Thailand Visa for Indians

Planning a trip to Thailand from India? You will first need to sort your visa applications and prepare for your journey. To enter the country, Indian travellers need a valid visa specific to the purpose of their visit.

The country offers a few Thailand visas for Indian travellers, including the most convenient option - visa on arrival (VoA) for short stays.

While overseas vacations are full of thrill and excitement, do not forget to secure your trip by choosing Reliance General Insurance'stravel insurance for Thailand. With us, you can be assured of peace of mind with comprehensive protection throughout your Thailand trip.

So, let's understand the intricacies of the Thailand visa procedure for Indians, so you have a smooth journey.

Do Indians Need a Thailand Visa for Indians?

As of 15th July 2024, Indian ordinary passport holders are granted a 60-day visa exemption to visit Thailand for tourism, ad-hoc or urgent work or business engagements.

For stays beyond this 60-day limit, Indians need a Thailand visa for Indians to go on a trip. Depending on your trip's nature and purpose, you can choose from various types of visas to apply for. For India, Thailand Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) is also available.

The E-Visa facility is not available for India as of yet (October 2024). Hence, you will need to apply for a visa in person at an authorised Thai Visa Application Centre (VAC), Embassy or Consulate.

The Thailand visa requirements for Indian citizens will vary depending on the type of visa you apply for. Thus, you must check Thai visa for Indians policies before planning your trip, as these can change based on agreements between countries.

Is There a Thailand Visa-on-Arrival for Indians?

Yes, Indian citizens are eligible for a Thailand Visa on Arrival for Indians (VoA) when travelling to Thailand. The Thai visa for Indians on arrival allows a maximum stay of 15 days and is ideal for tourists on short visits. These visas can be applied directly on arrival at Thailand's four major checkpoints' designated counters. They are:

• Suvarnabhumi Airport
• Don Mueang Airport
• Phuket International Airport
• Chiang Mai International Airport

Alternatively, you can apply online through the e-VOA website of Thailand Immigration Bureau. The on-arrival visa for Indians Thailand service is available till 11 November 2024. This has been extended from May 2024 to boost tourism and make travel easier.

Those applying for on-arrival visa in Thailand for Indians can contact the officials for any queries or assistance via email at info.evoath@vfsglobal.com or by calling the e-VOA Service number 022-67866061.

Types of Thailand Visas for Indian Citizens

Thailand Visa Duration for Indian Citizens for Different Types of Visas

Importance of Reliance Travel Insurance for Thailand Visa for Indian Citizens?

Features of Thai Visa for Indians

• Visa Exemption Update: From 15th July 2024 onwards, ordinary Indian passport holders can travel to and stay in Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa for tourism, urgent work or business purposes.
• Application Process: The visa application for Thailand can be made through the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulates or via the online e-Visa system for certain visa types.
• Entry Requirements: Indian citizens need a valid passport (6+ months), return ticket, proof of sufficient funds and, in some cases, travel insurance.
• Number of Entries: Depending on the visa type, applicants can opt for single-entry (one-time visit) or multiple-entry (multiple visits within a specified period).
• Visa on Arrival (VoA): This visa in Thailand for Indians allows you to stay in Thailand for 15-30 days. You can also apply for an extension.
• Processing Time: Thailand visa procedure for Indians typically takes 3-5 business days. However, it can vary depending on the visa category.
• Special Conditions: Certain visas for Indians for Thailand, such as the Non-Immigrant Visa (B), require proof of purpose, like business or educational documents.

Who Needs a Thailand Visa in India?

Thailand Visa for Indians: Factors You Must Know When Applying for a Visa

Processing Time

• Visa on Arrival: Immediate processing at designated airports or checkpoints.
• Other Visa Types: Typically 3-5 working days; plan ahead to avoid delays.

Required Documents

Each type of Thailand visa for Indians requires a different set of documents. For example:

Eligibility Criteria

• Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry.
• Financial proof showing sufficient funds for the entire trip (minimum 20,000 THB per individual).

Financial Proof​​

• Understand the requirements of your specific type of visa application and be prepared with the financial proof accordingly. For example, the admissible proof for a tourist visa and business visa will be different.
• Additionally, the funds required will be different for each type of Thai visa for Indians.

Thai Visa Eligibility for Indian Citizens

Indian citizens applying for a Thailand visa must meet several key eligibility visa requirements for Indian citizens to Thailand:

• Applicants must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into Thailand. The passport should also have at least two blank pages.
• Applicants need to provide financial proof, such as bank statements. This ensures that they have sufficient funds to cover their stay. The minimum requirement of funds varies depending on the visa type; thus, plan accordingly.
• A confirmed travel itinerary, including return flight tickets and accommodation bookings, is essential. This ensures that applicants have planned their stay and departure from Thailand.
• Depending on the visa type, you may need to submit additional documents to prove your purpose to meet the Thailand visa eligibility for Indians. For example, an invitation letter for business travellers or an admission letter for students.
• Some applicants, particularly post-Covid, may be asked to provide proof of travel insurance for Thailand covering medical expenses.

