Thailand Implements New Revolutionary Visa and Consular Fee Structure for 2026 with Major Price Hikes for Tourist Visas Smart Visas and Long-Term Residency Applications: Everything You Need to Know

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Thailand has introduced significant revisions to its visa, legalisation, and consular fee structure, set to take effect from April 27, 2026. The changes will impact various visa categories, including the SMART Visa, Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR), and Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), with higher fees introduced for multiple-entry and long-term options. However, Indian tourists will still benefit from the visa exemption scheme for short stays of up to 60 days. This fee overhaul aims to streamline the immigration process while attracting skilled professionals, investors, and long-term residents to the country, aligning with Thailand’s evolving economic and tourism goals.

Thailand has introduced a revised fee structure for its visa, legalisation, and consular services, set to take effect from April 27, 2026. The changes apply to a range of visa categories, including the SMART Visa, Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR), and Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), among others. These new fees will be implemented across the Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi and the Thai Consulates-General in India. However, Indian tourists will continue to benefit from the visa exemption scheme for tourism purposes.

The new fee structure includes a variety of changes, with different charges for transit visas, tourist visas, and long-term visa categories. A key detail to note is that Indians traveling to Thailand for tourism purposes will still be able to enjoy visa-free entry for up to 60 days. After this period, travelers will need to apply for an e-visa through the official Thailand Electronic Visa website.

Breakdown of Thailand’s Revised Visa Fees

The updated fee structure covers several visa types and consular services, with adjustments in pricing based on the type and duration of the visa. Here’s a look at the key changes:

• Transit Visa: The fee for a transit visa to Thailand has been fixed at INR 2,500. This applies to those who are passing through Thailand on their way to another destination.
• Tourist Visa: For a single-entry tourist visa, the fee is set at INR 3,000. However, if you require a multiple-entry tourist visa, the fee increases to INR 13,500.
• Non-Immigrant Visa: The fee for a single-entry non-immigrant visa starts at INR 7,000. If you opt for a 5-year multiple-entry visa, the cost rises to INR 30,000, which is suitable for long-term stays spanning up to 10 years.
• SMART Visa: This special long-term visa category is targeted at highly skilled professionals, investors, and startups. The fee varies depending on the duration of the visa:
  • One-year multiple-entry visa: INR 30,000
  • Two-year multiple-entry visa: INR 60,000
  • Three-year multiple-entry visa: INR 90,000
  • Four-year multiple-entry visa: INR 1,20,000
• Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa: This visa, designed for individuals planning to settle in Thailand for an extended period, will cost INR 140,000.
• Destination Thailand Visa (DTV): Priced at INR 30,000, this visa caters to specific groups of travelers interested in long-term stays or residency in Thailand.

Legalisation and Consular Fees

Along with the visa fee revisions, changes have also been made to the costs for legalisation and consular services. The updated fee structure includes:

• Legalisation Services: All legalisation services are now capped at INR 1,400.
• Consular Services:
  • Ordinary passport (5 years): INR 3,000
  • Ordinary passport (10 years): INR 4,000
  • Emergency passport: INR 550
  • Passport endorsement: INR 300

Visa Exemption for Indian Tourists

It’s important to note that this revised fee structure does not impact the Visa on Arrival policy for Indian passport holders. Indian travelers visiting Thailand for tourism or short-term business stays will still enjoy the 60-day visa exemption. This visa exemption continues to be valid, with no fee required until further updates are provided by the Royal Thai Government.

Impact on Travelers

These revisions will have a significant impact on travelers, especially those seeking long-term or multiple-entry visas. While the updated fees for long-term and professional visas are steep, the visa exemption for short-term tourists remains unaffected, ensuring ease of access for those visiting Thailand for leisure purposes. The new fee structure provides a clear outline of what Indian travelers can expect when applying for various visa categories, making it easier to plan for travel.

For more detailed information on the revised fees, travelers are advised to visit the official website of the Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi, where further updates and guidelines will be posted closer to the implementation date.

Thailand’s move to revise its visa and consular fees is in line with its broader effort to streamline its immigration processes and cater to a more diverse group of travelers, including highly skilled professionals and long-term residents. While these changes may result in higher fees for certain visa categories, the country’s continued visa exemption for Indian tourists ensures that short-term travelers can still explore the Kingdom without the hassle of additional costs.

As the fee changes are set to take effect in April 2026, it’s essential for travelers to stay updated on any further announcements or clarifications from the Royal Thai Embassy regarding the impact on their travel plans.