When planning a trip from Dubai or anywhere in the UAE to Thailand, many travelers wonder whether they can simply get a Visa on Arrival (VOA). The answer depends on whether you are a UAE national (passport holder) or an expatriate living in the UAE with another nationality. Let’s break down both cases to understand this better.
Visa on Arrival for UAE Nationals
If you are a citizen of the United Arab Emirates holding a UAE passport, you actually do not need a Visa on Arrival at all. Instead, you are entitled to visa-free entry.
- Visa requirement: Not needed.
- Duration allowed: Up to 30 days per visit.
- Purpose: Tourism and leisure only.
- Cost: Free (0 AED).
So, for UAE nationals, there is no need to apply for a visa in advance or get a VOA. You simply present your UAE passport at the Thai immigration counter and receive entry clearance for 30 days.
Visa on Arrival for Expatriates Living in the UAE
The UAE is home to millions of expatriates who hold passports from countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Nepal and more. For these residents, eligibility for a Visa on Arrival in Thailand depends entirely on their original nationality, not on their UAE residence visa.
a) Nationalities Eligible for VOA
Citizens of around 15–20 countries are eligible for a VOA in Thailand. For example, Indian passport holders are among those eligible.
- Duration allowed: 15 days.
- Cost: 2,000 Thai Baht (approximately 210–220 AED).
- Where to get it: At major international airports in Thailand and designated land border checkpoints.
This means if you are an expat in Dubai from a VOA-eligible country, you can fly to Thailand and get your visa issued directly at the airport.
b) Nationalities Not Eligible for VOA
Not all nationalities qualify for VOA. For example, Pakistani passport holders must apply for a regular visa in advance at the Royal Thai Consulate in Dubai.
For such travelers, the VOA is not an option and the processing time is typically 3–5 working days for a tourist visa. The cost for a single-entry tourist visa is usually 300–350 AED, while a multiple-entry visa can cost 750–850 AED.
Requirements for Visa on Arrival
For those who are eligible, Thailand’s VOA comes with specific requirements:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months.
- A completed VOA application form.
- A recent passport-sized photograph.
- Confirmed return or onward flight ticket.
- Hotel booking confirmation or proof of accommodation in Thailand.
- Proof of sufficient funds: At least 10,000 Thai Baht (about 1,000 AED) per person or 20,000 Baht (about 2,000 AED) per family.
If you cannot show these documents, immigration authorities may deny your entry even if your nationality is eligible.
eVisa on Arrival (E-VOA) Option
To make things easier, Thailand also offers an eVisa on Arrival (E-VOA) system.
- Processing time online: 24 to 72 hours.
- Processing fee: Around 220 AED plus service charges.
- Advantage: Faster clearance at immigration because approval is already pre-issued.
This is a good option for UAE expatriates who qualify for VOA and want to save time at the airport
Summary for UAE Residents
- UAE Nationals (passport holders): Do not need VOA, as they get 30 days visa-free entry free of charge.
- Expatriates in Dubai:
- If from a VOA-eligible country (like India): Can get a VOA for 15 days at a cost of about 220 AED.
- If from a non-eligible country (like Pakistan): Must apply for a tourist visa in advance, costing 300–850 AED depending on visa type.
So, do UAE residents get a Thailand visa on arrival?
- If you are a UAE national, the answer is no, because you don’t even need a visa you enter Thailand free for up to 30 days.
- If you are an expatriate living in the UAE, the answer depends on your nationality: some residents are eligible for VOA at a fee of about 220 AED, while others must apply for a visa in advance through the Thai Consulate in Dubai.
In short, VOA is available only for certain expatriates in the UAE, while UAE passport holders enjoy even better privileges with visa-free entry.