A Comprehensive Guide to Thailand eVisa for UAE Residents

Thailand is a favourite UAE vacation spot with tropical beaches and active city life. Whether you’re Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, Bangladeshi, or from abroad, UAE expats should know Thailand’s visa requirements before travelling. This thorough information covers UAE residents’ Thailand visa requirements, including who needs a visa, how to apply for the Thailand eVisa, required documents, fees, and more. With the latest visa information, this SEO-optimized guide will assist UAE expats visit Thailand easily.

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Types of Thailand Visas

There are several visas for Thailand depending on your objective. The primary tourist visa classifications are:

• Tourist Visa (TR) for sightseeing, recreation, or visiting friends/family. Standard single-entry Tourist Visas allow 60-day stays in Thailand. Thailand may extend it for 30 days. Frequent tourists can get a 6-month Tourist Visa for multiple 60-day stays. The Thailand eVisa system simplifies online tourist visa applications.
• Thailand allows short-term visas on arrival for nationals of specified countries (typically up to 15 days). VOA-dependent ethnicities like Indians now benefit from visa exemption policies or prefer eVisas for longer stays. VOA necessitates waiting in queue at the airport and paying Thai Baht, thus eVisas or exemptions are usually easier.
• Thailand allows short-term visa-free entry for citizens of numerous countries, including UAE, much of Europe, USA, Singapore, Philippines, etc. Current policy allows visa-exempt entries for 30 or 60 days for selected nationalities. To increase tourism, Thai officials have temporarily extended tourist visa-free stays to 60 days for numerous countries, including Indian people. If you qualify, you won’t require a visa for a short trip.
• Long-term non-immigrant visas for business (Non-Imm B), employment or work permit, education (student visa), family reunion, etc. They enable 90-day to one-year visits and may be single or multiple entry. A Non-Immigrant Visa is needed for UAE expats working or doing business in Thailand. Some of these visas can be processed using eVisa, although invitation letters, work permits, etc. are needed.
• Transit Visa — Travellers passing through Thailand on their way to another country can get a short-term transit visa. Check if your nationality needs a transit visa if you plan to leave the airport during a layover. Many don’t.

Tourist Visa: Most UAE citizens visiting Thailand for tourism will need a Tourist Visa or use the visa exemption (if applicable). Tourism Visas are now freely accessible online through Thailand eVisa. The rest of this tutorial will cover how UAE expats may receive their Thailand Tourist Visa, notably through the eVisa, and what to expect.

Who Needs a Thailand Visa in the UAE?

Depending on nationality, UAE residents may not need a Thailand visa. Who requires a visa and who doesn’t, focussing on common UAE expat nationalities:

• UAE passport holders can visit Thailand without a visa. Emiratis can visit Thailand for 30 days (increased to 60 days under special arrangement) without a visa. Short vacations in Thailand don’t require a visa for UAE citizens.
• UAE-based Indians: Thailand exempts Indian passport holders from visas. Indian tourists can remain up to 60 days without a visa. Thailand offered Indians a 60-day visa-free admission as a tourism incentive. If you plan to stay longer or your trip is not tourism, you need a visa. Indians in the UAE can visit Thailand temporarily without a visa. Remember that visa laws vary, so check before your travel if this exemption applies. Indians can apply for a Thailand eVisa online from the UAE if not exempt.
• Pakistani UAE residents require a visa to visit Thailand. Pakistan is not visa-exempt or visa-on-arrival in Thailand. Thus, Pakistani expats in the UAE must obtain an eVisa for Thailand before travelling. Airlines may deny boarding without a visa. Pakistani residents in UAE can easily obtain an eVisa with all relevant documentation.
• Bangladeshis in UAE: Bangladeshis need visas to enter Thailand. They cannot enter visa-free or on arrival. Bangladeshi UAE residents should apply for a Thailand eVisa online before their trip. You must present proof of UAE residency while applying, therefore make sure your residence visa is active.
• Philippines residents in the UAE: Tourist visas for Thailand are frequently waived. Thailand, another ASEAN country, enables Filipinos to come without a visa for 30 days (often 45 or 60 days). Filipino expats in the UAE staying in Thailand for less than a month don’t need a visa. Visas are needed for non-tourist stays or longer stays. Filipinos can travel visa-free on most holidays.
• Thai visas are required for many UAE expat nations, with a few exceptions. Sri Lankans can visit Thailand visa-free for 30 days (expanding to 60 days). Nepalese, Nigerian, Egyptian, Syrian, Iranian, and most African and Middle Eastern nations need a Thailand visa in advance because they are not excluded. Plan to get a visa if your passport isn’t visa-exempt. For brief tourist visits, Western passport holders (EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.) are visa-exempt for 30 days, some 60 days under current restrictions.
• Thailand visas are required for UAE residents whose passport nation is not on the visa-exempt list or who plan to stay longer than the exemption allows. UAE residents can now get a Thailand eVisa easily. We’ll walk you through application next.

