We are sure you are dreaming of the vibrant colors of Bangkok or the serene beaches of Phuket these days. For Indian travelers, a trip to Thailand promises incredible experiences. But here’s the game: getting there involves a visa puzzle. Do you apply for a Thailand visa beforehand or just wing it with a visa on arrival? Decisions, decisions! For Indians, it’s all about choosing between getting a Thailand visa beforehand or grabbing one on arrival.
It is very crucial to understand and then make a decision as it can influence your travel plan. You need not worry; we have got you covered in this blog with the comparison of the Thailand Visa vs Thailand Visa on arrival for Indians.
Thailand eVisa and Thailand Visa on arrival Overview
Thailand eVisa | Thailand Visa on Arrival |
Thailand eVisa on arrival is like the pre-planned movie night you book online. You can apply before you even land in Thailand, ensuring a smooth entry. | The Thailand Visa on Arrival (VOA) is more of ‘decide on the spot’ adventure. You sort it out upon landing in Thailand, paying THB 2000 for 15-day-stay-a quicker option for a shorter trip, based on the immigration authorities’ regulations. |
Costing THB 2500 for 30-days stay, this visa offer a single entry and gives you a full month to soak up the vibrant culture | Think of it like making a game-time decision, but with a time limit. |
So, the eVisa is like securing your spot in advance for a longer and well-planned stay, while the Visa on Arrival is perfect for a spontaneous, shorter trip. Both have their perks- it’s just a matter of what suits your adventure best.
Why do Indians Need a Thailand Visa?
Indians planning a trip to Thailand need to enter the country. This essential requirement is a prerequisite for Indian citizens to step foot in Thailand for any purpose, whether it’s for tourism, business, or any other activities. The Visa serves as an entry ticket to Thailand, ensuring compliance with the country’s regulations for foreign visitors.
This blog primarily focuses on visas for tourism purposes and sheds light on the differences in the visa application process.
Processing Tourist Visa for Thailand 2023
Nobody wants to spend hours in a queue waiting for your Thailand VOA. So, VisaBud is here to help!
Step 1: Kick off your visa application journey with VisaBud. Easy peasy.
Step 2: Fill in those digital forms while sipping on your chai or catching up on your favorite show. No paperwork hassle, just you and your online form.
Step 3: Pay your visa fee without breaking a sweat – it’s as easy as ordering your favorite takeout!
Step 4: Track your visa progress directly from the VisaBud app on your smartphone. Say goodbye to the nail-biting, ‘where’s my visa?’ stress, and hello to a worry-free Thai adventure! Trust us, it’s that simple!”
Thailand eVisa vs Thailand Visa on Arrival
It might seem difficult to choose between the two ways to enter Thailand as Indians. Let’s break down the difference and figure out which one works best for Indians’ trip to Thailand:
Factors | Thailand eVisa | Thailand Visa on Arrival |
Application | You have to apply online before your trip. | You have to apply at the immigration counter upon arrival. |
Complexity | You can enjoy the comfort of your couch while filling out an online form using VisaBud. | You have to struggle at the queue at the immigration counter in Thailand. |
Approval | You get the pre-approval status before your arrival. | There is no pre-approval for Thailand Visa on Arrival. You may also face come issue on arrival. |
Security | Since you receive a transaction reference number (TRN) upon Thailand eVisa, you can stay assured for your entry to Thailand. | As there is no pre-approval here, there is no guaranteed entry, leaving the decision to immigration officers. |
Get Informed | Check out blogs in Thailand eVisa for Indians. | Study, research and watch videos from professionals to understand the terms of Thailand Visa on Arrival. |
Validity | Valid for 30 days only for a single entry in Thailand. | Valid for 15 days only for a single entry in Thailand. |
Extension | No, it cannot be extended. | No it cannot be extended. |
Approval at checkpoints | Suvarnabhumi International Airport Don Mueang International Airport Chiang Mai International Airport Phuket International Airport | Suvarnabhumi International Airport Don Mueang International Airport Chiang Mai International Airport Phuket International Airport Phuket Immigration Checkpoint And many other |
Remember, choosing the right visa is like choosing the right travel buddy – it can make or break your journey!
