How To Get Thailand Visa On Arrival For Indian Tourists
Latest Update: Due to the ongoing Coronavirus crisis, on 11 March 2020, the Thai government cancelled the issue of Visa-on-Arrival indefinitely for 18 countries including India. This measure was effected to control the spread of Coronavirus cases.
Old Update: The Thai government has waived the Visa-on-Arrival fee of 2,000 baht for Indian citizens till April 30th to increase tourism in the country!
Thailand is the mecca of Indian youngsters looking to go abroad and have a good time. It’s close to India, cheap and an incredibly fun place to be! One can enjoy an awesome holiday there at an affordable price.
Also Read: 7 Best Places to Travel in Thailand on a Budget & Like a Boss!
The best part about visiting Thailand is that it’s just as easy as travelling to another city in India. This is because they offer Visa on Arrival for Indian tourists and you can simply catch a flight to go there without taking a visa beforehand. The Visa-on-Arrival process is very fast and takes just 1-hour maximum. So, let us get to know about Thailand Visa on Arrival for Indian tourists.
What is Thailand Visa on Arrival for Indian tourists?
This is a visa facility introduced by the Thai government where Indian Citizens need not apply for a visa before coming to Thailand. Instead, they can just book their flight tickets, land in the country and then get Visa-on-Arrival from the airport in Thailand itself. This visa will be valid for 15 days from the time of entry. Also, it costs 2000 THB per person.
Note: Indian passport holders can make use of the Visa on Arrival facility offered by 59 countries around the globe. The Visa on Arrival option allows Indian passport holders to simply apply for a visa when entering a country among these 59 countries.
Where all can we get Thailand Visa on Arrival?
Visa-on-Arrival service is available 24*7 at 6 major and international airports in Thailand;
- Phuket International Airport
- Don Muang Airport, Bangkok
- Suvarnabhumi International Airport
- Samui Airport, Surat Thani
- Chiang Mai International Airport
- Hatyai International Airport, Songkhla
Apart from airports, Visa-on-Arrival is also available at seaports.
If you are planning a road trip to Thailand and then obtaining Visa-on-Arrival, luckily that too is possible. You can approach the following land borders of Thailand with adjoining countries such as Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia.
Visa-on-Arrival through land crossing from Myanmar
Visa-on-Arrival through land crossing from Laos
Visa-on-Arrival through land crossing from Cambodia
Visa-on-Arrival through land crossing from Malaysia
How to get Thailand Visa On Arrival for Indian tourists?
Let’s say you are arriving at one of the designated Visa on Arrival points in Thailand mentioned above. You’d be required to fill up the Thailand visa form and submit it at the immigration counter. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the time of applying for this visa. Also, make sure that your passport contains two blank pages so that it can be stamped when entering and exiting Thailand.
Please bear in mind that the Immigration officer has the final say on granting your visa. So be in your best behaviour and equipped with all the necessary documents. The Visa on Arrival application fee is 2000 Baht per person (about Rs 4700 at today’s Thai baht exchange rate in India), which has to be paid in Baht currency only. Depending on the number of tourists applying for Visa on Arrival, the process could take from 10 minutes to an hour.
Documents required for Thailand Visa on Arrival for Indian tourists
- Return flight ticket within 15 days of entry to Thailand. Please note, travelling by land out of Thailand, by bus or train, to Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, etc is not accepted as proof of exiting Thailand.
- A Passport which is valid for at least 6 months from the time of application of Thailand Visa.
- Visa Application form filled and completed.
- 2 Passport size colour photographs taken within 3 months with a white background.
- A completed Arrival-Departure card, which the airline staff will distribute before landing in Thailand
- Accommodation Proof in the form of hotel or guest stay bookings.
- Proof of means of living expenses while in Thailand.
All travellers entering Thailand are required by law (not always but sometimes immigration officers do ask for this) to show a minimum amount as proof of funds for their Thai trip when going through immigration. The amount varies depending on the type of visa you have ;- Visa on Arrival: Must hold minimum THB 10,000 per passenger or THB 20,000 per family.
- Tourist Visa holder: Must hold minimum THB 20,000 per passenger or THB 40,000 per family.
- Transit Visa holder: Must hold minimum THB 10,000 per passenger or THB 20,000 per family.
- Non-Immigrant Visa holder: Must hold minimum THB 20,000 per passenger or THB 40,000 per family.
Also Read: Carrying Money from India while Travelling to Thailand – 5 Points to Note
Terms and conditions of the Thailand Visa on Arrival
- The maximum amount of time you can spend with your Visa on Arrival is 15 days in Thailand.
- Tourists using Visa on Arrival facility cannot file an application for extension for a stay in Thailand. An extension is only possible under special circumstances such as an illness which prevents you from travelling.
It’s really very simple getting a Thai Visa on Arrival. Simply fill-up the form, submit necessary documents at the Thai immigration counter, get set and go!
Also Read : 6 Essential Documents You Should Have When Travelling Abroad