India Has Extended Visa Fee Waiver for Thai Tourists
The fee waiver for 30-day e-Tourist visas for travelers from Thailand will now remain in effect until December 31, 2027.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Asia
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The Embassy of India in Bangkok has extended its visa-fee waiver for Thai passport holders. The policy applies to 30-day, double-entry e-Tourist visas and will continue through the end of 2027.
Why it matters
The extension provides a longer timeframe for tour operators and hotels to package religious sites with leisure destinations. This effort is aimed at further developing the Buddhist pilgrimage market.
Thai tourists recorded 140,489 visits to India in 2024, an increase from 116,060 in 2023 and 54,367 in 2022. Between January and April 2025, India received 57,056 visitors from Thailand.
The players
Embassy of India in Bangkok
This diplomatic mission facilitates official relations and visa services between India and Thailand.
Kushinagar International Airport
This aviation hub is specifically designated to serve the Buddhist Circuit pilgrimage sites in India.
The details
Thai passport holders must apply for their double-entry e-Tourist visas prior to departure to qualify for the waiver. The program supports travel to sites like Kushinagar, which is served by an international airport near the Buddhist Circuit.
Timeline
In 2019, India received 169,956 visitors from Thailand.
During 2022, the country saw 54,367 Thai visitors.
In 2023, visitor counts reached 116,060.
In 2024, arrivals totaled 140,489.
From January to April 2025, 57,056 Thai visitors arrived in India.
Travel Outlook
This policy follows the strategic goals established by the Buddhist Circuit development initiative to increase accessibility for international pilgrims. The extension balances the cyclical nature of international tourism by fostering consistent growth in the religious travel sector.
Travelers should ensure they secure their e-Tourist visas before their departure to take advantage of the fee waiver. Tourists interested in the Buddhist Circuit should consult with their tour operators to confirm if their itinerary qualifies for the 30-day double-entry window.
The takeaway
The visa-fee waiver demonstrates a sustained commitment to fostering tourism between India and Thailand. Prospective travelers should leverage this incentive to plan their pilgrimage or leisure trips well before the program concludes at the end of 2027.
Further reading
For additional context on regional tourism, see the latest updates in our Asia section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Travel Daily Media.
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