The Thailand visa for Indian citizens is simpler than many Indian travellers expect, and Thailand remains one of the most popular international destinations for them. Indian passport holders are visa-exempt: since 15 September 2026 you can enter Thailand for tourism for up to 30 days without applying for a visa. For a longer trip, apply for a Tourist Visa in advance through a Thai embassy or the e-Visa system. This guide provides a complete breakdown of every option, cost in INR, and practical advice for Indian nationals.
Quick Facts for Indian Citizens
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Visa Exemption | Yes - 30 days, tourism only (since 15 September 2026) |
| Visa on Arrival (VOA) | Not available to Indian citizens. VOA now covers only Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia |
| Passport Validity | Minimum 6 months beyond entry date |
| Visa Exemption Fee | Free |
| Tourist Visa (TR) Cost | ~₹2,500 INR (single entry) |
| E-Visa Available | Yes, via thaievisa.go.th |
| Currency | Thai Baht (THB); ~1 THB = ₹2.35 INR |
| Thai Embassies in India | New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata |
| Extension Available | Up to 30 days (visa exemption or Tourist Visa), 1,900 THB, at the officer's discretion (see note below) |
Understanding Your Options: Visa Exemption vs. Tourist Visa
This is the most important decision for Indian travellers. India is on the same 30-day visa exemption list as the US and UK, so for a short holiday you can simply arrive without a visa. For longer trips, a Tourist Visa gives you more time.
| Factor | Visa Exemption | Tourist Visa (TR) |
|---|---|---|
| Stay Duration | 30 days | 60 days |
| Extension | Up to 30 days (total up to about 60 days) | Up to 30 days (total up to 90 days) |
| Application | None - stamped on arrival | Before travel at embassy/e-Visa |
| Cost | Free | ~₹2,500 (single entry) |
| Risk | Entry decided at the airport | Approved before travel |
| Land Border | Available, max 2 entries per calendar year | Available |
| Best For | Trips up to 30 days | Trips over 30 days or peace of mind |
Recommendation: For a trip of up to 30 days, use the free visa exemption. If you need more than 30 days, or you would rather have your permission to stay approved before you fly, apply for a Tourist Visa in advance. Do not plan on an extension until you have confirmed it (see the note on extensions below).
Visa Exemption for Indian Citizens
Eligibility and Duration
India is on the list of 60 countries and territories whose citizens get a 30-day visa exemption. The new rules were published in the Royal Gazette on 31 August 2026 and have been in force since 15 September 2026 (TAT Newsroom). Reports in May 2026 predicted that India would be moved to Visa on Arrival. That did not happen.
The exemption is for tourism only. Business or work activity is not permitted under it. If you entered Thailand before 15 September 2026, you keep the stay you were granted.
What You Need at Immigration
- Valid Indian passport with at least 6 months remaining validity and at least one blank page
- Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), filed online at tdac.immigration.go.th before arrival
- Confirmed return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation - hotel booking confirmation for the duration of your stay
- Proof of funds if the officer asks (see cash guidance below)
Land Border Entries
You can use the visa exemption at land border crossings, but entries on the 30-day exemption via land borders are capped at twice per calendar year.
Extending Your Visa Exemption
You can apply once for an extension of up to 30 days at a Thai Immigration office for 1,900 THB (~₹4,465 INR), using form TM.7. A full 30-day extension gives a total stay of about 60 days. See extending your visa exemption for the documents.
Note for Indian citizens: Thai Immigration's published criteria for tourism extensions still list India among the nationalities whose extension "will not be longer than 7 days" (Immigration Division 1). That list covers both visa-exempt and Tourist Visa stays. Ask your immigration office how long an extension you will be granted before you rely on 30 days.
Tourist Visa (TR) for Indian Citizens
The Tourist Visa is the better option for Indian travellers who need more than 30 days. It provides a longer stay and demonstrates to immigration that your visit has been pre-approved.
