Thailand Visa for Indians: Requirements and Application Process

Thailand, with its stunning beaches, lively nightlife, and rich culture, is a top destination for Indians. To enter, Indians must secure a visa, and this article details the process, including eligibility, visa types, application steps, fees, and processing times. Eligibility hinges on visa type: tourist, transit, or non-immigrant. Requirements include a valid passport (six months minimum), return ticket, adequate funds, a recent photo, and a completed application form. Applications can be made at the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in India or online for an eVisa. Processing times range from three to five days, varying by visa type, with fees dependent on visa category and stay length.

To learn more about the Thailand visa process and requirements for Indians, read on.

Eligibility Criteria for Indian Nationals

Indian nationals who wish to visit Thailand must meet certain eligibility criteria. In this section, we will discuss the eligibility criteria for Indian nationals in detail.

Passport Validity

Indian nationals must have a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Thailand. Additionally, the passport must have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.

Financial Requirements

Indian nationals must have sufficient funds to cover their stay in Thailand. The amount of funds required may vary depending on the purpose of the visit and the duration of stay. As of March 2024, Indian nationals must have at least THB 10,000 per person or THB 20,000 per family for their stay in Thailand.

Purpose of Visit

Indian nationals must have a valid reason for visiting Thailand. The most common reasons for visiting Thailand include tourism, business, education, and medical treatment. Depending on the purpose of the visit, Indian nationals may be required to provide additional documents such as a letter of invitation, proof of accommodation, and proof of financial support.

In summary, Indian nationals who wish to visit Thailand must have a valid passport, sufficient funds, and a valid reason for their visit. It is important to note that meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee that a visa will be issued. The final decision on visa issuance rests with the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate.

Types of Thailand Visas for Indians

Thailand offers various types of visas for Indian citizens based on their purpose of visit. Here are the most common types of visas:

Tourist Visa

The Thailand tourist visa is for tourists and those entering the country for medical treatment. Indian citizens can apply for a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. The single-entry visa allows the holder to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days, while the multiple-entry visa allows the holder to stay for up to 6 months per entry. Indian citizens can apply for a tourist visa at the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in India or apply for a visa on arrival at Bangkok (BKK and DMK), Chiang Mai (CNX), Phuket (HKT), Krabi (KBV), or Samui (USM) International Airports.

Business Visa

Indian citizens who wish to visit Thailand for business purposes can apply for a Thailand Business Visa. The Business Visa allows the holder to stay in Thailand for up to 90 days per entry and can be extended for up to one year. Indian citizens can apply for a Business Visa at the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in India or apply for a visa on arrival at Bangkok (BKK and DMK), Chiang Mai (CNX), Phuket (HKT), Krabi (KBV), or Samui (USM) International Airports.

Non-Immigrant Visa

The Non-Immigrant Visa is for Indian citizens who wish to stay in Thailand for a longer period for various purposes such as work, study, or retirement. There are several categories of Non-Immigrant Visas, including Non-Immigrant B (for business), Non-Immigrant ED (for education), Non-Immigrant O (for retirement), and Non-Immigrant M (for media). Indian citizens can apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa at the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in India.

Visa on Arrival

Indian citizens can obtain a Visa on Arrival at Bangkok (BKK and DMK), Chiang Mai (CNX), Phuket (HKT), Krabi (KBV), or Samui (USM) International Airports. The Visa on Arrival allows the holder to stay in Thailand for up to 15 days and can be extended for an additional 15 days. Indian citizens must have a passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining and a return ticket.

Application Process

Indian citizens can apply for a Thailand visa either online or by submitting their application to the embassy. The required documentation varies based on the type of visa and the application method.

Online Application

To apply for a Thailand visa online, Indian citizens can visit the official website of Thailand Electronic Visa and follow the instructions provided. Applicants will need to fill out the online application form and pay the visa fees. Please note that submission of a visa application does not necessarily mean that a visa will be granted.

Embassy Submission

Another option for Indian citizens is to submit their visa application to the Thai embassy or consulate in their region. The VFS Global website for Thailand in India provides information on the different types of visas available and the eligibility criteria for each. Applicants will need to schedule an appointment, submit the required documents and pay the visa fees.

Required Documentation

The required documentation for a Thailand visa application varies based on the type of visa and the application method. Commonly required documents include:

• Passport with a validity of at least 6 months beyond the intended stay in Thailand
• Completed visa application form
• Passport size photographs
• Proof of travel arrangements such as flight itinerary and hotel booking
• Proof of financial means to cover the expenses during the stay in Thailand
• For certain types of visas, additional documents such as a letter of invitation or a medical certificate may be required.

It is important to carefully review the visa requirements and submit all the necessary documents to avoid delays or rejection of the visa application.

Visa Fees and Processing Time

Obtaining a Thailand visa for Indians requires paying a visa fee and adhering to the processing time. The cost of a Thailand visa for an Indian citizen can vary depending on the type of visa you’re applying for (tourist, business, etc.) and the duration of your stay.

For example, a tourist visa is INR 2500/- whereas a business/work visa is INR 5000/-. The visa fees can also change over time, so it’s always best to check the most recent fees before applying.

The processing time for a Thailand visa for Indians can range from a few hours to several days. The standard processing time is usually 2-3 working days, but it can take longer if there are any issues with the application. It’s recommended to apply for a visa well in advance of your travel dates to allow for any processing delays.

It’s important to note that the visa fee must be paid in cash only and in THB. Additionally, applicants must have a confirmed return/onward ticket with a departure within 15 days from the arrival date, a proof of accommodation, and at least THB 10,000.- per person (or THB 20,000.- per family). Their passport must contain at least 1 unused visa page.

Applicants can also apply for a visa on arrival, which can be completed online before the trip or at the Thai airport. The cost is 2,500 Thai Baht, and applicants need to be able to pay by card if applying online. The visa fee can otherwise be paid in person at the airport. A regular e-visa on arrival can be issued in 72 hours.

Overall, it’s important to research the most up-to-date visa fees and processing times before applying for a Thailand visa for Indians. Applicants should also ensure that they have all the necessary documents and meet the requirements for the visa they are applying for.

See More Destinations in Asia

• Cambodia Visa for Indians
• Malaysia Visa for Indians
• Malaysia E Visa for Indians
• Singapore Visa for Indians
• Vietnam Visa for Indians
• See All Travel Visa Guides for Indians
• Visa Free Countries for Indians

Frank Gogol

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.

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