Planning a Thailand trip from India in 2026? The rules have changed — and knowing them before you book can save your clients (and yourself) a lot of stress. Thailand now offers a streamlined eVisa system for Indian passport holders, plus a mandatory digital arrival card for every visitor. Whether you’re a traveler planning your own holiday or a travel agent applying visas for clients, this guide covers everything you need.
Do Indians Need a Visa for Thailand in 2026?
It depends on how long you’re staying. India and Thailand have a visa exemption agreement — but as of September 15, 2026, the visa-free window has been reduced from 60 days to 30 days. If your clients are staying under 30 days for tourism, they can enter without a visa.
However, all travelers — including visa-exempt ones — must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before departure. This is free and mandatory.
For stays beyond 30 days, or for any non-tourism purpose, an eVisa is required.
Thailand Visa Options for Indians in 2026
| Visa Type | Fee | Stay Allowed | Processing | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Exemption (free) | ₹0 | 30 days | Instant (on arrival) | Short holidays |
| Single Entry Tourist eVisa | ₹3,000–6,500 | 60 days | 3–10 working days | Standard holidays |
| Multiple Entry Tourist eVisa | ₹13,500–26,000 | 60 days/entry, 6 months validity | 5–7 working days | Frequent travelers |
| Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) | ₹1,00,000 | 180 days/entry, 5-year validity | Varies | Long-stay / digital nomads |
For most Indian tourists, the Single Entry Tourist eVisa is the right choice — it gives a full 60 days and is processed entirely online.
What Is the Thailand TDAC and Why Is It Mandatory?
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is a digital form that replaces the old paper TM6 immigration card. Every traveler entering Thailand must complete it before boarding.
- Complete it at tdac.immigration.go.th
- Must be done within 3 days before arrival
- Completely free
- You’ll receive a QR code — save it on your phone or print it
Travel agents: Make TDAC completion part of your pre-departure checklist for every Thailand booking.
Thailand eVisa Documents Required for Indians
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from arrival date
- Recent passport-size photograph (JPG format, white background)
- Confirmed hotel bookings for the entire stay
- Confirmed return flight tickets
- Bank statement for the last 3 months (minimum balance: ₹70,000 for individuals, ₹1,40,000 for families)
- Aadhaar card or other address proof
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Full checklist: Thailand eVisa Documents Required for Indians.
How to Apply for Thailand eVisa from India
The official portal is thaievisa.go.th:
- Create an account on the official Thailand eVisa portal
- Select Tourist Visa (TR) — Single or Multiple Entry
- Fill in personal and travel details
- Upload all required documents (JPG format for photos and passport — not PDF)
- Submit and wait for a payment notification
- Pay the visa fee via the available method
- Receive approval by email — print and carry it
- Complete the TDAC within 3 days of departure
Processing: 3–10 working days. Apply at least 4 weeks before travel.
Detailed walkthrough: Thailand eVisa Application Step-by-Step for Indians.
Thailand eVisa Fees for Indians (2026)
- Single Entry Tourist eVisa: ₹3,000
- Multiple Entry Tourist eVisa: ₹13,500
Full fee breakdown: Thailand eVisa Fee and Processing Time for Indians.
Common Reasons for Thailand eVisa Rejection
- Uploading PDF files instead of JPG for passport copy and photograph
- Insufficient bank balance
- Mismatched travel dates
- Passport validity under 6 months
- Incomplete or inconsistent information
- Applying too close to the travel date
Full details: Thailand eVisa Rejection Reasons for Indians — And How to Avoid Them.
For Travel Agents: Applying Thailand Visa for Your Clients
- Apply at least 4 weeks before travel — last-minute applications are the #1 cause of rejections
- Maintain a standard client document checklist and verify formats before uploading
- Confirm every client completes their TDAC — this is your responsibility to communicate
- For clients staying 30 days or less, visa exemption applies — no eVisa needed, just the TDAC
- For family groups, ensure each member has correct bank statements
Vismora handles Thailand visa applications on behalf of travel agents across India. Partner with Vismora to offer hassle-free visa processing to your clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thailand visa-free for Indians in 2026?
Yes, for stays up to 30 days. The visa-free period was reduced from 60 to 30 days effective September 15, 2026. All visitors must complete the free TDAC before arrival.
How long does it take to get a Thailand eVisa for Indians?
Typically 3–10 working days. Apply at least 4 weeks before travel.
Can I apply for Thailand eVisa on arrival?
Visa on Arrival (VOA) is available but allows only 15 days. For longer stays, apply online before travel at thaievisa.go.th.
What is the TDAC and is it mandatory?
TDAC is a mandatory free digital form for all travelers, replacing the old TM6 card. Complete it within 3 days before arrival at tdac.immigration.go.th.
How much does a Thailand eVisa cost for Indians?
Single Entry ₹3,000, Multiple Entry ₹13,500 (revised April 2026). Service charges apply additionally if using a visa agency.
Need help with Thailand visa applications? Register with Vismora — India’s B2B visa processing partner for travel companies.
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