How To Get a Thailand Visa From the UAE

Thinking of heading to Thailand from the UAE? Whether it’s the beaches, food, or just a change of scenery that’s calling, here’s everything you need to know about applying for a Thailand visa from the UAE. The good news? It’s all online now!

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Who Needs a Visa?

If you're a UAE resident and your nationality requires a visa to enter Thailand, you’re eligible to apply for a Thailand e-Visa through the official portal: www.thaievisa.go.th. This applies to most nationalities starting January 1, 2025. Before you apply, check whether your country is exempted from a visa or eligible for Visa on Arrival. If you're exempt, you're good to go without applying in advance!

No More In-Person Visits

Forget going to the consulate in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. The entire process is now online. You just need to:

• Go to www.thaievisa.go.th
• Fill out your application
• Upload the required documents
• Pay the visa fee online

Important: Only use the official website. The Royal Thai Consulate-General has not authorized any travel agents or agencies to handle applications. And the visa fee is non-refundable, so double-check your details before submitting.

What Documents You’ll Need

Here’s a checklist of what to prepare before applying:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months from your travel date
• A recent passport-size photo (as per Thai visa guidelines)
• Proof you live in the UAE:
  • UAE residence visa, OR
  • Emirates ID
• Flight tickets - round trip, booked directly from airlines (not agencies)
• Hotel booking or invitation letter in Thailand
• Any additional documents depending on your visa type (check the "Visa Category" section on the e-visa site)

Be honest. If you submit false documents or information, your application will be rejected and possibly flagged for future travel.

How Long It Takes

Processing can take 5 to 20 working days, depending on your application. So it’s best to apply at least 20–30 days before your trip.

• There’s no express service.
• Also, the consulate follows UAE and Thai public holidays, so keep that in mind when applying.

After You Get Approved

Once your visa is approved, you’ll get an email. Download the confirmation, print it out, and keep a digital copy too. You’ll need to show this when you land in Thailand.

What To Bring When You Travel

At the Thai immigration checkpoint, make sure you carry:

• Your passport
• Printed e-visa confirmation
• Proof of accommodation
• Return ticket

Make sure to check how long you’re allowed to stay based on your visa type. Overstaying your visa can get you fined, detained, or even banned.

Just In Case

Save the contact details of your home country’s embassy or consulate in Thailand. For any urgent help while you’re there, you can also reach the Tourist Police by dialling 1155.

Quick Look: Visa-Free Countries

If your passport is from any of these countries, you can skip the visa entirely for stays up to 60 days and can be extended for another period not exceeding 30 days:

1. Albania
2. Andorra
3. Australia
4. Austria
5. Bahrain
6. Belgium
7. Bhutan
8. Brazil
9. Brunei
10. Bulgaria
11. Cambodia
12. Canada
13. China
14. Colombia
15. Croatia
16. Cuba
17. Cyprus
18. Czechia
19. Denmark
20. Dominica
21. Dominican Republic
22. Ecuador
23. Estonia
24. Fiji
25. Finland
26. France
27. Georgia
28. Germany
29. Greece
30. Guatemala
31. Hong Kong
32. Hungary
33. Iceland
34. India
35. Indonesia
36. Ireland
37. Israel
38. Italy
39. Jamaica
40. Japan
41. Jordan
42. Kazakhstan
43. Korea (ROK)
44. Kosovo
45. Kuwait
46. Laos
47. Latvia
48. Liechtenstein
49. Lithuania
50. Luxembourg
51. Macao
52. Malaysia
53. Maldives
54. Malta
55. Mauritius
56. Mexico
57. Monaco
58. Mongolia
59. Morocco
60. Netherlands
61. New Zealand
62. Norway
63. Oman
64. Panama
65. Papa New Guinea
66. Peru
67. Philippines
68. Poland
69. Portugal
70. Qatar
71. Romania
72. Russia
73. San Marino
74. Saudi Arabia
75. Singapore
76. Slovakia
77. Slovenia
78. South Africa
79. Spain
80. Sri Lanka
81. Sweden
82. Switzerland
83. Taiwan
84. Tonga
85. Trinidad and Tobago
86. Turkiye
87. Ukraine
88. United Arab Emirates
89. United Kingdom
90. United States
91. Uruguay
92. Uzbekistan
93. Vietnam

Or You Might Qualify for Visa on Arrival

Passport holders from 31 countries can apply for Visa on Arrival when landing in Thailand. This is for stays up to 15 days, single entry for a fee of 2,000 THB.

Final Tip

Start early, apply only through the official portal, and keep everything ready for a smooth experience. Thailand is waiting and now, getting your visa from the UAE is easier than ever.