Yes! Thailand has granted visa-free entry to Indians. But what does that even mean? When I took my trip to Phuket for New Year’s Eve 2023, I heard 100s of different opinions. But after traveling to Thailand, here’s what you need to do and carry for your visa-free entry.
Procedure for Visa-Free Entry for Indians
Book your tickets, and carry your passport. When you land in Thailand, just walk over to the immigration counter. Not the visa counter but the immigration counter. Answer a few questions i.e. reason for travel etc. and voila you have your free 30-day visa! It’s as simple as that. Unless you’re a diplomat, there is no priority queue as such.
Apply for an e-visa if you want a longer stay using the Thailand visa portal. Otherwise, the procedure is just simple.
Do you need passport photos, a copy of the hotel booking, and return ticket proof for a Thailand free visa?
During my travel, although I carried all these documents, I was not required to show any of them to the officials. I just had to make sure I was carrying my passport. Make sure it has 6+ months to expiry. However, it is advisable to have a copy of your hotel booking and return ticket handy in case of any further questions.
How long is Thailand Visa Free for Indians?
The visa granted using this process is only for a 30-day stay for leisure purposes for Indians. The new measure came into effect on November 10, 2023, and will continue until May 10, 2024, as per reports.
Can I extend my Thailand free visa beyond 30 days?
As per the Thai Embassy website, you can extend your stay beyond the initial 30-day exemption period by requesting an extension from the Thai immigration officer. However, the officer will decide whether to grant or deny the extension. The only available extension for the exemption period is an additional 7 to 30 days.
Visit the Immigration Bureau in the city you’re in for this procedure. These offices are in many of Thailand’s big cities, such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. To start the process of extending your visa, it’s necessary to visit one of these offices in person. For more details, visit Thai Embassy website.