Thailand Visa for Indians 2026: e-Visa, Fees & Process
Planning a trip to Thailand from India? Great news: as of February 2026, Indian passport holders enjoy visa-free entry to Thailand for up to 60 days. No visa fee, no long queues at the airport. For longer or special-purpose stays, you can apply for a tourist visa or the new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) through the Thai e-Visa portal. This guide covers every visa route, the exact fees in INR, documents you need, and step-by-step instructions so you can sort out your Thailand travel paperwork in minutes.
Thailand has become one of the most popular international destinations for Indian travellers, and the 2026 visa overhaul has made it even more accessible. Whether you are heading to Bangkok for a weekend, exploring Chiang Mai for two weeks, or working remotely from Phuket for months, there is a visa option that fits your plan.
Let us break down every option available to you right now.
Visa-Free Entry: 60 Days (No Visa Needed)
Starting 13 February 2026, India was added to Thailand’s visa-exempt “Form 60” list alongside 93 nationalities. This replaced the older visa-on-arrival system entirely.
Here is what this means for you:
- Stay duration: Up to 60 days per entry
- Fee: Zero. No visa fee at the airport or beforehand.
- Extension: You can extend your stay by 30 more days at any Thai immigration office for 1,900 THB (roughly Rs 4,500)
- Purpose: Tourism, short-term business, family visits, or medical treatment
This is the easiest and cheapest way for Indians to visit Thailand. If your trip is 60 days or shorter, you do not need to apply for any visa in advance.
Documents for Visa-Free Entry
Even though no visa is needed, Thai immigration officers will check the following at the airport:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry, with 2 blank pages
- Confirmed return or onward flight ticket within 60 days
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, Airbnb confirmation, or invitation letter from a host)
- Proof of funds: At least 10,000 THB per person (~Rs 25,000) or 20,000 THB per family (~Rs 50,000) in cash or equivalent
- Completed TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) — more on this below
Important Restriction
Thailand has tightened enforcement against visa-run abuse. If you enter visa-free three times within a six-month window, immigration officers may refuse you entry. Plan accordingly if you are a frequent visitor.
Thailand Tourist Visa (TR) via e-Visa Portal
If you plan to stay longer than 60 days, or want multiple entries over several months, apply for a proper tourist visa through the Thai e-Visa portal at thaievisa.go.th.
Visa Types and Fees
| Visa Type | Fee (INR) | Validity | Stay Per Entry | Entries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Entry Tourist Visa (TR) | Rs 2,500 | 3 months | Up to 60 days | 1 |
| Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa (METV) | Rs 12,500 | 6 months | Up to 60 days per entry | Multiple |
| Visa-Free Entry | Free | N/A | 60 days | Single |
| Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) | ~Rs 8,000 | 5 years | 180 days per entry | Multiple |
Each 60-day stay under the TR or METV visa can be extended by 30 days at a local immigration office in Thailand for 1,900 THB.
Documents Required for Tourist Visa
For Single-Entry Tourist Visa (TR):
- Passport valid for at least 6 months, with 2 blank pages
- Recent passport-size photograph (4×6 cm, taken within last 6 months)
- Completed e-Visa application on thaievisa.go.th
- Confirmed return/onward flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation in Thailand
- Bank passbook or bank statement (last 6 months) showing a minimum balance of USD 700 (~Rs 59,000)
- Proof of occupation (employment letter, business registration, or student ID)
Additional documents for Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa (METV):
- Bank statement showing minimum balance of Rs 5,00,000 for at least 6 consecutive months
- PAN card copy
- Latest income tax return
Processing Time
Tourist visa applications submitted through the e-Visa portal typically take 3 to 7 working days. During peak travel season (October to February), allow extra time. You can track your application status on the portal.
How to Apply for Thailand e-Visa: Step by Step
The entire process is online. No embassy visit is needed for most applicants.
- Create an account at thaievisa.go.th
- Select visa type — Tourist Visa (TR) for single entry or METV for multiple entry
- Fill in personal details exactly as they appear on your passport
- Upload documents — passport bio page scan, photograph, bank statements, flight tickets, hotel booking
- Pay the visa fee online (Rs 2,500 for single entry, Rs 12,500 for METV)
- Submit and wait — you will receive updates by email
- Download your e-Visa once approved and carry a printout when you travel
Make sure all uploaded documents are clear, properly cropped, and in the accepted format (usually PDF or JPEG). Blurry scans are a common reason for delays.
Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC): Mandatory for All Travellers
Whether you enter visa-free or with a tourist visa, every traveller arriving in Thailand must complete the TDAC before departure. It replaces the old paper arrival/departure cards.
How to Fill the TDAC
- Visit tdac.immigration.go.th
- Select “Arrival Card” and enter your personal details (nationality, passport number, phone number). You can scan your passport MRZ code to auto-fill.
- Enter your flight number and accommodation details (address, province, district)
- Complete the health declaration section
- Enter your email address and submit
You will receive a QR code by email. Show this QR code at Thai immigration on arrival.
TDAC Key Points
- Fee: None. The TDAC is completely free on the official website.
- Timing: Complete it within 72 hours (3 days) before your arrival in Thailand. Not earlier.
- Beware of scam sites charging a fee for TDAC submission. The only official site is tdac.immigration.go.th.
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for Digital Nomads
Launched in July 2024 and still going strong in 2026, the Destination Thailand Visa is perfect for remote workers, freelancers, and digital nomads who want extended stays in Thailand.
DTV Key Details
- Validity: 5 years, multiple entry
- Stay per entry: 180 days, extendable by another 180 days
- Fee: Approximately Rs 8,000 to Rs 23,000 (varies; approximately USD 275 as the base fee)
- Extension fee: 1,900 THB (~Rs 4,500) at a Thai immigration office
Who Can Apply
- Remote workers employed by companies outside Thailand
- Freelancers earning from foreign clients
- Individuals attending long-term cultural activities in Thailand (Muay Thai training, Thai cooking courses, medical treatment programs)
DTV Requirements
- Passport valid for 6+ months
- Proof of savings of at least 500,000 THB (~Rs 12,00,000)
- Proof of remote work or enrollment in a qualifying activity
- Health insurance valid in Thailand
Apply through the e-Visa portal or at the Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi.
Thailand Visa Application Centres in India
You can submit visa applications or get assistance at these locations:
| Location | Type |
|---|---|
| New Delhi | Royal Thai Embassy |
| Mumbai | Royal Thai Consulate-General |
| Chennai | Royal Thai Consulate-General (via VFS Global) |
| Kolkata | Royal Thai Consulate-General |
For most visa types, the e-Visa portal is the preferred route and does not require an in-person visit.
Tips to Get Your Thailand Visa Approved Faster
- Apply early. Submit your application at least 2 to 3 weeks before your travel date. During peak season, processing can slow down.
- Keep bank balance healthy. For METV, the Rs 5 lakh minimum must be maintained for 6 consecutive months. Do not deposit a lump sum right before applying.
- Book refundable flights and hotels. You need confirmed bookings for your application, but refundable ones protect you in case of delays.
- Double-check document uploads. Blurry passport scans and mismatched details are the top reasons for rejection.
- Get travel insurance. While not always mandatory, having travel insurance for your international trip strengthens your application and protects you abroad.
Looking for affordable flights to Thailand? Check our guide on how to book cheap flights to Thailand from India to save money on your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Indians need a visa to visit Thailand in 2026?
No. As of February 2026, Indians can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days. You only need a valid passport, return ticket, accommodation proof, sufficient funds, and a completed TDAC. For stays beyond 60 days, you will need a tourist visa or DTV.
How much does a Thailand visa cost for Indians?
Visa-free entry costs nothing. A single-entry tourist visa costs Rs 2,500, while a multiple-entry tourist visa costs Rs 12,500. The Destination Thailand Visa starts at approximately Rs 8,000.
Can I extend my stay in Thailand beyond 60 days?
Yes. If you entered visa-free, visit any Thai immigration office before your 60 days expire and apply for a 30-day extension. The extension fee is 1,900 THB (about Rs 4,500). With a tourist visa, you can also extend by 30 days on similar terms.
What is the TDAC and is it mandatory?
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is a mandatory online form that replaces the old paper arrival card. Every traveller, regardless of visa status, must complete it within 72 hours before arriving in Thailand. It is free and available at tdac.immigration.go.th.
Can I work remotely from Thailand as an Indian citizen?
Yes, but only with the right visa. The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) allows remote work for companies or clients based outside Thailand. Working on a tourist visa or visa-free entry is not permitted. The DTV costs approximately Rs 8,000 and lets you stay up to 180 days per entry.
Thailand is easier to visit from India than ever before in 2026. For most holidaymakers, the 60-day visa-free entry is all you need. Just fill out the TDAC, pack your bags, and go.
If you are still exploring destinations, check out our list of visa-free countries for Indian passport holders for more hassle-free travel ideas.
