Thailand is the single highest-volume Asian destination for Indian travellers — over 1.7 million Indians visited in 2024, and the number continues to climb in 2025–26. The combination of direct flight connectivity from every major Indian city, currency advantages, beach-and-city diversity, Buddhist heritage, and one of the most reliable visa pathways in Asia makes Thailand the default international destination for first-time Indian travellers and seasoned ones alike.

Visa-wise, Thailand has gone through several policy phases in recent years. The visa-free pilot for Indians (November 2023 to May 2024) demonstrated Thailand's commitment to making entry simpler. Since then, the policy has shifted back toward paid pathways — but with significantly improved digital options. Today, Indians have three main routes to Thailand: the Thailand eVisa (eVOA) applied for online before travel, the Visa on Arrival (VOA) obtained at the airport, and the standard tourist visa applied for at the Thai Embassy or visa application centre for stays longer than 30 days.

This hub brings together every guide Atlys has on Thailand visas for Indians — eVisa vs VOA decisions, fees, processing realities, the TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) that all travellers must complete, multiple-entry options for frequent visitors, and business and work visa categories for longer-term needs.

Apply for your Thailand eVisa through Atlys — application in under 10 minutes, expert document review, real-time tracking, money-back protection on supported categories, ~99.2% delivery prediction accuracy.

Why Thailand Is the Easiest Major International Destination for Indians

For Indians, Thailand combines all the factors that make a trip easy:

• Direct flights from 15+ Indian cities — Bangkok and Phuket connect to Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Pune, Goa, Jaipur, Lucknow, Trivandrum, and more

• Currency advantage — the rupee buys significantly more in Bangkok and Phuket than in any European city

• Vegetarian-friendly food — abundant vegetarian options and Indian restaurants, especially in tourist areas

• English-friendly tourism infrastructure — signs, menus, and service in English throughout major destinations

• Quick visa processing — eVisa in 3–5 working days, VOA same-day at airport

• Low refusal rate — properly documented applications approve at 95%+

• Multiple destination options — Bangkok for city, Phuket and Krabi for beaches, Chiang Mai for hills, Pattaya for nightlife, Koh Samui for islands

For first-time international travellers from India, Thailand is the most logistically simple, financially comfortable, and visa-friendly major destination available. For experienced travellers, the variety and currency advantage make it a perennial favourite.

What's New for Thailand Visas in 2026

A summary of the most relevant changes for Indian applicants:

• TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) is mandatory for all international travellers, including Indians. Replaces the old TM6 paper card. Must be filled online before arrival.

• Thailand eVisa expanded — Indian travellers can now apply for the eVisa fully online, eliminating the need to queue at the airport for VOA

• Visa-free for Indians ended May 2024 — the temporary visa-free policy that ran November 2023 to May 2024 is no longer active; Indians need either eVisa, VOA, or a standard tourist visa

• VOA fee unchanged at THB 2,000 (~₹4,800) — same as previous years

• eVisa / eVOA fee: THB 2,500 (~₹6,000) for online application; saves airport queue time

• Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa (METV) continues — 6-month validity with multiple entries, 60 days per stay, ideal for frequent visitors

• Thailand Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa continues for high-earning professionals and wealthy retirees

• Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) introduced 2024 — 5-year multiple-entry visa for digital nomads and freelancers from eligible countries (Indians are eligible subject to financial proof)

Thailand Visa Categories for Indians

Thailand eVisa / eVOA (Online — Recommended for Most Tourists)

Apply online before travel. Confirmation emailed; presented at Thai immigration on arrival.

• Fee: THB 2,500 (~₹6,000) via Atlys

• Stay: up to 15 days

• Validity: 30 days from issue date

• Entries: single entry

• Processing: 3–5 working days

• Best for: standard tourist trips under 15 days; travellers who want to skip airport queues

Thailand Visa on Arrival (VOA — Bangkok, Phuket, and Major Airports)

Applied for at the airport upon arrival.

