Thailand is introducing new visa-exemption rules from 15 September 2026. The temporary 60-day visa-free arrangement will end and eligible tourists will generally receive a 30-day visa-free stay.

For UAE residents, eligibility is based on your passport nationality not your UAE residence visa.

Which Countries Receive 30-Day Visa-Free Entry?

Ordinary passport holders from the following countries and territories will be eligible for up to 30 days visa-free for tourism:

Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bhutan, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Türkiye, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States.

This means Indian, Filipino and UAE passport holders living in Dubai can continue travelling to Thailand without applying for a tourist visa in advance, provided their visit meets the visa-exemption conditions.

Which Nationalities Need a Thailand Visa?

Passport holders who are not covered by Thailand’s visa-exemption, bilateral exemption or Visa-on-Arrival arrangements must obtain an appropriate visa before travelling.

Common UAE-resident nationalities that generally require a visa in advance include:

  • Afghanistan

  • Algeria

  • Armenia

  • Bangladesh

  • Egypt

  • Ethiopia

  • Ghana

  • Iran

  • Kenya

  • Lebanon

  • Morocco

  • Nepal

  • Nigeria

  • Pakistan

  • Sri Lanka

  • Sudan

  • Syria

  • Tanzania

  • Tunisia

  • Uganda

  • Uzbekistan

  • Yemen

This is not the complete worldwide list. Travellers should confirm eligibility according to their passport nationality before purchasing non refundable tickets.

Applicants who require a visa can check the requirements and apply through the official Thailand e-Visa website.

Other Entry Categories

Nationals of Mauritius and Seychelles will receive a separate visa exemption of up to 15 days.

Visa on Arrival will remain available to passport holders from:

  • Azerbaijan

  • Belarus

  • Serbia

Several countries including China, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Russia, South Korea and Vietnam may continue to benefit from separate bilateral visa exemption agreements.

Thailand Digital Arrival Card Is Mandatory

All non-Thai nationals must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card, known as TDAC, before entering Thailand by air, land or sea.

The TDAC must be submitted online within three days before arrival. It is free and does not replace a visa.

Use only the official Thailand Digital Arrival Card website. Travellers should avoid unofficial websites that charge unnecessary TDAC fees.

You will normally need:

  • Passport information

  • Flight or transportation details

  • Address of your accommodation in Thailand

  • Travel and health declaration information

Important Land-Border Rule

Most visa-exempt travellers entering through a land-border checkpoint will be limited to two visa-exempt land entries per calendar year.

This restriction does not generally apply to arrivals by international flight. Special exceptions also apply to nationals of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.

Thailand Travel Checklist From Dubai

Before departing from Dubai or? please check that you have:

  • A passport meeting the required validity conditions

  • The correct visa or visa exemption eligibility

  • Approved Thailand e-Visa, when required

  • Completed TDAC confirmation

  • Confirmed return or onward flight

  • Hotel or accommodation booking

  • Sufficient funds for the trip

  • Travel insurance suitable for your holiday

  • Copies of all important travel documents

Final admission? entry permission is determined by Thai immigration authorities upon arrival.

Need Help Planning Your Thailand Holiday?

EEC Travels can assist UAE residents with Thailand flights, hotels, holiday packages, travel documentation guidance and personalised travel planning from Dubai.

Contact EEC Travels:

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Visa rules may change without notice. Always confirm your eligibility through the official Thailand e-Visa portal or the relevant Royal Thai Embassy before travelling.

Official sources: Thai Government announcement and Royal Gazette notice.