How to Get Thailand Visa from India — Complete 2026 Guide (Big Change: 60-Day Visa-Free Now Active)
How to get Thailand visa from India in 2026 has a completely different answer than it did even three months ago — and most Indian travelers searching this question right now do not yet know why. Effective February 13, 2026, the Thai Cabinet officially upgraded Indian passport holders from a 30-day Visa on Arrival system to full 60-day visa-free entry, placing India on Thailand’s prestigious “Form 60” exemption list that covers 93 nationalities. The old THB 2,000 (approximately ₹4,700) airport fee is gone. The long immigration queues at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport for Indian travelers are gone. The advance paperwork is largely gone.
What has replaced all of that is simpler, faster, and significantly more generous — but it comes with one new mandatory step (the Thailand Digital Arrival Card, or TDAC) and a few important rules that every Indian traveler must understand before booking their flight. This guide covers absolutely everything: the new 2026 visa-free policy in full detail, the TDAC step-by-step process, what to do if you need to stay longer than 60 days, what happens if you overstay, the visa-run crackdown that affects long-term visitors, and everything else that helps you travel to Thailand from India in 2026 without a single paperwork problem.
Thailand Visa for Indians 2026 — The New System at a Glance
| Detail | Old System (until Feb 12, 2026) | New System (from Feb 13, 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Visa type | Visa on Arrival (VOA) | Visa Exemption (Visa-Free) |
| Stay duration | 30 days | 60 days |
| Extension option | Not standard | One-time 30-day extension available inside Thailand |
| Maximum stay possible | 30 days | 90 days (60 + 30-day extension) |
| Fee at airport | THB 2,000 (~₹4,700) | Zero — completely free |
| Airport queue | Separate VOA counter — 45 mins to 2 hrs in peak season | Standard immigration e-gate — much faster |
| Advance application needed | No | No — but TDAC mandatory 72 hrs before departure |
| Exemption category | Visa on Arrival list | Form 60 — same as UK, France, Germany, Japan |
| Valid at | 4 international airports only | All international airports, land borders, seaports |
| Purpose covered | Tourism only | Tourism, short-term business, family visits, medical treatment |
The TDAC — Thailand Digital Arrival Card — Complete Guide for Indians
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is the one new mandatory requirement that replaced the old paper TM.6 arrival card. All foreign nationals, including Indian passport holders traveling on visa-free status, must complete the TDAC before boarding their flight to Thailand. Airlines will deny check-in without the TDAC QR confirmation code — this is not optional and is not something you can complete at the airport.
Everything You Need to Know About the TDAC
| TDAC Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Official website | tdac.boi.go.th (Thailand’s official TDAC portal) — use this only. Several third-party sites charge fees for the same free process |
| Cost | Completely free — no charge for Indian passport holders |
| When to complete | Between 72 hours and 3 days before your flight departure time. Not earlier, not at the airport. Set a reminder for 3 days before your travel date |
| Time required | 10 to 15 minutes — straightforward form similar to Singapore’s SG Arrival Card |
| What information is needed | Full name (as in passport), passport number and expiry date, nationality, flight details (flight number, departure city, arrival airport), accommodation address in Thailand (hotel name and address), health status declaration (brief) |
| What you receive | A QR code sent to your registered email address — save it as a screenshot or printout |
| When to show it | At check-in counter at Indian airport (airline verifies before boarding) and at Thai immigration on arrival |
| Who must complete it | Every person traveling to Thailand including children — one TDAC per passenger, not per family |
| Exemptions | Transit passengers not passing through Thai immigration, holders of valid Border Pass at land borders |
Step-by-Step TDAC Application Process for Indians
- Go to the official portal — Open tdac.boi.go.th in your browser. Select English as your language. Click “Apply for TDAC.” Do not use any other website — several unofficial sites charge ₹300 to ₹1,500 for this completely free process.
- Enter your passport details — Full name exactly as printed in your passport, passport number, nationality (India), date of birth, and passport expiry date. Double-check every character — a mismatch with your passport at immigration causes delays.
- Enter your travel details — Flight number, departure airport (e.g., DEL, BOM, BLR), Thai arrival airport (BKK for Suvarnabhumi, DMK for Don Mueang, HKT for Phuket, CNX for Chiang Mai), and your intended arrival date.
