Indian Visa for Thai Citizens: Requirements, Fees and Application Process

Thai citizens planning to visit India generally need an approved visa before travelling. However, India has introduced a special fee-waiver arrangement allowing eligible Thai passport holders to obtain a 30-day double-entry e-Tourist visa without paying a visa fee. The arrangement is currently scheduled to continue until December 31, 2027, or until further notice.

If you are travelling from Thailand to India for tourism, sightseeing or visiting friends and relatives, understanding the visa requirements can help you prepare your application correctly. Here is what Thai citizens need to know about eligibility, documents, visa validity and the application process.

Do Thai Citizens Need a Visa for India?

Yes. Thai citizens holding ordinary passports generally need a valid Indian visa to enter India. However, eligible Thai nationals can benefit from India's special fee-waiver arrangement for the 30-day double-entry e-Tourist visa.

It is important to understand the difference between visa-free travel and a fee-free visa:

Therefore, Thai citizens cannot simply travel to India without completing the visa application. They must obtain an approved e-Tourist visa before departure.

Indian Visa Options for Thai Citizens

Thai passport holders can select an appropriate Indian visa depending on their travel purpose.

The main options include:

1. e-Tourist Visa: Suitable for sightseeing, holidays, casual visits to friends and relatives, and other permitted tourism-related activities. The special 30-day fee-waiver arrangement applies to this category.
2. e-Business Visa: Intended for eligible business activities, such as business meetings and other permitted commercial purposes. A tourist visa should not be used for business activities that require a business visa.
3. e-Medical Visa: Available to eligible foreign nationals travelling to India for medical treatment. Eligible accompanying attendants may apply for an e-Medical Attendant Visa.
4. Regular Indian Visa: Applicants whose travel purpose or circumstances do not qualify for an e-Visa may need to apply through the appropriate Indian diplomatic mission.

The correct category depends on the purpose of travel, not simply the applicant's nationality.

Is the Indian e-Tourist Visa Free for Thai Citizens?

Yes. Under an arrangement announced by the Embassy of India in Bangkok on September 11, 2026, Thai nationals can receive a 30-day double-entry e-Tourist visa on a gratis basis.

The arrangement is scheduled to remain effective until December 31, 2027, or until further orders. Eligible applicants can submit their applications through the official Indian e-Visa portal without paying the visa fee.

This benefit applies specifically to the 30-day e-Tourist visa category. It should not automatically be assumed to cover one-year or five-year tourist visas, business visas or medical visas.

Applicants should check the latest Embassy announcement and the amount displayed on the official application portal before submitting their applications.

Indian Visa Requirements for Thai Citizens

To apply for an Indian e-Visa, Thai citizens must satisfy the applicable nationality, passport and travel requirements.

The general requirements include:

• Hold a valid ordinary Thai passport.
• Ensure the passport has at least six months of validity when applying for an e-Visa.
• Have at least two blank passport pages for immigration stamping.
• Provide a return or onward journey ticket.
• Have sufficient funds to support the stay in India.
• Travel for a purpose permitted under the selected e-Visa category.
• Hold an approved ETA before travelling.

Diplomatic and official passport holders are not eligible for the standard e-Visa facility. Separate eligibility restrictions also apply to applicants of Pakistani origin. Such applicants should consult the official government guidance regarding regular visa applications.

Documents Required for an Indian Visa

Thai citizens applying for an Indian e-Visa should prepare the required documents before starting the online application.

For the photograph, the official portal specifies a JPEG image with a plain light-coloured or white background, a front-facing photograph and a clearly visible face.

The passport bio-page scan and other supporting documents must meet the file-format and size specifications displayed on the official portal.

Additional documents may be required depending on the selected category. For example, medical applicants may need supporting medical documentation, while business applicants may need business-related supporting documents.

How to Apply for an Indian Visa from Thailand

Thai citizens can apply for an eligible Indian e-Visa online without visiting an Indian embassy for the standard e-Visa application process.

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the official Indian e-Visa website

Go to the Indian Government e-Visa portal. Select the appropriate visa category and begin the application.

Step 2: Complete the application form

Enter your personal details, Thai passport information, travel dates and other requested information. Ensure that your name, date of birth and passport number match your passport exactly.

Step 3: Upload the required documents

Upload your passport bio-page scan, recent photograph and any additional documents requested for your selected visa category.

Step 4: Review and submit the application

Carefully check all information before submitting the form. Incorrect passport details or unclear document uploads can cause application problems.

Step 5: Check your application status

After submission, use the official portal to track the application. The approval or rejection status is communicated through the email address provided in the application.

Step 6: Receive your approved ETA

Once granted, download and print your Electronic Travel Authorization. Check that your passport details, nationality and visa information are correct before departure.

An application submission confirmation is not the same as visa approval. Travellers should wait for the granted ETA before travelling to India.

Indian Visa Validity, Stay and Entry Conditions

The fee-waiver arrangement covers a 30-day double-entry e-Tourist visa.

The 30-day e-Tourist visa validity begins from the date of first arrival in India, according to the general Indian e-Visa guidance. The first arrival must take place within the ETA validity period.

Travellers must follow the dates and conditions stated on their approved authorization. An e-Visa is non-extendable and non-convertible under the standard rules.

Also, e-Visa holders must enter through designated airports or seaports authorised by the Indian government. Check the current list of authorised entry points before booking your journey.

Indian Visa Processing Time and Fees

Eligible Thai nationals do not have to pay the visa fee for the 30-day double-entry e-Tourist visa under the current fee-waiver arrangement.

According to the Indian government's general e-Visa guidance, eligible applicants can apply up to 120 days before their proposed arrival date and must submit their applications at least four days before arrival.

However, the minimum application window does not guarantee approval within four days. Applicants should apply well in advance to allow time for verification or additional document requests.

Other visa categories may have different fees and processing requirements. Always check the official portal for the applicable charges before submitting an application.

Common Indian Visa Application Mistakes to Avoid

Thai applicants should avoid these common mistakes:

• Entering passport details incorrectly.
• Uploading unclear passport scans or photographs.
• Selecting a tourist visa for a business or medical visit.
• Assuming that a fee-free visa means visa-free entry.
• Travelling with an application receipt instead of an approved ETA.
• Applying through unofficial websites that claim guaranteed or expedited approval.

Checking the application carefully before submission can help prevent avoidable delays and complications.

Conclusion

Thai citizens can apply for an Indian e-Visa online, and eligible applicants can currently benefit from a fee-free 30-day double-entry e-Tourist visa arrangement. However, visa approval is still required before travelling.

Check the latest requirements on the official Indian e-Visa portal, prepare your documents carefully and verify your approved ETA before departure.

Need assistance with your Indian visa application? Visament can help you understand the requirements, prepare your documents and navigate the application process.