Quick answer
Indian ordinary passport holders can visit Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, under the exemption that took effect on 15 September 2026. The earlier 60-day allowance has ended. You must complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card online within 72 hours before arrival, and carry a return ticket, hotel bookings and about THB 20,000 (₹54,000) in funds per person.
At a glance
- Visa type
- Visa exemption for tourism (no visa needed)
- Stay allowed
- Up to 30 days per entry
- Fee
- Free; the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is also free
- Processing
- No visa processing; file the TDAC within 72 hours before arrival
- Validity
- Granted at entry
- Apply at
- Official portal
Documents checklist
- Passport valid for at least six months from arrival
- TDAC confirmation (QR code) submitted within 72 hours before landing
- Confirmed return or onward ticket within 30 days
- Hotel bookings for the whole stay
- Proof of funds: THB 20,000 (₹54,000) per person or THB 40,000 (₹1,08,000) per family, in cash or equivalent
- Printed day-by-day itinerary, especially for groups
- Travel insurance with medical cover (strongly advised)
Common mistakes that get Indians refused
- Articles promising 60 days visa-free are out of date; the stay for Indians is now 30 days.
- Fill the TDAC only on the official Thai immigration portal; lookalike sites charge a fee for a free form.
- Groups should carry individual documents; officers can question each member separately.
- Visa exemption is for tourism only; anyone travelling for a job offer must get the correct visa.
- A return ticket dated after day 30 can get you offloaded by your airline in India.
Do Indians need a visa for Thailand?
No, for holidays of up to 30 days. Thailand's Ministry of Interior notified a 30-day visa exemption for Indian ordinary passport holders travelling for tourism, effective 15 September 2026, and the Indian Embassy in Bangkok issued an advisory confirming it.
What changed in 2026?
From July 2024, Indians enjoyed 60 days visa-free. In May 2026 the Thai Cabinet decided to end that, and India was briefly slated to move to a 15-day visa on arrival. On 14 July 2026 the Cabinet reversed course and placed India on the 30-day exemption list, which started on 15 September 2026. If you see older guides quoting 60 days, ignore them.
How to enter, step by step
- Book a return ticket that leaves within 30 days.
- Book hotels for every night; officers sometimes ask for the address of the first night.
- Within 72 hours before landing, fill in the Thailand Digital Arrival Card on the official portal and save the QR code.
- Carry the funds: THB 20,000 (₹54,000) per person or THB 40,000 (₹1,08,000) per family, in cash, forex card or a mix.
- At Bangkok, Phuket or Krabi, join the foreign passport queue with your passport, TDAC and return ticket.
What officers actually check
Most families and couples are stamped in within a minute. Checks are tighter for young men in groups, first-time travellers and anyone with vague plans. Officers ask about the hotel, the return date and sometimes the cash. Have printed bookings in hand, not just screenshots.
Families, seniors and longer stays
Every traveller needs a TDAC, including children; one adult can fill them in for the family. Seniors should carry their medicines in original packaging with prescriptions. If you need more than 30 days, the stay can usually be extended once at a Thai immigration office for a fee of about THB 1,900 (₹5,100), or you can apply for a Thai e-visa before travel.
For a 5–7 night Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket or Krabi trip, the 30-day exemption is more than enough. The cash rule is the one people forget; we suggest carrying part of it on a forex card.
For budgets and timing, see the Thailand trip cost guide, the best time to visit Thailand and things to do in Thailand. Load baht from our foreign exchange desk, and contact our visa assistance team for longer stays.
Frequently asked questions
Is Thailand still visa-free for Indians in 2026?
How much cash do Indians need to enter Thailand?
What is the TDAC and when should I fill it?
Can I extend my 30-day stay in Thailand?
Is visa on arrival available for Indians in Thailand?
How we checked this page
Last reviewed
Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.
