Travelling to Thailand? Indians Must Follow New Entry Rules
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Indian travellers planning a trip to Thailand will need to carry additional documentation and comply with stricter immigration requirements after the end of the visa-free entry scheme, with the Indian Embassy in Bangkok issuing a fresh advisory for visitors.
The embassy said Indian nationals are now covered under Thailand's Visa on Arrival (VoA) framework and warned that failure to carry the required documents could result in delays or even refusal of entry at immigration.
Visa-free entry no longer available
The embassy said Indian passport holders had been allowed visa-free entry under a temporary tourism arrangement, but that facility has now ended.
Travellers must now:
- Enter Thailand under the Visa on Arrival (VoA) scheme, where applicable, or
- Obtain the appropriate visa depending on the purpose of their visit.
The advisory also stressed that those travelling for purposes other than tourism should ensure they have the correct visa before leaving India.
Documents travellers should carry
The embassy advised Indian travellers to keep the following documents readily available before reaching immigration counters:
- Passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.
- Confirmed return or onward flight ticket.
- Confirmed hotel booking.
- Clear travel itinerary.
- Appropriate visa matching the purpose of travel.
- Completed Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC).
The TDAC can be submitted online within 72 hours before arrival, after which travellers receive a QR code that must be presented during immigration clearance.
The embassy also advised passengers not to pack essential travel documents in checked baggage.
Cash requirement
The advisory reiterated that travellers entering Thailand under the Visa on Arrival scheme should carry at least:
- 20,000 Thai baht per person (approximately ₹57,000–58,000).
Although immigration officers may not ask every traveller to show the cash, they are authorised to verify that visitors have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay.
Employment-related warning
The embassy cautioned Indian nationals travelling for work not to enter Thailand on a tourist visa or under the Visa on Arrival facility.
Travellers who have already secured employment must obtain the appropriate employment visa before departing India.
According to the advisory, entering Thailand as a tourist with the intention of working violates Thai immigration laws and may attract legal or immigration action.
Guidance for transit passengers
The advisory also applies to passengers transiting through Thailand.
Travellers should carry:
- Documents required for their final destination.
- Confirmed onward tickets.
- Any visas required by the destination country.
The embassy said carrying complete documentation could help avoid transit-related complications.
Additional travel advice
The embassy also urged Indian travellers to take basic precautions during their visit, including:
- Carry photocopies of passports separately from the original.
- Keep passports and cash in different locations.
- Exchange currency only through authorised dealers and retain receipts.
- Remain alert to pickpockets in crowded markets and public transport.
- Avoid unsolicited offers from brokers or touts.
- Exercise caution while hiring jet skis or speedboats, as tourists have previously reported disputes over alleged damage and compensation claims.
- Ensure every member of a travel group carries their own travel documents instead of relying on one person.
With visa-free entry no longer available, the embassy said travellers should ensure that all documentation—including the TDAC, passport, accommodation proof, return tickets and sufficient funds—is in order before departure to avoid delays or refusal of entry.
