Key Takeaways
• Indian tourists can stay in Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days, with a one-time 30-day extension possible.
• The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is mandatory for all travelers, to be completed online within three days before arrival.
• Visa-free stay prohibits all types of employment, and overstaying can result in fines and possible bans from re-entering Thailand.
Thailand 🇹🇭 remains a favorite travel destination for many people from India, attracting visitors with its beautiful beaches, lively cities, and friendly culture. In 2025, Thailand 🇹🇭 made important changes to its visa and entry system, especially for Indian travellers. These new rules offer both more convenience and stricter requirements. Here’s an in-depth look at what Indian travellers can expect under Thailand’s latest visa-free entry system, focusing on the main visa types, requirements, procedures, and other key aspects for anyone planning a visit.
Overview of Thailand’s Immigration Policy for Indian Travellers
Thailand 🇹🇭 has steadily made it easier for tourists to visit, and Indian travellers have benefited from this approach. As of May 2025, Indians do not need a visa for short visits, and the country welcomes them for both holidays and business trips. However, due to some cases of misuse of this system, officials review these rules often, so it’s always good to stay updated.
Visa Types Available for Indian Travellers
For most ordinary trips, Indian passport holders rely on the visa-free stay. Other types of visas that apply in special cases include:
- Tourist Visa-Free Entry: No visa required for up to 60 days if traveling for tourism, family visits, or business meetings.
- Visa on Arrival: Not required for Indians as long as the visit is within the visa-free time (60 days as of May 2025).
- Long-Term Visas: Those seeking to work, study, or stay longer (over 90 days) must apply for the correct long-stay visa (like a work or student visa) before travel.
- Extension Option: Indian travellers who want to extend their visit beyond the first 60 days can apply once at the local Immigration Bureau for another 30 days. This brings the total possible stay to 90 days for each entry.
In summary, for most Indian tourists, the visa-free stay covers typical holidays and short business trips.
General Immigration Requirements
While the visa-free entry makes it easier for Indian travellers, some conditions must still be met:
- Valid Passport: Passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Thailand 🇹🇭.
- Confirmed Return or Onward Ticket: Proof of a return flight, or a ticket to another country, showing that you will leave Thailand within 60 days of arrival.
- Proof of Accommodation: You might need to show hotel bookings or an address in Thailand.
- Sufficient Funds: Immigration officers may check that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay.
- Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC): Every traveller, including Indian citizens, must complete the TDAC online within three days before arrival.
These requirements help ensure that travellers intend to visit only for the permitted time and purpose.
Application Procedures and Processing Times
Thanks to Thailand 🇹🇭’s digital upgrades, entering the country is now more straightforward. Indian travellers no longer need to wait at embassies for paperwork, provided their trip is within the visa-free period. However, the introduction of the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) means all travellers must:
- Visit the official portal: tdac.immigration.go.th
- Complete the online TDAC form within three days before arrival. This card replaces the old paper TM6 form.
- Enter personal information, travel plans, where you’ll be staying, and answer some health questions.
- Submit the information and receive a digital confirmation. You should keep a printout or screenshot for arrival checks.
You cannot enter Thailand 🇹🇭 without this digital card. Group applications are allowed, but each person in the group needs their own TDAC confirmation.
Extension of Stay
If you wish to stay longer than 60 days, you can visit the local Immigration Bureau and request a one-time extension for up to another 30 days. This is meant for genuine tourists or business visitors only. Requests should be made before your 60 days are up. The process usually takes a few hours to a day and involves a form, your passport, a photo, and a fee.
Fees and Costs Associated with Immigration
For Indian travellers entering under the visa-free rule, no visa fee is charged for the initial 60 days. However, for those seeking a 30-day extension at the Immigration Bureau, a fee is required (usually about 1,900 Thai Baht, though this may change).
For those applying for long-term visas (like work or study), costs are much higher, ranging from several thousand Baht, depending on the visa type.
Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) Submission is currently free but is required for every traveller.
Rights and Obligations of Immigrants Under Visa-Free Stay
Those entering under the visa-free stay can travel throughout Thailand 🇹🇭, enjoy tourist spots, attend business meetings, and book hotels freely. However, you are not allowed to take up work, paid performances, or any kind of employment (including “under the table” jobs). You must follow Thai laws and respect the visa-free period. Overstaying—even by a single day—leads to daily fines and can result in a ban from entering Thailand 🇹🇭 again.
Path to Permanent Residency and Citizenship
A short-term visa-free stay does not count towards permanent residency or citizenship. Those who want to live long-term in Thailand 🇹🇭 need to apply for the right visa (like marriage, business, or investment). These processes are strict, require years of temporary stays, and have specific requirements, including financial stability and clean criminal records.
Cultural Considerations for Indian Travellers
Thailand 🇹🇭 and India have friendly ties, and Indian travellers are welcome. However, it’s important to be aware of Thai customs—dress respectfully when visiting temples, remove shoes before entering homes or religious sites, and speak politely. Public displays of affection are discouraged. “Wai” (palms together bow) is a common Thai greeting.
While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, learning a few Thai phrases or showing respect for local habits can go a long way to having a good experience.
Employment Regulations for Foreign Nationals
Under the visa-free stay, Indian travellers cannot work in Thailand 🇹🇭. Any job—even temporary or “gig” work—requires a proper work permit and a non-immigrant visa. The penalties for working illegally are strict, including arrest, fines, and a ban from returning. Those found working without the right permit can be deported.