- Enter your Thailand accommodation — Hotel name and full address where you will be staying in Thailand. If you have multiple hotels across different cities during your trip, enter the first accommodation. If staying with friends or family, enter their Thailand address.
- Complete the health declaration — A brief yes/no health status section regarding serious communicable diseases. Answer honestly and straightforwardly — this is a standard entry requirement.
- Review all details carefully — Check name, passport number, and flight details one more time before submitting. Corrections require a new application.
- Submit and save your QR code — On submission, a QR code is sent to your registered email. Screenshot it immediately and save it in an offline accessible location. Print a copy if you prefer. You will show this at check-in in India and at Thai immigration on arrival.
Documents Required at Thai Immigration — What to Carry
Even though there is no visa required, Thai immigration officers can and do ask for supporting documents from visa-free travelers. Being prepared with all of these means a smooth 2 to 3 minute immigration process rather than being pulled aside for additional checks.
| Document | Specification | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Valid Indian Passport | Minimum 6 months validity beyond your intended departure date from Thailand | Immigration will refuse entry if passport expires within 6 months of your Thailand departure date — not your arrival date |
| TDAC QR Code | Printed copy or clearly visible screenshot on your phone | Mandatory — immigration scans the QR code to verify your pre-arrival declaration |
| Return or Onward Ticket | Confirmed flight booking showing departure from Thailand | Immigration verifies you plan to leave within 60 days. Digital booking confirmation on your phone is acceptable |
| Proof of Accommodation | Hotel booking confirmation for at least first few nights | Spot checks at Thai immigration — have hotel name and address immediately accessible |
| Proof of Funds | Minimum THB 10,000 per person (~₹23,500) or THB 20,000 per family (~₹47,000) | Officers may ask for bank statement, international debit/credit card, or cash. This is a legal requirement — not just a suggestion |
| Travel Insurance | Not mandatory but strongly recommended | Medical costs in Thailand without insurance can be very high. A basic 7-day policy costs ₹600–₹1,200 from Indian insurers |
Flights from India to Thailand — Complete Route and Fare Guide 2026
| Indian City | Thai Destination | Route | Flight Time | Round-Trip (Budget) | Airlines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi (DEL) | Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) | Direct | ~4 hr | ₹12,000–₹22,000 | IndiGo, Air India, Thai Airways |
| Mumbai (BOM) | Bangkok (BKK) | Direct | ~4 hr 30 min | ₹13,000–₹24,000 | IndiGo, Air India, Thai AirAsia |
| Bengaluru (BLR) | Bangkok (BKK) / Phuket (HKT) | Direct | ~4 hr / ~4 hr 20 min | ₹12,000–₹22,000 | IndiGo, Thai AirAsia, Air India |
| Kolkata (CCU) | Bangkok (BKK) | Direct | ~2 hr 45 min | ₹10,000–₹18,000 | IndiGo, Thai Airways, Vistara |
| Chennai (MAA) | Bangkok (BKK) | Direct | ~3 hr 30 min | ₹11,000–₹20,000 | IndiGo, Thai Airways |
| Ahmedabad (AMD) | Bangkok (BKK) | Direct / 1 stop | ~4 hr 30 min | ₹11,000–₹20,000 | IndiGo, Air India |
| Hyderabad (HYD) | Bangkok (BKK) | Direct | ~4 hr | ₹12,000–₹22,000 | IndiGo, Thai AirAsia |
| Kochi (COK) | Bangkok (BKK) | 1 stop | ~6–7 hr | ₹12,000–₹20,000 | IndiGo, Air India |
The 30-Day Extension — How to Extend Your Thailand Stay
If you want to stay in Thailand beyond your initial 60-day visa-free entry, the one-time 30-day extension is available — giving you a maximum continuous stay of 90 days without leaving the country. Here is the exact process.
