Thailand Planning Visa Waiver for Indian Tourists

Thailand seeks to attract more foreigners to the country to boost tourism. Visa rules for Indian travellers are expected to be eased. Longer stays might also be approved for visitors from all nations. Thailand Prime Minister seeks to take tourism revenue to USD 100 billion in 2024.

Travelers from India and Taiwan might be next in line for visa waivers if Thailand makes visa-free entry for mainland Chinese tourists permanent. The temporary visa exemption for Chinese travellers is in place until February 29, 2024. The proposal put forward by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has the support of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

As of now, Indian nationals can get a visa on arrival (VOA) when they enter Thailand. Thailand is among the 33 countries that give visa on arrival to Indian nationals.

Which countries are entitled for visa exemption and visa on arrival to Thailand?

As per the updated list of the Department of Consular Affairs of the Government of Thailand, nationals of various countries can enter Thailand without a prior visa. The list was last updated on September 25, 2023.

While some don’t require a Thailand visa for tourism, other nationals can avail the visa on arrival facility.

* From September 25, 2023 to February 29, 2024.

Which Thailand airports offer visa on arrival facility?

The electronic visa on arrival (E-VOA) is applicable at 4 Thailand airports -

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

How to get a Thailand visa on arrival?

There are 2 parts of the process. An online application is to be submitted before traveling to Thailand. Once you reach the airport in Thailand, you will have to go through another process for your Thailand tourist visa on arrival.

Step 1: Apply online.

Step 2: Pay the fee online.

Step 3. Download your Thailand E-VOA.

Step 4: Travel to Thailand as planned.

Step 5: Go to the Visa on Arrival area at the airport.

Step 6: Get into the dedicated E-VOA lane.

Step 7: Show your passport, printed E-VOA and visa fee receipt.

Step 8: Get final immigration approval.

Step 9. Enter Thailand as a tourist.

Which documents are needed for a Thailand visa on arrival?

You will have to upload the following to apply for a visa on arrival for Thailand -

• Passport copy (cover & bio page)
• Flight tickets for the round trip (to and from Thailand),
• Accommodation for entire stay (must be verifiable),
• Photograph in passport-format, and
• Sufficient means of support.

If you are travelling to Thailand alone, you will have to show a minimum of THB 10,000 (approximately INR 23,000). A family will have to show at least THB 20,000 (around INR 45,000).

A Thailand E-VOA costs THB 2,000 (approximately INR 4,600).

For more details on how to apply for a visit visa from India, contact us today.