Healthcare and Social Security for Immigrants
Tourists and business visitors entering on a visa-free stay are not covered by the Thai government’s health system. You must pay for medical care out of pocket or buy travel insurance. Medical care in Thailand 🇹🇭 is good, especially in cities. It is strongly advised that Indian travellers get travel health insurance that covers emergencies, hospital stays, and COVID-19 care before leaving home.
Education System Overview for International Students
The visa-free stay is not designed for study, but Indian students interested in attending schools or universities in Thailand 🇹🇭 need to apply for an “ED” or student visa before travel. This cannot be converted from a tourist visa-free entry. Proof of acceptance from a recognized Thai educational institution, proof of funds, and other documents are needed.
Recent Policy Changes and Anticipated Reforms
In 2024, Thailand 🇹🇭 lengthened the visa-free stay for Indian travellers from 30 to 60 days to boost tourism and business. This change made it much easier for people to enjoy longer trips without extra paperwork. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the government has recently discussed reducing the visa-free period back to 30 days because of concerns that some visitors overstay or work illegally.
As of May 2025, the 60-day rule remains, but the government may reduce it at any time. Travellers should check the latest information on official sites or with airlines before booking flights. The new TDAC digital arrival card is another big step, aimed at making immigration more efficient and better at tracking entries.
Immigration Trends and Statistics
Thailand 🇹🇭 has seen a huge jump in Indian travellers over the past decade. The longer visa-free stay boosted the number of visitors from India for holidays, weddings, shopping, and family visits. Officials believe thousands more Indians have begun using the longer 60-day window. However, with that growth came more cases of foreign visitors overstaying their welcome or working without permits, leading to talk of tightening the rules again.
Unique Aspects of Thailand’s Immigration System
Thailand 🇹🇭’s system for Indian travellers is one of the most generous in Southeast Asia—few other countries offer a 60-day visa-free stay, let alone an easy one-time 30-day extension. The addition of a digital arrival card is among the first of its kind in the region, making travel easier for visitors but also giving officials better control.
Integration Programs and Support Services
Thailand 🇹🇭 does not have formal integration programs for short-term visitors or tourists. However, major cities have tourist police, multilingual help desks at airports, and information counters in English and Hindi. For Indian travellers who run into problems, the Indian Embassy in Bangkok can help with emergency consular services.
Bilateral Agreements and Special Arrangements
Thailand 🇹🇭 and India have long-standing travel and trade ties. The current visa-free arrangement is the result of ongoing talks between the two governments aimed at boosting tourism, people-to-people contact, and business. There are no special “India-only” rules, but Indian travellers do enjoy some of the longest short-term stay options among Asian countries.
Current Political and Social Issues
The popularity of the visa-free stay and longer visits by Indian travellers has sparked some local debate in Thailand 🇹🇭. Most businesses and tourism officials support the policy, while some government departments worry about illegal work and overstays. The move to digitalize the arrival process helps authorities control these risks, but it is an issue that is carefully watched by policymakers.
Checklist and Resources for Indian Travellers
Before traveling to Thailand 🇹🇭 on a visa-free stay, Indian travellers should:
- Ensure their passport is valid for at least six months past their planned return date.
- Book and keep a copy of all return tickets and accommodation.
- Complete and submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) on the official government portal (tdac.immigration.go.th) within three days of arrival.
- Print or save confirmation of the TDAC and all other documents.
- Carry proof of funds.
- Get health insurance that covers travel emergencies in Thailand.
For the latest official updates, the Thai Immigration Bureau website offers detailed rules and contact information. Also, check airline policies and consult the Indian Embassy in Bangkok for travel advice.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
Indian travellers enjoy one of the most comfortable visa-free policies in the region, with up to 60 days in Thailand 🇹🇭 and a simple process for an extra 30-day stay. The new Thailand Digital Arrival Card, required from May 2025, speeds up and helps organize arrivals, but must be completed before you travel. While the visa rules are generous, changes are always possible, and talk of reducing the visa-free period continues.
Planning carefully, bringing all needed documents, and following the rules will help Indian travellers enjoy a safe and trouble-free trip to Thailand 🇹🇭. Reviewing updates from trusted sources like VisaVerge.com and checking the official Thai government portal before departure can help you avoid problems and make your stay enjoyable. Whether for a quick holiday or a longer visit, knowing Thailand’s visa and entry rules lets you focus on enjoying your time in this friendly, beautiful country.
Learn Today
Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) → A mandatory online form for all travelers submitted within three days before arriving in Thailand, replacing the old TM6 form.
Visa-Free Stay → Entry permission allowing eligible travelers to visit a country without obtaining a visa for a specified short duration.
Overstaying → Remaining in a country beyond the permitted visa-free or visa period, leading to fines and possible bans.
Immigration Bureau → The government authority responsible for processing immigration, visa extensions, and compliance with entry rules in Thailand.
Long-Term Visa → A visa category for foreign nationals staying in Thailand over 90 days, such as for work, study, or family reunification.
This Article in a Nutshell
In 2025, Thailand introduced a 60-day visa-free entry for Indian travelers with an optional 30-day extension. The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is now required for all visitors. While the new policy offers flexibility and convenience, travelers must follow strict entry rules and keep updated on potential regulatory changes.
— By VisaVerge.com
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