Thai passport holders can now apply for a 30-day double-entry e-Tourist visa for India without paying a visa fee. The arrangement will remain in effect until December 31, 2027, or until further notice.
India has announced a visa-fee waiver for Thai nationals travelling to the country for tourism, making short visits more affordable and accessible.
Under the new arrangement, eligible Thai passport holders can apply for a 30-day double-entry Indian e-Tourist visa free of charge. The Embassy of India in Bangkok announced the measure in a press release dated September 11, 2026.
The free Indian e-Tourist visa for Thai nationals is intended to support tourism, strengthen people-to-people connections and encourage greater travel between India and Thailand.
However, the arrangement does not mean that Thai citizens can enter India without a visa. Travellers must still complete the online application process and receive an approved e-Tourist visa before travelling.
What the New Visa Arrangement Includes
The free Indian e-Tourist visa for Thai nationals applies specifically to the 30-day e-Tourist visa category.
The main features include:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligible travellers | Thai passport holders |
| Visa type | e-Tourist visa |
| Validity | 30 days |
| Entries permitted | Double entry |
| Visa fee | Waived |
| Application method | Online |
| Arrangement valid until | December 31, 2027, or until further notice |
The Embassy of India in Bangkok said:
“The Government of India will grant a 30-day e-Tourist visa with double entry on a gratis basis to Thai nationals. This arrangement will remain in force till 31 December 2027 or till further orders.”
The embassy also confirmed that Thai nationals applying under the arrangement will not be charged a visa fee.
Visa-Free Entry Is Not the Same as a Fee Waiver
Although the free Indian e-Tourist visa for Thai nationals removes the visa fee, applicants must still obtain an approved visa before arriving in India.
Thai travellers must:
- Complete the online e-Visa application.
- Upload the required documents.
- Receive the Electronic Travel Authorization, where approved.
- Print or retain the approved visa document.
- Present the required documents at the Indian immigration checkpoint.
The arrangement is therefore a visa-fee waiver, not visa-free entry.
Travellers should use only the Indian government’s official e-Visa portal and avoid unofficial websites that may charge unnecessary service fees or misrepresent the process.
Official application portal: Indian Government e-Visa Portal
How Long Is the Visa Valid?
The free Indian e-Tourist visa for Thai nationals will be valid for 30 days.
The visa permits two entries into India during the visa’s validity period.
The official Indian e-Visa information explains that a 30-day e-Tourist visa generally begins its validity from the date of the traveller’s first arrival in India. Double entry is permitted within the validity period indicated on the visa.
Travellers should carefully check the dates and entry conditions stated on their approved visa before making travel arrangements.
Arrangement Continues Until December 31, 2027
The free Indian e-Tourist visa for Thai nationals will remain available until December 31, 2027, unless the Indian government issues further instructions earlier.
This means the fee waiver is not limited to a short promotional period. It is scheduled to remain in place for more than a year, giving Thai travellers additional flexibility when planning holidays, cultural trips or family visits to India.
The arrangement may be reviewed or changed by the government, so applicants should verify the latest information before submitting an application.
Growing Tourism Links Between India and Thailand
The announcement comes as India and Thailand continue to develop their tourism and travel connections.
According to information cited by the Embassy of India in Bangkok, approximately 130,000 Thai tourists visited India in 2025. This represented a decline of around 7% compared with the previous year.
Despite the decline, Thailand remains an important source market for Indian tourism.
Official Indian tourism data show that 140,489 Thai nationals visited India in 2024, accounting for approximately 1.41% of foreign tourist arrivals. This was an increase from 116,060 Thai visitors in 2023.
| Year | Thai Visitors to India |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 116,060 |
| 2024 | 140,489 |
| 2025 | Approximately 130,000 |
The figures show that travel between the two countries remains significant, even amid yearly fluctuations.
More Than 15 Indian Cities Connected to Thailand
Air connectivity is another factor supporting travel between India and Thailand.
The Indian Embassy stated that Thailand was directly connected with more than 15 Indian cities, with more than 500 flights per week, depending on seasonal schedules.