Tourist Visa Types
- Single Entry: ~₹2,500 INR - 60-day stay, extendable by up to 30 days (see the note on extensions above)
- Multiple Entry (METV): ~₹12,500 INR - valid for 6 months, 60-day stays per entry
Required Documents for Tourist Visa
- Completed visa application form with recent photograph
- Original passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages
- Passport-sized photographs (4x6 cm, white background, 2 copies)
- Flight itinerary showing round-trip booking
- Hotel reservation or accommodation proof for the entire stay
- Bank statement from the last 6 months showing a minimum balance of ₹50,000-₹1,00,000 (requirements vary by consulate)
- Income tax returns (ITR) for the last 2 years (not always required but strongly recommended)
- Cover letter stating the purpose of visit, travel dates, and itinerary
- Employment proof - salary slips, company letter, or business registration
- Visa fee in the form specified by the embassy (cash, demand draft, or online payment)
Application at Thai Embassies in India
Royal Thai Embassy - New Delhi
- Address: 56-N, Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021
- Phone: (011) 2467-9585
- Jurisdiction: North India and states not covered by other consulates
- Submission Hours: Monday-Friday, 09:00-11:30
- Collection: Next working day or as advised
Royal Thai Consulate-General - Mumbai
- Address: 10th Floor, Express Towers, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021
- Phone: (022) 2204-1589
- Jurisdiction: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan
Royal Thai Consulate-General - Chennai
- Address: 1st Floor, SP Infocity, No. 40, Dr MGR Salai, Perungudi, Chennai 600096
- Phone: (044) 4209-6688
- Jurisdiction: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Puducherry
Royal Thai Consulate-General - Kolkata
- Address: 18-B, Mandeville Gardens, Kolkata 700019
- Phone: (033) 2440-7836
- Jurisdiction: West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, Assam, and Northeastern states
E-Visa Application for Indian Citizens
The Thai e-Visa system at thaievisa.go.th is increasingly the preferred method for Indian applicants. It eliminates the need to visit an embassy in person and submit your physical passport during processing.
E-Visa Process
- Create an account on the Thai e-Visa portal
- Select "Tourist Visa" and choose the nearest Thai embassy in India for jurisdiction
- Upload all required documents in the specified format (JPEG/PDF, size limits apply)
- Pay the visa fee online (international credit/debit card or net banking)
- Monitor your application status through the portal
- If approved, download and print the e-Visa approval letter
- Carry the printed approval when travelling - present at check-in and immigration
E-Visa Tips for Indian Applicants
- Upload clear, legible scans - blurry documents cause delays or rejection
- Bank statements must be in English or accompanied by a translation
- Apply at least 3-4 weeks before travel; processing takes 5-15 business days and longer during peak season (October-January)
Other Visa Types Available to Indian Citizens
Beyond the visa exemption and Tourist Visa, Indian nationals can apply for:
- Non-Immigrant B (Business): ~₹5,000 INR single entry, 90-day stays. For employment, business, or conferences. Requires a Thai company invitation letter.
- Non-Immigrant O (Family/Retirement):
₹5,000 INR single entry. Retirement requires 800,000 THB (₹18,80,000 INR) in a Thai bank. Marriage to a Thai national requires 400,000 THB. - Non-Immigrant ED (Education): ~₹5,000 INR single entry. For language courses, degrees, or vocational training.
- Medical Treatment Visa: 90 days, extendable. Requires appointment confirmation from an accredited Thai hospital.
- Smart Visa / LTR Visa: Available to qualifying professionals, investors, and high-net-worth individuals.
Costs Summary for Indian Citizens (INR)
| Service | Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Visa Exemption (30 days) | Free |
| Visa Exemption Extension (up to 30 days) | ~₹4,465 (1,900 THB) |
| Tourist Visa - Single Entry | ~₹2,500 |
| Tourist Visa - Multiple Entry (METV) | ~₹12,500 |
| Tourist Visa Extension (up to 30 days) | ~₹4,465 (1,900 THB) |
| Non-Immigrant Visa (Single) | ~₹5,000 |
| Non-Immigrant Visa (Multiple) | ~₹12,500 |
| Re-entry Permit (Single) | ~₹2,350 (1,000 THB) |
| Re-entry Permit (Multiple) | ~₹8,930 (3,800 THB) |
Note: INR equivalents are approximate based on current exchange rates. Embassy fees are set in INR and may differ from THB conversions.
Financial Proof Requirements for Indian Citizens
Thai authorities scrutinize financial documentation from Indian applicants more closely than from some other nationalities. Meeting these requirements thoroughly can make the difference between approval and rejection.
