Thailand Visa for Indians

Renowned for its tropical beauty, Thailand boasts pristine white-sand beaches lined with swaying palm trees and crystal-clear waters that stretch endlessly. From rich traditional Thai culture and magnificent temples to bustling cities and mouthwatering street food in lively night markets, Thailand truly offers something for everyone!

If you are planning a trip to this stunning destination, Indians can get a Visa on Arrival for up to 15 days. This is available at designated Thai airports and is suitable for tourism, leisure and short visits. For long-term stays exceeding 15 days, you can apply for a suitable visa based on your travel purpose, such as work, business, study, dependent or any other.

In this article, we will walk you through the Thailand visa process, document requirements and everything you need to know before planning your Thai adventure.

Thailand Visa: All You Need to Know

Thailand now offers a Visa on Arrival (VoA) for Indian passport holders for up to 15 days. Moreover, you need a valid passport, proof of onward travel, sufficient funds, and confirmed accommodation.

If you are planning to stay longer than 15 days or have a purpose like work or study, you must apply for the appropriate Thai e-Visa online.

Moreover, for start-ups and entrepreneurs wishing to invest in specific industries in Thailand, a SMART visa is available. For this particular visa type, you'll need to apply via the official Smart Visa portal. It's also recommended that you avoid the period from March 10-14 to prevent any inconvenience or long queues.

Thailand Visa Insights

India is Thailand's 3rd largest source market for tourism, and in 2024, the country welcomed its 2,000,000th Indian visitor, thanks to seamless connectivity and simplified entry procedures. To meet this increasing demand, airlines like Akasa Air have introduced daily non-stop flights from Bangalore to Phuket from October 1, 2025. As of May 2026, Indian travellers can enter Thailand via Visa on Arrival for up to 15 days.

Types of Thailand Visas

Visa on Arrival (VoA)

Purpose: Short visits for various purposes like business, tourism, family visits, etc.

Validity: 15 days.

Processing Time: Same day

What to Watch Out For: You need to show USD750 or equivalent in any currency as proof of financial sufficiency at the counter.

Business (Non-Immigrant B)

Purpose: Meetings, setting up operations, or employment

Validity: Single-entry and multiple-entry options as issued by the mission.

Processing Time: Varies by mission

What to Watch Out For: Host-company invitations and employer letters are a must; employment activities require a work permit after you enter.

Student (Non-Immigrant ED)

Purpose: Formal studies or language courses at recognised Thai institutions.

Validity: Based on the course duration

Processing Time: 4-6 weeks

What to Watch Out For: Keep your admission letter, financials, and other proofs handy and apply via the e-Visa portal.

SMART Visa

Purpose: It is available for startups and entrepreneurs wishing to invest in the listed industries in Thailand. Apply via the official Smart Visa portal.

Validity: Maximum 4 Years

Processing Time: At least 30 working days

What to Watch Out For: Applicant must be a director or a 25% shareholder in a company in the established targeted industry in Thailand.

Note: Visa information, like the processing times and requirements, is subject to change. To avoid the risk of travel disruptions or cancellations, it is advised to submit your Thailand visa application at least 15 working days before your planned departure. Working days exclude weekends and Thailand's public holidays.

How to Apply for a Thailand Visa?

You can easily apply for a Thailand Visa both online and offline. We recommend choosing the online process as it is much easier, and you can proceed directly to the immigration counter with your e-Visa printout once you arrive in Thailand. Just follow these steps, and you should be good to go:

Online Visa Process for Thailand

• Visit the official eVisa portal of Thailand and create an account by entering the required information.
• Next, sign in and select "Apply for a new Visa" from the dashboard.
• Check your eligibility and select a suitable visa based on your purpose.
• Enter the required information and upload all the specified documents.
• Click "Pay Now" to complete your payment. Once payment is done, it can not be refunded.
• Once approved, download your eVisa. You can check the visa status on the same dashboard.

Thailand Visa on Arrival Process

1. After landing at your designated Thai airport, look for the "Visa on Arrival" counters.
2. Collect and fill out the visa application form if you haven't filled it out online.
3. Complete the details on the form and attach your passport-size photograph.
4. Prepare required documents like a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds, etc.
5. Submit your documents along with the THB 1000 fee. Receive your passport with the visa stamp

Documents Required for a Thailand Visa

The success of your visa applications depends on the accuracy of your documents. Here are the essential documents needed to apply for a Thailand visa as an Indian citizen. Make sure you have them ready to ensure a smooth process.

General Documents

• Passport: Valid Indian passport that has six months' validity.
• 2 Passport-sized Photos: Recent, 4x6 cm, white background, no glasses.
• Travel & Finance Proof: Confirm return ticket, proof of funds, min THB 10,000 per person or THB 20,000 per family.
• Visa Application: Completed visa application form.

Additional Documents

• For e-Visas: Visa approval letter from the Thailand Department of Immigration.
• For Work or Long-Term Visas: Valid residence permit, work permit, PCC
• For Business Visas: A business sponsorship or invitation letter from a Thai company
• For Student Visas: Admission letter from a recognised Thai university

Please note: For the complete list of documents, please check the official Thailand Embassy website.

