Planning A Trip To Thailand? New Visa Rules And Entry Fee You Need To Know About

Thailand has just made travel easier. And honestly, it is a lot more tempting for Indian passport holders. If Thailand has been sitting on your travel wishlist, this new update might be the push you needed. Indians can now stay in Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days. Yes, no visa required in advance, no long queues for Visa on arrival, and no extra paperwork at the airport. And it gets even better! You can extend your stay by another 30 days, making it a total of 90 days in Thailand. 

Thailand Updates Visa Rules For Indian Travellers

Earlier, Indian passport holders were only eligible for a 30-day Visa on Arrival. You had to apply for it at the airport, dealing with waiting lines, paperwork, and of course, the fees. But now, there's no visa required before or on arrival. Indians can stay in Thailand for 60 days straight

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While entry has become easier, there is one important update travellers should keep in mind. Thailand is once again moving towards implementing a tourist entry fee for foreign visitors arriving by air. If implemented, international tourists flying into Thailand may have to pay an entry fee of 300 Thai baht (approximately ₹860). 

What Travellers Should Keep In Mind

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Even though the country is visa-free, you still need to be prepared with necessary information.

Documents Required:

• A valid passport.
• Hotel bookings or accommodation proof if you're staying with a friend or relative.
• A return or onwards flight ticket to prove your duration of stay.
• A filled-out Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) should be submitted at least 3 days before the trip. This card is mandatory for all travellers, as it replaces the old Visa on arrival documentation. 

Rules To Keep In Mind

• Tourists are not allowed to work on this visa-free entry.
• They are not allowed to exceed the duration of their visa. If needed beyond 60 days, the visa can be extended for 30 more days.
• The tourist visa should not be misused to live in Thailand long-term.
• In case the rules are not followed, tourists can face fines, penalties, or even travel bans

New Options For Long Stays

Thailand is also welcoming a new type of traveller. Ideal for digital nomads, the DTV lets you stay longer while working remotely for a non-Thai company, Times of India reports. Designed for international students, the ED Plus Visa allows study or combined study-work programs.

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This update means that you can now spend more time exploring islands like Phuket and Krabi. You can take it slow in Bangkok's cafes and markets and plan longer trips without worrying about visa deadlines. If you apply for the right visa, you can even mix travel with remote work.

Thailand has basically removed one of the biggest barriers to travel, the visa hassle.