United Arab Emirates entry requirements for Thailand passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Thai passport holders need an eVisa to enter the United Arab Emirates for tourism or business. The process is entirely online via the ICA smart services portal, and you should apply at least a week before your trip. As of 2026, there is no visa-on-arrival option for Thai nationals.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need an eVisa to enter the UAE. Apply through the ICA Smart Services portal at least a few days before your flight. The process takes about 15 minutes and costs around 300–400 AED depending on your nationality.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your Thai passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into the UAE. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at UAE airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | You may be asked to show where you're staying. A hotel confirmation email or a letter from your host in the UAE works. Keep a copy on your phone or printed. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Immigration can ask to see you have enough money for your stay. A recent bank statement showing at least 20,000 THB or equivalent in AED/USD is sufficient. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival — apply before you fly
Thai passport holders cannot get a visa at the airport. The airline will deny boarding without an approved eVisa. Apply online at least a week in advance.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in the UAE, not from the day you apply. If it expires sooner, renew it first.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the ICA smart services website (smartservices.ica.gov.ae) and fill out the tourist eVisa application. You'll need your passport details, a digital photo, and your flight and hotel info. Pay the fee online — expect to pay around 300–400 AED depending on processing speed.
2
Wait for approval
Processing usually takes 3–5 working days, but can be faster. Check your email (and spam folder) for the eVisa PDF. If it's delayed, you can follow up via the ICA portal.
3
Check in for your flight
At the airline counter, show your passport and the eVisa PDF. The agent will verify your onward ticket and may ask for your hotel booking. Keep your phone charged with all documents accessible.
4
Arrive at a UAE airport
At Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah airport, go to the immigration counter for 'Foreign Passports'. Hand over your passport and eVisa. The officer will scan your passport and stamp you in. No separate visa-on-arrival queue — this is the standard process.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim and then customs. There are no additional forms to fill. You're free to enter the UAE.
Download United Arab Emirates Entry Checklist
PDF · Thailand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity60 days from issue
CostAED 300 (~$82 USD)
Standard option for tourism.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per visit, extendable
Validity60 days from issue
CostAED 500 (~$136 USD)
Good for multiple trips within validity.
Long-term tourist visa
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year
CostAED 1,500 (~$408 USD)
Requires sponsor or hotel booking.
retirement visa
UAE Retirement Visa
5 years, renewable
AED 5,000 (~$1,361 USD) plus medical insurance
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income or savings. Requires proof of AED 1 million in assets or AED 20,000 monthly income.
investor visa
UAE Investor Visa
3 years, renewable
AED 10,000 (~$2,722 USD) plus investment
For investors with a minimum investment of AED 2 million in a UAE company or property. Allows residency and family sponsorship.
work visa
UAE Work Visa
2 years, renewable
Varies (employer-sponsored)
For those with a job offer from a UAE employer. Employer handles application and costs.
student visa
UAE Student Visa
1 year, renewable
AED 3,000 (~$817 USD) plus tuition
For students enrolled in a UAE university. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard tourist eVisa for up to 30 days. | AED 300 (~$82 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Multiple entry visa valid for 60 days from issue. | AED 500 (~$136 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap; fines accumulate daily. | AED 50 (~$14 USD) per day |
| Visa extension (if applicable)Extension for 30 days, subject to approval. | AED 600 (~$163 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through United Arab Emirates
No transit visa needed
Thai passport holders transiting through UAE airports do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or longer layovers, a visa may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 96 hours.
Transit hubsDubai International Airport (DXB) · Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) · Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)
Health & vaccines for United Arab Emirates
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)Essential
Health risks
Heat-related illnessHigh risk
Extreme summer temperatures can cause heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Foodborne illnessModerate risk
Risk from street food or improperly handled food; choose reputable eateries.
Respiratory infectionsLow risk
Air conditioning can spread viruses; practice good hygiene.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Dubai
General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai
Al Jafiliya, Dubai
Mon–Thu 07:30–14:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
Handles visa extensions and renewals. Bring passport, visa copy, and fee.
Abu Dhabi
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP)
Al Ma'arid, Abu Dhabi
Mon–Thu 07:30–14:30
Main immigration office for visa services.
Practical information for TH travellers
Country basics
CapitalAbu Dhabi
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license not valid. Rent a car with IDP.
Money
CurrencyUAE Dirham (AED)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 3.67 AED
Time zone
Local timeUTC+4
vs New York+9h (EST) / +8h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+12h (PST) / +11h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G (UK-style) — US plugs do not fit. Bring a UK/universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Technically safe but most residents use bottled due to taste.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United Arab Emirates
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United Arab Emirates — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. There is no visa-on-arrival for Thai nationals. You must have an approved eVisa before you fly. The airline will not let you board without it.
Typically 3–5 working days. You can pay extra for faster processing (24–48 hours) during the application. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
The standard tourist eVisa fee is around 300–400 AED (about 2,800–3,700 Thai baht). This can vary slightly depending on the processing speed you choose. Check the ICA portal for the exact current fee.
No, the standard tourist eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before your current one expires.
No, only the first night's accommodation is required for the eVisa application. But immigration may ask for your full itinerary, so it's smart to have all bookings handy.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport has issues. You'll receive a reason via email. You can reapply with corrected information, but the fee is not refunded.
Yes, the eVisa is valid for entry at all UAE international airports: Dubai (DXB), Abu Dhabi (AUH), Sharjah (SHJ), Ras Al Khaimah (RKT), and Al Maktoum (DWC).
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.