Thailand Announces E-Visa for Indian Passport Holders Starting January 2025

Indian travelers to benefit from streamlined visa application process.

The Thailand Embassy in New Delhi has announced the launch of an e-visa facility for Indian passport holders, effective from January 1, 2025. This new initiative aims to simplify the visa application process, complementing the existing visa-on-arrival facility widely used by Indian tourists.

Key Points 

• Non-Thai nationals must apply via thaievisa.go.th

• 60-day visa exemption for Indians remains till further notice

• Visa fees are non-refundable; offline payment methods available

We’re thrilled to announce that 🇹🇭’s e-Visa will be implemented in India from 1 Jan 2025. All non-Thais currently stay in India can apply at https://t.co/xjUPIiV6QF.

However, the 60-day visa exemption for 🇮🇳 passport holders remains effective. pic.twitter.com/L6zN71fcmT

— Thailand in India (@ThailandinIndia) December 11, 2024

Key Features of the E-Visa

• Eligibility: All Indian passport holders can apply for the e-visa online via thaievisa.go.th. Applications can be submitted individually or through representatives.

• Payment Method: Visa fees must be paid offline, with specific details provided by Thai embassies and consulates. The embassy clarified that visa fees are non-refundable under any circumstances.

• Visa Exemption: The 60-day visa exemption for tourism and short business visits will remain in effect until further notice.

Thailand’s Tourism Revival

Thailand has been a popular destination for Indian travelers, with over 2 million Indian tourists visiting the country in 2019. Following a decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, Indian tourist arrivals have significantly rebounded, contributing to Thailand’s foreign exchange reserves.

Government Initiatives

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s government is also tackling economic challenges, including a $500 billion household debt crisis—the highest in Southeast Asia. Measures include a three-year interest suspension for approximately 1.9 million borrowers with housing, automobile, and small business loans.

The combination of these economic measures and the introduction of the e-visa system is expected to boost Thailand’s appeal as a business and tourism hub, strengthening ties with Indian travelers and businesses alike. Further details about the e-visa system will be released in the coming months.