Thailand Visa for Indians 2026: Complete Guide

Do Indians Need a Visa for Thailand? (2026 Quick Answer)

Indian passport holders travelling to Thailand for tourism still do not need a visa in advance. India remains on Thailand's visa exemption list, so an ordinary Indian passport gets you stamped in on arrival without applying beforehand.

What changed is how long that stamp lasts. On 15 September 2026 Thailand replaced its 60-day exemption with a two-tier scheme of 30 days and 15 days. The Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi states that the 30-day visa exemption scheme for Indian passport holders entering Thailand for tourism purposes officially takes effect on 15 September 2026, and its visa page lists the measure as effective from that date until further announcement.

So an Indian tourist arriving now is admitted for up to 30 days, not 60. The Tourism Authority of Thailand, announcing the change on 1 September 2026, confirmed that the 60-day measure ended on the same date and that India sits in the 30-day group, listed at number 23 in the Royal Gazette announcement published on 31 August 2026. Only Seychelles and Mauritius went into the 15-day group.

An earlier plan, set out in a Thai foreign ministry summary dated 20 May 2026, would have moved India out of exemption altogether and into Visa on Arrival. That version was not the one enacted. India stayed on the exemption list, and the shorter period of stay is the only change Indian travellers face.

One requirement applies regardless of visa status: since 1 May 2025 every non-Thai national entering Thailand must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card online before arrival. The TDAC is separate from the visa and is needed for every entry.

Thailand Visa Types for Indians

For most Indian tourists the 30-day exemption covers an ordinary holiday. If you plan to stay longer, work remotely, study or do business, there is a visa category for it. Since 1 January 2025 every application from India goes through the official e-Visa portal at thaievisa.go.th.

Tourist Visa (TR)

The Tourist Visa suits leisure trips longer than the visa-free window. The Royal Thai Embassy New Delhi lists the single-entry TR with three months validity and a 60-day period of stay, and the multiple-entry version with six months validity and 60 days per entry. Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stresses that validity and stay are different things: validity is the window in which the visa must be used, while the 60 days run from the date of entry. A further 30 days can be requested at a Thai Immigration office.

Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)

The DTV covers remote work and extended travel: digital nomads, freelancers and professionals employed by companies outside Thailand. It also covers approved activities in the country, among them Muay Thai courses, Thai culinary training and medical treatment, plus the spouse and children under 20 of a DTV holder.

Royal Thai missions describe the DTV as a five-year multiple-entry visa with a period of stay of 180 days per entry, extendable once by up to a further 180 days at a Thai Immigration office. Applicants must show financial evidence of no less than 500,000 THB. The New Delhi fee table prices it at INR 30,000.

Non-Immigrant Visas

Non-Immigrant visas cover business (category B), education (ED), media work (M), official visits (F) and family or dependent stays (O). New Delhi lists a single-entry Non-Immigrant visa at INR 7,000 with three months validity and a 90-day stay, a one-year multiple-entry at INR 13,500, and a three-year multiple-entry category B at INR 30,000. Long-stay routes include the O-A and O-X visas and the Long-Term Resident visa, listed at INR 140,000 for ten years.

Transit Visa

Travellers who clear Thai immigration between flights need a Transit Visa. The embassy lists it at INR 2,500 single entry and INR 5,000 double entry, with three months validity and a 30-day stay. Passengers who stay airside and never pass immigration do not need one, provided the lay-over does not exceed 12 hours.

Thailand Visa Cost and Fees for Indians (2026)

Visa, legalisation and consular fees for India were revised with effect from 27 April 2026 at the Royal Thai Embassy and the Royal Thai Consulates-General, as reported by Indian travel trade press. Anything published before that date is out of date. The fee table now on the Royal Thai Embassy New Delhi website is quoted in Indian rupees rather than baht.

The embassy's current figures for applicants in India, with the in-country extension fee for comparison:

• Single-entry Tourist Visa (TR) — INR 3,000, three months validity, 60 days stay
• Multiple-entry Tourist Visa — INR 13,500, six months validity, 60 days per entry
• Transit Visa (TS) — INR 2,500 single entry, INR 5,000 double entry, 30 days stay
• Non-Immigrant visa, single entry — INR 7,000, three months validity, 90 days stay
• Destination Thailand Visa — INR 30,000, five years validity, 180 days per entry
• Long-Term Resident Visa — INR 140,000, ten years validity
• In-country extension of stay — 1,900 THB, paid at a Thai Immigration office in Thailand

Entries under the visa exemption carry no fee at all. There is nothing to pay to enter Thailand under the 30-day exemption that took effect on 15 September 2026. The Thailand Digital Arrival Card is free as well, and the official portal says plainly that no fees are required. Third-party sites charging to submit the card for you are not authorised.