• Fee: THB 2,000 (~₹4,800), payable in cash (Thai Baht)

• Stay: up to 15 days

• Entries: single entry

• Processing: same-day at airport (typically 1–2 hours queue during peak)

• Best for: spontaneous trips, travellers who didn't apply for eVisa in advance

• Required at airport: passport (6+ months validity), return ticket (within 15 days), hotel booking, photograph, ₹20,000+ in funds proof (or family equivalent)

Thailand Tourist Visa (TR — for Stays 30–60 Days)

Applied for in advance through Thai Embassy or visa application centre in India.

• Fee: THB 1,000 (₹2,400) single-entry; THB 5,000 (₹12,000) multiple-entry (METV)

• Single-entry stay: up to 60 days, extendable for another 30 days in Thailand

• Multiple-entry stay: 60 days per entry; 6 months total validity

• Processing: 5–10 working days

• Best for: longer trips, family vacations exceeding 15 days, multi-month travellers

Thailand Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa (METV)

For Indians planning to visit Thailand multiple times within 6 months.

• Fee: THB 5,000 (~₹12,000)

• Validity: 6 months from issue date

• Stay: 60 days per entry; multiple re-entries within validity

• Best for: frequent business visitors, family with relatives in Thailand, snowbird-style multi-month travellers

Thailand Business Visa (Non-Immigrant B)

For Indians visiting Thailand for business activities — meetings, conferences, exploring opportunities. Not for paid employment.

• Fee: THB 2,000 (₹4,800) single-entry; THB 5,000 (₹12,000) multiple-entry

• Validity: 90 days (single) / 1 year (multiple)

• Stay: up to 90 days per entry

• Key requirements: business invitation letter from Thai company, agenda for activities, Indian employer letter

Thailand Work Visa (Non-Immigrant B + Work Permit)

For Indians taking up employment in Thailand. Two-stage process — Non-Immigrant B visa first, then work permit after arrival.

• Visa fee: THB 2,000+ (~₹4,800+)

• Work permit fee: additional, paid by Thai employer

• Processing: visa 5–10 working days; work permit 1–2 weeks after arrival

• Validity: linked to employment contract (typically 1 year, renewable)

Thailand Student Visa (Non-Immigrant ED)

For Indians enrolling in long-term study programs (universities, Thai language schools, vocational courses).

• Fee: THB 2,000 (~₹4,800)

• Validity: course duration, typically 90 days initially with extensions

• Processing: 5–10 working days

Thailand Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant O-A / O-X)

For Indians over 50 wanting to retire in Thailand. Financial requirements substantial.

• Fee: THB 2,000 (~₹4,800)

• Validity: 1 year (O-A) or 5 years (O-X)

• Financial requirement: THB 800,000 in Thai bank or THB 65,000/month income (O-A); higher for O-X

Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) — Digital Nomad Visa

Introduced 2024. For digital nomads, freelancers, and remote workers earning from outside Thailand.

• Fee: THB 10,000 (~₹24,000)

• Validity: 5 years multiple-entry; 180 days per entry, extendable

• Financial requirement: THB 500,000 (~₹12,00,000) in bank or equivalent assets

Thailand Transit Visa

For Indians transiting through Thailand for more than 12 hours or leaving the airport.

• Fee: THB 800 (~₹1,920)

• Validity: 30 days

• Stay: up to 30 days

• Required for: layovers exceeding 12 hours or leaving the international transit area

Thailand Visa Categories at a Glance

A summary of every Thailand visa type Indian applicants might consider, with fees, processing time, allowed stay, and best-fit traveller profile:

• eVisa / eVOA — THB 2,500 (~₹6,000); processed in 3–5 working days; 15-day stay; best for standard tourist trips

• VOA (at airport) — THB 2,000 (~₹4,800); issued same-day at airport; 15-day stay; best for spontaneous trips