What to Provide
- Bank statements: Last 6 months showing regular income and a closing balance of at least ₹50,000-₹1,00,000
- Fixed deposit receipts: Strengthen your application if savings balance is low
- Income tax returns: Last 2 years of ITR acknowledgements
- Salary slips (last 3 months) or business proof (GST registration, company financials)
- Sponsorship letter: If someone else is funding your trip, include their financial documents and a signed declaration
Cash Requirements at Entry
- Visa Exemption: 20,000 THB (
₹47,000) per person or 40,000 THB (₹94,000) per family, if the officer asks (Royal Thai Embassy, London; Royal Thai Embassy, Washington D.C.) - Tourist Visa: 20,000 THB (
₹47,000) per person or 40,000 THB (₹94,000) per family - Carry this amount in Thai Baht. Exchange INR at authorised dealers in India before departure for better rates.
Common Rejection Reasons for Indian Applicants
Understanding why applications get rejected helps you avoid the same mistakes:
- Insufficient bank balance - A suddenly inflated balance raises red flags. Maintain consistent savings over several months.
- Incomplete documentation - A single missing document can mean outright rejection.
- No return ticket - One-way tickets are a common cause of refused entry at the airport.
- Inconsistent information - Dates across your cover letter, hotel booking, and itinerary must align.
- Poor quality scans - Blurry e-Visa uploads lead to delays or rejection.
- Previous overstays - Any overstay history significantly impacts your application.
- No clear ties to India - Demonstrate reasons to return (employment, property, family) to avoid scrutiny.
Tips for Indian Citizens Travelling to Thailand
Before You Go
- Apply for your visa early - embassy processing can be unpredictable, especially before holidays.
- Carry printed copies of visa approval, hotel bookings, return tickets, and travel insurance.
- Get travel insurance - Indian health insurance rarely covers international trips. Policies start from ₹500-₹1,000 for a two-week trip.
- Exchange currency wisely - buy THB in India for arrival expenses (taxi, SIM card). Get better rates at SuperRich counters in Bangkok.
At the Airport
- File your TDAC at tdac.immigration.go.th before you fly.
- Go directly to regular immigration. There is no Visa on Arrival step for Indian passport holders, whether you use the visa exemption or a Tourist Visa.
- Have your return ticket and hotel booking ready to show the officer.
During Your Stay
- Carry your passport at all times - Thai law requires foreigners to have identification.
- Do not overstay - 500 THB/day penalty (max 20,000 THB), with re-entry bans for serious overstays.
- Vegetarian food: Look for "Jay" (เจ) restaurants. Indian restaurants are plentiful in Bangkok (Pahurat, Sukhumvit), Pattaya, and Phuket.
- Emergency: Tourist Police at 1155 (English-speaking). Indian Embassy Bangkok: (02) 258-0300.
Common Mistakes by Indian Travellers
- Queuing for Visa on Arrival - VOA is not available to Indian citizens. India is on the 30-day visa-exempt list, and VOA now covers only Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia.
- Booking non-refundable flights before visa approval - wait for confirmation or book refundable tickets.
- Crossing land borders too often - entries on the 30-day exemption via land borders are capped at twice per calendar year.
- Not carrying printed confirmations - a dead phone battery at immigration is a real problem.
- Planning a 60-day trip on the exemption - the exemption gives 30 days, and the length of any extension is up to the immigration officer. For a longer trip, get a Tourist Visa before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a visa exemption as an Indian citizen?
Yes. Since 15 September 2026, Indian passport holders can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism. You can apply once for an extension of up to 30 days at an immigration office for 1,900 THB. Thai Immigration's published criteria still limit extensions for Indian nationals to 7 days, so confirm with the office before relying on 30. For a longer stay, apply for a Tourist Visa in advance (60 days).
Can Indian citizens still get a Visa on Arrival?
No. Since 15 September 2026, Visa on Arrival is limited to citizens of Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia. Indian citizens use the 30-day visa exemption instead, or apply for a visa in advance.
Can I extend my Tourist Visa while in Thailand?
Yes. You can apply once for an extension of up to 30 days at a Thai Immigration office for 1,900 THB. Thai Immigration's published criteria still list India among nationalities limited to 7-day tourism extensions, so confirm the length with the office. Bring your passport, photo, TM.7 form, and copies of passport/visa pages.
Can I work in Thailand on a Tourist Visa or visa exemption?
No. Working on a tourist entry is illegal and can result in arrest, fines, and deportation. You need a Non-Immigrant B visa and a work permit.
