Are you dreaming of a trip to Thailand to enjoy the beaches and lush green landscapes, but have been put off by the complicated visa process? Then you've come to the right place! In this article, you'll learn everything you need to know about the Thailand visa, including visas on arrival, visa fees, required passport photo size, and whether Indians can enter visa-free. We provide comprehensive information to ensure your trip is stress-free. Let's get started!

Is Thailand visa-free for Indians?

Yes. Indians do not need a visa for a short holiday in Thailand. Since September 15, 2026, holders of Indian passports have enjoyed visa-free entry for tourist purposes for up to 30 days per visit. For longer stays or business trips, a visa is required, which must be applied for in advance through the Thai e-visa system or a Thai embassy in India.

Latest information for Indian travelers: Visa-free stay now up to 30 days

Visa-free entry for Indian citizens began in July 2024 with a 60-day stay. Thailand has since changed the policy. As of September 15, 2026 (published in the Royal Gazette on August 31, 2026), the visa-free stay for Indian citizens is 30 days per visit. A visa on arrival for a fee was originally planned but was scrapped in July 2026 and never came into effect.

Visa-free travel for Indian tourists (30 days, from 15 September 2026)

The Thai government allows Indian tourists to enter Thailand visa-free. With an Indian passport, you can stay in Thailand for up to 30 days per visit without a visa. This stay can be extended once for up to 30 days at the Thai Immigration Bureau. The fee is 1,900 THB, and approval is not automatic. For business trips or longer stays, please apply for the appropriate visa in advance via the Thai e-Visa system.

Important information:

  • No visa required: Indian tourists do not need a tourist visa or visa on arrival for stays of up to 30 days.
  • Required documents: Upon arrival, you may be required to present the following documents: a ticket for your return flight from Thailand, confirmation of your hotel or accommodation booking, and proof of sufficient funds. Immigration officials may require 10,000 THB per person (approx. 28,200 ₹) or 20,000 THB per family (approx. 56,300 ₹).
  • Easy entry: No visa application, photo, or visa fee is required. However, you must complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online at tdac.immigration.go.th within 72 hours of your arrival. This will be mandatory for all foreign visitors from May 1, 2025.

    • Passport validity

    Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your travel date and does not expire during your trip. Further useful links: https://www.mfa.go.th/en/content/thailandnewvisa-en?cate=5d5bcb4e15e39c306000683e https://newdelhi.thaiembassy.org/en/page/visa

    If you wish to visit Thailand for reasons other than tourism, you must apply for a visa that corresponds to your purpose of visit.

    Types of Thailand visas:

    Tourist visa for Indians

  • It is primarily for tourism and leisure. You only need it if you plan to stay longer than the 30-day visa-free period. Apply for it in advance through the Thai e-visa system or the Thai embassy. It is not available upon arrival for Indian citizens.

    • Tourist visa for single entry: Valid for three months, entitles the holder to one entry.

    Tourist visa with multiple entries: Valid for six months, entitles the holder to multiple entries.

    Requirements for a tourist visa:

  • Passport valid for at least six months
  • The visa application form was filled out and signed.
  • A recent photograph (4×6 cm) of the applicant
  • Proof of entry into and exit from Thailand (fully paid flight ticket receipt)
  • Proof of sufficient financial resources (20,000 Baht per person (approx. 56,300 ₹) or 40,000 Baht per family)
  • Proof of accommodation booking

    • Visa on arrival for Indians (no longer valid)

    Note: This section is for informational purposes only. Indian tourists now receive visa-free entry for up to 30 days and therefore do not require a visa on arrival. A new, fee-based visa on arrival for Indians was planned but was scrapped in July 2026 and never came into effect.

    Previously, the visa on arrival was intended for short-term tourism. It allowed a stay of 15 days and was only available at certain entry points in Thailand, such as border crossings, airports, and seaports.

    Old requirements (for information):

  • Valid passport (valid for at least 30 days from the date of entry)
  • Completed application form for a visa on arrival
  • Current passport photo
  • Confirmed return flight ticket (within 15 days)
  • Visa fee (THB 2,000, payable only in Thai Baht)
  • Proof of sufficient financial resources (10,000 THB per person or 20,000 THB per family)

    • Non-immigrant visa

    Purpose

    Occupation, education, employment, marriage, etc.

  • Non-immigrant Visa B: For business or professional purposes.
  • Non-immigrant visa ED: For educational purposes.
  • Non-immigrant visa O: For family visits, volunteering, or retirement.
  • Non-immigrant visa OA: For retirement (applies to persons aged 50 and over).
  • Valid passport (valid for at least six months)
  • Completed visa application form
  • Proof of the purpose of the visit (e.g. business invitation, admission notice, employment contract)
  • Financial documentation (varies depending on the visa type)
  • Visa fee (varies depending on visa type)

    • Additional requirements (specific to the respective visa type):

  • Business visa: A business letter or invitation from a Thai company and proof of financial stability.
  • Educational visa: Letter of admission from a recognized Thai educational institution.
  • Work visa: Employment contract, approval letter from the Thai Ministry of Labour.
  • Visa for pensioners: Proof of sufficient financial resources (bank statement, pension statement), health insurance (for long-term stays).

    • How do I apply for a Thailand visa?

    You can submit the application at the Royal Embassy or online.

    Holders of a regular passport can apply for Thai visas online by submitting their documents to the following companies: VFS Global, BLS International, DU Digital Global.

    We hope this article has answered your questions about the Thailand visa. Stay tuned for more articles to help make your trip go smoothly!