🇹🇭 Thailand visa, Indian passport.
Updated 21 May 2026: Thai Cabinet's 19 May decision reverted the 60-day visa-exemption (in place since Jul 2024) back to 30 days, effective 21 May 2026. The stamp is still FREE, only the duration changed. Indian passport holders now get a 30-day visa-exempt stamp on arrival. The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is mandatory online within 72h of arrival (free). For stays longer than 30 days, apply for a paid e-Visa (~INR 3,000 single-entry) or the DTV digital-nomad visa (180 days per entry, multi-entry).
How to apply, 6 steps.
- 1
Confirm 6-month passport validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure from Thailand. If it expires sooner, renew via Tatkal before flying.
Check today - 2
Book return / onward ticket within 30 days
Mandatory at airline check-in. The 60-day window was reverted on 21 May 2026; airline staff and immigration both verify return is within 30 days.
Before flying - 3
Book first hotel night
Carry a confirmation for your first 1-3 nights. Booking.com cancellable rate satisfies, refund after entry if you change plans.
Before flying - 4
Carry proof of funds
Officially THB 10,000 (~₹24,000) per person / THB 20,000 per family. Officers ask more often now after the duration cut.
Before flying - 5
Fill the TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) online
Mandatory free online card at tdac.immigration.go.th, submit within 72 hours of arrival. Replaces the old TM6 paper card. Save the QR.
1-3 days before flying - 6
Walk through immigration, 30 day stamp
Hand passport + TDAC QR + return ticket to officer. They stamp 30 days (NOT 60 any longer, reverted 21 May 2026). For longer stays apply for the paid e-Visa (~INR 3,000) or the DTV digital-nomad visa BEFORE flying.
At Bangkok / Phuket / Chiang Mai airport
Document checklist.
- Passport (6+ months validity)
- Confirmed return / onward ticket within 30 days
- Hotel booking confirmation (first 1-3 nights)
- TDAC QR (submitted online within 72h of arrival)
- Proof of funds (now checked more often)
Why Indians get rejected.
- Return ticket beyond 30 days from arrival, airline may deny boarding.
- One-way ticket without onward plan, airline denies boarding.
- Damaged passport (torn page, water damage), immigration may reject.
- Previous overstay or deportation from Thailand on record, flagged.
- Visiting too frequently (5+ trips in 12 months) may trigger questioning at the counter.
- TDAC not filled before arrival, sent back from the counter to fill it on airport Wi-Fi (delays).
FAQ
How long does Thailand visa take for Indians?
Processing time is instant. No application needed, stamped at the airport.
How much does Thailand visa cost for Indians in 2026?
FREE, Thailand visa costs ₹0 for Indian passport holders.
How long can Indians stay in Thailand?
30 days per entry on the visa-free visa. Re-entry allowed within 6 months of last visit.
Do Indians need a return ticket to enter Thailand?
Yes, a confirmed return or onward ticket within the visa duration (30 days) is required at airline check-in and at Thailand immigration. Open-jaw and circle-trip tickets qualify.
Thailand visa vs other popular destinations
Side-by-side comparison for Indian passport holders, Q2 2026 official rates.
| Country | Visa type | Fee (INR) | Stay | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇹🇭 Thailand (this page) | visa free | Free | 30 days | instant |
| 🇻🇳 Vietnam | e Visa | ₹2,100 | 90 days | 3 days |
| 🇮🇩 Indonesia | visa on arrival | ₹2,800 | 30 days | instant |
| 🇦🇪 UAE | e visa | ₹6,500 | 60 days | 3-5 days |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | e visa | ₹450 | 90 days | ~5 working days |
| 🇪🇺 Schengen (Europe) | embassy | ₹8,500 | 90 days | 15-30 days |
Source: official embassy + consular sites, last verified Q2 2026.