to show:

• Individual: Minimum 10,000 THB (approx. ₹25,000).
• Family: Minimum 20,000 THB (approx. ₹50,000).

NOTE:
While cash is preferred, a recent bank statement or a valid international credit card is usually accepted as proof.

Health & Safety (Recommended)

• Travel Insurance: While not mandatory for tourists under the visa-exemption scheme, it is highly recommended to have insurance covering at least $10,000 in medical expenses.
• Vaccination Records: Currently, COVID-19 vaccination proof is not required, but it is good practice to keep a digital copy of your records just in case of local health policy shifts.

Important: Stay Duration & Extensions

• 60-Day Visa-Free: Indians can enter for tourism or short-term business for up to 60 days without a visa fee.
• 30-Day Extension: If you wish to stay longer, you can apply for a 30-day extension at any local Thai Immigration Office for a fee of 1,900 THB. This brings your total stay to 90 days.

How to Apply for a Thailand Visa from India

Indian travelers who require a Thailand visa can apply either online through the official eVisa portal or through the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate. The process is straightforward if all the required documents are prepared in advance.

Apply Online Through the Thailand eVisa Portal

The easiest way to apply for a Thailand visa is through the official Thailand eVisa website managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Steps to apply for a Thailand eVisa:

1. Visit the official Thailand eVisa website and create an account.
2. Select the appropriate visa category based on the purpose of travel.
3. Fill out the online visa application form with your personal and travel details.
4. Upload required documents such as passport copy, photograph, travel itinerary, and proof of accommodation.
5. Pay the visa application fee online.
6. Submit the application and wait for processing.

Once your visa is approved, you will receive an eVisa confirmation via email. Travelers must print this approval document and present it to the airline and Thai immigration authorities upon arrival.

Apply Through the Thai Embassy or Consulate

If you prefer an offline application, you can apply through the Royal Thai Embassy or authorized consulates.

Steps for embassy application:

1. Download and complete the Thailand visa application form.
2. Prepare all required documents such as passport, photographs, flight itinerary, and financial proof.
3. Submit the application at the Thai embassy or consulate.
4. Pay the applicable visa processing fee.
5. Wait for processing and collect your passport once the visa is issued.

Visa processing through the embassy generally takes around 5–7 working days, depending on the visa category.

Important NOTE:
Applicants applying through the Thailand eVisa system do not need to submit their passport or documents in person at the embassy. The entire process is completed online, and the visa approval is sent electronically.

Thailand Visa Fees For Indians

The cost of a Thailand visa depends on the type of visa and the number of entries permitted. Below is an approximate overview of the visa fees for Indian travelers.

Important Notes for Travelers:

• Visa-Free Extension: The 60-day visa-free stay can be extended for an additional 30 days at a local Thai immigration office for a fee of 1,900 THB (~₹4,500).
• TDAC Requirement: Even for visa-free entry, all Indian travelers must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online at least 72 hours before arrival. This is free of charge.
• Financial Proof: Immigration officers may randomly ask for proof of funds, typically 10,000 THB per person or 20,000 THB per family.
• Service Charges: If applying through VFS Global or authorized centers, a service fee of approximately ₹300 – ₹1,200 may apply in addition to the visa fee.

Thailand Visa Processing Time for Indians

The processing time for a Thailand visa depends on the type of visa applied for and the method of application. While some visas can be issued quickly, others may take a few working days for approval. It is always recommended to apply well in advance of your travel date to avoid last-minute delays.

Below is an approximate overview of the processing time for different Thailand visas available to Indian travelers.

Visa-Free Entry (Instant)

• Processing Time: Instant at the immigration counter.
• Details: Since Indians have a 60-day visa exemption, you simply need to clear the immigration check upon arrival. If you use the e-gates at major airports like Suvarnabhumi or Phuket, the process is even faster.

Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)

• Processing Time: Usually processed within 1 business day.
• Requirement: You must submit this at least 72 hours (3 days) before your flight. Don’t wait until the last minute, as failure to show the QR code at check-in can lead to boarding delays.

Thailand Official e-Visa (Online)

• Processing Time: Generally takes 3 to 10 working days.
• Best For: Travelers who need a specific long-term visa (like Business or Education) that isn’t covered by the visa-free scheme.

Visa on Arrival (VoA)

• Processing Time: 30 to 60 minutes at the airport, depending on the queue.
• Note: With the 60-day visa-free entry now active, most Indian travelers no longer need to wait in the VoA line.

Visa Extension (In Thailand)

• Processing Time: Usually done the same day.
• Details: If you want to extend your 60-day stay by another 30 days, you must visit a local Thai Immigration office. It typically takes a few hours to process your application and stamp your passport.

Important NOTE:
Processing times may vary depending on the application volume, embassy requirements, and accuracy of submitted documents. Applicants should ensure that all documents are complete and submitted correctly to avoid delays. 

For a smooth travel experience, it is advisable to apply for your Thailand visa at least 2–3 weeks before your planned departure date.

Thailand Visa-Free Entry for Indians

Indian passport holders can currently travel to Thailand without applying for a visa in advance for short tourist visits. Under the latest policy, Indian travelers are allowed visa-free entry for up to 60 days, making it easier to plan holidays, short business trips, or family visits to the country.

This visa exemption is designed to promote tourism and strengthen travel between India and Thailand. It allows visitors to enter the country for purposes such as tourism, short-term business meetings, family visits, and medical travel.