How To Apply for a Thailand Visa for Indian Citizens?

For Ordinary Indian Passport Holders

For stays exceeding the 60-day exemption limit or for specific travel purposes, you will need to apply for a visa. Thailand visa applications for Indians can be completed online via the following steps:

1. Download the Application Form: Download the application form, fill it and submit it through either one of the following online portals:
   1. VFS Global
   2. BLS Internationals
   3. DU Digital Global
2. Determine the Visa Type: Decide which visa type (e.g., tourist, business or education) is appropriate for your travel purpose. You can check your visa type on the official E-Visa website by answering a few questions.
3. Complete the Application Form: Visit either one of the websites above and complete the visa application form online. Alternatively, you can download the form and fill it out manually.
4. Gather the Required Documents: Depending on the type of visa you wish to apply for, the set of documents required will vary. Check the official Thai Embassy's website for details.
5. Book an Appointment: Book an appointment at the nearest Thai VAC, Embassy or Consulate and visit them in person through your preferred portal.
6. Pay Fees: Pay the required fees for the visa Thailand for Indians, which varies based on the visa type (single or multiple entry).

*Note these platforms may also charge a processing/service fee.

Official, Diplomatic Passports and UN Laissez Passer

You can submit a physical application at Gate 1, Royal Thai Embassy, Monday through Friday from 10:30 to 11:30 hrs.

E- Visa on Arrival (VoA) Application

1. Go to the official website of VFS Global to start the application.
   • Note that VFS Global is an authorised service provider for the Thailand Embassy and not the actual Embassy.
2. To start the application process, sign up or create an account. If you already have an account, sign in with your credentials.
3. Provide all the necessary information and upload the required documents.
4. Pay for the Thailand visa price for Indians.
5. Download the E-VOA payment receipt for future reference. You can also opt for an express E-VOA service by paying an additional fee.
6. Track the status of your application and contact the support desk in case of any queries.

Offline Application

• Collect the required documents such as passport, financial proof, travel itinerary and passport-sized photos.
• Visit the nearest Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate with the filled application form and submit the visa for Indians for Thailand documents. These are the following consulates in the country:
  • The Royal Thai Embassy, New Delhi
  • The Royal Thai Consulate-General, Mumbai
  • The Royal Thai Consulate-General, Chennai
  • The Royal Thai Consulate-General, Kolkata
• Pay the fees for Thailand visas for Indians and await the visa processing.

*Note that for both methods, you must submit accurate and complete information to avoid delays or rejections.

Thailand Visa Fees for Indians

*Note: Visa charges for Thailand from India are subject to change at the embassy's discretion. These fees are as of September 2024. To get the latest information about the fee structure, visit the official website.

Documents Required for Thailand Visa for Indians

• Passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months with two blank pages
• Filled out visa application form
• Two coloured recent passport-size (3.5 x 4.5 cm) photographs
• Confirmed tickets in and out of Thailand
• Confirmed hotel/accommodation booking in Thailand under your name
• Itinerary or plan of other trips to Thailand (for tourists)
• Invitation letter along with a copy of the inviter's ID (Thai national) or a copy of the inviter's passport, valid visa and valid work permit (Foreigner)
• Original Bank Passbook or Bank statement (must be attested by the bank) of at least 6 consecutive months with balance as required by your visa application.
• Proof of purpose (such as a letter from employer, school/university, Certificate of Incorporation, etc.)

*Note that these Thai visa documents for Indian citizens are general requirements. Visit the embassy website for detailed information specific to your visa application.

COVID-19 Guidelines for Thailand Visa for Indians

• Vaccination Certificate

  All travellers must provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination as a part of Thai visa COVID rules for Indian citizens. Depending on updated government rules, unvaccinated individuals or those with partial vaccinations may face entry restrictions.

• RT-PCR Test

  In addition to vaccination proof, travellers might be required to present a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure. This helps ensure that those entering Thailand are not carriers of the virus. If you present symptoms related to COVID, you may be asked to take a test before proceeding.

• Impact on Visa Application

  Some visa applications require additional health declarations or insurance covering COVID-19-related treatment. Always check the latest embassy "Thailand visa for Indians COVID rules" before applying.

• Travel Insurance

  Some travellers may be required to show proof of travel insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment and hospitalisation. This is important to avoid any financial burden in case of an infection.

What is the Processing Time for a Thai Visa for Indians?

The standard visa processing time for Indians in Thailand mainly depends on the type of visa you apply for. So, if you are applying for a VoA, it is processed immediately at the respective checkpoints.

For E-VOA applications, you can opt for Express Visa Service to get the E-VOA within 24 hours.

However, for other visa application types, the processing time for Thai visas for Indians is around 4 working days to process your visa application. This does not include the time taken for applying to various processing companies.

How to Track Thailand Visas for Indians?

Tracking Thailand visa applications from India can be done via either of the processing partners chosen to apply through. Here is how to navigate each one to track your application status:

Through VFS Global

1. Go to the official VFS Global website.
2. On the main menu bar, find "Track Your Application".
3. Click on the link to track your application on the page.
4. Enter your passport number and date of birth to proceed.
5. Enter the captcha and proceed. You will be displayed with the current status of your application.

