Edited by: Bhawna Nijhawan
Thailand, also known as the “Land of Smiles,” offers an amazing cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere to tourists from all over the world, including India. In my opinion, Thailand would be the kind of country where you could live forever. If you’re planning to visit Thailand, you may need to apply for an appropriate visa from a Thai embassy or consulate in India before your trip. Here’s what you need to know about the visa requirements for Indian citizens.
Requirements for Applying Tourist Visa to Thailand
It is important to note that visa requirements may vary slightly from country to country. Therefore, I will suggest you check the specific requirements and procedures with the Thai embassy or consulate before applying for a tourist visa. Here are some of the general requirements for Indians obtaining a tourist visa for Thailand:
- You must have a valid passport with a minimum validity of at least six months.
- A visa application form. You have to complete the form accurately and sign it.
- Two recent passport-sized photographs (4 x 6cm) preferably on a white background. Your full face should be visible in the photographs.
- It is necessary for you to have proof of your confirmed round-trip air ticket.
- You have to provide proof of accommodation such as hotel reservations for your stay in Thailand.
- Show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Thailand. (20,000 THB per person/40,000 THB per family)
- Each entry requires a visa fee, depending on the category of the visa. Contact your nearest Thai Embassy or consulate for the latest Tourist Visa fee as it is subject to change.
- It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses and emergencies during your Thailand trip. It isn’t mandatory, but advisable.
- Any additional documents depending on your specific circumstances such as proof of employment, bank statements, any other official letter, etc.
How to Apply for a Thailand visa?
Thailand is a popular tourist destination among Indians and my favorite country too due to its natural beauty and cultural wonders. However, we keep dreaming about that dream trip to Thailand, but hesitate because getting a visa can be daunting! Well, the process of obtaining a Thailand visa for Indians has become so much easier now. You can apply for it online through the Thailand government’s website.
1. Go to the official Visa website for Thailand, https://www.thaievisa.go.th/
2. Create an account on the website and then login/sign in to submit visa applications.
3. Make sure you read the instructions and requirements carefully to understand the eligibility criteria, document requirements, and different visa categories available for online visa applications.
4. Fill out the online application form accurately and completely. Your personal information such as passport details, travel details, and purpose for visiting Thailand may be required.
5. You must upload any supporting documents specified in your application. Documents may include a copy of your passport, a passport-sized photograph, your air tickets, a hotel reservation, etc.
6. Pay the visa application fee online using one of the available payment methods. There may be a difference in the fee amount based on your nationality and visa category.
7. Be sure to review the information you have entered on the application form to ensure that it is accurate and complete. Once you have reviewed the details of the application, you can submit it.
8. Upon submission of the application, you will receive an email confirmation with a reference number or application ID. I will recommend that you keep this information safe for future reference.
9. You should wait for the processing of your visa application. Keep checking the official website for any updates or estimated processing times.
10. Once your application has been processed and approved, you will receive an eVisa in electronic form, which can be printed out and presented upon arrival in Thailand.
How to Track Thailand Visa Application?
Follow these steps to track your Thailand visa application online from the official website:
1. Visit the official eVisa website for Thailand, https://www.evisa.go.th.
2. Sign in/Log in using your credentials to track your visa application.
3. In order to track your application, you may be required to provide certain details. In most cases, you will need to enter the reference number or application ID that was provided to you when you submitted your visa application.
4. Make sure that the required information is entered accurately to track your visa status.
5. The status of your application may appear as “Application Received,” “Under Review,” “Processing,” “Approved,” or “Rejected.”
What are the Types of Thailand Visa?
Thailand offers different types of visas to suit different travel purposes. It is important to note that each type of visa has its own specific requirements, eligibility criteria, validity, and permitted stay period. Here are some common types of Thailand visas:
Tourist Visa
Those who plan to visit Thailand for tourism purposes, such as leisure, visiting friends or family, or for medical treatment at registered hospitals are required to apply for this visa.
Required Document:
- Passport or travel document that is valid for at least six months
- A recent photograph of the applicant
- Proof of return air ticket from Thailand
- Evidence of adequate funds (20,000 THB per person & 40,000 THB per family)
Validity:
This visa has a validity period of up to six months.
Period of Stay:
Travelers with this type of visa may stay in Thailand for up to 60 days after arrival.
Business & Investor Visa
This visa is required for passport holders who wish to enter Thailand for business or for work purposes.
Required Document:
- Passport or travel document that is valid for at least six months
- A recent photograph of the applicant
- Letter of approval from the Ministry of Labour
- An employment contract that specifies the basis for hiring the applicant, as well as the applicant’s salary, position, and qualification details
- A copy of the applicant’s educational records and letters of recommendation from previous employers
Validity:
This visa has a validity period of up to one year.
Period of Stay:
Unless otherwise instructed by the Office of Immigration, holders of this type of visa are initially granted a period of stay in the country not exceeding 90 days.
