Thailand Visa for Indians in 2026: Visa on Arrival, e-Visa, Fees & Requirements

Before: Earlier, a 60-day visa-free scheme was introduced in 2024 to boost tourism after the pandemic, making Thailand one of the easiest international destinations for Indian travellers. 

Now: You need a Visa on Arrival (VoA) or an e-Visa before you travel. 

Why did it change? Thailand's official communication described the shift as a security-driven reset. The move aims to crack down on overstays, illegal employment, and transnational crimes.

1. Visa on Arrival (VoA) for Thailand

• Stay: 15 days (single entry, not extendable)
• Fee: Approximately ₹2,400–₹2,800 (2,000 THB), payable in cash at the airport; some airports may accept cards.
• Where: Available at major airports — Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Chiang Mai
• Best for: Last-minute trips or short holidays under 2 weeks

2. Thailand e-Visa for Indians

• Stay: Up to 30 days (Tourist Visa / TR)
• Fee: Approximately THB 2,500 (~₹6,000)
• Processing time: Approximately 14 working days — apply at least 3–4 weeks before travel.
• Best for: Planned holidays where you want hassle-free entry
• Apply On: https://www.thaievisa.go.th/

3. Thailand Tourist Visa (TR) via Embassy

• Stay: Up to 60 days per entry, valid for 90 days from issue
• Extension: A 30-day extension is available at the Thai Immigration Bureau
• Fee: ₹1,200–₹4,000, processed in about 14 working days.
• Best for: Longer holidays, workcations, or multi-entry plans
• Apply on: https://newdelhi.thaiembassy.org/en/page/visa

4. Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa (METV)

• Stay: 60 days per entry, multiple entries
• Fee: Higher than single-entry TR — check current rates at the Thai Embassy
• Best for: Frequent travellers or those combining Thailand with nearby countries (Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore)

Yes, the TDAC is mandatory for all entry types without exception and must be completed online within 72 hours before arrival. This replaces the old paper TM6 form. Don't skip this — immigration will check it.

Important: Fees are subject to exchange rate changes and consular revisions. The Royal Thai Embassy revised its fee structure effective April 27, 2026. Always verify current fees at the official Thai Embassy website before applying.

Regardless of which visa type you choose, VoA, e-visa, or tourist visa, keep these documents ready before you travel:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates
• Recent passport-size photos (3.5x4.5 cm for embassy applications; 4x6 cm for Visa on Arrival)
• Completed visa application form or TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card — mandatory for all travellers)
• Bank statement showing a minimum balance of ₹60,000 for solo travellers; ₹1,20,000 for families
• Confirmed return flight ticket and hotel bookings for your full stay
• Visa fee payment proof (where applicable)
• Cover letter stating the purpose of your visit (required for embassy applications)

Visa on Arrival — At the Airport

For short trips where you haven't applied in advance.

• Step 1: Land at a designated Thai airport (Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Chiang Mai)
• Step 2: Go to the Visa on Arrival counter — not the regular immigration line
• Step 3: Fill the VoA form and submit your documents (passport, photo, return ticket, hotel booking)
• Step 4: Pay 2,000 THB (~₹2,400–₹2,800) in cash — carry Thai Baht
• Step 5: Get your stamp and proceed to immigration

Note: Peak season queues at the VoA counter can take 1–2 hours. Factor this into connection time.

e-Visa — Apply Online Before You Travel (Recommended)

The fastest and most hassle-free route for planned trips.

• Step 1: Go to thaievisa.go.th and create an account
• Step 2: Select your visa type (Tourist Visa / TR for most Indians)
• Step 3: Fill the application form with accurate personal and travel details
• Step 4: Upload scanned documents — passport copy, photo, return ticket, hotel booking, bank statement
• Step 5: Pay the fee online by credit/debit card
• Step 6: Wait for approval — allow 14 working days; apply at least 3–4 weeks before travel
• Step 7: Download your e-Visa and carry a printed copy to show at immigration

Tourist Visa (TR) via Thai Embassy — For 60-Day Stays

Best if you need more than 30 days or want the full 60-day window.

• Step 1: Download and fill the visa application form from the Royal Thai Embassy website
• Step 2: Gather all documents — passport, photos, itinerary, bank statement, cover letter, fee receipt
• Step 3: Submit in person at the Thai Embassy (New Delhi) or Consulate (Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata), or through an authorised agent
• Step 4: Pay the visa fee and keep the receipt
• Step 5: Collect your passport with the visa once processing is complete

Processing time: Approximately 14 working days. Do not book non-refundable flights before your visa is confirmed.

• Apply early. The e-Visa takes 14 working days. Do not apply a week before departure.
• Complete the TDAC. The Thailand Digital Arrival Card is mandatory for all travellers and must be filled out online within 72 hours before arrival. Airlines may check this at boarding.
• Carry funds in cash. The VoA fee is 2,000 THB, payable at the airport. Not all counters accept cards.
• Book refundable accommodation initially. You will need confirmed hotel bookings to apply, but confirm your visa first before making non-refundable payments.
• Match your documents to your visa type. Photo size requirements differ — 3.5x4.5 cm for embassy applications and 4x6 cm for VoA.
• Do not plan back-to-back VoA trips. Thai immigration flags frequent short-stay entries. If you plan to visit Thailand regularly, apply for a tourist visa or METV instead.

Thailand's visa rejection rate is relatively low, standing at approximately 5-7% for Indian applicants. Below are a few reasons for getting the Thai visa rejected: 

• Missing or inconsistent documents — no return ticket, no hotel booking, or amounts that don't match your application
• Insufficient funds — carrying less than the required cash or bank balance
• Prior overstays or immigration violations in Thailand or other countries
• Attempting to use VoA repeatedly for long-term residence — immigration officers are now trained to flag this
• Not completing the TDAC before arrival — this alone can slow you down significantly at the counter
• Applying for a 15-day VoA when your trip is longer — you cannot extend it; you will be overstaying

The new Thailand visa update means the 60-day visa-free stay is no longer available for Indian travellers. However, visiting Thailand is still simple with options like a visa on Arrival, an e-Visa, and a tourist visa, depending on your trip length. Plan ahead with the right visa, completed TDAC form, and required documents. With proper preparation, you can still enjoy Thailand’s beaches, food, nightlife, and culture without any travel stress.