• Tourist Visa (TR) — THB 1,000 (~₹2,400); processed in 5–10 working days; 60-day stay (extendable by 30 days); best for longer trips

• Multiple-Entry Tourist (METV) — THB 5,000 (~₹12,000); processed in 5–10 working days; 60-day stay per entry, 6-month total validity; best for frequent visitors

• Business Visa (Non-B) — THB 2,000–5,000; processed in 5–10 working days; 90-day stay per entry; best for business activities

• Work Visa (Non-B + Work Permit) — THB 2,000+; visa in 5–10 working days, work permit after arrival; stay linked to contract duration; best for Thai employment

• Student Visa (Non-ED) — THB 2,000 (~₹4,800); processed in 5–10 working days; stay linked to course duration; best for long-term study

• Retirement Visa (Non-O-A / O-X) — THB 2,000; processed in 5–10 working days; 1-year stay (O-A) or 5-year stay (O-X); best for retirees aged 50+

• DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) — THB 10,000 (~₹24,000); processed in 5–15 working days; 180-day stay per entry, 5-year multiple-entry validity; best for remote workers

• Transit Visa — THB 800 (~₹1,920); processed in 5–10 working days; 30-day stay; best for long layovers

Fees subject to revision. Always verify on the Atlys application page for your specific visa type.

eVisa vs VOA: Which Should You Choose?

A common decision for Indian travellers. Both work, but they suit different profiles:

Choose eVisa (eVOA) if:

• You want to skip airport queues — VOA queues in Bangkok and Phuket can run 1–2 hours during peak

• You're travelling during peak season (December–February, July–August) when airport processing is slowest

• You have time to apply 5+ working days before travel

• You prefer to confirm visa approval before booking flights

• You're travelling with family or elderly parents who'd benefit from skipping queues

Choose VOA (at airport) if:

• Your trip is genuinely spontaneous and you didn't apply in advance

• You arrive at the airport during off-peak hours (early morning, late night)

• You're travelling solo and don't mind queue time

• You want to save the THB 500 (~₹1,200) difference between eVisa and VOA

Atlys recommendation: for almost all cases, the eVisa is the better choice. The small fee difference is offset by predictability — you know your visa is approved before you fly. Visa refusals at the airport (rare but possible) result in deportation back to India at your own cost.

👉 Apply for your Thailand eVisa through Atlys in under 10 minutes →

Featured Guides

Tourist Visas — eVisa & VOA

Thailand Visa for Indians: Complete Guide The comprehensive guide to all Thailand visa options for Indian passport holders — eVisa, VOA, tourist visa, multiple-entry, business, work, student, and dependent visas.

Thailand E-Visa on Arrival for Indians The dedicated guide to applying for Thailand's electronic Visa on Arrival before travel — process, documents, fees, and how to complete the application in under 10 minutes via Atlys.

Thailand Visa on Arrival for Indians: Hassle-Free Option The complete VOA at-airport guide — eligible airports, required documents to carry, fee payment in cash, queue management, and what to expect at immigration.

Different Ways to Apply for Thailand Visa for Indians Comprehensive overview of every Thailand visa route — online via Atlys, VOA at airport, visa application centre in India, Thai Embassy. When each makes sense and how to choose.

Application Process

Thailand eVisa vs VOA: Which Tourist Visa Is Better? Side-by-side comparison of the two main routes — fees, processing time, where to apply, validity, pros and cons. Useful for first-time Thailand visitors deciding their route.

How to Complete the Thailand On Arrival Visa Form Step-by-step form completion guide for the VOA application at the airport — every field, common mistakes, and what to do if your VOA is declined.

Policy & Updates

Thailand Visa-Free Policy for Indians Historical context on Thailand's visa-free pilot for Indians (November 2023 to May 2024), what it covered, and how the policy has evolved since.

Tools

Thailand Visa Application — Apply on Atlys The Atlys application page for Thailand eVisa. Application in under 10 minutes, real-time tracking, money-back protection on supported applications.