Thailand eVisa Application Step-by-Step

Thailand visa applications are easier using the online eVisa system. The Royal Thai Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate in Dubai have moved all visa applications online since January 1, 2025. UAE residents can apply for a Thailand eVisa using this guide:

• Visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs‘ Thailand eVisa website to register. Create an account with a valid email. Starting a new application requires email verification and login. Avoid third-party sites and use the official gateway.
• Fill Out the Online Application Form: Log in and pick “Tourist Visa TR” for most tourists. Complete all personal information as shown on your passport. Your name, passport number, date of birth, nationality, and UAE residence will be entered. Travel specifics include your intended arrival date in Thailand and stay length. Slow down and spell-check—any mistake could delay or reject.
• Upload Supporting Documents: The eVisa system will ask you to upload digital copies. Most UAE resident applicants must provide a scan of their passport (bio page), a passport-sized photo, their UAE residence visa or Emirates ID, and proof of travel (flight tickets) and accommodation. Scans should be clear, colour, and meet portal size/format criteria. Be sure to follow photo requirements (white background, no glasses, etc.).
• Review and Submit Your Application: Check all information and files before submitting. Verify your name, passport number, and dates. Even a single wrong passport digit might lead to rejection. If everything is correct, submit the application. Your confirmation or application ID will arrive.
• Online Visa Fee Payment: After submission, the system will direct you to pay the Thailand eVisa fee by credit or debit card. Single-entry Tourist Visas cost around AED 400 (the portal converts the payment to Thai Baht or USD equivalent). Secure payment gateway on official site. After paying, you should receive an email confirming your application and payment.
• Waiting for processing. Thai authorities will assess eVisa applications. UAE citizens can expect processing to take 5–10 working days, but it can take 15–20 days if there’s a lot of volume or additional papers. Application should be made at least a few weeks before trip. Log into the eVisa portal occasionally to monitor your application status.
• If your eVisa is approved, you’ll receive an email. The email usually contains a PDF or link to download your eVisa approval letter or visa document. Print this after downloading. Thai eVisas are digital visa approvals with barcodes/QR codes that immigration may scan. Airlines and Thai immigration require a printed copy at check-in and arrival. Additionally, save a digital copy on your phone or tablet as backup.
• You can fly to Thailand with your approved and printed eVisa! Your visa or approval letter may be checked by the airline upon departure from the UAE. Present your passport and printed eVisa approval at immigration in Thailand. The immigration official will stamp your passport with the entrance stamp (the visa is electronic, therefore no sticker). Also bring your return ticket and hotel booking printouts in case the inspector requests for proof of onwards travel or accommodation.

UAE residents from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or elsewhere can obtain a Thailand eVisa without visiting the embassy by following these procedures. Online processing makes getting a Thailand Tourist Visa easy. The application’s required documents are next.

Required Documents for UAE Residents

UAE residents applying for Thailand visas must provide proof of identity, residency, and travel plans. Prepare the following documents ahead:

• Passport: A valid passport from your home country with at least 6 months beyond your planned Thailand entry date. One blank page for entry/exit stamps is required. Upload a clear colour scan of the passport’s bio page (your photo and information).
• Photo: A recent 4×6 cm or 2×2 inch colour passport photo of yourself. Your full face should be visible on a white or plain background (no sunglasses or head covering, unless religious). To upload a digital copy of this photo for the eVisa, make sure it satisfies the portal’s pixel size and format guidelines (typically JPEG/PNG, under a particular MB size).
• You must prove your UAE residency since you are applying from there. Provide a copy of your UAE Residence Visa page (if it’s in your passport) or Emirates ID to prove you live in the UAE. Thai embassies only issue visas to legal residents. Make sure the residency document is current
• Flight ticket confirmation: A round-trip flight booking or itinerary from the UAE to Thailand and back. Thai authorities seek confirmation you’ll leave within the deadline. Confirmed return tickets are preferred. The Royal Thai Consulate in Dubai requires the airline to issue the itinerary (travel agency booking confirmations or flight search screenshots may not be accepted). Please book flights and use the airline e-ticket or reservation PDF for your application. Tickets should match your passport for name and travel dates.
• Proof of Accommodation: Show where you’ll stay in Thailand. A hotel booking confirmation, Airbnb reservation, or invitation letter from a friend/family if you’re staying with them. Your accommodation proof should cover the first part of your stay. It should closely match your flying dates. If you’re going numerous cities, booking the first may be plenty, but plan your itinerary. The booking confirmation should include your name, travel group, and hotel address.
• Travel Itinerary (optional): If you have an unusual travel duration, a simple itinerary of your planned activities or Thailand destinations can be helpful. Just write, “3 nights in Bangkok, 4 nights in Phuket, visiting as a tourist.” Upload this under “additional documents” if the site allows or have it ready to display if questioned.
• Financial Proof: Thailand tourist visas may require proof of sufficient cash for your trip, however eVisa applications may not require it. Bank statements and evidence of funds are helpful, especially for nationals from nations Thailand scrutinises more. To enter on a tourist visa or visa exemption, travellers should have a minimum of 20,000 THB (~2,000 AED) per family or 10,000 THB per person. This is rarely needed, although immigration may ask you to produce proof of funds.
• The application for a non-immigrant visa (business, student, etc.) requires invitation letters, company documentation, school admission letters, etc. These are unnecessary for tourist eVisa. Though not required for a Thai tourist visa, travel insurance with medical coverage is highly advised.

Check papers for legibility before uploading. Blurry passport scans or inadequate paperwork often delay or reject. English or Thai should be used for all documents. Provide an English translation of foreign documents like bank statements. Most UAE resident documents are in English or Arabic, but you can translate Arabic ones like Emirates IDs or residency visas.

Having these documents ready will streamline your eVisa application. Let’s discuss visa processing time, validity, and fees.

Processing Time, Validity & Fees

Processing Time: Thailand eVisa approval times vary. UAE residents often receive eVisas in 5–10 business days after applying and paying. However, it can take 20 days officially. Timing can be affected by application volume, Thai public holidays, and supplementary papers. The Royal Thai Consulate advises applying 3-4 weeks before departure for safety. No “express” or expedited processing is available, thus last-minute applications are dangerous. Plan ahead to avoid stress before departure.

Visa Validity and Duration of Stay: It’s important to distinguish between visa validity and permitted stay:

• A Tourist eVisa (single entry) is usually valid for 3 months after approval. This means you must enter Thailand within 3 months. (Your eVisa acceptance will specify validity dates.)
• With a Tourist Visa, you can stay in Thailand for 60 days. On arrival, the immigration official will stamp your passport with a 60-day “admitted until” date. Tourists can ask for a 30-day extension at an immigration office in Thailand for a charge.
• Single-entry visas cannot be used to return to Thailand. You need a new visa or a multiple-entry visa.
• Multiple-entry tourist visas last 6 months. Each entry enables 60-day stays. This is helpful if you’re visiting Thailand numerous times in a few months. Using eVisa, you must pick multiple-entry and pay the extra price.
• Visa Exemption: Most countries can enter Thailand without a visa for 30 days or 45-60 days with authorised extensions. UAE, UK, and US passport holders get 30 days on arrival (sometimes 45). Indian passport holders receive 60 days visa-free. Visit Thai immigration in-country to extend stays by 30 days.
• Visa on Arrival: Certain nationalities can enter with a VOA for 15 days, which can only be extended in emergencies.

Stay within your visa’s limits. Overstays in Thailand can result in fines (500 THB per day, up to 20,000 THB max) and incarceration or blacklisting for significant violations. Make sure to leave before your visa or entry stamp expires or request an extension.

Fees: The cost of a Thailand visa for UAE residents depends on the visa type:

• Single-Entry Tourist Visas cost AED 400 (USD 110). The Thai Embassy in UAE established this pricing in late 2024/2025. The eVisa webpage will display the charge in local currency or USD before payment.
• A 6-month Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa costs AED 1,000.
• Non-immigrant and long-term visas cost extra (a Business Visa single-entry costs AED 800 and a one-year multiple entrance costs AED 1500). You may only pay the tourist visa charge if you’re merely visiting.
• Use of Visa on Arrival costs 2,000 Thai Baht (AED 200). Thai cash is required at the immigration counter.
• Visa exemption: If you’re from a visa-exempt country or benefiting from the temporary fee waiver for certain citizens, you just enter with your passport.

All eVisa payments are made online by credit/debit card. Visa payments are non-refundable, even if your application is declined or you cancel. You must pay the money again if your application is refused, so it’s important to get it correctly the first time.

Don’t delete the eVisa payment receipt email. That receipt provides proof of your transaction in case of complications. You usually pay in advance for eVisa approval, so no further expenses are needed upon arrival. You enter without paying at the airport, unlike Visa on Arrival users.

After covering the application, timing, and cost, let’s discuss the Thailand eVisa’s benefits and how it streamlines travel planning.

Thailand eVisa Benefits:

For travellers, the Thailand eVisa system has made visas easier than ever. The eVisa has several advantages for UAE residents visiting Thailand:

• 100% Online Process: No need to visit the Thai Embassy or Consulate or submit your passport for stamping. Online applications include form filling, document uploading, and payment. This saves time, travel, and hassle, especially if you live far from the embassy or are busy.
• Apply 24/7: Use the eVisa system to apply from home or work. If you have internet, you can finish the application in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or outside the UAE. This flexibility is ideal for expats who travel or cannot attend consular appointments.
• Faster and More Transparent: In many circumstances, digital submissions streamline EVisa processing, making them faster and more transparent. Email notifications and online status checks keep you informed about your application. Keep your passport—no need to submit it for days or weeks.
• No Need for Agents or Couriers: Travel agents and couriers were once utilised to submit visa applications to the embassy. No agent is needed for eVisa, although you can get help. You save money and risk by not mailing your passport. The official system is easy to complete for most people.
• Electronic Record (Less Paperwork at Entry): After approval, your Thailand eVisa is linked electronically. Thai immigration authorities can swiftly verify your visa using your passport number or printer QR code. Less error-prone than reading a handwritten form or visa sticker. You don’t fill out long visa forms upon arrival because you did everything prior.
• Avoid Airport Queues: If you have an eVisa or visa exemption, you can skip the airport lines and go right to immigration in Thailand. Visa on Arrival applicants and payers sometimes wait in long airport lines. You skip queues with eVisa, which is great after a long flight. It streamlines your arrival, letting you start your vacation sooner!
• Peace of Mind Before trip: A visa approval before trip ensures you meet entry requirements. You won’t be turned back at the airport for a visa error. This is crucial for visa-required nations like Pakistanis and Bangladeshis. Having an eVisa verifies your paperwork.
• Longer Stays Possible: Tourist eVisas allow 60-day stays, opposed to 15 days for Visas on Arrival. If you wish to vacation longer or visit family in Thailand, get an eVisa. You can prolong your stay if needed.
• Secure Online Payment: Official eVisa portal offers secure online payment channels for visa fees. Card payments eliminate the requirement for foreign currency or money orders/cheques for some embassy applications. The transaction is recorded using receipts.

Thailand Visa FAQs for UAE Residents