Indian Visa for Thai Citizens

For Thai citizens, traveling to India has become increasingly accessible thanks to a generous visa policy and a streamlined electronic visa (e-Visa) system. In a significant move to boost tourism and cultural exchange, the Government of India has extended free 30-day e-Tourist Visa access for Thai nationals until at least June 30, 2026 . This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining an Indian visa from Thailand, covering the types available, the step-by-step application process, key requirements, and recent policy changes.

Do Thai Citizens Need a Visa for India?

Yes. All Thai citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to India . There is no visa-on-arrival for Indian nationals in the traditional sense. However, Thailand is one of the 166+ countries eligible for India's e-Visa (Electronic Travel Authorization) scheme . This means Thai passport holders can apply for a visa entirely online without visiting an embassy, provided they apply at least four days before travel .

India e-Visa Types for Thai Citizens (2026)

India offers several types of e-Visas depending on the purpose of your visit. For the vast majority of travelers, the Tourist eVisa is the most relevant .

Visa Type	Duration	Entries	Best For
Tourist eVisa (30-day)	Valid 30 days from arrival	Double entry	Short vacations, sightseeing, visiting friends
Tourist eVisa (1-Year)	Valid 365 days	Multiple entries	Frequent travelers, extended backpacking
Tourist eVisa (5-Year)	Valid 5 years	Multiple entries	Long-term tourism and multiple visits
Business eVisa	Valid 1 year	Multiple entries	Business meetings, trade fairs, sales
Medical eVisa	Valid 60 days	Triple entry	Medical treatment in recognized hospitals
Medical Attendant eVisa	Valid 60 days	Triple entry	Attendants accompanying a medical patient

Special Note: Free 30-Day Visa
For Thai passport holders, the 30-day e-Tourist Visa is currently free of charge (excluding bank transaction fees) until June 30, 2026 . This applies to both single and double entry visas . Standard processing fees apply for the 1-year and 5-year tourist eVisas.

Eligibility Criteria for Thai Applicants

Before applying, ensure you meet the basic entry requirements set by the Indian Bureau of Immigration :

1. Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in India.

2. Blank Pages: You must have at least two blank pages in your passport for immigration stamping .

3. Return Ticket: You must possess a confirmed return ticket or onward journey ticket .

4. Sufficient Funds: You should be able to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your stay in India .

5. Exclusions: The e-Visa is not available for Diplomatic/Official passport holders or individuals of Pakistani origin .

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for an Indian e-Visa is a 100% online process, and the official website is managed by the Government of India . Always use the official portal to avoid scams.

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to the official Indian government e-Visa website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html .

Step 2: Fill out the Online Application Form
Select your nationality (Thailand) and visa type (e.g., e-Tourist Visa). Complete the application form carefully. You will need to provide:

• Personal details (name, date of birth, place of birth)

• Passport information (number, issue, and expiry date)

• Address details in Thailand

• Travel itinerary (planned date of arrival and port of entry)

• Occupation and educational qualifications

Step 3: Upload Documents
You will need to upload two specific files :

1. Scanned Passport Bio-Page: A PDF copy of the page containing your photo and personal details (Size: 10 KB – 300 KB).

2. Recent Photograph: A recent passport-style color photo with a white background. The image must be square (equal height and width) and in JPEG format (Size: 10 KB – 1 MB) .

Step 4: Pay the Fee
Pay the applicable visa fee using a credit card, debit card, or PayPal. While the 30-day visa fee is waived for Thai citizens until June 2026, you may still need to pay a small bank/service charge (approx. USD 2-3). The standard fees for longer durations are generally around USD 25 for 1 year and USD 80 for 5 years .

Step 5: Receive Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
Once submitted, the application is processed. Standard processing takes approximately 72 hours (3 days) .
*Note: You must apply at least 4 days before your expected date of travel, but no more than 30 days in advance for the 30-day visa, or up to 120 days for the long-term visas .*

Step 6: Travel with the ETA
You will receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email. Print this ETA and carry it with you along with your passport. Immigration officials will stamp your entry upon arrival.

Entry Ports for e-Visa Holders

Thai travelers using the e-Visa can enter India through 31 designated international airports and 5 major seaports . The main airports include:

• Delhi (DEL)

• Mumbai (BOM)

• Chennai (MAA)

• Kolkata (CCU)

• Bengaluru (BLR)

• Hyderabad (HYD)

• Kochi (COK)

• Phuket (HKT - Note: While listed as a port of departure, ensure you have a direct or connecting flight to one of the Indian e-Visa airports).

Key 2026 Policy Updates for Thai Travelers

1. Free Visa Extension Confirmed: The Embassy of India in Bangkok confirmed on December 31, 2025, that the free 30-day e-Tourist Visa scheme for Thai nationals is extended until June 30, 2026 .

2. Increased Stay Duration: The duration of stay per visit on the e-Tourist visa has been increased from 30 days to 60 days (for the standard tourist visa categories, though the free offer remains at 30 days) .

3. Double Entry for Tourist e-Visa: The e-Tourist visa now allows double entry, making it easier for Thai tourists to visit neighboring countries like Nepal or Bhutan and return to India within the same visa .

What to Do If You Need a Regular Visa

While the e-Visa covers 99% of tourist and short business needs, some travelers may still require a traditional "Paper Visa" from the Embassy of India in Bangkok. This includes:

• Individuals intending to stay for more than 90 days continuously (though e-Visa allows up to 90 days per visit on a 1-year visa).

• Journalists or those on a work assignment.

• Diplomatic or Official passport holders.

Embassy of India, Bangkok
Address: 46, Prasarnmitr, Sukhumvit, Soi 23, Bangkok - 10110 
Tel: 02-2580300-6

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get a visa on arrival in India as a Thai citizen?
No. There is no physical "Visa on Arrival" stamping desk. You must obtain your e-Visa online before you fly .

How long does it take to process the Indian e-Visa?
Processing usually takes 72 hours (3 days). Apply at least 4-7 days before your flight .

I am a Thai citizen living in Thailand. Can I use the e-Visa?
Yes, absolutely. The e-Visa is available to Thai citizens residing in Thailand. You do not need to go to the embassy.

Is the 30-day e-Visa really free for Thai citizens?
Yes, the visa fee is currently waived until June 30, 2026. However, you may still be charged a small bank service charge (convenience fee) when paying online .

What is the difference between the 30-day free visa and the 1-year visa?
The free visa allows a stay of up to 30 days (double entry). The 1-year visa (which requires a fee) allows a stay of up to 90 days per visit and multiple entries, valid for 365 days from the date of grant .

Conclusion

For Thai citizens, traveling to India in 2026 is easier and more affordable than ever before. The extension of the free 30-day e-Tourist Visa until June 2026 removes a major financial barrier, while the digitization of the application process eliminates the need for embassy visits. Whether you are planning a pilgrimage to Buddhist sites, a medical trip, or a leisure vacation, the Indian e-Visa provides a fast, user-friendly solution.