Entry rules are the one part of a Thailand holiday that you can't leave to chance. The good news: for Indian tourists, Thailand has been one of the easiest international destinations to enter in recent years. The catch: the rules have changed several times, so it pays to check them close to your travel date.
This guide explains the main entry routes, the paperwork to carry and the mistakes that most often cause trouble at the airport.
Important: Immigration rules can change at short notice. Always confirm the current requirements with the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in India, or the official Thai e-Visa website, before you book non-refundable travel. We check this for every GreatVoyagers booking.
Option 1: Visa-exempt entry
Since late 2023, Thailand has allowed Indian passport holders to enter without a visa for tourism, for a limited number of days per visit. The permitted length of stay has been revised more than once, so confirm how many days currently apply to you.
Visa-exempt entry generally suits travellers who:
- Are visiting purely for tourism.
- Hold a passport valid for at least six months from arrival.
- Have a confirmed return or onward ticket within the allowed stay.
- Can show hotel bookings and enough funds for their trip if asked.
Immigration officers make the final decision at the border, even when you qualify on paper.
Option 2: Tourist visa or e-Visa
If you plan to stay longer than the visa-exempt period, or visa-exempt entry is suspended or changed, you can apply for a tourist visa through Thailand's official e-Visa system. Processing usually takes several working days, so apply well before travel. Avoid unofficial websites that charge extra fees.
Option 3: Visa on arrival
Thailand has offered visa on arrival to Indian citizens at various times. Availability, fees and queues vary, and it's rarely needed while visa-exempt entry is in place. If you rely on it, carry the exact documents and cash requested, and expect waiting time at busy airports.
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
Thailand has replaced the old paper arrival form with an online Digital Arrival Card. Most foreign visitors need to complete it shortly before arrival (within the few days before you land), using the official government website. It's free.
You'll be asked for your passport details, flight number, where you're staying and your travel plans. Save a screenshot or PDF of the confirmation.
Be careful: several look-alike websites charge for the arrival card. The official one is free.
Documents checklist
Carry these in your hand luggage, on paper and on your phone:
- Passport valid for 6+ months, with at least two blank pages.
- Return or onward flight ticket.
- Hotel confirmations for your whole stay.
- Digital Arrival Card confirmation.
- Proof of funds if asked, such as cash, a forex card or recent bank statement. Requirements have historically been around 10,000 baht per person or 20,000 baht per family, but check current guidance.
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended, even when not mandatory).
- Passport photos if you might need a visa on arrival.
Common mistakes that cause problems
- Passport validity under six months. Airlines may refuse boarding in India.
- One-way tickets. Without an onward ticket you may be denied boarding or entry.
- Different names on tickets and passport. Check spellings and the order of names.
- Damaged passports. Torn pages or water damage can lead to refusal.
- Overstaying. Fines are charged per day, and longer overstays can lead to bans. Track your permitted days carefully.
- Using unofficial visa websites. Always use government portals.
Travelling with children
Children need their own passports. If a child travels with only one parent or with grandparents, carry a signed consent letter from the absent parent(s) and a copy of the birth certificate. It's rarely checked, but you'll be glad to have it if it is.
Customs and currency basics
Thailand has strict rules on e-cigarettes and vapes (they're illegal to bring in or use), certain medicines and large amounts of cash. Declare cash above the limit set by Thai customs. Carry prescriptions for any personal medicine.
What to expect at a Thai airport
At Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok) or Phuket International, follow the signs to the foreign passport immigration queue. Have your passport, arrival card confirmation, return ticket and hotel booking ready. Officers may ask the purpose of your visit, how long you're staying and where. Answer simply and consistently with your documents.
Queues can be long at peak times, especially when several flights from India land together late at night, so allow up to an hour. After immigration, collect your bags, pass through customs (green channel if you have nothing to declare) and meet your transfer driver in the arrivals hall.
Tip: Buy a local SIM or activate an eSIM after immigration so you can contact your driver and use maps straight away.
How GreatVoyagers helps
Every Thailand package we create includes an up-to-date entry checklist, help with the arrival card and visa applications if needed, and a document review before you fly. If rules change between booking and travel, we tell you.
Planning your trip now? Start with our Thailand tour packages guide and our best time to visit guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do Indians need a visa for Thailand? For short tourism visits, Indian passport holders have been eligible for visa-exempt entry in recent years. Check the current length of stay and conditions before you travel.
How long does a Thai e-Visa take? Usually several working days, but allow two weeks around holidays.
Is the arrival card mandatory? Most foreign visitors must complete the Digital Arrival Card before arrival. It's free on the official website.
Want us to handle the paperwork? Send an enquiry and we'll include a complete entry checklist with your Thailand itinerary.