Through BLS Internationals

1. Go to the official website.
2. Find the tab "Application Tracking" on the home page.
3. Enter the application reference number and date of birth to proceed.
4. Agree to the terms and policies and track your status.

Through DU Digital Global

1. Go to the official DU Digital Global website.
2. Click on the "Application Tracking" tab from the main menu.
3. Enter your passport number.
4. Click on "Check" to check the Thailand visa status for Indian citizens.

How to Renew Thailand Visa for Indians?

A lot of the Thailand visa types give you the flexibility to extend the Thai visa validity for Indian citizens if needed, such as the tourist visa and LTR visa. To apply for an extension or visa renewal process for Indian citizens in Thailand, you are required to apply for an Extension of Stay from the Immigration Bureau in Bangkok or near your city.

However, the acceptance of the extension application depends on your visa type, purpose and documents. Upon submission of the application and the required documents, you will have to pay the required fee. The charges depend on the type of visa and extended days.

Common Reasons for Thai Visa Rejection for Indians and Tips to Avoid Them

• Missing information or improperly filled forms can lead to Thailand visa rejection for Indians.
• Submitting incorrect or expired documents like passports or financial proofs may cause delays or denials.
• Failing to provide proof of sufficient funds (e.g., 20,000 THB per individual) is a common reason for rejection.
• Failing to clearly state the purpose of your visit (e.g., tourism, business) can lead to denial.
• Expired passport or is not valid for at least 6 months from your intended entry date.

Tips for Avoiding Thailand Visa Rejections for Indians

• Ensure bank statements or financial guarantees meet the requirements.
• Be clear and provide all the supporting documents required (e.g., itinerary or business invitation).
• Always Review embassy guidelines and the list of required documents carefully before starting the visa application.
• Submit well-organised, up-to-date documents and photographs.
• Double-check all details and ensure every section is complete while filling out the online application form.
• Prepare financial proof that meets requirements.

Things to Know About Thailand for Indian Visitors

Here is some important information for Indians visiting Thailand:

• Thai people place great importance on respect. Always greet others with a polite "wai", and avoid pointing your feet at people or sacred objects.
• Thai food is globally loved, with dishes like Pad Thai and Tom Yum gaining international fame. Street food is abundant, offering a range of flavours from sweet to spicy.
• Taxis, tuk-tuks and the BTS Skytrain are popular ways to get around urban areas like Bangkok. For more adventurous travellers, renting a motorbike is common.
• The Thai Baht (THB) is the official currency. Currency exchanges are widely available at airports and in cities.
• Buddhism is the dominant religion in Thailand, and temples play a major role in everyday life. Be respectful when visiting temples - wear modest clothing and avoid loud/rude behaviour.
• Thai is the official language, but English is widely spoken in major cities and tourist areas. But if you're visiting more rural areas, a key Thailand travel tip for Indians is to learn a few common phrases and words.
• Thailand is generally a safe country, but travellers should remain cautious of scams, especially in tourist-heavy areas and follow these Thailand visitor tips for Indians.

Also Read: ​Tips to Make your Vacation Safe

Best Places to Visit in Thailand

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is it mandatory for me to have travel insurance for Thailand before entering the country?

  No. While it is not a mandatory requirement to apply for a visa to Thailand for Indians, we highly recommend that you get one to secure your trip and protect yourself and your family from unexpected circumstances.

  Reliance General Insurance's Thailand Travel Insurance helps cover medical emergencies, trip delays, financial emergencies and other unforeseen events, ensuring you're financially protected during your stay in Thailand.

• What are the Thai visa requirements for Indians?

  The basic requirements include:

  • A valid passport (minimum of 6 months validity).
  • Proof of income/finance (bank statements).
  • Completed visa application form.
  • Passport-size photos.
  • Confirmed flight tickets and accommodation details.

  Additional documents may be needed depending on the visa type (e.g., invitation letter for business purposes).

• How long does it take to process a Thailand visitor visa for Indians?

  The processing time for most Thailand visas typically ranges from 3 to 5 working days. However, it may take longer, depending on the volume of applications and the specific embassy or consulate handling the application.

  Additionally, this does not cover the time required by authorised visa processing companies.

• What are the Thailand visa fees for Indian citizens?

  The visa fees for Indian citizens vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. For example:

  • Single-entry tourist visa: ₹2,500 - ₹3,000.
  • Multiple-entry tourist visa: ₹12,000 - ₹15,000.
  • Visa on Arrival (VoA): 2,000 THB (approx. ₹4,600).
  ​

  These fees exclude processing charges, which may vary.​
  

• How long can I apply for a Thailand visa-on-arrival for Indians?

  Indian citizens can apply for a Visa on Arrival (VoA) for a maximum stay of 15 days. This visa can be obtained at select immigration checkpoints in Thailand, provided you meet the eligibility criteria. This includes having a valid passport, proof of onward travel and financial proof.

  This facility is available for Indians until 11 November 2024.

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