Thailand Visa Fees For Indians

Knowing the Thailand visa fees for Indians is crucial for budgeting your trip and avoiding last-minute surprises. Here's a quick overview:

Please note: Please note that exchange rates can fluctuate, so the INR amount may vary slightly depending on the current currency conversion rates at the time of travel. For complete fee details, visit the official Thailand Embassy website.

Please note: that you cannot pay the Thailand visa fees in Indian Rupees. You have to pay the stamping fees at the airport in either Thai Baht or US Dollars.

How to Track Thailand Visa Applications?

Tracking your Thailand visa application is easy and can be done online on the official Thailand E-Visa portal. You just need your E-visa code (which you can find on your application or acknowledgement form). Here's how to do it:

• Visit Portal: Go to the Thailand E-Visa portal and log in to your account.
• Enter Details: Fill in your Reference Number, Email, and Date of Birth
• Provide Code: Enter the Captcha Code as well.
• Select Application: Select the visa application from the dashboard.
• View Status: View your status under the "Status" column.

Is There a Thailand Visa Renewal or Extension for Indians?

Indian citizens who enter Thailand on a Visa on Arrival can apply for a visa extension at the local Thai Immigration Office before their 15-day stay expires. For this, visit the local immigration office with the required documents and submit your visa extension application.

Why Do You Need Thailand Travel Insurance for Indians?

Travelling to Thailand is exciting, and even when it is not mandatory, a good travel insurance plan saves real money and stress if the unexpected happens. Here are three practical reasons:

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Baggage Loss: Lost your baggage? IndusInd travel insurance offers coverage to help you buy essential items and continue your trip worry-free.

Trip Cancellation Cover: We reimburse non-refundable costs like hotels and flight bookings for sudden illness or flight cancellations.

Key Takeaways

You can get a Visa on Arrival for 15 days for short trips or apply online via the Thai e-Visa portal for longer stays. Make sure to carry USD 750 or equivalent as proof of funds at the airport. For a smooth travelling experience, finish your pre-arrival formalities (like the TDAC), carry your return ticket and other essential documents, and you are set for Bangkok's markets, Phuket's beaches, and Chiang Mai's temples.

For a carefree trip, a travel insurance policy is among the most important documents to have. While it is not mandatory, it is a smart companion for a secure and memorable journey. Whether the local cuisine doesn't agree with you, leading to a quick doctor visit, or if your bag is misplaced, or if there's a flight delay, that is when IndusInd travel insurance policy steps in with seamless coverage and 24×7 assistance.​​

With easy claims processing via the Indusind Insurance app and affordable plans, we keep you covered against any unexpected emergencies to help you make the most of your Thailand trip. So, buy our Thailand travel insurance online and download it to your phone for easy access.

Explore Thailand in Confidence

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa to visit Thailand?

Indian passport holders now get a Visa on Arrival for 15 days. For longer stays or other purposes like work or study, apply through the Thai e-Visa portal.

Create an account, fill out the form, upload documents, pay the fee, and wait for email approval-no passport submission needed in most places.

What are the designated Thai airports that have a Visa on Arrival facility?

Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Muang International Airport, Chiang Mai International Airport, Phuket International Airport, Hatyai International Airport, Songkhla, Samui International Airport, Chiang Rai Airport and more.

What is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) and is it mandatory?

Effective from 1st May 2025, all foreign nationals are required to complete the online TDAC within three days before arrival (air/land/sea). It is a mandatory immigration requirement from all foreign nationals entering Thailand via land, sea or air. It is free of charge and can not be used as a replacement for any visa.

Is travel insurance required for Thailand?

Travel insurance is not a mandatory requirement for visiting Thailand. However, it is highly recommended for all travellers to cover unexpected medical expenses, travel delays, loss of belongings and other related risks.

What is the new Thailand visa rule for Indians in 2026?

Earlier, Indians could visit Thailand for 60 days without a visa. This has now changed. From May 2026, Indians need a Visa on Arrival at the airport. This allows you to stay for 15 days only. Just carry USD 750 in cash or card as proof of funds when you land.

Do I need a return or onward ticket?

Yes, you should have confirmed onward/return travel within your permitted stay; officials or airlines may ask to see it. This is especially important if you are visiting on a Visa on Arrival.

How can I avoid a visa rejection for Thailand?

• Submit all required documents completely and accurately as per the visa category checklist. Missing or inadequate paperwork is a common cause of visa denial.
• Ensure your personal details, including your name, match exactly as in your passport and avoid typos or incomplete names.
• Provide proof of financial stability, confirmed flight details, accommodation bookings, and any additional visa-specific documents.
• Avoid submitting any false or fake documents, which leads to outright rejection.
• Read all the latest Thai visa regulations and requirements before applying.
• Consider seeking help from professional visa consultants or immigration lawyers to ensure your application meets all criteria and is error-free.