Thailand Visa for India Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to Thailand as an Indian citizen? Great news: you can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days for tourism. From May 1, 2026, you must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arrival. This guide covers entry requirements, the free TDAC process, and what to expect at immigration.

Visa Application Steps

1. Visa-Free Entry (Recommended)
2. Visa on Arrival (VOA)
3. Tourist Visa (e-Visa)

Visa Fees breakdown

Entry Type: Cost	Visa-Free Entry: Free	Visa on Arrival: THB 2,000 (~₹4,800)	Tourist Visa (Single): THB 2,000 (~₹4,800)	Tourist Visa (Multiple): THB 10,000 (~₹24,000)	Extension at Immigration: THB 1,900 (~₹4,500)

What you need to prove

At immigration, you may be asked to demonstrate:

Valid passport with 6+ months validity
Completed TDAC confirmation on your phone
Return ticket within your allowed stay period
Accommodation booking or address
Sufficient funds of THB 20,000 per person

Required documents

Valid Passport
Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of Accommodation
Proof of Sufficient Funds

Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Thailand • At least 6 months validity from entry date; • At least 2 blank pages for entry stamp; • Must not be damaged or tampered with] (Tip: Check passport expiry well before booking flightsDamaged passports may result in denied boarding)

Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)

Mandatory digital form replacing the old TM6 paper card, must be completed online before arrival • Complete at tdac.immigration.go.th at least 72 hours before arrival; • Provide personal details, passport information, and flight details; • Include Thailand accommodation address; • Receive electronic confirmation to show at immigration] (Tip: The TDAC is completely free on the official websiteBeware of third-party sites charging fees for this free serviceSave confirmation to your phone for easy access at immigration)

Return or Onward Ticket

Confirmed ticket showing you will leave Thailand within the allowed stay period • Must show departure from Thailand within 60 days; • Can be a return flight to India or onward travel to another country; • Electronic booking confirmation is acceptable] (Tip: Airlines may check your return ticket before boardingImmigration officers can request proof of onward travel)

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel booking or address where you will stay in Thailand • Hotel booking confirmation with your name; • If staying with friends or family, their address and contact; • For multiple locations, provide first destination details] (Tip: Book refundable accommodation until you clear immigrationAirbnb and hostel bookings are acceptable)

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Evidence you can support yourself during your stay in Thailand • Minimum THB 20,000 (~₹48,000) per person; • THB 40,000 (~₹96,000) per family; • Cash, bank cards, or bank statements accepted] (Tip: Carry some Thai Baht or USD cash for easy verificationATM cards with credit limit shown can serve as proofRandom checks are rare but be prepared)

Optional documents

Passport Photo

Recent passport-size photograph for VOA application • 4x6 cm photograph; • White background; • Taken within last 6 months] (Tip: Not needed for visa-free entryPhotos available at Thai airports if needed for VOA)

Border entry information

Indian passport holders have three options for visiting Thailand for tourism:1
1. Visa-Free Entry (Recommended)
Since July 15, 2024, Indian citizens can enter Thailand without a visa for tourism and short business trips.1 This is the simplest and cheapest option for most travelers.
• Stay: Up to 60 days
• Cost: Free
• Extension: 30 additional days available (THB 1,900)
2. Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Available at major airports and border crossings for last-minute travelers.4
• Stay: Up to 15 days
• Cost: THB 2,000 (~₹4,800)
• Processing: 30-60 minutes at immigration
3. Tourist Visa (e-Visa)
For longer planned stays or those preferring pre-approval.35
• Single entry: 60 days, THB 2,000
• Multiple entry: 60 days per entry (6-month validity), THB 10,000
• Processing: 14 working days

Comparison

Entry Type	Cost	Stay Allowed
Visa-Free Entry	Free	60 days
Visa on Arrival	THB 2,000 (~₹4,800)	15 days
Tourist Visa (Single)	THB 2,000 (~₹4,800)	60 days
Tourist Visa (Multiple)	THB 10,000 (~₹24,000)	60 days per entry
Extension at Immigration	THB 1,900 (~₹4,500)	+30 days

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
40%	Multiple Consecutive Entries (Visa Runs)
25%	Insufficient Funds
20%	No Return Ticket
10%	TDAC Not Completed
5%	Suspicious Travel Pattern

40% - Multiple Consecutive Entries (Visa Runs)

How to avoid: If you need to stay long-term, apply for a proper tourist visa or consider other visa categories. Avoid back-to-back visa-free entries.

25% - Insufficient Funds

How to avoid: Carry cash or have bank statements accessible. ATM cards with visible credit limits also work.

20% - No Return Ticket

How to avoid: Always book a return or onward ticket before traveling. Even a cheap flight to a nearby country works.

10% - TDAC Not Completed

How to avoid: Complete TDAC at least 72 hours before arrival at the official website tdac.immigration.go.th. It is free.

5% - Suspicious Travel Pattern

How to avoid: Be honest about your purpose of visit. If you are working remotely, consider a proper visa category.

Frequently asked questions

Do Indian citizens need a visa for Thailand?

No, Indian citizens can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days for tourism purposes. This exemption has been in effect since July 15, 2024. You only need to complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before arrival.

What is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)?

The TDAC is a mandatory online form that replaced the old TM6 paper arrival card from May 1, 2026. You must complete it at tdac.immigration.go.th at least 72 hours before arriving in Thailand. It is completely free on the official government website.

How long can Indians stay in Thailand without a visa?

Indian passport holders can stay in Thailand for up to 60 days under the visa exemption scheme. This can be extended by 30 days at a local immigration office for THB 1,900. For stays beyond 90 days, you need to apply for a tourist visa.

What is the cost of Thailand visa for Indians?

Visa-free entry costs nothing. If you choose Visa on Arrival, the fee is THB 2,000 (~₹4,800). Tourist visas through the embassy cost THB 2,000 for single entry or THB 10,000 for multiple entry.

Can I get a Visa on Arrival in Thailand as an Indian?

Yes, but the visa-free option is better. Visa on Arrival allows only 15 days and costs THB 2,000, while visa-free entry gives you 60 days for free. Use VOA only if you forgot to complete the TDAC or need last-minute travel.

How much money do I need to show for Thailand entry?

You should have at least THB 20,000 (~₹48,000) per person or THB 40,000 (~₹96,000) per family. This can be in cash, traveler's cheques, or shown via bank cards. Immigration officers conduct random checks.

Can I extend my stay in Thailand?

Yes, you can extend your visa-free stay by 30 days at any Thai Immigration Office for THB 1,900. This gives you a total of 90 days. After that, you must leave Thailand or apply for a different visa type.

What happens if I overstay my visa in Thailand?

Overstaying is taken seriously. You will be fined THB 500 per day (maximum THB 20,000), and lengthy overstays can result in detention, deportation, and multi-year bans from re-entering Thailand.

Apply for Thailand tourist visa online

Sources

Royal Thai Embassy New Delhi

https://newdelhi.thaiembassy.org/en/page/visa

Thailand Immigration Bureau - TDAC

https://tdac.immigration.go.th/

Royal Thai Embassy - e-Visa Announcement

https://newdelhi.thaiembassy.org/en/content/announcement-on-the-implementation-of-the-electronic-visa-system-e-visa-in-india

Thai Consulate Mumbai - Visa on Arrival

https://mumbai.thaiembassy.org/en/page/visa-on-arrival-thailand-immigration-bureau

Thailand e-Visa Portal

https://www.thaievisa.go.th/

At a glance