Thailand visa-free for Indians: how long you can stay
By Ganesh ·
Indians can visit Thailand without a visa. How many days you can stay, the mandatory Thailand Digital Arrival Card, what to carry, extensions and trip costs.
The short answer: Indian passport holders can visit Thailand without a visa for tourism. Since July 2024 the visa exemption for Indians has allowed stays of up to 60 days, which can usually be extended once by up to 30 days at a Thai immigration office. Before you fly you must fill in the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), mandatory since May 2025, at tdac.immigration.go.th. For longer or non-tourist stays, apply for a Thai e-Visa on the official portal (thaievisa.go.th).
Thailand reviews its visa-exemption list and stay length from time to time, and there has been public discussion of shortening it. Check the Royal Thai Embassy or Thai immigration's official pages for the current rule before you travel. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
What you need at the airport
- Passport valid for at least six months from arrival.
- TDAC submitted online (within the window before arrival stated on the site). It's free, ignore websites that charge for it.
- Return or onward ticket within the permitted stay.
- Where you'll stay: hotel booking or an address.
- Proof of funds may be asked for. Thai rules set a minimum amount of cash or equivalent per person and per family; carry a card and some cash, and know the current figure.
Visa-exempt vs visa on arrival vs e-Visa
| Option | For whom | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa exemption | Indian tourists, short holidays | Up to 60 days; free; TDAC needed |
| Extension in Thailand | If you want to stay longer | Once, up to 30 days, fee in baht at an immigration office |
| Thai e-Visa | Longer stays, study, work, other purposes | Apply online before travel at thaievisa.go.th |
Visa on arrival is rarely needed by Indians now that the exemption is longer. Check the current list if your situation is unusual.
What a Thailand trip costs (approximate)
| Item | Cost per person |
|---|---|
| Visa | Free under the exemption |
| Return flights from Delhi / Mumbai / Kolkata / Chennai | ₹15,000–₹35,000, depending on season and city |
| Hotels, 3-star | ₹2,500–₹6,000 a night |
| Food and local transport | ₹1,500–₹3,000 a day |
| Travel insurance | ₹500–₹1,500 for a week |
When to go
November to February is the cool, dry season and the busiest. Searches for "Thailand visa" from India spike in May–June (summer holidays) and again in November. Phuket and Krabi are at their best from November to April; the Gulf islands (Koh Samui) have a different rainy season, peaking in October–December.
Tips
- Fill the TDAC yourself on the official site. It takes a few minutes. Save the confirmation.
- Keep your onward ticket handy at check-in; airlines may ask for it.
- Don't overstay: fines are charged per day and serious overstays can lead to bans.
- Plan Bangkok + one beach rather than four islands in a week. A Sancharees trip shows travel times between stops so you can see what's realistic.
FAQ
Is Thailand visa-free for Indians?
Yes, for tourism, under Thailand's visa-exemption scheme. Check the current permitted stay before you travel.
How many days can Indians stay in Thailand without a visa?
Up to 60 days since July 2024, extendable once by up to 30 days in Thailand. Check the official page in case the rule has changed.
What is TDAC?
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card, an online arrival form that replaced the paper TM6 card. It's free and mandatory for foreign arrivals.
Do I need travel insurance for Thailand?
It isn't required for the visa exemption, but hospital bills can be high, so it's worth buying.
Photo: Playa Maya, Ko Phi Phi, Tailandia, 2013-08-19, DD 13 by Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Read in: भारतीयों के लिए थाईलैंड वीज़ा-फ़्री: नियम, TDAC और कितने दिन रुक सकते हैं