These connections can make it easier for Thai travellers to visit major Indian destinations, including:
- New Delhi
- Mumbai
- Kolkata
- Chennai
- Bengaluru
- Hyderabad
- Kochi
- Goa
- Jaipur
- Varanasi
- Ahmedabad
- Gaya
- Lucknow
- Amritsar
- Bodh Gaya
Improved air connectivity, combined with the free Indian e-Tourist visa for Thai nationals, could encourage more short-term tourism and multi-city travel.
Who Can Benefit From the Fee Waiver?
The arrangement may benefit Thai nationals planning trips to India for tourism-related purposes, including:
- Leisure holidays
- Cultural tourism
- Heritage and religious travel
- Visiting Indian destinations
- Short family trips
- Wellness and spiritual tourism
- Exploring India’s food and cultural traditions
Applicants must still meet the standard eligibility and documentation requirements for an Indian e-Tourist visa.
The fee waiver does not automatically guarantee approval. Immigration authorities may still assess applications based on the information and documents submitted.
Documents Thai Travellers Should Prepare
Although the visa fee is waived, applicants should prepare the required documents carefully.
These may include:
- A valid Thai passport
- A recent passport-style photograph
- A scanned copy of the passport information page
- Travel details
- Accommodation information
- A return or onward travel plan, where applicable
- Any additional documents requested during the application process
The passport should meet the validity requirements stated by Indian authorities. Travellers should also ensure that the information entered in the application matches their passport exactly.
Errors in names, passport numbers, dates of birth or travel details could create processing difficulties.
Use Only the Official Indian e-Visa Website
Thai nationals applying under the free Indian e-Tourist visa for Thai nationals arrangement should submit applications through the official Indian government portal.
Applicants should be cautious of websites advertising “guaranteed approval,” urgent visa processing or additional mandatory charges.
The Indian e-Visa system provides online application and status-checking facilities. Applicants should verify whether any charge shown during the process is an official fee or an optional third-party service charge.
Under the new arrangement, the visa fee for eligible Thai nationals is waived. However, applicants should still carefully review the final payment page and official instructions before completing the application.
Why the Move Matters for India-Thailand Relations
The free Indian e-Tourist visa for Thai nationals is more than a travel-cost reduction. It also supports wider diplomatic, cultural and tourism relations between India and Thailand.
The two countries share longstanding historical and cultural links, including connections through Buddhism, trade, food, language, art and religious heritage.
Easier visa access can encourage:
- Greater tourist arrivals
- Cultural exchanges
- Family and community visits
- Religious tourism
- Increased airline demand
- Stronger tourism-sector cooperation
The measure may also make India more competitive as a destination for Thai travellers considering short international trips.
Key Takeaway Of Indian e-Tourist visa for Thai nationals
The free Indian e-Tourist visa for Thai nationals allows eligible Thai passport holders to apply for a 30-day double-entry e-Tourist visa without paying a visa fee.
The arrangement:
- Took effect following the Embassy of India’s September 11, 2026 announcement.
- Applies to Thai passport holders travelling for tourism.
- Allows two entries within the visa’s validity period.
- Remains in force until December 31, 2027, or until further notice.
- Requires travellers to apply online and obtain a visa before travelling.
- Does not represent visa-free entry into India.
For Thai travellers planning a visit, the fee waiver could reduce the cost of travel preparation while making short trips to India more convenient.
FAQs : Indian e-Tourist visa for Thai nationals
What is the free Indian e-Tourist visa for Thai nationals?
It is a visa-fee waiver allowing eligible Thai passport holders to apply for a 30-day Indian e-Tourist visa with double-entry permission without paying the visa fee.
How long is the Indian e-Tourist visa valid?
The visa is valid for 30 days, subject to the conditions stated on the approved visa.
How many entries are permitted?
The arrangement permits two entries into India during the visa’s validity period.
Do Thai nationals need to apply for a visa?
Yes. The arrangement is not visa-free entry. Thai travellers must apply online and receive an approved e-Tourist visa before travelling.
Until when will the fee waiver remain available?
The arrangement is scheduled to remain in effect until December 31, 2027, or until further government instructions.
Where can Thai nationals apply?
Applicants should use the official Indian government e-Visa portal at Indianvisaonline.gov.in.
Does the fee waiver guarantee visa approval?
No. Applicants must still meet the applicable eligibility and documentation requirements, and approval remains subject to Indian immigration authorities.
Source : The Star
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