Thailand Tourist Entry
Visa Exemption / Tourist Visa · For India citizens
Planning a trip to Thailand as an Indian citizen? Great news: you can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days for tourism. From May 1, 2025, you must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arrival. This guide covers entry requirements, the free TDAC process, and what to expect at immigration.
Thailand Visa for Indian Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For India citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Thailand
Mandatory digital form replacing the old TM6 paper card, must be completed online before arrival
Confirmed ticket showing you will leave Thailand within the allowed stay period
Hotel booking or address where you will stay in Thailand
Evidence you can support yourself during your stay in Thailand
Recommended (Optional)
Recent passport-size photograph for VOA application
Entry Options for Indian Citizens
Indian passport holders have three options for visiting Thailand for tourism:1
1. Visa-Free Entry (Recommended)
Since July 15, 2024, Indian citizens can enter Thailand without a visa for tourism and short business trips.1 This is the simplest and cheapest option for most travelers.
- Stay: Up to 60 days
- Cost: Free
- Extension: 30 additional days available (THB 1,900)
2. Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Available at major airports and border crossings for last-minute travelers.4
- Stay: Up to 15 days
- Cost: THB 2,000 (~₹4,800)
- Processing: 30-60 minutes at immigration
3. Tourist Visa (e-Visa)
For longer planned stays or those preferring pre-approval.35
- Single entry: 60 days, THB 2,000
- Multiple entry: 60 days per entry (6-month validity), THB 10,000
- Processing: 14 working days
Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
From May 1, 2025, all travelers to Thailand must complete the TDAC online before arrival.2
How to Complete TDAC:
- Visit the official website at tdac.immigration.go.th2
- Create an account with your email
- Fill in personal details, passport information, and flight details
- Provide your Thailand accommodation address
- Submit at least 72 hours before your arrival date
- Save the confirmation to show at immigration
The TDAC is completely free. Avoid third-party websites that charge fees for this service.
Fees
| Entry Type | Cost | Stay Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Visa-Free Entry | Free | 60 days |
| Visa on Arrival | THB 2,000 (~₹4,800) | 15 days |
| Tourist Visa (Single) | THB 2,000 (~₹4,800) | 60 days |
| Tourist Visa (Multiple) | THB 10,000 (~₹24,000) | 60 days per entry |
| Extension at Immigration | THB 1,900 (~₹4,500) | +30 days |
What You Need to Prove
At immigration, you may be asked to demonstrate:1
- Valid passport with 6+ months validity
- Completed TDAC confirmation on your phone
- Return ticket within your allowed stay period
- Accommodation booking or address
- Sufficient funds of THB 20,000 per person
Random checks occur, especially for young solo travelers or those with minimal luggage.
Extending Your Stay
If you want to stay longer than 60 days, you can extend your visa-free stay at any Thai Immigration Office:1
- Visit immigration before your 60 days expires
- Bring passport, one photo, and THB 1,900
- Fill out the extension form (TM.7)
- Receive a 30-day extension stamp
Major immigration offices: Bangkok (Chaeng Wattana), Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, and Koh Samui.
After Arrival
Once you clear immigration with your passport stamped, you are free to travel anywhere in Thailand. Keep your passport safe as you will need it for:
- Hotel check-ins (required by law)
- Domestic flights
- Some attractions and tours
- Currency exchange
If Entry is Refused
Entry refusals are rare for genuine tourists but can happen. If refused:
- You will be given a form explaining the reason
- You may be held in the airport transit area
- You will be returned on the next available flight to your origin
Common reasons include suspected visa runs, inability to show return tickets or funds, or TDAC issues. Be polite and cooperative with immigration officers.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Multiple Consecutive Entries (Visa Runs)
Making more than 2 consecutive visa-free entries within 180 days triggers scrutiny. Thailand has cracked down on people using visa-free entry to live in Thailand without proper authorization.
How to avoid: If you need to stay long-term, apply for a proper tourist visa or consider other visa categories. Avoid back-to-back visa-free entries.
Insufficient Funds
Unable to demonstrate THB 20,000 per person or THB 40,000 per family when asked by immigration officers.
How to avoid: Carry cash or have bank statements accessible. ATM cards with visible credit limits also work.
No Return Ticket
Cannot show proof of leaving Thailand within the 60-day period. Airlines may deny boarding, or immigration may refuse entry.
How to avoid: Always book a return or onward ticket before traveling. Even a cheap flight to a nearby country works.
TDAC Not Completed
Arriving without completing the Thailand Digital Arrival Card causes delays and potential issues at immigration.
How to avoid: Complete TDAC at least 72 hours before arrival at the official website tdac.immigration.go.th. It is free.
Suspicious Travel Pattern
Frequent visits, long stays close to maximum allowed, or patterns suggesting informal employment trigger additional screening.
How to avoid: Be honest about your purpose of visit. If you are working remotely, consider a proper visa category.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Indian citizens need a visa for Thailand?
No, Indian citizens can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days for tourism purposes. This exemption has been in effect since July 15, 2024. You only need to complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before arrival.
What is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)?
The TDAC is a mandatory online form that replaced the old TM6 paper arrival card from May 1, 2025. You must complete it at tdac.immigration.go.th at least 72 hours before arriving in Thailand. It is completely free on the official government website.
How long can Indians stay in Thailand without a visa?
Indian passport holders can stay in Thailand for up to 60 days under the visa exemption scheme. This can be extended by 30 days at a local immigration office for THB 1,900. For stays beyond 90 days, you need to apply for a tourist visa.
What is the cost of Thailand visa for Indians?
Visa-free entry costs nothing. If you choose Visa on Arrival, the fee is THB 2,000 (~₹4,800). Tourist visas through the embassy cost THB 2,000 for single entry or THB 10,000 for multiple entry.
Can I get a Visa on Arrival in Thailand as an Indian?
Yes, but the visa-free option is better. Visa on Arrival allows only 15 days and costs THB 2,000, while visa-free entry gives you 60 days for free. Use VOA only if you forgot to complete the TDAC or need last-minute travel.
How much money do I need to show for Thailand entry?
You should have at least THB 20,000 (~₹48,000) per person or THB 40,000 (~₹96,000) per family. This can be in cash, traveler's cheques, or shown via bank cards. Immigration officers conduct random checks.
Can I extend my stay in Thailand?
Yes, you can extend your visa-free stay by 30 days at any Thai Immigration Office for THB 1,900. This gives you a total of 90 days. After that, you must leave Thailand or apply for a different visa type.
What happens if I overstay my visa in Thailand?
Overstaying is taken seriously. You will be fined THB 500 per day (maximum THB 20,000), and lengthy overstays can result in detention, deportation, and multi-year bans from re-entering Thailand.