The Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi has officially announced the launch of Thailand’s Electronic Visa (e-Visa) system for Indian nationals, set to roll out on January 1, 2025. This new system is designed to simplify the visa application process for Indian travellers, making it more convenient and efficient.
Easy and Accessible Application Process
Under the new system, applicants will be required to submit their visa applications exclusively through the official Thai e-Visa portal, thaievisa.go.th. This online platform will handle all types of visa applications for non-Thai nationals, including tourism, business, and other purposes. Applicants can apply themselves or choose to have a representative submit the application on their behalf, although the Embassy has stressed that it will not be held responsible for incomplete applications submitted by representatives.
Offline Payment Option for Added Convenience
To further streamline the process, the e-Visa system will incorporate an offline payment option. This addition aims to make the application process more accessible and user-friendly, allowing applicants a more flexible means to pay their visa fees. The Embassy emphasized that visa fees are non-refundable under any circumstances, and the processing time for e-Visas will take approximately 14 working days from the date of receipt.
Transition Period and Visa Application Deadlines
The transition to the e-Visa system will require a shift from the current visa application methods. For those applying for ordinary passports, submissions through designated visa processing companies will be accepted until December 16, 2024. Diplomatic and official passport applications will be accepted at the Embassy or Consulate-Generals until December 24, 2024. After these deadlines, the e-Visa system will be the exclusive method for visa applications.
Continuation of 60-Day Visa Exemption
For Indian travellers holding ordinary passports, the Embassy has assured that the existing 60-day visa exemption for tourism and short business trips will remain in effect until further notice. This exemption will continue alongside the introduction of the e-Visa system, offering additional flexibility for those travelling to Thailand for short stays.
Strengthening India-Thailand Relations
India and Thailand share a strong historical and cultural relationship, underpinned by a shared Buddhist heritage and deep people-to-people connections. The launch of the e-Visa system comes as part of ongoing efforts to enhance these ties, making travel between the two countries easier and more accessible. The long-standing cultural exchanges between the two nations, such as the frequent pilgrimages by Thai nationals to India’s Buddhist sites and the Indian diaspora in Thailand, further strengthen their bond.
With the introduction of the e-Visa system, the Royal Thai Embassy aims to provide a modern, efficient, and user-friendly visa application experience for Indian nationals, paving the way for smoother travel and deeper connections between India and Thailand in the years to come.
(With agency inputs)