Thailand entry requirements for travellers from India
Visa requirement summary
India’s entry position for Thailand has shifted more than most countries in recent years, and travellers should verify the current rules carefully before booking.
Under the expanded visa-exemption scheme introduced in mid-2024, Indian passport holders were included in the 93-country list receiving 60 days visa-free entry. However, the Thai Cabinet’s 2026 reform proposals — which would revert many countries to shorter stays — have also raised the possibility of Indian nationals reverting to a Visa on Arrival arrangement rather than remaining in the visa-exempt tier. Separate sources indicate India may be placed on the reduced Visa on Arrival list (15 days, 2,000 THB fee) once the changes are formally gazetted.
Because Thailand’s position on Indian nationals is actively in flux, this is a case where checking directly with the Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi or your nearest Thai Consulate before you travel is essential, not optional.
If you are currently visa-exempt: you can enter for up to 60 days (subject to the reform timeline).
If India has moved to Visa on Arrival: you receive 15 days at the border, paying 2,000 THB, with no extension available on that stamp.
For longer stays or to avoid uncertainty: apply for a Tourist Visa (TR) at thaievisa.go.th before departure. A single-entry TR grants 60 days per stay and can be extended within Thailand.
Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
All visitors to Thailand — including visa-exempt travellers and those using Visa on Arrival — must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card before arrival. This is mandatory and free. Submit it at tdac.immigration.go.th within 72 hours of your scheduled arrival. You will receive a QR code by email to present at immigration.
How long you can stay
This depends on your current entry route:
– Visa exemption: up to 60 days (where still applicable)
– Visa on Arrival: 15 days, not extendable
– Tourist Visa (TR): 60 days, extendable by a further 30 days within Thailand for 1,900 THB
If you hold a Tourist Visa, extensions are applied for at any Thai immigration office before your current stamp expires.
Passport validity requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date in Thailand. This is enforced by airlines at check-in and by Thai immigration on arrival.
Proof of funds and financial requirements
The standard expectation is 20,000 THB per person or 40,000 THB per family. Cash, a bank card, or a bank statement all serve as evidence. For Visa on Arrival holders, cash is most useful to have available.
Applying for the Tourist Visa
If you plan a longer trip or prefer certainty over the current exemption uncertainty, apply for a Tourist Visa at thaievisa.go.th before you travel. You will need:
– A valid passport with at least six months’ validity
– A scanned copy of your passport biodata page
– A passport photo with white background
– Bank statements covering the previous three to six months, showing at least 20,000 THB equivalent
– Confirmed travel plans (flight bookings, accommodation)
Processing time is typically five to ten working days. Apply well in advance of your travel date.
Onward or return travel
A confirmed return or onward flight booking should be available to show at immigration. This is particularly important for Visa on Arrival holders, as officers routinely request it.
Health requirements
No vaccinations are required to enter Thailand from India. Practical travel health precautions (water, food hygiene, mosquito protection) are advisable.
Other entry requirements
Thailand has strict drug laws including the death penalty for trafficking. E-cigarettes and vaping devices are banned.
The tourist exemption and Visa on Arrival are for tourism only — employment requires a separate visa and work permit.
FAQs
Do Indian passport holders need a visa for Thailand?
This is currently uncertain. Indians were visa-exempt for 60 days under the 2024–2026 scheme, but reform proposals may return India to a 15-day Visa on Arrival. Check with the Royal Thai Embassy before you travel.
What is the Visa on Arrival and how much does it cost?
Visa on Arrival is available at major Thai airports for 2,000 THB and allows a 15-day stay. It is not extendable.
Is the TDAC mandatory for Indians?
Yes. All visitors must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card at tdac.immigration.go.th before arrival, regardless of visa type. It is free.
Should I just apply for a Tourist Visa to be safe?
Yes — if you plan to stay longer than 15 days or want certainty, applying for a Tourist Visa (TR) through thaievisa.go.th before you travel is the most reliable option.
Can I work in Thailand on a tourist entry?
No. Working in Thailand requires a Non-Immigrant B visa and a valid work permit.