🇹🇭 Thailand Visa Guide · June 2026
Phuket Visa
for Indians
Thailand's visa-free entry for Indians, the mandatory Digital Arrival Card, and what immigration actually checks at Phuket airport — everything in one place.
Visa-Free
up to 60 days, no fee
₹0
Visa cost — genuinely free
TDAC
Digital arrival card required
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QUICK ANSWER
Visa Type
Visa-Free
Up to 60 days, tourism only
Total Cost
₹0
Genuinely free, no fee at all
Extra Step
TDAC Form
Online, within 72 hrs of arrival
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Thailand's Visa-Free Rules for Indians
UPDATED JUNE 2026
Thailand grants Indian passport holders visa-free entry for tourism stays of up to 60 days — a permanent policy, not a temporary trial. There is no advance visa application, no embassy visit, and no fee. This applies fully to Phuket, since it's simply a domestic entry point within Thailand.
ℹ️ Good to know: This is genuinely one of the simplest entry processes among popular Indian travel destinations — comparable to the Maldives' free visa on arrival, and notably easier than Singapore's e-Visa or Bali's paid VOA.
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The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
GENUINELY IMPORTANT
While the visa itself is free and simple, Thailand does require every traveller — including Indians on visa-free entry — to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before landing. This replaced the old paper TM6 arrival card.
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Complete it within 72 hours of arrival
The TDAC must be submitted online no earlier than 3 days before you land in Thailand.
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Free, official government form
Only use Thailand's official immigration website — third-party sites charging a "service fee" for this free form are best avoided.
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Requires passport, flight and accommodation details
Have your confirmed hotel address and flight details ready before starting the form.
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Keep the confirmation accessible
Screenshot or save the QR code/confirmation — immigration may ask to see it on arrival.
⚠️ Don't skip this: The TDAC is mandatory, not optional, despite the visa itself being free. Complete it before you fly — trying to do it at the airport with weak WiFi is avoidable stress.
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Documents Required at Immigration
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Valid passport
With at least 6 months' validity remaining from your date of entry.
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Completed TDAC confirmation
Submitted online within 72 hours before arrival (see above).
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Return or onward flight ticket
Proof you'll be leaving Thailand within the 60-day visa-free window.
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Proof of accommodation
Hotel or resort booking confirmation for your stay in Phuket.
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Proof of funds (rarely checked, technically required)
Officially THB 20,000 per person (~₹47,000) equivalent — bank statements or cash, though this is infrequently requested in practice.
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What Happens at Phuket Airport
01
Land at Phuket International Airport (HKT)
All direct flights from India arrive here.
02
Present your passport and TDAC confirmation
Immigration officers verify your TDAC submission alongside your passport — this is the primary check for visa-free entrants.
03
60-day entry stamp issued
No fee is collected. Your passport is stamped with the permitted stay duration.
04
Proceed to baggage claim and transport
Airport taxis, pre-booked transfers and ride-hailing apps (Grab) are all available for the trip to your hotel.
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Stay Duration & Extensions
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Up to 60 days per visit, free
Comfortably covers the vast majority of Indian traveller trip lengths.
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One extension possible
A single extension of up to 30 additional days can be applied for at an Immigration office in Thailand, for a fee (around THB 1,900).
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Overstay penalties are real
Overstaying carries a fine of THB 500/day (capped at THB 20,000), plus potential re-entry restrictions for longer overstays.
⚠️ Overstay warning: Thailand enforces overstay rules strictly at departure. Always confirm your exit date is within your permitted stay before booking your return flight.
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Travel Insurance (Not Mandatory)
Thailand's visa-free entry does not legally require travel insurance. It's still genuinely worth having — scooter accidents are the most common cause of tourist medical claims in Phuket specifically, and treatment costs can add up without cover.
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🌐
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HDFC ERGO
$50,000+ medical cover, 24/7 assistance, cashless claims across Thailand. Good documentation even though not mandatory.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Forgetting the TDAC
The visa is free, but the Digital Arrival Card is still mandatory. Complete it online before you fly, not at the airport.
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Using a paid third-party site for the TDAC
The TDAC is a free official government form — some unofficial websites charge a fee for a service you can complete yourself for free.
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No return or onward ticket
A one-way ticket alone may raise questions at immigration — always carry proof of your exit plan.
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Overstaying without planning an extension
If your trip might run past 60 days, plan the extension in advance rather than risking overstay fines.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do Indians need a visa for Phuket?
No. Thailand offers visa-free entry for Indian passport holders for tourism stays of up to 60 days, with no advance application or fee required.
What is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)?
The TDAC is a mandatory online arrival form that replaced the old paper TM6 card. All travellers, including Indians on visa-free entry, must complete it online within 72 hours before arrival.
Is Thailand's visa-free policy for Indians permanent?
Yes — Thailand's visa-free entry for Indian passport holders is a permanent policy as of 2026, not a temporary trial, allowing tourism stays of up to 60 days.
Can I extend my stay in Phuket beyond 60 days?
Yes — a single extension of up to 30 additional days is available at a Thailand Immigration office, for a fee of around THB 1,900. Most Indian traveller trips don't need this.
What happens if I overstay my visa-free period in Thailand?
Overstaying carries a fine of THB 500 per day, capped at THB 20,000, and longer overstays can result in re-entry restrictions. Always confirm your exit date falls within your permitted stay.