Challenges Indians may face with the Thailand Visa
Both the Thailand eVisa and the Thailand Visa on arrival have their limitations; here are they:
Thailand eVisa for Indians:
- The eVisa is like a VIP pass valid only at specific airports.
- The eVisa is a tad pricier than the Visa on arrival.
Thailand Visa on arrival:
- Any conflict in the document can lead to a ‘no-go.’
- If you do not have the Baht currency, you are in trouble.
How can Indians apply for Thailand visas?
For Indians, applying for a Thailand Visa is super easy, as there are a number of ways one can go. Here are some of them:
- VisaBud: You can kick-start your Thailand visa quest right from your screen, courtesy of VisaBud.
- Thailand eVisa via a visa application center: Want the ease of an online application with a bit of expert guidance? That’s the ticket!
- Thailand standard visa through a visa application center: Need something more standard? The visa application center has your back.
- Visa agents: Got a trusted agent in mind? They might be helping you with this visa game.
- Last-minute plans? You can try your luck at the immigration counter when you touch down in Thailand. It’s a surprise entry but might add some thrill to your trip!
You can only knock on the Royal Thailand Embassy’s door indirectly for this visa quest. You have to pick one of these cool services to pave your way to Thailand.
How much do you need to pay for Thailand Visa?
When you have decided which Visa to opt for, it is time to know the price.
- Thailand eVisa: This will cost you 2000 THB + an extra service fee of 500 THB, which roughly totals around Rs. 5000. Remember, once you pay up, those fees are set in stone – no refunds on this eVisa to Thailand.
- Thailand Visa on arrival: This will cost you 2000 Baht, roughly Rs. 4000 in cash when you’re at the immigration desk. Ensure you’ve got those Baht bills ready because, like the eVisa, this fee is non-refundable, too.
Pay for the Thailand Tourist Visa
When it comes to paying for your Thai Visa, here’s the scoop:
- For the Thailand eVisa: You can only use your credit or debit card to foot the bill for this one.
- For the Thailand Visa on arrival: When you’re at the immigration counter, ensure you’ve got your Baht currency – that’s the only way to pay for this Visa on arrival.
Challenges Indians may face with the Thailand Visa
Both the Thailand eVisa and the Thailand Visa on arrival have their limitations; here are they:
Thailand eVisa for Indians:
- The eVisa is like a VIP pass valid only at specific airports.
- The eVisa is a tad pricier than the Visa on arrival.
Thailand Visa on arrival:
- Any conflict in the document can lead to a ‘no-go.’
- If you do not have the Baht currency, you are in trouble.
What happens when Visa on arrival is rejected?
When you’re all set for your Thai adventure, but suddenly, your VOA application gets the ‘Sorry, not this time’ response. Here’s the lowdown on what happens if your Thailand Visa on Arrival (VOA) hits a roadblock:
When that rejection notice slides in, it’s like the ‘No Entry’ sign. Reasons for this rejection can be anything from missing documents to not meeting the ‘cool kids’ criteria set by the immigration squad.
Now, if your Visa-on-arrival application doesn’t get the nod, you won’t get that snazzy visa sticker or stamp at the airport gate. Translation? You’re not getting past the velvet rope into Thailand, my friend.
What’s next? You might need a Plan B. That could mean hopping back to where you came from or finding an alternative route to your next stop.
So, here’s the tip from VisaBud: skip the airport Visa-on-arrival drama and secure your Visa in advance to steer clear of these ‘No Entry’ moments.
Choosing your Thailand Visa wisely can make your journey a breeze. Whether it’s planning ahead with the eVisa or embracing the thrill of a Visa on arrival, your adventure awaits! VisaBud recommends securing your Visa in advance for a smooth entry. Not gear up travellers – Thailand’s calling! Safe travels, and let the adventures begin.
