I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.
See all posts Frank GogolThailand E Visa on Arrival for Indians: Everything You Need to Know
India is one of the countries that can apply for an e-Visa on Arrival (eVOA) to enter Thailand. The eVOA for Thailand is an electronic travel authorization that allows Indian citizens to enter the country for tourism purposes. The eVOA is a more convenient and faster way of obtaining a visa compared to the traditional visa application process. Read on to learn everything you need to know!
Key Takeaways
- Indian citizens can apply for an e-Visa on Arrival (eVOA) to enter Thailand for tourism purposes.
- To be eligible for the eVOA, Indian citizens must have a passport with at least six months validity, a return ticket, and a confirmed hotel reservation.
- The eVOA application process is straightforward and can be completed online.
Eligibility Criteria for Thailand E-Visa on Arrival for Indians
India is one of the countries eligible for the Thailand E-Visa on Arrival (E-VOA) program. However, not all Indian citizens are eligible for this program. Here are the eligibility criteria for Indians who wish to apply for a Thailand E-Visa on Arrival:
Passport Requirements
The Indian passport must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the Thailand E-Visa on Arrival:
- The passport must be valid for at least 30 days from the date of arrival in Thailand.
- The passport must have at least one blank page for the visa stamp.
- The passport must not be damaged or tampered with.
Travel Requirements
The following are the travel requirements for Indian citizens who wish to apply for a Thailand E-Visa on Arrival:
- The traveler must arrive in Thailand by air.
- The traveler must have a confirmed return ticket within 15 days from the date of arrival.
- The traveler must have a minimum of 10,000 THB (Thai Baht) per person or 20,000 THB per family as proof of funds.
Other Requirements
In addition to the passport and travel requirements, Indian citizens must also meet the following criteria to be eligible for the Thailand E-Visa on Arrival:
- The traveler must not be prohibited from entering Thailand under the Thai Immigration Act.
- The traveler must not be a national of a country listed in the category of “Prohibited Countries” by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- The traveler must not have a criminal record in Thailand or any other country.
If an Indian citizen meets all of the above eligibility criteria, they can apply for a Thailand E-Visa on Arrival. It is important to note that the E-Visa on Arrival is valid for a single entry and allows a stay of up to 15 days in Thailand.
Application Process for Thailand E-Visa on Arrival
If you are an Indian citizen planning to visit Thailand, you can apply for an E-Visa on Arrival (E-VOA) online. The process is simple and convenient, and it saves you the hassle of visiting a Thai Embassy or Consulate in person.
Online Application Procedure
To apply for an E-Visa on Arrival, you need to visit the official website of VFS Global, the authorized partner of the Immigration Bureau of Thailand. On the website, you will find a simple and user-friendly online application form. You will need to provide your personal and travel details, such as your name, passport number, date of arrival, and date of departure.
Once you have filled out the form, you will need to pay the visa fee online using a credit card or a debit card. After the payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation email with a reference number and a link to download your visa approval letter.
Documents Required
To apply for an E-Visa on Arrival, you will need the following documents:
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining
- A recent passport-size photograph (4 x 6 cm) in color
- A return ticket or an onward ticket to a third country
- Sufficient funds to cover your stay in Thailand (at least 10,000 Baht per person or 20,000 Baht per family)
You may also be asked to provide additional documents, such as a hotel reservation or a travel itinerary, depending on your purpose of visit.
Payment and Fees
The visa fee for an E-Visa on Arrival is 2,000 Baht per person. You can pay the fee online using a credit card or a debit card. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.
In addition to the visa fee, you may also need to pay a service fee to VFS Global, depending on the type of service you choose. The service fee ranges from 400 to 1,200 Baht per person, depending on the processing time and the level of assistance you require.
Overall, the application process for an E-Visa on Arrival is simple and straightforward. As long as you have all the required documents and meet the eligibility criteria, you should have no trouble obtaining your visa approval letter online.
Arrival and Immigration Procedures
Biometric Verification
Upon arrival, Indian travelers with an approved Thailand e-Visa on Arrival will need to proceed to the designated counters for biometric verification. This process involves scanning fingerprints and taking a photograph of the traveler. The biometric data collected will be used to verify the traveler’s identity and ensure that the e-Visa matches the passport details.
Immigration Clearance
After biometric verification, the traveler will proceed to the immigration clearance counters. The immigration officer will ask to see the traveler’s passport, e-Visa on Arrival, and return ticket. It is recommended that travelers have a printed copy of their e-Visa on Arrival and return ticket with them.
The immigration officer may also ask the traveler about the purpose of their visit and the duration of their stay in Thailand. It is important to answer truthfully and provide any necessary documentation to support the purpose of the visit.
Once the immigration officer is satisfied with the traveler’s documents and information, they will stamp the passport and allow the traveler to enter Thailand. It is important to keep the passport and e-Visa on Arrival safe throughout the duration of the stay in Thailand and present them upon departure.
Important Tips and Guidelines
If you’re an Indian traveler planning a trip to Thailand, here are some important tips and guidelines to keep in mind when applying for an e-Visa on Arrival:
- The e-Visa on Arrival is only available for Indian citizens arriving by air at any of the designated airports in Thailand, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Samui.
- The e-Visa on Arrival is valid for a stay of up to 15 days and can be extended for an additional 7 days at the nearest Immigration Office in Thailand.
- The application for the e-Visa on Arrival can be completed online before your trip or at the Thai airport upon arrival.
- The application process requires a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining, a recent passport-sized photograph, and a fee of 2,500 Thai Baht, which can be paid in person at the airport or online by card.
- It is recommended to apply for the e-Visa on Arrival at least 72 hours before your departure to ensure a smooth and hassle-free process upon arrival in Thailand.
- In addition, travelers are advised to carry a copy of their e-Visa on Arrival approval letter, along with their passport and other travel documents, at all times during their stay in Thailand.
- It is also important to note that the e-Visa on Arrival is not available for travelers arriving by land or sea, and a separate visa may be required in such cases.
By following these guidelines and being well-prepared, Indian travelers can enjoy a hassle-free and enjoyable trip to Thailand with the convenience of the e-Visa on Arrival service.
See More Destinations in Asia
- Cambodia Visa for Indians
- Malaysia Visa for Indians
- Malaysia E Visa for Indians
- Singapore Visa for Indians
- Singapore Transit Visa for Indians
- Taiwan Visa for Indians
- Thailand Visa for Indians
- See All Travel Visa Guides for Indians
- Visa Free Countries for Indians