If you are planning to visit Thailand anytime soon, there’s something you must check before booking your tickets. From May 2025, Thailand has started new visa rules that all international tourists, including those from India, must follow. These changes aim to make immigration smoother and safer while also reducing visa misuse.
Let’s break down what’s changed and what you need to keep in mind before you pack your bags.
Proof of Income Now Mandatory for Tourist Visa Applicants
From May 2025, Thailand has reintroduced a key rule that was earlier suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourists applying for a visa must now show proof that they can afford their expenses during their stay.
If you are travelling to Thailand, you need to show a minimum bank balance of 20,000 Thai Baht (around ₹50,000 or USD 550) in your account. You must submit your bank statement for the last three months. This ensures that tourists are not financially dependent on others while staying in the country.
Thailand had paused this rule in late 2023 to promote tourism post-COVID. But now, with a surge in tourist numbers, the authorities have brought it back to avoid misuse of visa relaxations.
Thailand Introduces Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
To improve immigration checks and reduce paperwork, Thailand has launched a new Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) from 1st May 2025. All tourists travelling by air, land or sea must now fill out this digital form before entering the country.
You must fill out the TDAC form online at least 3 days before travel. This form replaces the old TM6 arrival card and collects basic details like:
- Passport information
- Travel and accommodation details
- Health condition declaration
Immigration officials will use this data to speed up your entry process. So make sure you complete this step before leaving for Thailand, or you may face delays or be denied entry.
Visa-Free Stay Duration May Reduce from 60 Days to 30 Days
Currently, Indian passport holders can stay in Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa under the visa-free entry policy. However, Thailand may soon reduce this stay period to 30 days.
This possible change is under review because the government found that some foreign visitors were overstaying or using the system for illegal work. The authorities want to prevent such misuse while still encouraging tourism.
If you plan to stay longer than 30 days in the future, you may need to apply for a tourist visa. It’s better to check the latest updates before finalising your travel dates.
What Indian Travellers Should Do
If you’re travelling to Thailand now or in the near future, here are a few simple steps you must follow:
- Keep a recent bank statement showing at least ₹50,000 balance
- Fill the TDAC form online 3 days before your travel date
- Carry printed or digital proof of your income and TDAC confirmation
- Stay updated about the visa-free duration policy
These new changes aim to make your entry into Thailand smoother while also keeping the process more secure.
Source: Moneycontrol
Disclaimer: Visa rules and regulations may change from time to time. Travellers should confirm the latest visa guidelines from the official Thai Embassy or immigration authorities before travel.