Required Documents Checklist

Requirements vary by visa type. The lists below cover the Tourist Visa and the DTV, the two categories most relevant to Indian travellers going for tourism or remote work.

Tourist Visa Documents

• Passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay, with at least two blank pages
• Recent photograph taken within the past six months, full face and without glasses
• Completed e-Visa application, filed on thaievisa.go.th
• Evidence of adequate finance — Royal Thai missions set this at 20,000 THB per person or 40,000 THB per family
• Travel booking with full flight details, your name and the booking reference
• Proof of accommodation showing your full name and length of stay
• Visa or Mastercard debit or credit card to pay the visa fee online

Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) Documents

• Passport biodata page, with the passport valid for at least six months
• Photograph taken within the past six months
• Proof of your current place of residence
• Financial evidence of no less than 500,000 THB
• Documents for the purpose of travel — an employment or freelance contract for the workcation category, or confirmation of an approved course, event or medical treatment
• Police clearance certificate issued within the last six months, where the mission asks for it

For every category, scans uploaded to the e-Visa portal should be sharp and complete. Blurred or cropped images are, typically, among the most common causes of delay.

How to Apply for a Thailand Visa from India (Step-by-Step)

Since 1 January 2025 all Thai visa applications from India are submitted through the official e-Visa portal. The Royal Thai Embassy New Delhi states that all applicants are required to apply through thaievisa.go.th. Reporting on the rollout says in-person appointments and physical visa stickers are gone and that honorary consulates no longer issue Thai visas.

Step 1 — Register on thaievisa.go.th

Create an account on the official Thai e-Visa portal using a valid email address. You will need it to manage the application and to receive the approved visa.

Step 2 — Select your visa type

Choose the category that matches your purpose of travel. For tourism, select the Tourist Visa. For remote work or approved activities, select the Destination Thailand Visa. The portal then shows the applicable fee and the document list for that category.

Step 3 — Complete the application form

Fill in the personal details carefully. Mismatches between the form and your passport are one of the most frequent reasons for delay or refusal, typically per aggregator guidance. Check name spelling, date of birth and passport number before moving on.

Step 4 — Upload supporting documents

Scan and upload everything in clear, high-resolution form. Make sure all four corners of the passport biodata page are visible and every character is legible.

Step 5 — Pay the visa fee

Pay online with a Visa or Mastercard debit or credit card. A single-entry Tourist Visa is INR 3,000 and the multiple-entry version INR 13,500, per the embassy's fee table effective 27 April 2026. The embassy states that visa fees are non-refundable under all circumstances, so review everything before you submit.

Step 6 — Wait for processing

The Royal Thai Embassy New Delhi, announcing the e-Visa rollout, puts processing at approximately 14 working days from the date the receipt of the visa fee is issued. Other Royal Thai missions quote shorter turnarounds, but 14 working days is the published figure for India. Apply well ahead of travel.

Step 7 — Receive and print your e-Visa

Once approved, the e-Visa is sent to the email address registered on the portal. Print it and carry it with your passport. There is no embassy visit and no need to post your passport anywhere.

Step 8 — Submit your TDAC before departure

Separately from the visa, submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card at tdac.immigration.go.th. The official guidance is to file it within three days before your arrival date. It covers one entry only, so a fresh submission is needed for every trip, and the service is free.

Thailand Visa Processing Time

The Thai e-Visa system handles applications entirely online. The Royal Thai Embassy New Delhi, announcing the rollout in India, states that processing takes approximately 14 working days from the date the receipt of the visa fee is issued. Royal Thai missions elsewhere quote shorter turnarounds and advise applying at least two weeks before arrival, but 14 working days is the figure published for the Indian jurisdiction.

Visarun, as a commercial visa-processing service rather than an official government source, states it processes Thailand e-visa applications in two to three business days on its Standard tier. Its Express tier delivers within 24 hours and its VIP tier the same day. Those are the provider's own internal turnarounds, not official Thai government timelines.