Non-Immigrant ED
Non-immigrant ED visas are issued to passport holders whose purpose of the visit is to study in Thailand.
Required Document:
- Passport or travel document that is valid for at least six months
- A recent photograph of the applicant
- A letter confirming enrollment details from the school signed by an authorized individual along with a copy of the identification card
- A copy of the school’s registration certificate
- Letter of approval from the Ministry of Education
Validity:
The single-entry visa has a validity period of three months.
Period of Stay:
Unless otherwise instructed by the Office of Immigration, holders of this type of visa are initially granted a period of stay in the country not exceeding 90 days.
Non-Immigrant O
A passport holder who is a spouse, child, or parent of a Thai national may apply for a Non-Immigrant Type O Visa.
Required Document:
- Passport or travel document that is valid for at least six months
- A recent photograph of the applicant
- Financial proof (e.g. bank statements, proof of earnings, etc)
- Proof of relationship with a family in Thailand.
Validity:
The validity period of this visa is three months.
Period of Stay:
Unless otherwise instructed by the Office of Immigration, holders of this type of visa are initially granted a period of stay in the country not exceeding 90 days.
Transit Visa
Transit visas are a good way to explore Thailand within a limited timeframe. For instance, if you’re flying to another country and have a long layover in Thailand, you can get this visa.
Required Document:
- Passport or travel document that is valid for at least six months
- A recent photograph of the applicant
- Proof of return air ticket from Thailand
- Evidence of adequate funds (20,000 Baht per person & 40,000 Baht per family)
Validity:
The validity period of this visa is three months.
Period of Stay:
Holders of this type of visa are granted a period of stay in the country not exceeding 90 days.
Long Stay Visa
Thailand is known as one of the best countries for post-retirement life. Passport holders can apply for this Thailand visa if they’re over 50 and are looking for a long stay in Thailand.
Required Document:
- Passport or travel document that is valid for at least six months
- A recent photograph of the applicant
- Certificate of criminal record clearance & medical certificate from the country of nationality
- Financial proof (e.g. bank statements, proof of earnings, etc)
Validity:
The validity period of this visa is one year.
Period of Stay:
Holders of this type of visa are granted a period of stay in the country not exceeding 365 days.
Smart Visa
Thailand offers SMART Visas to foreign experts, executives, entrepreneurs, and investors who wish to work or invest in the country’s targeted industries.
Required Document:
- Passport or travel document that is valid for at least six months
- A recent photograph of the applicant
- A copy of the employment contract and other relevant documents
- Financial proof (e.g. bank statements, proof of earnings, etc)
Validity:
The validity period of this visa is four years.
Period of Stay:
Unless otherwise instructed by the Office of Immigration, holders of this type of visa are initially granted a period of stay in the country not exceeding 365 days.
Non-Immigrant F
This visa is required for work with the government, diplomatic missions, or international organizations in Thailand.
Required Document:
- Passport or travel document that is valid for at least six months
- A recent photograph of the applicant
- Letter from an agency like a Thai authority, embassy, or consulate
Validity:
The validity period of this visa is three months.
Period of Stay:
Unless otherwise instructed by the Office of Immigration, holders of this type of visa are initially granted a period of stay in the country not exceeding 90 days.
Thailand Visa Fees for Indians
An application fee must be paid when applying for a tourist visa. Your visa application fee is determined by the type of visa you are applying for. It is important to contact your local embassy before applying for a visa since the fee is subject to change anytime and without notice.
| Type of Visa | Visa Fees (in INR) |
|---|---|
| Tourist Visa (Single entry) | 2500 |
| Tourist Visa (Multiple entries) | 12000 |
| Transit Visa | 1900 |
| Business Visa | 5000 |
| Employment Visa | 5000 |
| Dependent Visa | 12000 |
| Education Visa | 5000 |
| Medical Visa | 5000 |
FAQs
Is Thailand visa-free for Indians now?
Yes, Indians can go to Thailand without a regular visa. Thailand offers a Visa on Arrival (VOA) to Indian citizens. The visa-on-arrival scheme lets Indian passport holders enter Thailand without applying for a regular tourist visa first from a Thai embassy.
How much cash should I carry to Thailand?
If you are traveling to Thailand, you have to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay. It is 20,000 THB per person/40,000 THB per family, so you should carry at least this much cash to Thailand.
Can I use my Indian credit card in Thailand?
Both Visa/Mastercard credit cards, as well as prepaid Forex cards, can be used to make payments in Thailand. It is worth mentioning that these cards are accepted by most of the high-end local shops. However, if you go anywhere else, such as street shopping, then locals mostly prefer THB currency notes. You can buy/sell currency and purchase Forex cards from the comfort of your home from BookMyForex.com.
Source links:
https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/thailand-tourist-visa
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