| Extension Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Maximum extension | 30 days (one time only per visa-free entry) |
| Maximum total stay | 90 days (60 + 30) |
| Where to apply | Any Thai Immigration Office — Bangkok (Chaeng Wattana and Laksi), Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Koh Samui, and all major tourist areas |
| When to apply | Before your original 60-day stamp expires — apply 7 to 10 days before expiry to be safe. Do not wait until the last day |
| Fee | THB 1,900 (~₹4,500) — payable at the immigration office in cash |
| Documents required | Passport, completed TM.7 extension form (available at immigration office), one 4×6 cm passport photo, proof of current Thailand address (hotel receipt or rental agreement) |
| Processing time | Same day in most cases — 1 to 3 hours at the immigration office |
| Discretionary | Yes — immigration officers can refuse the extension at their discretion, though this is rare for legitimate tourists |
What If You Need to Stay Longer Than 90 Days? — Long-Stay Visa Options
For Indian travelers who need to stay in Thailand beyond 90 days — digital nomads, those on extended business assignments, medical treatment patients, or retirees — the visa-free system will not cover your needs. Here are the legitimate long-stay visa options available through the Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi.
| Visa Type | Duration | Best For | Requirements | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa (TR) | 60 days (extendable 30 more) | Travelers wanting a visa stamp for multiple entries or who prefer a visa over exemption | Passport, photos, bank statement, flight booking, hotel booking | THB 2,000 (~₹4,700) at embassy |
| Non-Immigrant B (Business) | 90 days per entry | Business meetings, corporate work (not local employment) | Invitation letter from Thai company, business registration documents | THB 2,000 single / THB 5,000 multiple entry |
| Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) | 5 years (180 days/entry) | Digital nomads, remote workers, freelancers — officially launched 2024 | Proof of remote work income (minimum THB 500,000 / ~₹11.8 lakh per year), health insurance | THB 10,000 (~₹23,500) |
| Non-Immigrant O-A (Retirement) | 1 year (renewable) | Retired Indian nationals aged 50+ | Age 50+, proof of funds (THB 800,000 ~₹18.8 lakh in Thai bank), no criminal record | THB 2,000 |
| Non-Immigrant ED Plus | Based on enrollment | Students, combined study and work stays | Enrollment letter from Thai educational institution | THB 2,000 |
How to Apply for a Thailand Visa at the Thai Embassy in India
For any visa type beyond the visa-free exemption, you must apply at the Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi or the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Mumbai or Kolkata. Here is the process:
- Check the official requirements — Visit thaiembassy.in (Royal Thai Embassy, New Delhi) or thaiconsulate-mumbai.com for the specific documents required for your visa type. Requirements vary by visa category.
- Prepare your documents — Standard requirements for most tourist and business visas include: valid passport (6+ months), recent passport-sized photos (4×6 cm, white background), completed visa application form (downloadable from embassy website), bank statement for last 3 months, flight booking confirmation, hotel booking or invitation letter, and income proof.
- Book an appointment — Walk-in applications are not accepted. Book an appointment through the embassy website for New Delhi or consulate website for Mumbai and Kolkata. Peak season (October to February) appointments can be 1 to 2 weeks away.
- Submit your application — Attend your appointment, submit documents, pay the visa fee in Indian Rupees equivalent at the embassy counter.
- Wait for processing — Standard tourist visa processing takes 3 to 5 working days. Business and long-stay visas may take 5 to 10 working days.
- Collect your passport — Collect in person or by courier (if the embassy offers courier return service at your time of application).
| Thai Embassy / Consulate | City | Contact | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Thai Embassy | New Delhi | thaiembassy.in | All India (primary) |
| Royal Thai Consulate-General | Mumbai | thaiconsulate-mumbai.com | Maharashtra, Gujarat, MP, Goa |
| Royal Thai Consulate-General | Kolkata | thaiconsulatekolkata.com | West Bengal, Northeast India, Bihar, Odisha |
The Visa-Run Crackdown — Critical Information for Long-Stay Indian Travelers
This is the section that affects a specific group of Indian travelers — those who were using the old visa-on-arrival system to do frequent “border hops” to extend their Thailand stay indefinitely by exiting briefly and re-entering. Thailand’s Immigration Bureau issued new enforcement instructions in late 2025 that are now being actively implemented alongside the new 60-day visa-free policy.
If you are a digital nomad, remote worker, or long-stay traveler who wants to spend extended periods in Thailand, the correct solution is the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) — specifically designed for this purpose, valid for 5 years, and allowing 180-day stays per entry. It requires proof of remote work income and health insurance but eliminates any immigration scrutiny around length of stay.
