Guide to Thailand Visa Application for Indians: Documents & Process

Thailand has been an enchanting destination for travellers around the world. From its bustling streets adorned with vibrant markets and ornate temples to its pristine beaches bordered by swaying palm trees, Thailand offers diversity. For Indian travellers, Thailand often conjures images of a culturally rich land (much like our home country) with an exotic twist. As you prepare for your Thai vacation, you must consider the Thai visa process carefully. With this guide, you can fulfil all the basic requirements and easily complete the application process for a Thailand visa for Indians.

The Kingdom of Thailand grants pre-approved visas to visitors via VFS Global Services. Indian tourists to Thailand can also take advantage of the visa on arrival facility. The visa costs depend upon whether you apply for a visa before travelling to Thailand, or obtain one upon arrival.

The Thailand visa on arrival for Indians is available at designated immigration checkpoints like airports, land borders, and seaports. However, you may be granted a visa on arrival only if you fulfil the applicable eligibility requirements. The maximum duration of stay allotted with a visa on arrival is up to 15 days.

If you wish to apply for a short-term tourist visa with an extended stay not exceeding 60 days, you can apply for your Thai Visa on the VFS Global website. This visa comes with a validity period of 3 months for a single entry visa. You can also apply for a multiple-entry visa with a validity period of 6 months.

If you choose to apply for a Thailand visa in advance, you must provide the following documents:

• Duly filled Thailand visa application form.
  
• An Indian passport with a validity of at least 30 days from the date of arrival in Thailand.
  
• Two recent, clear passport-size photographs clicked against a white background.
  
• Proof of accommodation such as hotel reservations or a letter of invitation from a friend or relative to stay.
  
• Outward or return flight ticket.
  
• A copy of the detailed travel itinerary for your trip to Thailand.
  
• Proof of income and other financial means, supporting your stay in Thailand. You should have at least 10,000 to 20,000 Baht per person. The amount depends on whether you are travelling individually or with family. You may also present your bank statement to prove you have sufficient funds.

Depending on whether you choose to obtain a Thailand Visa on Arrival for Indians or a pre-approved visa, you must follow the below-mentioned application processes to obtain your Thailand Visa.

Application Process For Thai Visa on Arrival

Step 1: Go to an Immigration Counter

As an Indian tourist to Thailand, you can complete the immigration process at multiple checkpoints in Thailand. These include the Suvarnabhumi International Airport, the Don Mueang International Airport, the Chiang Mai International Airport, and the Phuket International Airport. To expedite the immigration process faster, you can apply for an electronic visa on arrival (E-VOA) at the VFS Global website before leaving for Thailand.

Step 2: Submit the Documents

Once you arrive at the immigration desk, you can present your passport and other supporting documents as requested by the immigration officer. You must check your documents carefully before submission to enhance your chances of obtaining a visa on arrival.

Step 3: Answer any Questions

The immigration officer may also ask you specific questions concerning your travel. The questions can range from your reason for your visit to your duration of stay, proof of accommodation, insurance, etc. You must answer these questions truthfully and furnish the appropriate documents to back your statements.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee

You can then pay the visa on arrival fee, which is 2,000 Baht. You are required to pay this fee in cash only. Also, the visa fee is non-refundable. Note that this fee is subject to revision. You must, therefore, check for the latest fees before travelling and carry the cash accordingly.

Step 5: Collect your Stamped Passport

Once you complete the abovementioned formalities, you will receive your passport with an entry stamp from the immigration bureau. You can now enter the country and enjoy your stay in Thailand.

Application Process for Pre-approved Thailand Visa for Indians

You can apply for a Thailand Tourist visa from India on the VFS Global website. The application procedure for a short-term, single, or multi-entry Thailand Tourist Visa for Indians involves the following steps:

Step 1: Select the Visa Type and Application Centre

You must first select the visa application centre in India closest to your home city. The options include the Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi or the Royal Thai Consulate General in Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai. You can then select your tourist visa type between single and multiple entry.

Step 2: Fill out the Visa Application Form

Download the visa application form from the website, fill it up with the required details, and print the complete form. Ensure to review your furnished information for correctness and completeness, as errors can cause immigration officers to delay or reject your application.

Step 3: Schedule an Appointment

You can now schedule an appointment with the nearest Thai embassy. Alternatively, you can visit the visa application centre without an appointment by opting for the walk-in facility (if you know the opening hours). You can contact VFS Global Services and confirm the same.

Step 4: Visit VFS Global for Visa Formalities

You must visit VFS Global Services on the scheduled appointment date to complete the visa formalities. You must arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment and submit your documents. You may also be required to complete the biometric process.

Step 5: Pay Visa Fee

You must pay the visa fee to complete your visa application at this stage. The visa fee varies based on the Thailand visa category. A single-entry tourist visa attracts a fee of ₹2,500, and a multiple-entry tourist visa costs ₹12,000. In addition, you will incur a service charge of ₹500 per application, including 9% SGST and 9% CGST. The fees will add up if you opt for value-added services like SMS, courier, and premium lounge facilities. All the charges are non-refundable even if the Thailand Embassy refuses your visa application.

Step 6: Track Your Visa Application Status

Once you complete the application process, the Thailand embassy takes it forward for processing. It can take between a couple of days to a few weeks for your application to be processed. You will receive an email update once the decision is made. If you cannot access email, you may also receive updates via SMS notifications. You can check with your visa application centre for the availability of such services. Alternatively, you can track your application online on the VFS Global portal. You must provide your passport number, date of birth, and enter the captcha code to check your visa status.

Step 7: Collect Your Passport

After the Thai embassy decides on your application for a Thailand tourist visa, you can retrieve your passport from the visa application centre or opt for passport courier services by paying an additional fee. When collecting the passport in person, you must remember to bring the receipt provided by VFS Global at the time of application, along with a government-approved identity proof document.

On your exotic trip to Thailand, you will incur various expenses, including entry tickets to attractions and public transit zones, food bills, shopping costs, and more. You can efficiently manage these payments with a swipe/tap of your HDFC Bank Forex Card. The Forex Card allows you to conveniently store Thai Baht and lock in the forex rates, so you never have to worry about currency rate fluctuations. Besides, you can load the card with multiple foreign currencies, at any given time. You can easily purchase Thai Baht from HDFC Bank and load your Forex Card before starting your trip.

Make effortless payments and enjoy your overseas adventures with HDFC Bank Forex Cards.

​​​​​​​*Terms and conditions apply. The information provided in this article is generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances.