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Planning a Thailand trip from India in 2026? For Indian travellers, visiting Thailand has become relatively straightforward because Indian ordinary passport holders can currently enter Thailand without obtaining a tourist visa in advance for eligible tourism and short-term business visits.
However, there is an important change that Indian travellers should know about before booking their trip. From 15 September 2026, the visa-exemption stay for Indian ordinary passport holders is 30 days, until further announcement.
Even though you may not need a visa for a regular short Thailand holiday, you still need to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before entering the country. TDAC is a mandatory immigration form and is separate from a visa.
So, if you’re travelling to Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Pattaya, Koh Samui or other Thai destinations from India, here’s everything you need to know about Thailand visa-free entry, TDAC, permitted stay, passport requirements, documents and e-Visa options in 2026.
Quick Answer: Do Indians Need a Visa for Thailand in 2026?
Indian ordinary passport holders currently do not need a tourist visa for an eligible short visit to Thailand.
The Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi confirms that the 30-day visa exemption for Indian ordinary passport holders for tourism and short-term business purposes is effective from 15 September 2026 until further announcement.
That means a typical Indian tourist travelling to Thailand for a holiday of up to 30 days generally does not need to apply for a Thai tourist visa before departure.
However, visa-free does not mean entry requirements disappear. Travellers still need to meet Thailand’s immigration requirements and complete the mandatory Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before arrival.
Thailand Visa-Free Entry for Indians in 2026
The current visa-exemption arrangement is particularly useful for Indian travellers planning short holidays.
Under the current rule:
- Indian ordinary passport holders can enter Thailand visa-free for eligible tourism.
- The permitted visa-exempt stay is up to 30 days.
- The current 30-day exemption took effect on 15 September 2026.
- The arrangement remains effective until further announcement.
- TDAC is still mandatory before entering Thailand.
Important: 60 Days Is No Longer the Current Rule for Indian Tourists
You may still find older websites and articles saying that Indians can stay in Thailand for 60 days without a visa.
That information refers to the earlier arrangement.
For travel under the current rules as of September 2026, the Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi states that Indian ordinary passport holders have a 30-day visa exemption from 15 September 2026.
Therefore, travellers should avoid relying on older 60-day information when planning a current trip.
What Is TDAC for Thailand?
TDAC stands for Thailand Digital Arrival Card.
It is an online arrival-information form introduced by Thailand’s Immigration Bureau for foreign travellers entering the country.
TDAC is not a visa. It is an immigration arrival card that must be completed before entering Thailand.
All non-Thai nationals entering Thailand generally need to submit the TDAC, including travellers entering under the visa-exemption scheme.
Where Do I Submit TDAC?
The official Thailand Digital Arrival Card is available through the Thailand Immigration Bureau’s TDAC website.
Travellers should use the official government TDAC platform, rather than paying a third-party website to complete a form that is available officially.
When Should Indians Fill Out the Thailand TDAC?
The TDAC can be submitted within three days before arrival in Thailand, including the arrival date.
For example, if your flight reaches Thailand on September 25, you can submit the TDAC within the permitted three-day window before your arrival.
You should not complete it months in advance.
TDAC Timing at a Glance
| Travel Detail | TDAC Requirement |
|---|---|
| When to submit | Within 3 days before arrival |
| Who needs it | Foreign travellers entering Thailand |
| Is it a visa? | No |
| Is it mandatory? | Yes |
| Is it required for visa-free travellers? | Yes |
| Is it required for children? | Yes |
| Is it required for land/sea entry? | Yes |
| Is it required every time you enter Thailand? | Yes |
The official TDAC FAQ states that the card is valid for the specific expected arrival and a new submission is required for each entry.
Documents and Information Required for TDAC
The TDAC is completed online, and travellers should keep their travel information ready before starting.
The official TDAC system asks for information including:
- Passport details
- Flight number
- Arrival date
- Address/accommodation in Thailand
- Purpose of travel
- Health declaration information
- Email address for receiving TDAC information
After submission, the TDAC information and QR code are sent to the traveller’s email.
The official system says that printing is not mandatory; travellers can keep the TDAC document/QR code on their phone or another device.
Documents Indians Should Carry for Thailand Visa-Free Travel
Although you may not need a tourist visa, you should still travel with the documents and information that may be required during airline or immigration checks.
1. Valid Indian Passport
Carry your original passport and make sure it meets Thailand’s entry requirements.
For international travel, having sufficient passport validity is important, and travellers should verify the current requirement before departure.
2. Confirmed Return or Onward Ticket
Keep your return flight or onward travel details accessible.
This helps demonstrate your planned departure from Thailand within the permitted stay.
3. Hotel or Accommodation Details
Carry your hotel booking or accommodation information.
Your TDAC also requires an address in Thailand.
4. Travel Itinerary
Keep your basic Thailand itinerary available, especially if you are travelling across multiple destinations such as:
Bangkok β Pattaya β Phuket β Krabi
5. Proof of Sufficient Travel Funds
Travellers should be prepared to demonstrate that they can support themselves during their stay if requested by immigration authorities.
Do not confuse this with a universal visa-application bank-balance rule because a visa-free traveller is not submitting a standard tourist visa application.
6. TDAC Confirmation
Keep your TDAC confirmation/QR code accessible on your phone.
Thailand Visa-Free Entry Process for Indians
The process is much simpler than applying for a traditional tourist visa.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Confirm that you hold an Indian ordinary passport and that your travel purpose falls within the current visa-exemption conditions.
The current Indian exemption covers tourism and certain short-term business engagements.
Step 2: Check Your Travel Dates
Make sure your planned stay fits within the 30-day visa-exempt period currently applicable to Indian ordinary passport holders.
Step 3: Book Your Flights and Hotel
Keep your return/onward ticket and accommodation details ready.
Step 4: Complete TDAC
Within three days before arrival, submit your Thailand Digital Arrival Card through the official immigration platform.
Step 5: Receive Your TDAC
Save the confirmation/QR code received by email.
Step 6: Travel to Thailand
Carry your passport, flight details, hotel information and TDAC confirmation.
Step 7: Complete Immigration
At the Thai immigration counter, officers may check your documents and determine admission under the applicable rules.
Is Thailand TDAC Free?
Yes. The official TDAC system does not charge a fee for submitting the Thailand Digital Arrival Card.
This is important because travellers may encounter third-party websites offering to complete the form for a service charge.
The safest approach is to use the official Thailand Immigration Bureau TDAC website.
The official TDAC FAQ also identifies the government platform and confirms that TDAC is an online arrival form.
Can Indians Stay in Thailand for More Than 30 Days?
The current visa-exemption period for Indian ordinary passport holders is 30 days.
If you intend to stay longer, do not simply assume that the visa-free period can automatically be extended.
Travellers planning a longer stay should check the applicable Thai immigration rules or consider applying for an appropriate visa before travelling.
Thailand’s official e-Visa system is available for applicants who actually require a visa. The Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi states that visa applications are submitted through the official Thai e-Visa platform.
Thailand Tourist Visa for Indians: When Is It Required?
The visa exemption does not apply to every possible travel situation.
If your trip does not qualify for visa-free entry, you may need a Thai visa.
The Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi lists the Tourist Visa (TR) for tourism and leisure activities. The current New Delhi fee table shows:
- Single-entry Tourist Visa: βΉ3,000
- Visa validity: 3 months
- Permitted stay per entry: up to 60 days
- Multiple-entry Tourist Visa: βΉ13,500
- Visa validity: 6 months
- Permitted stay per entry: up to 60 days
These figures apply to applicants using the relevant Thai visa process in India and should be rechecked before applying because fees and requirements can change.
Thailand e-Visa for Indians
Thailand’s e-Visa system is available online.
The Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi states that, following the implementation of the e-Visa system from 1 January 2025, applicants are required to apply through the official Thai e-Visa website.
The official e-Visa portal allows applicants to find information about visa categories and application procedures.
However, if you are an Indian ordinary passport holder travelling for eligible tourism under the current 30-day visa-exemption arrangement, you do not need to apply for a tourist e-Visa simply for that visa-free trip.
Thailand Visa-Free Entry vs Tourist Visa
| Feature | Visa-Free Entry | Tourist Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Visa required before travel | No, if eligible | Yes |
| Current Indian visa-free stay | Up to 30 days | Up to 60 days per entry |
| TDAC | Required | Required |
| Application | No tourist visa application | e-Visa application |
| Best suited for | Short eligible trips | Trips requiring a visa/longer permitted stay |
| Visa fee | No tourist visa fee | βΉ3,000 single entry in New Delhi |
The 30-day exemption for Indian ordinary passport holders is effective from 15 September 2026, while the Tourist Visa information and fees are listed by the Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi.
Do Children Need TDAC for Thailand?
Yes.
The official TDAC system states that children and infants are also required to have a TDAC when they are foreign travellers entering Thailand.
Families should therefore make sure every eligible family member is included in the required submission.
The system also allows a family/group submission of up to 10 travellers per submission.
Do Indians Need TDAC Even If Thailand Is Visa-Free?
Yes.
This is one of the most important points to remember.
Visa exemption and TDAC are two separate things.
Visa exemption: means you don’t need to obtain a tourist visa before travelling under the applicable exemption.
TDAC: is a mandatory arrival-information submission for foreign travellers entering Thailand.
The official TDAC system specifically confirms that it applies to travellers entering under visa-exempt status as well as other visa categories.
What Happens If You Make a Mistake in TDAC?
If you discover incorrect information, the TDAC system provides an option to update certain information.
However, some personal details cannot simply be edited after submission, including:
- Full name
- Passport number
- Nationality
- Date of birth
For information that cannot be corrected through the update function, the official guidance recommends submitting a new TDAC with the correct information. The latest valid submission is used.
Can a Travel Agent Submit TDAC for Indians?
Yes.
The official TDAC FAQ states that a travel agency can submit TDAC on behalf of clients when authorised by the clients and provided with the correct information.
This can be useful for families, groups and travellers booking a complete Thailand holiday package.
However, travellers should make sure the information submitted by the agency exactly matches their passport, flight and accommodation details.
Thailand Entry Checklist for Indian Travellers
Before flying from India to Thailand, keep this checklist handy:
Passport
β Valid Indian ordinary passport
β Check passport validity before departure
Flights
β Confirmed return/onward flight
β Correct passenger details
Hotel
β Hotel/accommodation confirmation
β Thailand address for TDAC
TDAC
β Complete within 3 days before arrival
β Save QR code/confirmation
β Submit a new TDAC for each Thailand entry
Money & Travel Proof
β Carry appropriate funds/payment methods
β Keep relevant travel documents accessible
Travel Insurance
β Strongly consider travel insurance for medical and trip-related risks
Immigration
β Follow the permitted stay
β Don’t overstay
β Keep supporting travel documents accessible
Thailand Visa for Indians: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thailand visa-free for Indians in 2026?
Yes. Indian ordinary passport holders currently have a 30-day visa exemption for tourism and short-term business purposes, effective from 15 September 2026 until further announcement.
How many days can Indians stay in Thailand without a visa?
Under the current arrangement, eligible Indian ordinary passport holders can stay for up to 30 days without obtaining a tourist visa in advance.
Is Thailand visa-free for Indians for 60 days?
Not under the current rule applicable from 15 September 2026. The current visa-exemption period for Indian ordinary passport holders is 30 days.
Is TDAC mandatory for Indians?
Yes. Foreign travellers entering Thailand must submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card, including those travelling under visa-exemption arrangements.
When should I fill out TDAC?
TDAC should be submitted within three days before your arrival in Thailand, including the arrival date.
Is TDAC a visa?
No. TDAC is an immigration arrival-information form and is separate from a visa.
Is TDAC free?
The official Thailand TDAC platform does not charge a submission fee. Travellers should be cautious of unofficial websites that charge service fees.
Do children need TDAC?
Yes. The official system states that infants and children also require TDAC when entering Thailand.
Can I apply for Thailand e-Visa online?
Yes. Thailand’s official e-Visa system is available online, and the Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi directs visa applicants to the official e-Visa platform.
How much does a Thailand tourist visa cost for Indians?
The Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi currently lists the single-entry Tourist Visa fee at βΉ3,000 and the multiple-entry Tourist Visa at βΉ13,500.
Do I need a tourist visa if I am going to Thailand for 7 days?
If you are an Indian ordinary passport holder and your trip qualifies under the current visa-exemption rules, you generally do not need a tourist visa for a seven-day holiday. You still need to complete TDAC before arrival.
Planning a Thailand Holiday from India?
Thailand remains a popular choice for Indian travellers looking for a combination of beaches, nightlife, shopping, island experiences and cultural attractions.
Depending on your travel dates, a Thailand itinerary can combine destinations such as Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket and Krabi, with flights, hotels, airport transfers, sightseeing and activities arranged together.
If you’re travelling from Delhi or elsewhere in India and want help planning the complete trip, Spark Holidays can assist with customised Thailand holiday packages, flights, hotels, transfers, sightseeing and travel assistance.
Thailand Visa for Indians 2026: Final Takeaway
For Indian travellers, Thailand travel is currently simpler because eligible Indian ordinary passport holders can enter visa-free for up to 30 days under the current exemption effective from 15 September 2026.
But don’t make the mistake of thinking βvisa-free = no paperwork.β
You still need to:
- Have the appropriate passport and travel documents.
- Keep return/onward flight and accommodation information ready.
- Complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card within three days before arrival.
- Keep the TDAC confirmation accessible.
- Follow the permitted 30-day stay.
- Check the latest official Thai immigration rules before travelling.
And if your trip requires a visa, Thailand’s official e-Visa system is available for eligible applicants.
Because visa-exemption policies can change, travellers should always verify the latest information with the Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi and Thailand Immigration Bureau before departure.