TDAC: The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (Mandatory)

Separate from your visa, every traveller to Thailand — including Indians — must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arrival. This is mandatory and replaces the old paper TM6 form.

What TDAC Asks

• Passport details

• Flight number and arrival airport

• Accommodation address in Thailand

• Trip purpose

• Contact information

When to Fill TDAC

• Within 3 days before your scheduled arrival in Thailand

• Free of charge (any site charging you for TDAC is unofficial)

• Confirmation can be saved as a QR code or printout

What Happens If You Don't Fill TDAC

Thai immigration may delay your entry while you fill the form at the airport. This can add 30–60 minutes to your arrival processing during peak periods. Atlys handles TDAC as part of supported Thailand visa applications.

Document Checklist: Thailand Tourist Visa for Indians

For both eVisa and VOA, the same core documents are required:

Identity & Travel

• Valid passport (6+ months from arrival date)

• Recent passport-sized photograph (white background, matte finish)

• Confirmed return flight or onward ticket within 15 days (VOA) / visa validity period

Financial Evidence

• Proof of sufficient funds: THB 20,000 per person or THB 40,000 per family

• Bank statements (last 3 months) or credit card statements

• Cash (for VOA fee payment in Thai Baht)

Accommodation

• Hotel booking confirmation for entire stay (or invitation letter if staying with friends/family)

Application-Specific

• For eVisa: completed online application form, digital photo, digital passport scan, payment

• For VOA: completed paper form (collected at airport), photograph, cash payment

TDAC (separate, mandatory)

• Completed Thailand Digital Arrival Card filed within 3 days before arrival

What Atlys Handles for Thailand Visa Applications

When you apply through Atlys:

• Application in under 10 minutes — passport scan via the Atlys app handles most form fields automatically

• Document review by visa experts — completeness check before submission

• Photo compliance verification — Thai photo specifications met automatically via the Atlys Photo Tool

• Real-time tracking — clear status updates from submission to approval

• eVisa, METV, business visa, and supported categories all available

• AtlysBlack express service — for urgent travel (visa in 1 day with money-back guarantee)

• TDAC handled as part of supported applications

• Money-back protection on supported categories — refund if your supported application is denied

• ~99.2% delivery prediction accuracy on supported categories

• Exclusive MakeMyTrip flight partnership — once your visa is approved, flights are one click away

👉 Apply for your Thailand eVisa with Atlys — under 10 minutes →

When DIY Makes Sense

The Thailand eVisa portal is straightforward and reliable. For confident applicants with simple itineraries (standard tourist trip under 15 days, no special purposes, no prior refusals), self-applying through the official Thai eVOA portal is entirely workable.

VOA at the airport is also a viable DIY route for travellers comfortable with airport processes — though queue times can be substantial during peak periods.

Where Atlys adds the most value is for: METV applications (more complex paperwork), business and work visa categories (require additional documentation), urgent travel (AtlysBlack 1-day service), travellers with prior refusals from any country, or anyone who wants the safety net of money-back protection.

Related Hubs

• Southeast Asia Visa — for combined Thailand + Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia trips

• Vietnam Visa — for Vietnam-specific guidance

• Singapore Visa — for Singapore stopovers

• Schengen Visa — for trips combining Thailand with Europe

• UK Visa — for trips combining Thailand with the UK

Tools You Can Use

• Visa Photo Creator — Thailand-compliant photos in seconds

• Visa Requirements Checker — verify what visa you need

• Visa Rejection Recovery — identify refusal reasons and get a personalised reapplication plan

• Atlys Emergency Helpline — for urgent travel situations

👉 Apply for your Thailand eVisa with Atlys — application in under 10 minutes, money-back protection on supported categories →

This hub is updated regularly. Information is current as of 6 May 2026. Thailand visa rules and fees change — always check the latest Royal Thai Embassy or Thai Immigration Bureau guidance for your specific case. For personalised support, contact Atlys.