Thailand Visa Rules 2026: What Indian Travellers Need To Know

Thailand has long been a favourite overseas escape for Indian travellers, frequently topping booking charts through 2025 thanks to its affordability and a flight time of barely four to five hours. There’s now further incentive to plan a trip: as of April 2026, Indian tourists can enter Thailand visa-free for stays of up to 60 days, removing the need for a tourist visa for short holidays.

Visa-Free Entry And Arrival Formalities

For short holidays, the biggest shift is the visa-free allowance. Indian travellers visiting Thailand for up to 60 days can enter without paying any visa fee, as long as the trip is for tourism. In place of the usual visa process, travellers need to fill out the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 72 hours before arrival—a small pre-departure step that replaces much of the earlier paperwork.

Updated Visa Fees For Longer Or Specific Stays

For those who don’t fall under the visa-free bracket, the revised fee structure—rolled out via the Royal Thai Embassy—is now in place. A single-entry tourist visa is priced at around INR 3,000, while a multiple-entry visa valid for six months costs roughly INR 13,500. Other categories, such as the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), sit higher at about INR 30,000.

There’s also a separate proposal in the works: a 300 Thai baht air traveller entry fee, which, if implemented, would apply regardless of visa status.

Apart from standard tourist visa options, Thailand has also revised pricing across longer-stay and specialist visa types. Non-immigrant visas now start at around INR 7,000. The SMART Visa, aimed at professionals, investors and start-ups, sits much higher, generally between INR 30,000 and INR 1.2 lakh depending on the category and validity. The Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa is at the top end of the range, around INR 1.4 lakh, and is meant for extended stays under stricter eligibility rules.

Key Changes

• A 300 THB entry charge for air arrivals in Thailand has been discussed, but it’s been delayed several times and is still not fully in force.

• Before arrival, travellers now have to submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). No form, no entry.

• If you’re staying longer than 60 days, an extension at immigration costs 1,900 THB.

• Visa and consular fees at the Royal Thai Embassy were revised from 27 April 2026.

• Costs can still shift a bit depending on exchange rates or consulate updates, so checking official details before applying is still the safe option.

• Legalisation services are capped at INR 1,400 in Thailand.

• Passport fees in India are INR 3,000 for 5 years, INR 4,000 for 10 years, INR 550 for emergency issue, and INR 300 for endorsement. These changes are not linked to Visa on Arrival rules. The 60-day visa-free entry for Indian travellers to Thailand remains unchanged. This applies to tourism and short business visits, with no visa fee during the period.

• Stays beyond 60 days require an e-visa through Thailand’s official system.

• Fee revisions and the TDAC requirement from Royal Thai Embassy apply from April 27, 2026.

FAQs

Is Thailand visa-free for Indians in 2026?
Yes. Indian passport holders can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days for tourism and short business visits.

Is there any visa fee for short stays?
No visa fee applies during the 60-day visa-free period.

What is the TDAC form?
It is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card that must be completed online before arrival.

Do I need proof of funds?
Yes, travellers may be asked to show around 10,000–20,000 THB per person.

What happens after 60 days?
An extension is possible, or an e-visa is required through the official system.

Has the 300 THB entry fee started?
It has been proposed for Thailand but is not fully implemented yet.