Thailand Visa

Planning a Thailand trip in 2026? Here’s an important Thailand visa update for Indians that everyone should know before booking their holiday. Thailand remains one of the easiest and most affordable international destinations for Indian travellers. Also known as the Land of Smiles, the country offers relaxed entry rules and convenient visa-on-arrival options with a less than 5-7% rejection rate. 

The 60-day visa-free entry that Indians enjoyed is no longer available. India has been moved to the Visa on Arrival category, making it essential to understand the updated entry requirements before you book. Whether visiting Thailand with a visa on arrival, an e-visa, or through the embassy, it ensures you meet the country’s entry requirements, covering your purpose of visit, permitted stay duration, and immigration guidelines. Thailand is still highly accessible for Indians. It just needs a bit more planning than before.

Thailand Visa at a Glance 2026

Visa Type	Stay Duration	Processing Time	Fee (Approx.)	Best For	Apply Method
Visa on Arrival (VoA)	15 days	Instantly at the airport	₹2,400–₹2,800 (2,000 THB)	Short trips & last-minute travel	At Thai airports
Thailand e-Visa	Up to 30 days	Around 14 working days	~₹6,000 (THB 2,500)	Planned holidays & hassle-free entry	Online
Tourist Visa (TR)	Up to 60 days	Around 14 working days	₹1,200–₹4,000	Long holidays & workcations	Thai Embassy/Consulate
Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa (METV)	60 days per entry	Around 14 working days	₹10,000–₹25,000	Frequent travellers & multi-country trips	Thai Embassy

Thailand Visa Update for Indians in 2026

Before: Earlier, a 60-day visa-free scheme was introduced in 2024 to boost tourism after the pandemic, making Thailand one of the easiest international destinations for Indian travellers. 

Now: You need a Visa on Arrival (VoA) or an e-Visa before you travel. 

Why did it change? Thailand’s official communication described the shift as a security-driven reset. The move aims to crack down on overstays, illegal employment, and transnational crimes.

Thailand Visa Options for Indian Citizens (2026)

Indian passport holders can choose from different Thailand visa options depending on the purpose and duration of their visit. Whether you’re planning a short vacation, an extended holiday, or multiple trips to Thailand, selecting the appropriate visa category will help ensure a smooth travel experience.

1. Thailand Visa on Arrival (VoA)

The Thailand Visa on Arrival (VoA) is suitable for eligible travelers planning a short visit.

• Maximum Stay: Up to 15 days (single entry)
• Extension: Not extendable
• Approximate Fee: THB 2,000 (around ₹2,400–₹2,800), payable at designated immigration checkpoints. Payment methods may vary by airport.
• Available At: Major international airports, including Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, and Chiang Mai.
• Recommended For: Short holidays and last-minute travel plans.

2. Thailand e-Visa

The Thailand e-Visa offers a convenient online application process for eligible travelers before departure.

• Maximum Stay: Up to 30 days (Tourist Visa)
• Approximate Fee: Around THB 2,500 (approximately ₹6,000)
• Estimated Processing Time: Around 14 working days
• Recommended For: Travelers who prefer completing the visa process before arriving in Thailand and want a faster immigration experience.
• Application: Apply through the official Thailand e-Visa portal.

3. Thailand Tourist Visa (TR)

The Thailand Tourist Visa (TR) is ideal for travelers planning a longer stay.

• Maximum Stay: Up to 60 days per entry
• Visa Validity: Generally valid for 90 days from the date of issue
• Extension: Eligible applicants may apply for a 30-day extension through the Thai Immigration Bureau, subject to approval.
• Approximate Fee: ₹1,200–₹4,000
• Estimated Processing Time: Around 14 working days
• Recommended For: Extended vacations, workcations, or longer leisure trips.
• Application: Submit your application through the Royal Thai Embassy or authorized visa application channels.

4. Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa (METV)

The Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa (METV) is designed for travelers who plan to visit Thailand several times during the visa validity period.

• Maximum Stay: Up to 60 days per entry
• Entries: Multiple entries permitted during the visa validity period
• Visa Fee: Varies depending on the latest fee structure published by the Royal Thai Embassy.
• Recommended For: Frequent travelers or those planning multi-country itineraries that include destinations such as Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore.

Important Note

Visa policies, fees, eligibility criteria, and processing times may change periodically. Applicants are encouraged to verify the latest Thailand visa requirements for Indian citizens and applicable fees before submitting their application.

Is Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) Mandatory in 2026?

Yes, the TDAC is mandatory for all entry types without exception and must be completed online within 72 hours before arrival. This replaces the old paper TM6 form. Don’t skip this — immigration will check it.

Thailand Visa Fees for Indians 2026

Visa Type	Fee (approx.)	Processing Time
Visa on Arrival	₹2,400–₹2,800 (2,000 THB)	Instant — at the airport counter
e-Visa (Tourist / TR)	₹6,000 (THB 2,500)	14 working days
Tourist Visa via Embassy	₹1,200–₹4,000	14 working days
Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa (METV)	₹10,000–₹25,000	14 working days

Important: Fees are subject to exchange rate changes and consular revisions. The Royal Thai Embassy revised its fee structure effective April 27, 2026. Always verify current fees at the official Thai Embassy website before applying.

Thailand Visa Requirements for Indians

Regardless of which visa type you choose, VoA, e-visa, or tourist visa, keep these documents ready before you travel:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates
• Recent passport-size photos (3.5×4.5 cm for embassy applications; 4×6 cm for Visa on Arrival)
• Completed visa application form or TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card — mandatory for all travellers)
• Bank statement showing a minimum balance of ₹60,000 for solo travellers; ₹1,20,000 for families
• Confirmed return flight ticket and hotel bookings for your full stay
• Visa fee payment proof (where applicable)
• Cover letter stating the purpose of your visit (required for embassy applications)

How to Apply for a Thailand Visa from India

Visa on Arrival — At the Airport

For short trips where you haven’t applied in advance.

• Step 1: Land at a designated Thai airport (Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Chiang Mai)
• Step 2: Go to the Visa on Arrival counter — not the regular immigration line
• Step 3: Fill the VoA form and submit your documents (passport, photo, return ticket, hotel booking)
• Step 4: Pay 2,000 THB (~₹2,400–₹2,800) in cash — carry Thai Baht
• Step 5: Get your stamp and proceed to immigration

Note: Peak season queues at the VoA counter can take 1–2 hours. Factor this into connection time.

e-Visa — Apply Online Before You Travel (Recommended)

The fastest and most hassle-free route for planned trips.

• Step 1: Go to thaievisa.go.th and create an account
• Step 2: Select your visa type (Tourist Visa / TR for most Indians)
• Step 3: Fill the application form with accurate personal and travel details
• Step 4: Upload scanned documents — passport copy, photo, return ticket, hotel booking, bank statement
• Step 5: Pay the fee online by credit/debit card
• Step 6: Wait for approval — allow 14 working days; apply at least 3–4 weeks before travel
• Step 7: Download your e-Visa and carry a printed copy to show at immigration

Tourist Visa (TR) via Thai Embassy — For 60-Day Stays

Best if you need more than 30 days or want the full 60-day window.

• Step 1: Download and fill the visa application form from the Royal Thai Embassy website
• Step 2: Gather all documents — passport, photos, itinerary, bank statement, cover letter, fee receipt
• Step 3: Submit in person at the Thai Embassy (New Delhi) or Consulate (Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata), or through an authorised agent
• Step 4: Pay the visa fee and keep the receipt
• Step 5: Collect your passport with the visa once processing is complete

Processing time: Approximately 14 working days. Do not book non-refundable flights before your visa is confirmed.

Essential Thailand Visa Tips for Indians

• Apply early. The e-Visa takes 14 working days. Do not apply a week before departure.
• Complete the TDAC. The Thailand Digital Arrival Card is mandatory for all travellers and must be filled out online within 72 hours before arrival. Airlines may check this at boarding.
• Carry funds in cash. The VoA fee is 2,000 THB, payable at the airport. Not all counters accept cards.
• Book refundable accommodation initially. You will need confirmed hotel bookings to apply, but confirm your visa first before making non-refundable payments.
• Match your documents to your visa type. Photo size requirements differ — 3.5×4.5 cm for embassy applications and 4×6 cm for VoA.
• Do not plan back-to-back VoA trips. Thai immigration flags frequent short-stay entries. If you plan to visit Thailand regularly, apply for a tourist visa or METV instead.

Common Reasons Thailand Visa Applications Get Rejected

Thailand’s visa rejection rate is relatively low, standing at approximately 5-7% for Indian applicants. Below are a few reasons for getting the Thai visa rejected: 

• Missing or inconsistent documents — no return ticket, no hotel booking, or amounts that don’t match your application
• Insufficient funds — carrying less than the required cash or bank balance
• Prior overstays or immigration violations in Thailand or other countries
• Attempting to use VoA repeatedly for long-term residence — immigration officers are now trained to flag this
• Not completing the TDAC before arrival — this alone can slow you down significantly at the counter
• Applying for a 15-day VoA when your trip is longer — you cannot extend it; you will be overstaying

Conclusion

The new Thailand visa update means the 60-day visa-free stay is no longer available for Indian travellers. However, visiting Thailand is still simple with options like a visa on Arrival, an e-Visa, and a tourist visa, depending on your trip length. Plan ahead with the right visa, completed TDAC form, and required documents. With proper preparation, you can still enjoy Thailand’s beaches, food, nightlife, and culture without any travel stress.