Last updated on June 15, 2026
Reviewed by ThaiLawOnline’s immigration team, licensed Thai lawyers practising in Thailand since 2006.
Thailand is one of the most popular destinations for Indian travellers. The entry rules changed in 2026, and there is one big shift to understand before you book. Thailand stopped the free entry visa for Indians in May 2026 and is moving to the Visa on Arrival (VOA) category, which permits a stay of up to 15 days for Indian citizens. Thailand is transitioning to a system where you register, get approved, and possibly pay online before you fly. Here is how the Thailand Visa for Indians works now, how long you can stay, and what you need at the border.
2026 is a transition year. Rules and fees are changing fast. Always confirm the current requirement on the official Thai e-Visa and ETA portals before you book. This guide explains the system so you know what to check.
Do Indians need a visa for Thailand in 2026?
Make sure to understand the Thailand Visa for Indians requirements to ensure a smooth entry into the country.
For tourism, Indian passport holders still do not need a traditional consular visa. India was on Thailand’s visa-exemption list from that applied in May 2026. They could get up to 60 days for a tourist stay, with no visa fee. But “visa-free” no longer means “just show up.” Pre-arrival steps now apply.
- TDAC, mandatory now. The Thailand Digital Arrival Card. You complete it online within 72 hours before arrival. It is free.
- ETA, rolling out. The Electronic Travel Authorization is an online approval you apply for before you fly. It is designed to be free, but you must register and be approved in advance. Treat it as a required step and apply once it is live for your travel date.
- Arrival fee, proposed. Thailand has approved in principle a 300 THB entry fee for air arrivals. It has been delayed more than once. Check whether it applies on your travel date.
The practical message for 2026 is simple. You may not need a visa, but you do need to register, get approved, and possibly pay before you travel. Do not assume you can board without these steps. Do note that we are making this article on 15th June 2026 when all the rules are still not clear.
How long can Indians stay in Thailand?
Up to 60 days on the tourist exemption. This was raised from the older 30-day stamp. You can usually extend once at a local immigration office for 30 more days. The extension fee is about 1,900 THB. However, there are some confusion in June 2026 because this was changed only in May 2026. Visa on Arrival is normally 15 days.
Visa exemption vs ETA vs e-Visa: which is which?
- Visa exemption lets Indian tourists enter for up to 60 days without a consular visa. (Still applicable in June 2026)
- ETA is not a visa. It is a pre-travel approval tied to the exemption. You register online and get a green light to board.
- e-Visa is the online visa you apply for when you need something the exemption does not cover, such as a longer stay, work, study, or business.
Entry requirements for Indian travellers
- A passport valid for at least 6 months with blank pages
- Proof of onward or return travel
- Proof of accommodation for your stay
- Evidence of sufficient funds if requested
- A submitted Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), plus an approved ETA once it is required
Staying longer: visa options for Indians
If a short tourist stay is not enough, Indian nationals can choose from Thailand’s longer-stay visas:
- Tourist visa (TR) for a longer holiday than the exemption allows.
- Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), a multi-year option for remote workers and digital nomads.
- Non-Immigrant visas for business, work, study, marriage, or retirement.
Not sure which fits? Try our Thai Visa Finder or book a consultation with our immigration team.
Common mistakes Indian travellers make
- Skipping the TDAC. It is required for everyone, every entry.
- Assuming “visa-free” means no paperwork. You still register and get approved before you fly.
- No proof of onward travel. Airlines and immigration can ask for it.
- Overstaying the 60 days. Overstays are fined per day and recorded against you.
Frequently asked questions
Is Thailand visa free for Indians in 2026?
Yes for tourism. Indians get up to 60 days without a consular visa and pay no visa fee. But you must complete the TDAC, register for the ETA once it applies, and possibly pay a small arrival fee. Confirm the current rules before you book because rules are changing and it was announced in May 2026 that visa on arrival would be needed.
Do Indians need approval before flying to Thailand?
Increasingly, yes. Thailand is moving to pre-arrival registration and approval through the TDAC and the new ETA. Apply before you travel and check the official portal for your date.
How many days can Indians stay in Thailand?
Up to 60 days on the tourist exemption, usually extendable once for 30 more days for about 1,900 THB. Will be 15 days when new rules are applied.
Is there an entry fee for Thailand?
A 300 THB arrival fee for air travellers has been approved in principle but repeatedly delayed. Check whether it is in force on your travel date.
Do Indians need to fill out the TDAC?
Yes. The Thailand Digital Arrival Card is mandatory for all foreign arrivals and is submitted online within 72 hours before arrival.
Can Indians get a long-term visa for Thailand?
Yes. Options include a longer tourist visa, the multi-year DTV for remote workers, and Non-Immigrant visas for business, work, study, marriage, or retirement.
General information only, and visa policy is changing quickly in 2026. Verify current rules on the official Thai e-Visa and ETA portals, and contact us for tailored advice.
Sebastien H. Brousseau, LL.B., B.Sc. Founder and Managing Partner at ThaiLawOnline. A Canadian lawyer with over 30 years of practice, Mr. Brousseau has been living in Thailand since 2004. He has successfully served 5,000+ client matters for expats and Thais. His areas of focus include Prenuptial Agreements, Family Law, Property Law, Corporate Law, Litigation, Criminal Defense, and Immigration. Admitted to the Bar of Quebec and the International Bar Association, Mr. Brousseau also holds degrees in Criminology and Political Science. He was the founder of Isaan Lawyers (Managing Director 2007-2022) and one of the first foreign lawyers in Isaan. He has written more than 500 legal articles in his career. Our team has 20 years in practice, focus on expat work. All advice and representation are delivered through licensed members of the Lawyers Council of Thailand.