Overstay Penalties in Thailand — What Happens If You Stay Too Long
| Overstay Duration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 90 days | THB 500 per day (~₹1,175/day) | Fine payable at immigration on departure |
| 90 days to 1 year | THB 500 per day up to THB 20,000 maximum (~₹47,000) | Maximum fine capped at THB 20,000 + possible detention |
| More than 1 year | THB 20,000 maximum fine | Deportation + 1-year entry ban from Thailand |
| More than 3 years | THB 20,000 + deportation | 5-year entry ban from Thailand |
| More than 5 years | THB 20,000 + deportation | 10-year entry ban from Thailand |
The message is simple: track your entry date carefully, apply for an extension before your 60 days expire if you want to stay longer, and leave before your permitted period ends. Thailand’s immigration system is computerized and cross-references all entry and exit records automatically. There is no grace period and the fines are enforced consistently at every departure point.
Best Destinations in Thailand for Indian Tourists
| Destination | Known For | Best For | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | Grand Palace, Wat Pho, street food, shopping malls, nightlife, Chao Phraya river | First-time visitors, city lovers, shoppers, foodies | November–February |
| Phuket | Patong Beach, Phi Phi Islands, water sports, island hopping, seafood | Beach holidays, couples, water sports enthusiasts | November–April |
| Chiang Mai | Doi Suthep temple, elephant sanctuaries, night bazaar, Thai cooking classes, trekking | Culture seekers, trekkers, families, long-stay travelers | November–February |
| Krabi / Ao Nang | Railay Beach (accessible only by boat), rock climbing, Four Islands tour, limestone cliffs | Adventure travelers, beach lovers, photographers | November–April |
| Koh Samui | Full Moon Party (nearby Koh Phangan), Chaweng Beach, luxury resorts, spa culture | Party travelers, honeymooners, luxury seekers | December–March |
| Pattaya | Sanctuary of Truth, water parks, Coral Island, close to Bangkok (2 hr drive) | Group trips, weekend getaways from Bangkok | November–March |
| Koh Lanta | Long beaches, laid-back atmosphere, diving, mangroves, less crowded than Phuket | Budget travelers, solo travelers, divers | November–April |
Complete Thailand Trip Cost from India — 7-Day Budget Guide
| Expense | Budget Style | Mid-Range Style |
|---|---|---|
| Return flights from India | ₹10,000–₹16,000 | ₹16,000–₹28,000 |
| Thailand visa / entry fee | Free (visa-exempt from Feb 2026) | Free |
| TDAC application | Free | Free |
| Accommodation (6 nights) | ₹4,800–₹8,400 (hostels / budget hotels) | ₹12,000–₹25,000 (3-star hotels / resorts) |
| Food (7 days) | ₹2,100–₹3,500 (street food + local restaurants) | ₹5,000–₹9,000 (mix of restaurants) |
| Local transport (Grab, BTS, boats) | ₹2,000–₹3,500 | ₹4,000–₹7,000 |
| Activities, entry fees, island trips | ₹2,500–₹4,500 | ₹5,000–₹10,000 |
| Travel insurance | ₹600–₹1,000 | ₹1,000–₹1,800 |
| Total (7 days, including flights) | ₹22,000–₹37,000 | ₹43,000–₹81,000 |
Best Time to Visit Thailand from India
| Season | Months | Weather | Crowds and Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cool Season | November–February | Dry, sunny, 25–32°C, low humidity | Peak — highest prices, advance booking essential | Best overall — ideal weather across all regions |
| Hot Season | March–May | Very hot — 33–38°C, humid, Songkran in April | High season for Songkran (April 13–15), moderate otherwise | Good — cheaper than Nov–Feb except Songkran week |
| Rainy / Green Season | June–October | Monsoon on west coast and central, east coast (Koh Samui) dry June–Sept | Lowest prices, fewer tourists, lush green scenery | Good for budget travel and Chiang Mai. East coast beaches excellent June–September |
Final Verdict
How to get Thailand visa from India in 2026 has the simplest answer of any year in recent memory — you do not need one. The Thai government’s decision to place Indian passport holders on the prestigious Form 60 visa-exemption list, effective February 13, 2026, is the most significant positive change for Indian travelers to Thailand in a generation. Sixty days visa-free, extendable to ninety, with zero fees, zero embassy visits, and nothing but a quick TDAC registration between you and one of Asia’s greatest travel destinations.
