Thailand Visa for Indian Citizens: End of Waiver and Visa on Arrival (VoA)

Thailand has overhauled its immigration policy. Until recently, Indian passport holders enjoyed a 60-day visa-exempt entry. To bolster national security and pivot toward “quality tourism,” the Thai cabinet officially terminated this benefit for India on 19 May 2026.

The new landscape: Indian travelers are now eligible for the Visa on Arrival (VoA). Spontaneous trips now require payment of the visa fee at the airport and are strictly capped at 15 days’ stay.

End of the 60-day waiver – which visa should an Indian citizen choose?

Depending on the purpose of travel, three main options now apply.

👉 View the updated Thai visa fee schedule for Indian citizens that took effect on 27 April 2026.

The Visa on Arrival (VoA): the default option

This is the choice for about 80 % of Indian tourists. The VoA is issued on the spot at dedicated counters in Thailand’s main airports (Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Chiang Mai…).

Strict border conditions:

• Duration: 15 days maximum.

• Return ticket required: Travellers must possess an outward-bound air ticket confirmed within 15 days of arrival. Open or unconfirmed tickets are grounds for refusal.

• Proof of funds (strictly enforced): 10,000 THB per person (~25,000 INR) or 20,000 THB per family. While a major credit card may suffice, Thai immigration officers are increasingly demanding hard currency—Baht, US dollars or euros—in cash.

• Accommodation: Must show confirmed hotel reservations covering the entire stay.

• Visa fee: 2,000 THB payable only in cash and in local currency on arrival.

Planning a longer stay: the Tourist e-Visa (TR)

If your itinerary exceeds 15 days—for instance, a loop from bustling Bangkok north to the southern islands—the VoA will not cover you (it cannot be extended once on Thai soil).

You should therefore apply for a standard tourist e-Visa via the official portal (thaievisa.go.th) before departure.

• Plus: Entrance up to 60 days (one-time extension of 30 days available from immigration offices inside Thailand).

• Process: Fully online, but allow at least two weeks’ processing time—delays are common.

The one requirement for EVERYONE: the TDAC card

Thailand has replaced the old paper TM.6 declaration with the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC).

• Who must complete it: Every foreign visitor, regardless of visa type.

• When: It must be filled out online — free of charge at tdac.immigration.go.th — within the 72 hours preceding your flight.

• Penalty: Indian airlines boarding at airports within India may deny boarding if the TDAC QR code is not presented at check-in.

Final checklist before you fly

To guarantee smooth Thai immigration under 2026’s fresh rules, hand your Indian clients this up-to-date document kit:

• Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay, with two blank pages.

• TDAC QR code: Generated within 72 hours of departure; keep a paper or mobile copy ready.

• Passport photo (4 × 6 cm, taken within six months) — only required for physical VoA applicants.

• Return or onward flight ticket: Confirmed within 15 days for VoA, or 60 days in the case of an e-Visa.

• Confirmed accommodation voucher: Covering every night of the stay.

• Cash: At least 2,000 THB for the visa fee (if not settled online) plus 10,000 THB in small bills or equivalent foreign currency to demonstrate solvency.

Need hands-on help with your tourist e-Visa?

To smooth your clients’ journeys to Thailand, our agency supports tourist e-Visa processing (single or multiple entry) and the electronic Thailand Digital Arrival Card. Visit our Thailand country page for guidance and document specifics: https://www.visamundi.co/destinations/thailande/.