However you apply, start at least three to four weeks before your travel date. That leaves room for document corrections or any follow-up from the Thai authorities.

Visa Validity and Length of Stay

Visa Exemption Entries

Since 15 September 2026 Indian ordinary passport holders arriving for tourism are admitted for up to 30 days per entry. The 60-day exemption that ran from July 2024 ended on that date. Royal Thai missions describe the new scheme as covering 60 countries and territories at 30 days, with Seychelles and Mauritius at 15 days.

Two conditions come with it. Immigration officers may ask for proof of accommodation, onward travel and funds of 20,000 THB per person or 40,000 THB per family. And entry through land or sea border checkpoints under the exemption is permitted only twice in a calendar year, except for nationals of Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and Singapore. At least one Royal Thai mission words that limit as applying to exemption entries generally, so frequent visitors should ask the embassy directly.

Tourist Visa

A single-entry Tourist Visa carries three months validity and a stay of up to 60 days from the date of entry. Holders may apply at any Immigration Office in Thailand to stay for another 30-day period, taking the maximum to 90 days on one entry. The multiple-entry Tourist Visa runs six months and allows 60 days per entry.

Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)

The DTV is a five-year multiple-entry visa with a permitted stay of 180 days per entry. Royal Thai missions state it can be extended one time for a period not exceeding 180 days per entry; after that the holder must leave Thailand and re-enter on the same visa while it is still valid.

Extensions of Stay

Extensions are applied for at a Thai Immigration office before the permitted stay ends, with the passport, a completed TM.7 form, a 4×6 cm photograph and a fee of 1,900 THB. Granting one is at the discretion of the immigration officer. Confirm the current fee at the office, since it is subject to change.

Common Rejection Reasons and How to Avoid Them

Typically, per aggregator guidance, most Thailand tourist e-visa refusals come down to documentation rather than eligibility. A corrected reapplication generally succeeds.

• Unreadable or blurry scans — upload high-resolution images in which every character is legible and all corners of the document are visible
• Insufficient proof of funds — Royal Thai missions set the tourist visa threshold at evidence of 20,000 THB per person or 40,000 THB per family
• Mismatched personal details — name spelling, date of birth and passport number on the application must match the passport exactly
• Incomplete application form — every mandatory field needs to be filled in accurately before submission
• Inadequate supporting documents for the category — DTV applicants must show financial evidence of no less than 500,000 THB plus proof of remote work or an approved activity

According to visa-guidance sources, a rejection notice states the specific reason for refusal. Correct exactly that before submitting again, and budget for a fresh payment: fees are not refunded and each submission is charged separately.

At the border the checks are different. Travellers entering under the tourist visa exemption must hold cash or the equivalent of 20,000 THB per person or 40,000 THB per family, and officers may ask to see proof of accommodation and onward travel within 30 days. Carrying accessible funds in that range on arrival is a sensible precaution.

Recent Changes (2025-2026 Updates)

30-Day Exemption Replacing 60-Day for Indians (September 2026)

This is the change that matters most for Indian travellers, and it is already in force.

• 31 August 2026 — the Ministry of Interior announcements setting out the new scheme were published in the Royal Gazette
• 1 September 2026 — the Tourism Authority of Thailand announced new 30-day and 15-day visa exemption categories, with India in the 30-day group at number 23 and only Seychelles and Mauritius at 15 days
• 15 September 2026 — the new rules took effect and the 60-day exemption in place since July 2024 ended; the Royal Thai Embassy New Delhi lists the 30-day exemption for Indian passport holders as effective from this date until further announcement

Royal Thai missions put the 30-day list at 60 countries and territories. Entry through land or sea border checkpoints under the exemption stays capped at twice per calendar year for most nationalities. An earlier proposal circulated by the foreign ministry in May 2026 would have moved India into Visa on Arrival instead; it was not the version enacted, and India kept its exemption. Note that one widely linked ministry table of exemptions still carries July 2024 figures and has not been updated for the new scheme.

Thailand e-Visa System (January 2025)

From 1 January 2025 all visa applications from India go through thaievisa.go.th. As generally reported, the system replaced physical visa stickers and in-person appointments, and honorary consulates no longer issue Thai visas. Approved visas arrive by email as a PDF to print and carry, with no passport posting.