However, travelers must still meet certain entry requirements at immigration. Indian visitors may be asked to present:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months validity.
• A confirmed return or onward flight ticket.
• Proof of accommodation in Thailand.
• Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of stay.
• A completed Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) if required.

Travelers planning to stay longer than the permitted 60-day visa-free period or visiting for other purposes such as work or long-term study may need to apply for the appropriate Thailand visa before traveling.

Best Visa Options for First-Time Travelers to Thailand

If you are traveling to Thailand for the first time from India, it’s important to understand the available entry options and the easiest way to visit the country.

Thailand offers multiple visa options for Indian travelers depending on the purpose and duration of stay. Choosing the right option can make your trip smoother and help you avoid unnecessary paperwork.

Below are the most common entry options for first-time Indian travelers.

Visa-Free Entry (Easiest Option for Most Travelers)

For most Indian tourists, the visa-free entry option is the simplest and most convenient way to visit Thailand. Indian passport holders can currently enter Thailand without a visa for stays of up to 60 days for tourism or short visits.

This option is ideal for:

• Short vacations or holidays.
• Honeymoon trips.
• Family travel.
• Exploring multiple destinations across Thailand.

However, travelers must still meet certain entry requirements at immigration. First-time visitors should carry:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months validity.
• A confirmed return or onward flight ticket.
• Proof of accommodation such as hotel booking.
• Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of stay.
• A completed Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) if required before arrival.

For most first-time tourists, this is the best and easiest option because it avoids the need to apply for a visa before travel.

Thailand eVisa (For Travelers Who Prefer Pre-Approved Entry)

The Thailand eVisa allows travelers to apply for a visa online before traveling, without visiting the embassy. Once approved, the visa confirmation is sent by email and must be shown to immigration officers upon arrival.

This option may be suitable for travelers who:

• Prefer to complete visa formalities before departure.
• Plan a longer stay beyond visa-free limits.
• Want additional peace of mind before traveling.

The eVisa application usually takes around 3–10 working days to process.

Visa on Arrival (Alternative Option)

Another option available for Indian travelers is Visa on Arrival (VOA), which can be obtained at several major Thai international airports such as Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok), Don Mueang International Airport, Phuket International Airport, Chiang Mai International Airport, and Krabi International Airport.

Key details of Visa on Arrival:

• Maximum stay: Up to 15 days
• Visa fee: Around 2,000 THB (approximately ₹4,500–₹4,800)
• Application process: Travelers must complete the visa application and submit documents at immigration counters upon arrival at the airport.

While Visa on Arrival was a popular option for Indian travelers in the past, it is now used less frequently because Indian passport holders can currently enter Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days.

Another drawback of Visa on Arrival is that travelers may need to wait in queues at immigration counters for document verification, especially during peak travel seasons.

Which Option Is Best for First-Time Travelers?

For most Indian travelers visiting Thailand for tourism, visa-free entry is the easiest and most convenient option. It allows visitors to stay for up to 60 days without applying for a visa in advance.

However, travelers planning longer stays or specific travel purposes may consider applying for a tourist visa or eVisa before their trip.

Before traveling, it is always recommended to check the latest Thailand visa rules and entry requirements to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.

Can Indians Extend Their Stay in Thailand

Yes, Indian travelers may be able to extend their stay in Thailand, depending on the type of entry or visa they hold. If you entered Thailand under the visa-free entry scheme, you can apply for an extension at a local Thai Immigration Office before your permitted stay expires.

Extension for Visa-Free (Exemption) Entry

Most Indian tourists enter Thailand under the 60-day visa-free scheme.

• Extension Period: You can apply for a one-time extension of 30 additional days.
• Total Stay: This allows you to stay in the country for a total of 90 days.
• Where to Apply: You must visit a local Thai Immigration Office (found in major areas like Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, or Chiang Mai).

Requirements for Extension

To apply for an extension, you will need to carry the following documents to the immigration office:

• Original Passport: Must have your original entry stamp.
• Extension Fee: The standard fee is 1,900 THB (approx. ₹4,500), payable in cash.
• Passport Photo: One recent passport-sized photograph (4×6 cm).
• Application Form: You will need to fill out the TM.7 form, which is available at the immigration office.
• Proof of Stay: A copy of your hotel booking or rental agreement showing where you are currently staying.

Important Rules to Remember

• Apply Before Expiry: Always apply for your extension at least 3–7 days before your current 60-day stamp expires.
• Overstay Fines: Staying even one day past your stamped date without an extension results in a fine of 500 THB per day, and repeated overstaying can lead to a travel ban.
• One-Time Only: For most tourist entries, you can only extend your stay once per entry. To stay longer than 90 days, you would typically need to leave the country and re-enter or apply for a different visa category.

Conclusion

Thailand continues to be one of the most popular international destinations for Indian travelers, offering a mix of stunning beaches, vibrant cities, rich culture, and exciting travel experiences. Understanding the Thailand visa rules for Indians, including visa-free entry, visa options, fees, and processing times, can help you plan a smooth and hassle-free trip.

With the current visa-free entry for up to 60 days, visiting Thailand has become even more convenient for Indian tourists. However, travelers should still ensure they carry the necessary documents such as a valid passport, return ticket, accommodation details, and sufficient funds when entering the country.

Before traveling, it is always a good idea to check the latest Thailand visa regulations and entry requirements, as immigration policies may change over time. Proper planning will help ensure a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience in Thailand.

If you are planning your trip soon browse our curated Thailand tour packages to make your journey even more memorable.

FAQs: Thailand Visa for Indians