Thailand changed its entry rules on 15 September 2026. The 60-day visa-free stay that ran since July 2024 has ended. Most nationalities that were visa-free now get 30 days, and visa on arrival is now limited to three countries. For UAE residents, this matters because Thailand does not give any benefit for UAE residence: your passport alone decides. This guide explains who is visa-free, who needs an e-visa, and how to apply from Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Checked on 14 October 2026 against the Thai e-Visa portal and published summaries of the Thai government orders. Sources at the end.
On this page
- The short answer by passport
- Your passport decides — your residence does not change the route here
- If your passport is visa-free
- If you need a visa: the Thai e-visa
- The TDAC arrival card — everyone
- Visa on arrival is now very limited
- Mistakes to avoid
- Questions people ask
The short answer by passport
| Passport | Since 15 September 2026 |
|---|---|
| UAE | Visa-free, 30 days |
| India | Visa-free, 30 days (no longer visa on arrival) |
| Philippines | Visa-free, 30 days |
| UK, US, EU, Australia, Canada | Visa-free, 30 days |
| Pakistan | Visa required — apply for an e-visa |
| Egypt | Visa required — apply for an e-visa |
| Bangladesh | Visa required — apply for an e-visa |
| Sri Lanka | Visa required — apply for an e-visa |
| Nigeria | Visa required — apply for an e-visa |
Your passport decides — your residence does not change the route here
Unlike Armenia, Azerbaijan or the GCC countries, Thailand does not offer a special route for UAE residents. A Pakistani engineer who has lived in Dubai for ten years has the same Thai visa requirement as a Pakistani applying from Karachi.
Where your UAE residence does matter is the e-visa application. Thai e-visas are applied for through the Thai mission covering the country where you live. As a UAE resident, you apply under a Thai mission in the UAE, using your UAE documents.
If your passport is visa-free
- You can stay up to 30 days for tourism.
- One extension of up to 30 days may be granted at a Thai immigration office, at the officer’s discretion, for a fee.
- Entries under the visa exemption are limited to two per calendar year (with exceptions for some ASEAN neighbours).
- You must complete the TDAC (see below).
- Officers can ask for a return ticket, hotel booking and proof of funds.
If you entered on or before 14 September 2026 under the old rules, you keep the stay you were given on arrival.
If you need a visa: the Thai e-visa
Pakistani, Egyptian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Nigerian and other visa-required passport holders apply online at thaievisa.go.th. There is no paper application at the embassy for most tourist visas.
Documents for a tourist e-visa
- Passport bio page (valid at least six months).
- UAE residence visa and Emirates ID.
- A recent photo.
- Confirmed return flight booking.
- Hotel booking or invitation letter for the whole stay.
- Bank statement for recent months, stamped by your bank. See our bank statement guide.
- Employment letter or NOC. See our NOC templates.
Published guidance for UAE applicants suggests a balance of roughly USD 700 per person (around AED 2,600) for a tourist visa. Thailand does not publish a fixed UAE figure, so show more if your trip is long.
How to apply step by step
- Go to thaievisa.go.th and create an account.
- Choose your country of residence: United Arab Emirates, and select the Thai mission the portal assigns.
- Choose the visa type: Tourist Visa (TR), single entry.
- Fill in your passport, UAE residence and travel details.
- Upload your documents as PDF or JPG.
- Pay the fee online.
- Wait for the decision by email — published guidance for UAE applicants suggests 10 to 14 working days.
- Print the approved e-visa and carry it with your passport.
The tourist e-visa usually allows a stay of up to 60 days per entry, which is longer than the new visa-free stay.
The TDAC arrival card — everyone
Since 2025, every foreign visitor must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card online before arrival, replacing the paper TM6 form. This applies whether you are visa-free or hold a visa.
- Official site: tdac.immigration.go.th.
- It is free. Sites charging for the TDAC are not official.
- Submit it within three days before arrival.
- Save the confirmation QR code on your phone.
Visa on arrival is now very limited
From 15 September 2026, Thailand’s visa on arrival is only for Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia, for 15 days at THB 2,000. If an older guide tells you that Indians can get a visa on arrival in Bangkok, it describes the old rules.
Mistakes to avoid
- Assuming the old 60-day stay still applies. It does not for new entries.
- Paying a third-party site for the TDAC or e-visa.
- Applying under a mission outside the UAE. You apply where you legally reside.
- Booking non-refundable flights before your e-visa is approved.
- Entering visa-free a third time in one calendar year.
Questions people ask
Do UAE residents need a visa for Thailand?
It depends on your passport, not your UAE residence. Indian, Filipino and Emirati passport holders are visa-free for 30 days. Pakistani, Egyptian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan and Nigerian passport holders need an e-visa.
Can Indians still get a Thailand visa on arrival?
Not under the rules in force since 15 September 2026. Indian passport holders are on the 30-day visa-free list instead.
How long does a Thai e-visa take from the UAE?
Published guidance for UAE applicants suggests 10 to 14 working days. Apply at least a month before travel.
Is the TDAC free?
Yes. Use only tdac.immigration.go.th.
Can I extend my 30-day visa-free stay?
Usually once, for up to 30 days, at a Thai immigration office, at the officer’s discretion and for a fee.
Related guides
- Singapore visa for UAE residents
- Japan visa from Dubai
- UAE bank statement for visa applications
- UAE employer NOC letter templates
Sources
- Thailand official e-Visa portal: thaievisa.go.th
- Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) — Immigration Bureau: tdac.immigration.go.th
- Royal Thai Embassy, Abu Dhabi: abudhabi.thaiembassy.org
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand — visa exemption and visa on arrival orders effective 15 September 2026, as summarised by Vialto Partners and VisasNews
Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not process applications. Read the editorial policy.
Last checked 14 October 2026. Rechecked quarterly and when Thailand changes its exemption list. Found an error? Email ionicwaleed@gmail.com — it gets fixed and logged.