Thailand Digital Arrival Card (May 2025)

Since 1 May 2025 all non-Thai nationals entering by air, land or sea must complete the TDAC online before entry. The official guidance is to submit it within three days before the arrival date, at tdac.immigration.go.th. It applies to every traveller, infants and children included, covers one entry, and is free.

Visa Fee Revision (April 2026)

Visa, legalisation and consular fees in India were revised with effect from 27 April 2026. The embassy's table is now in rupees: INR 3,000 for a single-entry Tourist Visa, INR 13,500 multiple entry, INR 30,000 for the DTV.

FAQ

Can Indian passport holders enter Thailand without a visa in 2026?

Yes. India is on Thailand's visa exemption list and Indian ordinary passport holders can enter for tourism without a visa in advance. Since 15 September 2026 the permitted stay is up to 30 days per entry, down from the 60 days that applied from July 2024. The Royal Thai Embassy New Delhi lists the 30-day exemption as effective from that date until further announcement.

When will the 30-day exemption for Indians actually come into force?

It already has. The Ministry of Interior announcements were published in the Royal Gazette on 31 August 2026 and the new rules took effect on 15 September 2026. The Tourism Authority of Thailand announced the change on 1 September 2026, placing India in the 30-day group at number 23. Anyone arriving now is stamped in for 30 days, not 60.

What is the TDAC and is it mandatory for Indians?

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card is an online pre-arrival form required of all non-Thai nationals entering Thailand by air, land or sea since 1 May 2025. It applies to every traveller, including infants and children. It is submitted at tdac.immigration.go.th, the official guidance is to file it within three days before your arrival date, it covers one entry only, and the official portal confirms no fees are required. It is separate from any visa requirement.

Do I need to visit the Thai Embassy in India to get a visa?

No. Since 1 January 2025 all Thai visa applications are submitted through thaievisa.go.th. There are no in-person appointments and no need to post your passport. Once approved, the e-Visa is sent to your registered email address and you print it to carry with your passport.

How long does Thailand visa processing take for applicants from India?

The Royal Thai Embassy New Delhi states that e-Visa applications take approximately 14 working days from the date the receipt of the visa fee is issued. Some Royal Thai missions elsewhere quote shorter turnarounds, but 14 working days is the figure published for India. Allowing three to four weeks leaves room for corrections.

What is the Destination Thailand Visa and who can apply for it?

The DTV is for travellers who work remotely or freelance, and for those taking part in approved activities such as Muay Thai training, Thai culinary courses or medical treatment; the spouse and children under 20 of a holder can apply too. Royal Thai missions describe it as a five-year multiple-entry visa allowing 180 days per entry, extendable once by up to another 180 days. Applicants must show financial evidence of no less than 500,000 THB. The fee in India is INR 30,000.

Is the visa fee refunded if my application is rejected?

The Royal Thai Embassy New Delhi states that visa fees are non-refundable under all circumstances. According to visa-guidance sources, a rejection notice states the specific reason. Typically, per aggregator guidance, refusals come from correctable documentation problems rather than eligibility. Fix the stated problem, then submit a new application with a fresh payment.

Is travel insurance required for entry into Thailand?

Travel insurance is not listed as a mandatory requirement for the Thailand tourist visa or for entry under the visa exemption. General advice from visa services is that it is strongly recommended anyway, since medical costs in Thailand can be substantial for foreign nationals. Confirm any requirement with the Royal Thai Embassy or the e-Visa portal when you apply.

Can I extend my stay in Thailand after arriving on the visa exemption?

Yes, within limits. Royal Thai missions state that those who want to stay longer may request an extension of stay of up to 30 days from the Immigration Bureau, applying before the permitted period ends; granting it is at the discretion of the immigration officer. The application needs the passport, a completed TM.7 form, a 4×6 cm photograph and a fee of 1,900 THB, subject to change. Travellers who know in advance they want more time often apply for a Tourist Visa instead.

Is the TDAC the same thing as a visa?

No. Royal Thai missions state plainly that the card is not a visa and cannot be used in lieu of a visa. It is required of all non-Thai nationals entering Thailand whether they hold a visa, travel under an exemption, or hold another permit. Submitting it does not replace a visa where one is needed, and holding a visa does not exempt you from submitting it.