Thailand is one of the most popular international destinations for Indian travellers — Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui consistently draw large numbers of Indian visitors every year. The visa situation for Indians visiting Thailand changed significantly in May 2026 and it is important to understand the current rules before you travel. This guide covers the current Thailand visa requirements for Indian passport holders — what changed, what you need to do before you travel and the one mandatory step that every visitor to Thailand must complete regardless of visa status. For a full Thailand trip cost breakdown see our Thailand trip cost from India guide once published. Thailand Visa — Quick Reference Detail Information Visa required Yes — Visa on Arrival Previous status Visa-free up to 60 days — withdrawn May 2026 Current status Visa on Arrival — 15 days single entry Fee 2,000 Baht (approximately ₹6,000) Processing At the airport on arrival Queue time 45 minutes to 1.5 hours — can be long Documents needed Return flights, hotel bookings, proof of funds (10,000 Baht per person) Proof of funds 10,000 Baht per person (approximately ₹30,000) TDAC Mandatory for all visitors — complete online up to 72 hours before arrival Important TDAC must be completed before you land — not at the airport E-visa option Available through Thai embassy for longer stays What changed — the visa exemption that no longer applies Until recently Indian passport holders enjoyed visa-free entry to Thailand for up to 60 days — one of the most traveller-friendly arrangements in Southeast Asia for Indians. That changed in May 2026. The Thai Cabinet approved the removal of India from the visa-free list on 19th May 2026. India now falls under Thailand's Visa on Arrival category — a significant change that every Indian traveller planning a Thailand trip needs to be aware of. The change was part of a broader Thai government review of visa exemptions linked to concerns about overstays and immigration misuse. It is worth noting that this is a policy decision — not a reflection of the travel experience itself. Thailand remains an outstanding destination for Indian travellers. The visa process is simply more involved than it was before. Visa on Arrival — everything you need to know What it is: A Visa on Arrival (VOA) is issued at the airport on arrival in Thailand. You do not need to apply before travel — the visa is obtained at the immigration counter when you land. Stay duration: 15 days — single entry. Fee: 2,000 Baht — approximately ₹6,000 at current exchange rates (1 Baht = approximately ₹3). Payable in Baht in cash at the airport counter. Card payment is not always available at VOA counters — carry Baht in cash. Queue time: This is the most important practical consideration for the Visa on Arrival. Queues at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport can be long — expect 45 minutes to 1.5 hours during busy periods. Factor this into your arrival plans — especially if you have onward connections or a transfer after landing. Arriving during off-peak hours — late night or early morning — typically means shorter queues. Peak arrival times see the longest waits. Documents required at the VOA counter The documents required at the Visa on Arrival counter are straightforward: Valid Indian passport — with at least 6 months validity beyond your travel dates Return or onward flight ticket — proof that you are leaving Thailand within 15 days Hotel booking confirmation — for at least the first few nights of your stay Proof of funds — 10,000 Baht per person (approximately ₹30,000) in cash or a bank statement showing sufficient balance Passport-size photograph — carry one just in case, though not always requested Completed TDAC — see below. This is mandatory and must be done before you arrive. Thailand Digital Arrival Card — TDAC This is the single most important practical requirement for every visitor to Thailand in 2026 — regardless of whether you are entering on a Visa on Arrival, an e-visa or any other category. What it is: The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is a mandatory digital immigration card that replaced the old TM.6 paper form. All foreign visitors to Thailand are required to complete it before arrival. When to complete it: The TDAC can be completed a maximum of 72 hours (3 days) before your arrival date. It cannot be completed earlier than this window and it must be completed before you land — not at the airport. Why it matters: Immigration officers at Thai airports check for TDAC completion. Arriving without a completed TDAC can cause delays and complications at the immigration counter — an avoidable problem that is entirely in your control. How to complete it: The TDAC is completed online through the official Thai immigration portal. It is free of charge. You will need your passport details, flight information and accommodation details. INFARE can assist Trip Pass members with TDAC compl
