Thailand Tourist Visa for Indians: eVisa, VOA & Visa-Free Rules

Do Indians need a visa for Thailand right now?

For short holidays, Indian passport holders have recently been allowed to enter Thailand without a visa, typically for up to 60 days per entry. This is a policy decision by the Thai government rather than a permanent right, so the number of days or the scheme itself can change at short notice.

If you want to stay longer, immigration offices in Thailand typically allow a one-time extension of about 30 days for a fee of around 1,900 baht. Always confirm the current rule on the official Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs site or the Thai embassy page before booking tickets.

When does the Thai eVisa make sense?

Even when visa-free entry is available, some travellers prefer a tourist eVisa. It gives you a visa in hand before departure and is useful if you plan a longer stay, want extra certainty, or have previously faced questions at immigration. Applications are made on the official Thai eVisa portal.

The fee is typically around 2,000 baht per applicant, which works out to roughly ₹5,000 depending on the exchange rate. Processing is indicative at one to two weeks, so apply well ahead of travel and avoid unofficial lookalike websites.

• Apply only on the official Thai eVisa portal
• Create one account and application per traveller
• Upload a clear passport scan and a recent photograph
• Add bank statements, hotel bookings and flight tickets
• Pay the fee online and keep the receipt
• Print the approved eVisa and carry it with you

Visa on arrival: what to expect at the airport

Indian citizens have traditionally been eligible for visa on arrival (VOA) at major Thai airports. It typically allows a stay of around 15 days and costs about 2,000 baht, usually payable in Thai baht cash. Since visa-free entry is currently longer, VOA is rarely the best choice.

VOA can still be relevant if the visa-free scheme is withdrawn or shortened. Queues at the VOA counter can be long, and officers may ask for supporting papers, so carry printed copies and spare baht.

• Typical stay is around 15 days, not 60
• Fee is indicatively 2,000 baht in cash
• Expect a separate queue before regular immigration
• Carry passport photos and filled forms if requested
• Keep return tickets ready to show

Documents to carry for any Thailand entry route

Whether you arrive visa-free, with an eVisa or on VOA, immigration officers can ask basic questions about your trip. Having a tidy folder of printouts and phone copies saves time, especially for families and first-time international travellers.

Requirements can vary by airline and officer discretion, so treat this list as a practical guide rather than an official, fixed rule. Funds proof is sometimes asked for, with figures around 10,000 baht per person or 20,000 baht per family often cited.

• Passport valid for at least six months with blank pages
• Confirmed return or onward ticket within the permitted stay
• Hotel bookings or an address for your first nights
• Proof of funds such as bank statements or some cash
• Recent passport-size photographs
• Travel insurance copy, which is strongly advisable

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)

Thailand has introduced an online Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) that most foreign visitors, including Indians, are expected to complete before arrival. It replaces the old paper TM6 form. It is typically free and submitted on the official immigration website within a few days before landing.

Fill it in carefully using details that match your passport and booking. Screenshot the confirmation and keep it with your documents. Be wary of third-party sites that charge a fee for something the official system offers without charge.

Common mistakes Indian travellers make

Most problems come from small oversights rather than serious issues: a passport close to expiry, no onward ticket, or relying on outdated blog posts about rules that have since changed. A few minutes of checking before you fly usually prevents a stressful airport experience.

Also remember that Thai visa rules are separate from airline check-in rules. Airlines may deny boarding if documents look incomplete, so keep everything accessible and recheck official sources a week before departure.

• Assuming last year's rules still apply
• Booking non-refundable tickets before checking entry rules
• Using unofficial eVisa or TDAC websites
• Carrying no printed hotel or return-ticket proof
• Overstaying, which can bring daily fines and entry issues