Thailand, known as the Land of Smiles, undoubtedly holds a special place in the hearts of Indian travellers. Its golden beaches, vibrant streets and historic temples make it one of the most favourite holiday spots for most Indians. Did you know that by mid-June 2025, over 1 million Indian tourists had already visited Thailand? That is a new record right there!
With its popularity skyrocketing, knowing the visa process upfront will also make your trip stress‑free and more enjoyable. We have got you covered in this aspect.
Before you begin the Thailand tourist visa process, it is essential to determine which visa you need to apply for. Here is a look at the various types of tourist visas for Indians in Thailand.
• Under this visa, you can stay in the country for up to 60 days.
• This works great for short, leisure trips.
• This visa also allows you to stay in the country for up to 60 days.
• The visa allows for multiple visits over 6 months.
• Works well for frequent travellers and repeat visits.
• This is valid for Indians in limited cases and is mostly available at airports.
• You will need a pre‑application through VFS’s e‑VOA portal to opt for this visa.
Several reasons make Thailand a dream destination for many Indians. Some of the main reasons include:
1. Affordable Travel Destination with cheap street food, budget stays, and affordable activities.
2. Stunning Beaches & Islands like those in Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, and Chiang Mai. They make for a perfect getaway for beach lovers and honeymooners.
3. Vibrant Culture & Temples that are a testament to the country’s rich spiritual traditions, golden temples and lively festivals like Songkran and Loy Krathong. These enthral most visitors and help them get a glimpse of the cultural beauty of the country.
4. Relaxation & Wellness with its famous Thai massages and wellness resorts, making it ideal for a vacation that can refresh your soul.
There are three ways to apply for a Thailand tourist visa. These include the Thailand e-visa, visa on arrival and visa through embassies or VFS centres. Below is a breakdown of all three methods:
• You can go online via the Thai MFA eVisa portal. This has been available since 1 January 2025.
• You would first need to create an account on the Thai visa.go.th
• Then select the visa type from SETV and METV.
• Fill in the application form.
• Upload the documents requested in the form.
• Pay the fee online.
• Apply and track it via the portal itself.
The processing time for this method is around 14 days.
• Visa-on-arrival is applicable for airport arrival only. You need to pre‑apply for this via the VFS Global site.
• A visa-on-arrival usually allows you to stay for up to 15 days in Thailand.
• For this, you need to submit your application at the nearest VFS centre, like those in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata or at the Thailand embassy.
• After submitting, you’ll get a physical receipt, which you can use to track your application via VFS.
Here is a list of all the documents that you will need to apply for a Thailand visa for Indians.
1. Valid Indian passport with a minimum of 6 months' validity.
2. Recent passport‑size photo.
3. Confirmed return air tickets.
4. Proof of accommodation booking.
5. A bank statement, which should have a minimum of 10,000 Baht per person or 20,000 Baht per family.
6. Cover letter stating travel plans. Though this is optional, it can prove to be helpful.
7. Completed Thailand Digital Arrival Card or TDAC QR code, which has been in place since May 2025.
TDAC has become a mandatory provision for all visitors going to Thailand from May 2025. To get the TDAC, you need to:
1. Pre-apply online before departure, after which you will receive a QR code to present at immigration.
2. TDAC helps speed up the arrival process and reduces paperwork.
3. TDAC also includes health info, which has become a priority, post‑COVID.
To ensure that your Thailand tourist visa application process goes smoothly, here are a few tips to follow:
1. Remember to apply for the visa at least 3 weeks before departure.
2. Upload clear, high-resolution documents.
3. Keep both the digital and printed copies ready and with you when travelling.
4. Remember to fill your TDAC at least 24 hours before your flight.
5. Carry your original documents and extra photos with you when travelling.
6. International travel insurance is highly recommended.
Here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that the process goes smoothly and there are no glitches:
1. Applying too close to the travel date.
2. Blurry scans or wrong photo size.
3. Not completing TDAC in time.
4. Ignoring embassy/VFS email updates.
Once you have received the visa, you need to keep the following things in mind:
1. Check visa details, including the spellings, validity period, type of visa, etc.
2. Print multiple copies and remember to carry one with you.
3. Store all the documents securely, and ideally keep your passport and copies together during travels.
The beauty and vibrant culture of Thailand await you. The good thing is that obtaining a Thailand visa for Indians is now easy and streamlined. With e‑Visa, e‑VOA, and the new TDAC, the application process is quick and digital.
By keeping a few things in mind, such as applying early, preparing documents neatly, and opting for good travel insurance for Thailand, you can enjoy Thailand’s tropical beauty, culture, cuisine, and warmth endlessly.
Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.
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