The one thing every Indian traveler to Thailand must do now is complete the TDAC at least 72 hours before departure. That single step — 15 minutes, completely free, done from your phone — is the entire administrative requirement for entering Thailand. Everything after that is about the destination itself: Bangkok’s organized chaos, Phuket’s extraordinary sea, Chiang Mai’s mountain temples, and the particular pleasure of a country that does tourism exceptionally well and is now, for Indian travelers, more accessible than it has ever been.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Indians need a visa for Thailand in 2026?
No. Effective February 13, 2026, Indian passport holders are visa-exempt for Thailand and can enter for up to 60 days without any prior visa application, embassy appointment, or entry fee. India has been added to Thailand’s “Form 60” visa-exemption list covering 93 nationalities. The only mandatory pre-arrival requirement is completing the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) at tdac.boi.go.th at least 72 hours before departure. This is a free and straightforward online form that takes 10 to 15 minutes.
What is the TDAC and is it mandatory for Indians visiting Thailand?
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is a mandatory electronic pre-arrival registration form that has replaced the old paper TM.6 arrival card. Every foreign national — including all Indian passport holders — must complete the TDAC at tdac.boi.go.th between 72 hours and 3 days before their scheduled flight departure. The form collects passport details, flight information, accommodation address in Thailand, and a brief health declaration. Airlines will deny boarding without the TDAC QR code confirmation. The process is completely free and takes 10 to 15 minutes.
How long can Indians stay in Thailand without a visa in 2026?
Indians can stay in Thailand for up to 60 days per entry under the new visa-exemption policy effective February 13, 2026. An additional one-time 30-day extension is available by applying at any Thai Immigration Office in Thailand before the 60-day period expires, at a fee of THB 1,900 (approximately ₹4,500). The maximum total continuous stay is therefore 90 days without leaving Thailand. Indians making a third consecutive back-to-back entry within 180 days may face increased scrutiny from immigration officers under Thailand’s new anti-visa-run enforcement policy.
What documents do Indians need to enter Thailand?
Indian nationals entering Thailand under the visa-free policy need: a valid Indian passport with at least 6 months remaining validity, the TDAC QR code (completed at tdac.boi.go.th before departure), a confirmed return or onward flight ticket, proof of Thailand accommodation (hotel booking), and proof of sufficient funds — THB 10,000 per person or THB 20,000 per family (approximately ₹23,500 and ₹47,000 respectively), demonstrable via bank statement, credit card, or cash. Travel insurance is not mandatory but strongly recommended.
What is the fine for overstaying in Thailand?
Thailand charges THB 500 (approximately ₹1,175) per day for overstaying, up to a maximum fine of THB 20,000 (approximately ₹47,000) for longer overstays. Overstays beyond 90 days can result in detention and deportation. Overstays beyond 1 year result in a 1-year entry ban, overstays beyond 3 years result in a 5-year ban, and overstays beyond 5 years result in a 10-year ban from Thailand. Always track your entry date and leave before your permitted stay expires. Apply for the 30-day extension before expiry if you need more time.
Is Thailand visa-free for Indians permanent or temporary?
The current 60-day visa-free policy for Indians is classified as “valid until further notice” — meaning it is indefinite but not permanently legislated. Thailand reviews its visa-exemption schemes periodically. The previous 30-day exemption was in place for over 2 years before being upgraded to 60 days in February 2026. While the policy may be reviewed in the future, Thailand’s government has explicitly linked the current scheme to strengthening tourism and bilateral ties with India — making a sudden reversal unlikely in the near term. Always verify current entry requirements at the Royal Thai Embassy website (thaiembassy.in) before booking your trip.
Can Indians work in Thailand on a visa-free entry?
No. The 60-day visa-free entry covers tourism, short-term business meetings (not employment), family visits, and medical treatment — it does not permit work or employment in Thailand. Taking up any form of paid employment while on visa-exempt status is illegal in Thailand and can result in arrest, fines, deportation, and future entry bans. Indian nationals who want to work remotely from Thailand on a legal long-term basis should apply for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) — a 5-year, 180-day per entry visa specifically designed for digital nomads and remote workers, available through the Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi.