The End of an Era: Visa-Free Travel Halts
The most significant change for Indian tourists is the end of the 60-day visa-free entry scheme that was active for the past couple of years. In mid-2026, the Thai government revised its immigration policies, moving India back to the Visa on Arrival (VoA)
category. This means the outdated assumption that you can simply land and walk through immigration without any visa process is no longer true. While last-minute travel is still possible, it now involves a formal visa application process at the airport, marking a return to stricter, pre-visa-waiver protocols.
The New Reality: Visa on Arrival (VoA)
For a typical holiday, the Visa on Arrival is your new entry ticket. This visa is granted at major Thai airports upon landing and permits a stay of up to 15 days, which is usually sufficient for most tourist itineraries. However, this convenience comes with a cost. There is a mandatory fee of 2,000 Thai Baht (approximately ₹5,000 to ₹5,900) per person. Crucially, this fee must be paid in cash in Thai currency, so exchanging money before you leave or immediately upon landing is essential. Planning for a trip longer than two weeks now requires more forethought.
Your Essential Document Checklist
With the return of the VoA system, Thai immigration authorities have tightened their checks. The Embassy of India in Bangkok issued an advisory in early July 2026 highlighting the documents travellers must carry. Be prepared to present a passport with at least six months of validity, confirmed return or onward flight tickets, and proof of accommodation, such as hotel bookings for your entire stay. Most importantly, travellers may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds. The advisory specifies carrying at least 20,000 Thai Baht (around ₹58,000) per person in cash. Failure to produce these documents or funds could lead to entry being denied.
The Mandatory Digital Step: TDAC
Alongside the visa process, a new digital requirement has been introduced: the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). This is a mandatory online form that all foreign visitors must complete within 72 hours before arriving in the country. The form replaces the old paper-based arrival cards and requires you to submit your personal, passport, and travel details online. Once submitted, you will receive a QR code. This code may be requested by your airline before boarding or by immigration officers upon arrival, so having it saved on your phone is critical.
Planning a Longer Trip? Apply for an E-Visa
If your travel plans extend beyond the 15-day limit of the Visa on Arrival, you must apply for a visa before leaving India. The best option is the 60-day tourist e-Visa, which can be applied for through the official Thai e-Visa portal. This online process requires submitting documents like your passport scan, flight itinerary, and proof of funds, but it grants a much longer stay. Applying at least two weeks before your trip is recommended to ensure you receive the visa in time and avoid any issues with your travel plans.
