Thailand has become one of the most popular destinations for Indian travellers, attracting over a million in H1 2025, thanks to its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine.
Whether you're planning a honeymoon in Phuket, exploring Bangkok, or island-hopping in Krabi, the Thailand visa on arrival for Indians offers a convenient and hassle-free way to enter the Land of Smiles.
Before you travel to Thailand, it’s worth familiarising yourself with the Visa on Arrival (VoA) process, as this can save you time and hassle. In this guide, we cover all the details of successfully sorting out your visa before arrival.
Visa Type | Purpose | Stay/Validity | How to Apply | Special Notes |
E-Visa (Tourist, Business, Education) | Tourism, business, studies, and family visits | 60 days (extendable), or as per visa type | Online (visa2fly.com) | Multiple and single-entry options |
Visa on Arrival (VoA) | Tourism | Up to 15 days | At immigration on arrival | For eligible nationalities, including Indians |
TDAC (Digital Arrival Card) | All entry types (NOT a visa) | Must complete before each entry | Online (tdac.immigration.go.th) | Mandatory for all non-Thais since May 2025 |
DTV, LTR, Smart, O-A | Long-term work, retirement, and special categories | Up to 10 years | Embassy / e-Visa online | Strict eligibility, tax, and residence benefits |
What is the Thailand Visa on Arrival for Indians?
Indian passport holders can get the Thailand VoA upon arrival at specified Thai airports. This also removes the requirement to visit embassies or consulates before your trip. The VoA is for short-term tourism, applicable up to 15 days.
At major airports in Thailand, including Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, Phuket International, Chiang Mai, and a few other points of entry, you may get your VoA.
It is imperative to note that the Thailand visa on arrival for Indian citizens is a single-entry visa, which means you can not leave and re-enter Thailand with the same visa.
Eligibility Criteria for Thailand Visa on Arrival
Getting a Thailand visa on arrival for Indians is straightforward if you meet these basic requirements:
- You must hold a valid Indian passport
- Your passport should have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry
- You must have a confirmed return or onward journey ticket
- Hotel booking confirmation or accommodation proof is mandatory
- The visa is only for tourism purposes
Make sure your travel plans align with these criteria before heading to the airport to avoid any last-minute complications.
Thailand Visa on Arrival Fees & Validity
Presently, the visa fee for Thailand VoA is at an approximate rate of 2,000 THB, around ₹2,400 to ₹2,800 based on the exchange rate.
This fee is to be paid in cash in Thai Baht at most airports, while some locations may accept credit cards.
Upon your arrival in Thailand as an Indian, your visa is valid for a precise 15 days from the entry date. Also, unlike tourist visas, which are acquired at embassies, the VoA does not usually permit extension. Hence, plan your trip’s duration.
This 15-day visa is great for short getaways, holidays, or quick business trips to Thailand.
Documents Required for Thailand Visa on Arrival
Having the right documents ready will ensure a smooth experience at Thai immigration. Here's your complete checklist for a Thailand visa on arrival for Indians:
Essential Documents:
- Valid Indian passport with at least 6 months' validity
- Confirmed return or onward flight ticket (printed copy recommended)
- Hotel booking confirmation or accommodation proof
- Recent passport-size photograph (4x6 cm)
- Completed visa application form (available at the airport or online)
- Proof of sufficient funds: minimum THB 10,000 per person or THB 20,000 per family
Recommended Documents:
- Travel insurance coverage (highly recommended)
- Detailed travel itinerary
- Bank statements showing adequate funds
Pro Tip: Keep all documents handy in your carry-on — immigration counters expect fast access to these.
Need help preparing these documents? Visa2Fly checks and verifies every requirement before you fly.
Thailand Visa on Arrival Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Getting your Thailand visa on arrival for Indians is a simple process when you know what to expect:
- Step 1: After landing at your designated Thai airport, look for the "Visa on Arrival" signs and counters.
- Step 2: Collect the visa application form if you haven't filled it out online already.
- Step 3: Complete the form with accurate information and attach your passport-size photograph.
- Step 4: Join the Visa on Arrival queue with all your required documents ready.
- Step 5: Submit your documents to the immigration officer along with the THB 2,000 fee.
- Step 6: Wait for processing (usually 15-30 minutes during normal hours).
- Step 7: Receive your passport with the visa stamp and proceed to regular immigration clearance.
The entire process typically takes 30-60 minutes, depending on the number of travellers and time of day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Numerous Indian tourists experience unnecessary delays because of these common blunders:
- Not having Thai Baht in cash: Few airports accept only cash payments for visa costs. Exchange money before your departure or utilise airport exchange counters.
- Lack of hotel booking confirmation: Immigration staff thoroughly scrutinise accommodation evidence. Always carry printed confirmations.
- Passport validity problems: Make sure your passport has over 6 months' validity. Less than that can lead to denial of entry.
- Assuming a visa extension is available: The Indian visa on arrival in Thailand cannot be extended. Visit for 15 days or less.
- Inadequate proof of funds: Bring bank statements or sufficient cash to demonstrate you can maintain your stay.
- Incompletely filled application forms: Double-check everything before submission to prevent delays.
How Visa2Fly Can Help You
Planning your Thailand trip becomes stress-free when you choose Visa2Fly as your travel partner. Our expert team provides comprehensive support, including:
- Pre-travel assistance: We provide detailed checklists and help you prepare all required documents for your Thailand VoA.
- Document verification: Our team reviews your paperwork to ensure everything meets Thai immigration requirements.
- 24/7 WhatsApp support: Get instant answers to your visa-related questions before and during your trip.
- Travel insurance guidance: We help you choose appropriate coverage for your Thailand vacation.
- Form filling assistance: We guide you through completing visa application forms correctly to avoid rejections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Am I able to obtain a Thailand VoA with no hotel reservation?
No, proof of confirmed accommodation is required for immigration clearance. Immigration officers will not accept your visa application if they don't have proper confirmation of a hotel booking.
Q2. Can I extend my Thailand VoA longer than 15 days?
In general, no, the VoA is not extendable in the majority of situations. If you are required to remain for longer, you will have to leave Thailand and re-enter on a fresh visa or apply for another type of visa.
Q3. Can I pay the visa fee in Indian Rupees?
No, Thai Baht is only accepted for visa fees. Ensure exchanging money before departure or at airport exchange counters upon arrival.
Q4. Does a child require a VoA separately?
Yes, every traveller, including infants and children, needs to have their visa. There are no exceptions for children travelling with parents.
Q5. Can I obtain a Thailand VoA online?
Yes, Thailand has an eVoA (electronic Visa on Arrival) facility for prior application, but the traditional airport VoA is still the most sought-after option by Indian tourists.
Q6. What if I stay beyond my VoA?
Overstaying will incur daily penalties (now THB 500 a day) and potential blacklisting against future entry to Thailand. Always be mindful of the 15-day limit.
Conclusion
The Thailand visa on arrival for Indians is a very easy way to get into this beautiful Southeast Asian country. If you come prepared with the right papers and at the right time, you can get that VoA fast, and then you may enjoy Thailand’s great sites, delicious street food, and warm welcome.
Remember that you bring all required documents, have Thai Baht on hand for visa fees, and that you fit your trip in within the 15-day validity period.
For a stress-free travel experience, we suggest you team up with Visa2Fly for expert advice and 24/7 support during your stay in Thailand.
Start planning that tropical Thai vacation today. With the right preparation, your visa on arrival will be just the first step of an unforgettable trip!