Looking to plan a vacation in Phuket?
When you picture paradise in your head, chances are you’re seeing something close to Phuket in Thailand: the azure blue water of the Andaman Sea, soft white sandy beaches, lush mountains as the backdrop, and you, sitting under a parasol and sipping on cool, refreshing, coconut water. Phuket remains to be one of the most sought-after beach destinations in the world, with a wide spectrum of activities and attractions, suitable for all ages and tastes.
So, in case you're planning a Phuket in Thailand itinerary, we are here to help you ease the visa application process by sharing a step-by-step guide to applying for a Phuket tourist visa. So, follow these latest Thailand Visa tips for Indian travellers and enjoy a hassle-free holiday like none other. Check it out!
There are two kinds of Thailand Visa for Indians, the first one being the more popular Visa on arrival and the second being Visa before you travel.
How To Apply for a Phuket, Thailand Visa:
A Phuket visa for Indians can be acquired easily. If you are planning to visit Thailand for a vacation, you can get a visa on arrival at all international airports including the Phuket International airport. This kind of Visa can be received at your entry point to Phuket in Thailand and will be valid for 15 days.
1. Figure out what kind of Phuket Visa you need
There are two kinds of Thailand visa for Indians, the first one being the more popular Visa on arrival and the second being Visa before you travel.
Visa on arrival: If you are looking to plan a trip in Phuket for no longer than 30 days, your best bet is to opt for a visa on arrival.
Visa before you travel: Indians who are looking to extend their stay beyond 30 days aren’t eligible for visa on arrival service. Hence, they have to apply for a visa before they leave.
2. Prepare the required documents for visa on arrival
In applying for a visa for Phuket in Thailand, there aren’t a lot of requirements needed. However, one needs to provide a few documents while filling the visa application form.
Here are the basic requirements for a Phuket visa (on arrival) as stated:
- Passport (with 10-year validity) which remains valid for 6 months from the date of departure, and with a minimum of 2 blank pages.
- A filled Visa Application Form (available at immigration checkpoints)
- A confirmed airline ticket showing the departure from Thailand within 15 days from entry. Note: An exit via land will disqualify you from the visa on arrival process. Open tickets are also not accepted.
- A recent headshot photograph on a white background not older than 3 months (4X6 cm)
- A valid proof of accommodation in Thailand
- Proof of funds amounting to living expenses in Thailand ie. 10000 (INR 22,340 approx.) Baht per person and 20000 (INR 44680 approx.) Baht for family
- Fee of 2000 Baht (INR 4,714 approx.) accepted in Baht only
Here are the basic requirements for a Phuket visa (before you travel) as stated:
- Passport (with 10-year validity) which remains valid for 6 months from the date of departure, and with a minimum of 2 blank pages.
- Two 35X45 mm photos taken on a white background, not older than 6 months .
- A cover letter from the “traveling applicant” or the person incurring the expenses justifying the reason for travel.
- A fully completed Visa application form by travelers.
- For a businessman, a cover letter on the letterhead of your business stating the duration of the service and your position in the business.
- Last three-months personal bank statement on Bank’s passbook. Minimum account balance per person should be 700 USD (INR 58,000 approx.) and the statement should be stamped up-to-date.
- Air tickets and hotel vouchers.
- Additionally, if someone else is bearing your expenses, his national ID proof and NOC would also be required.
3. Prepare the supporting documents for your Phuket Tourist Visa
You can expect that your sponsor will need more requirements from you in order to process your application. Here are some of the possible requirements that you may need to have ready:
- A photocopy of your filled visa application form.
- Two passport size photographs.
- Covering letter stating the purpose and duration of the visit.
- Original confirmed return ticket.
- Hotel reservation receipt.
- A photocopy of PAN card.
- A photocopy of income tax returns.
- An investment amounting INR 5 lakhs or above in the form of fixed deposit.
- A female solo traveler will require an NOC from father or husband.
4. Submit your application
For visa on arrival: The visa on arrival application has been completed once you reach the immigration checkpoint available at Phuket International Airport. This service can take between 10 minutes to an hour depending on the tourist traffic.
For visa before you travel: Once you have filled the application form and gathered all the necessary documents, the next step is to submit the application at your nearest Thai Embassy or Consulate which is present in four cities:, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. Passports are returned within 3 days after the completion of the application process and the Thailand Visa fee for the same is INR 2500.
Additional tips for applying for a visa for Phuket in Thailand:
1. Double-check all your requirements!
Make sure you look through your application more than once, it won’t hurt to check your requirements multiple times before sending them in. Once your application is double-checked, it will be difficult to change information and add to your documents.
2. Do extra research!
Don’t forget to do your research before you hop on that Phuket flight from Delhi! To save on your Phuket trip cost from India, always compare prices to get the best deals on accommodations, experiences, and India Phuket flights.
3. If possible, include as many supporting documents as possible!
Before turning in your requirements, do your part and look into the potential documents that you may need and include those as well. For example, there might be Phuket travel restrictions from India, so check out if you need to bring anything additional.
Once you’ve got your visa, it’s time to explore this tropical city! Whether you want to sail near one of the most fascinating natural sites of the Phi Phi Islands or go on an ATV adventure at Phuket Paradise, Klook’s got you covered!