Do Indian Citizens Need A Visa For Thailand
In the midst of a very popular tourist destination, there are many countries that pose strict regulations to tourists. And Thailand is one of them. The country has strict entry and exit requirements which you should keep in mind. So, if you are planning a trip to this beautiful country, it is advisable to know all about the visa issues that citizens from India might face when visiting Thailand.
If you are an Indian national and planning to visit Thailand as a tourist, you don’t have to worry about getting a visa. This is because India and Thailand enjoy very cordial relations. Thai government allows Indians to travel to this country freely without stamping any visa on their passport. For Indians, there is no need of obtaining a visa while entering into Thailand, irrespective of their nationality.
Do Indian Citizens Need A Visa For Thailand
Whether you have a long vacation planned or a quick tour to Thailand, always remember that you need at least one Visa before going there. For your convenience, I’ve written this guide that will let you know whether you do or don’t need a visa for Thailand.
Entry Schemes to Thailand
Vaccination status and entering Thailand
From July 1 2022, Thailand Pass application is no longer required. Citizens from India will be able to enter the country one of two ways.
- Fully Vaccinated travelers will only provide proof of vaccination.Unvaccinated children under 18 years old may travel with vaccinated parents without testing.
- Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers will no longer need to complete any mandatory quarantine. Unvaccinated Indians will complete an RT-PCR or Pro-ATK test.The test result must be no older than 72 hours before your departure from India and must be completed by a medical professional.Children under the age of 18 who are traveling with unvaccinated parents will also need to complete an RT-PCR or Pro-ATK test.The Pro-ATK test is not a self-test kit you buy at a local pharmacy or shop. The Pro-ATK test is cheaper than an RT-PCR test and you will receive a result faster.
2. Book your Flight to Thailand
At present, certain airlines, such as Qatar Airways, Etihad, Emirates, and other major airlines may operate flights from India to Bangkok or Phuket, whether it is on a daily or weekly basis.
To book your flight from India to Bangkok or Phuket, please click the link below:
If you follow social media, you may hear the term “sealed flights” mentioned. With the removal of all mandatory quarantine, Indian travelers can now enter Thailand at any international airport and transit domestically without needing to worry about special flights.
Most airlines follow the rules of the arrival country. If you are transiting through another country, it is best to check with the airline if you need to complete any tests for that particular country.
3. Book a Hotel
Vaccinated travelers or unvaccinated travelers who complete a 72-hour pre-departure RT-PCR/Pro-ATK test are welcome to book any accommodation. There are no quarantine requirements.
There is no need to book SHA+ hotels or quarantine packages. You can book any hotel through: https://www.agoda.com/search?cid=1897011&city=9395
You do need to enter an address when traveling to Thailand. The accommodation can be a hotel, home, or a friend’s address.
4. Purchase your COVID 19 Insurance
If you are a foreigner, it is highly recommended to purchase a COVID-19 insurance policy. The policy must include:
- Minimum cover of USD$ 10,000
- Cover of Covid-19-related incidents
- Medical Costs (medications, professional care, etc.)
- Life Insurance
- Unexpected costs (missed flights, loss of baggage, etc.)
Note: Please make sure that your COVID-19 insurance policy covers your entire stay in Thailand.
For the best COVID-19 insurance, choose AXA Sawasdee Thailand. You can purchase the COVID Insurance on this link: https://u.axa.co.th/Sawasdee_Siamlegal
5. Apply for the Thailand Pass (NOT REQUIRED)
To apply for Thailand Pass, head over to https://tp.consular.go.th/. You will need the following documents.
Vaccinated travelers:
- Your passport profile page
- Flight itinerary to confirm the arrival date
- A certificate of full (2 doses) vaccination
- A medical insurance policy with at least USD$ 10,000 minimum coverage
Unvaccinated travelers:
- Your passport profile page
- Flight itinerary to confirm the arrival date
- An RT-PCR or Pro-ATK test result no more than 72 hours before your departure date
- A medical insurance policy with at least USD$10,000 minimum coverage
To obtain a QR entry code or Thailand Pass ID, travelers will have to:
- Register at the Thailand Pass web portal
- Input personal details
- Upload the required documents per their vaccination status
- Receive a confirmation email after registration (within seconds after registration)
- Wait for the Thailand Pass approval
Once approved, you will receive an email with your QR Entry Code and Thailand Pass ID.
Children under the age of 18 are not required to lodge an application, but will instead be added as additional members on a parent’s or guardian’s application.
Previously a visitor would need to lodge their Thailand Pass application 7 days before traveling but with the June 1 changes, approvals will be received within an hour.
The application for the Thailand Pass is free. However, should the applicant need any assistance, you may visit www.siam-legal.com/thailand-pass.
Prepare your documents before departure
Once you have everything booked and received your Thailand Pass, you are ready to fly. Airports out of India and into Thailand are busy with the extra level of security currently required, so to help both yourself and airport officials it is best to be prepared.
To help streamline your visit to Thailand, it is a good practice to print all your documents and have them ready to present to Immigration Officers when you arrive and pass through Passport Control. You should print your:
- Thailand Pass QR code (not required)
- Certificate of Insurance (if any)
- Vaccination certificate (vaccinated travelers)
- 72-hour RT-PCR test result (unvaccinated travelers)
- Covid-19 recovery certificate (if previously tested positive)
- TM6 – This is the blue card they give you on the plane.
This will speed up your processing time before leaving your country and entering through Thailand’s Passport Control. Immigration and Health Officers will appreciate the extra effort you make. A great start to a holiday.