Planning a trip to Thailand? This guide covers exactly who needs a visa, what it costs, how long it takes and where to apply — using figures from Thailand's official immigration authorities, including which nationalities can enter visa-free.
Quick answer
Most visitors to Thailand need tourist visa (tr) e-visa, with an official government fee of THB 1,000 (approx; varies by embassy, ~INR 2,500 for Indian applicants).
Thailand visa at a glance
| Visa required? | Yes, for many nationalities |
|---|---|
| Main visa type | Tourist Visa (TR) e-Visa |
| Government fee | THB 1,000 (approx; varies by embassy, ~INR 2,500 for Indian applicants) |
| Processing time | Approx 14 working days |
| Validity | 3 months from issue |
| Permitted stay | 60 days |
| Where to apply | https://www.thaievisa.go.th |
| HolidaySG assistance fee | S$65 per applicant (usually S$100) |
Who needs a visa for Thailand?
Visa-free: 93 countries incl. Singapore, Malaysia, USA, UK, EU, Australia, Japan, Korea, India, China — 60 days (Cabinet approved reverting to 30 days in May 2026; effective 15 days after Royal Gazette publication — check current rule); extendable 30 days at immigration.
Tourist Visa (TR) e-Visa: Nationals who require a visa, or Indian/Singapore travellers who wish to stay beyond the 60-day exemption; applied online before travel
Visa Exemption (Tourism) - Indian & Singapore passports: Indian and Singapore passport holders (plus ~90 other nationalities) travelling for tourism/short business
Thailand visa options, fees and processing times
| Option | Official fee | Max stay | Processing | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa exemption | Free (extension THB 1,900) | 30–60 days + 30-day extension | On arrival | No application; submit TDAC |
| Tourist Visa (TR) e-Visa | THB 1,000 (approx; varies by embassy, ~INR 2,500 for Indian applicants) | 60 days | Approx 14 working days | https://www.thaievisa.go.th |
| Visa Exemption (Tourism) - Indian & Singapore passports | Free (THB 0) | 30 days | Immediate on arrival | https://tdac.immigration.go.th |
Documents required
For the Tourist Visa (TR) e-Visa:
- Passport valid 6+ months
- Passport-style photo
- Proof of accommodation
- Return/onward ticket
- Proof of funds (~THB 20,000 per person)
- Bank statement
How to apply
- Check your requirement by nationality (table below) or use our checker.
- Tourist Visa (TR) e-Visa: https://www.thaievisa.go.th — allow Approx 14 working days.
- Visa Exemption (Tourism) - Indian & Singapore passports: https://tdac.immigration.go.th — allow Immediate on arrival.
- Arrival formalities: TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) — mandatory & free, up to 72 h before arrival — tdac.immigration.go.th
- Keep your approval/receipt with your passport; carry proof of accommodation, onward travel and funds.
Thailand visa for children and families
Children usually need their own visa or entry authorisation, even infants. For family applications, prepare each traveller's passport and photo, and add birth certificates for minors and, where a child travels with one parent or a guardian, a consent letter. Applying for the whole family together keeps travel dates and reference numbers consistent.
Common mistakes, delays and rejection reasons
From handling Thailand visa applications, these are the issues that most often cause delays or refusals. Avoiding them is the single biggest thing you can control:
- Passport validity: many countries require at least six months' validity beyond your travel dates — renew early if yours is close.
- Insufficient proof of funds: bank statements that are too thin, too new, or not in your name are a common reason for delays. Show a stable balance over the last 3–6 months.
- Photo specification errors: wrong size, background colour, glasses or a smile can bounce an application. Follow the exact spec for Thailand.
- Applying too late: submit well before departure — allow the full processing window plus a buffer, not the minimum.
- Mismatched documents: names, dates and passport numbers must match exactly across your form, flight and hotel bookings.
- Weak ties to your home country: employment letters, leave approval and return bookings help show you intend to return.
- Prior overstays or refusals: declare them honestly; hiding history causes more problems than the history itself.
- Forgetting the arrival card: TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) — mandatory & free, up to 72 h before arrival — tdac.immigration.go.th — complete it in the correct window or you can be delayed at the border.
Practical timeline: application → approval → travel
- 6–8 weeks before travel: check your passport validity, confirm your requirement, and start gathering documents.
- 3–4 weeks before: book refundable flights and accommodation (immigration may ask for these), then submit your Thailand application.
- Processing: allow Approx 14 working days. Do not make non-refundable bookings until approved.
- On approval: print/save the approval, keep it with your passport, and complete any arrival card before you fly.
Before you travel to Thailand
- Arrival card / declaration: TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) — mandatory & free, up to 72 h before arrival — tdac.immigration.go.th
- Onward or return ticket: carry proof — airlines and immigration can ask for it.
- Funds: have evidence of enough money for your stay (card and some local currency).
- Travel insurance: strongly recommended, and mandatory for some destinations.
- Copies: keep a digital and paper copy of your visa/approval and passport photo page.
Good to know
- Beware fake TDAC sites charging fees.
- Multiple-entry METV (6 months) available at higher fee.
Thailand visa requirements by nationality
| Passport | Requirement | Max stay |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Thailand visa?
Tourist Visa (TR) e-Visa: THB 1,000 (approx; varies by embassy, ~INR 2,500 for Indian applicants). HolidaySG's assistance fee is a separate flat S$65.
How long does it take?
Tourist Visa (TR) e-Visa: Approx 14 working days.
Things to do once your Thailand visa is sorted
Popular experiences in Thailand you can book on HolidaySG:
- Frost Magical Ice of Siam — from THB 235
- Mahanakhon Skywalk (Group Min 20 Pax) — from THB 896
- Hanuman World Phuket — from THB 269
- Mai Khao (HKT) Airport Transfer (1 Way to South West Phuket) — from SGD 54
- Madame Tussauds Bangkok — from THB 320
- Mallika City, 1905 A.D. “City of culture and lifestyle — from THB 34
Official sources
- Thai Immigration Bureau — verified 16 August 2026
- Thai e-Visa (MFA) — verified 19 August 2026
Last updated 20 August 2026. Written and reviewed by the HolidaySG visa team and checked against the official sources above (facts verified 19 August 2026). Visa rules change and depend on your passport, residence and purpose of travel — always confirm with the official source before booking, or use our visa checker. HolidaySG re-confirms current requirements at the time of your application.