Under the new rule approved on 19 May 2026, the UAE is in the 30-day visa-exemption tier. Until that rule is published in the Royal Gazette, the previous 60-day stay still applies, so plan around 30 days to be safe.

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🇦🇪UAE

🇹🇭THAILANDAE-TH

Do UAE passport holders need a visa to visit Thailand?

Q: Is the TDAC mandatory and does it cost money?

Yes, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card is mandatory for all foreign nationals since 1 May 2026. It is free and must be submitted online within 72 hours before arrival at tdac.immigration.go.th.

Q: Can I extend my stay?

Yes. You can extend once for an additional 30 days at a Thai Immigration office by paying a 1,900 THB fee before your current stamp expires.

Q: What documents should I carry on arrival?

A passport valid for at least 6 months, your TDAC QR confirmation, proof of onward/return travel and evidence of sufficient funds and accommodation.

Q: Does my UAE residence visa change anything?

No. Thailand's visa policy depends on your passport nationality, not your UAE residency. This guide applies to UAE (Emirati) ordinary passport holders.

UAE ordinary passport holders can visit Thailand visa-free for tourism under the visa exemption scheme. No visa is needed in advance; you receive a stamp on arrival. Note: as of May 2026 Thailand is reducing this stay from 60 to 30 days, and the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is mandatory before arrival. Holders of an ordinary United Arab Emirates passport do not need a visa to enter Thailand for tourism or short visits. The UAE is on Thailand's visa exemption (visa-free) list, so travelers receive an entry stamp at the border. On 19 May 2026 Thailand's Cabinet approved reverting the visa-free stay from 60 days back to 30 days, placing the UAE in the 30-day exemption category; the change takes effect 15 days after publication in the Royal Gazette. Until that publication, the previous 60-day stay technically remains valid, but travelers should plan around the 30-day limit. The stay can be extended once in-country by 30 days at an immigration office for 1,900 THB. Separately, since 1 May 2026 all foreign nationals must complete the free online Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within 72 hours before arrival. Travelers should hold a passport valid at least 6 months, proof of onward/return travel, and evidence of adequate funds. UAE diplomatic and special passport holders enjoy a separate 90-day bilateral waiver, which does not apply to ordinary passports.

VISA-FREETOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30

For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.

UAE (Golden Visa)Living in UAE as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance→

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

Visa type

Visa exemption (visa-free entry stamp)

Maximum stay

30 days per entry (60 days until the new rule is published in the Royal Gazette)

per entry

Entries

Single entry per arrival; multiple visits allowed

from issue date

Visa fee

0 THB (TDAC also free)

consular fee only

Processing time

None — stamp issued on arrival

standard track

Validity

Stay counted from date of entry; extendable once by 30 days

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm passport validity

Ensure your UAE ordinary passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned date of entry into Thailand and has a blank page for the entry stamp.

· 6 months validity· Blank page

/02

Complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)

Within 72 hours before arrival, submit the free TDAC online at tdac.immigration.go.th. Each traveler (including children) needs their own; save the confirmation QR code.

· Free· Submit within 72 hours· tdac.immigration.go.th

/03

Prepare supporting documents

Carry proof of onward or return travel within your permitted stay and evidence of adequate funds (commonly cited as 10,000 THB per person / 20,000 THB per family), plus accommodation details.

· Onward ticket· Proof of funds

/04

Travel and receive entry stamp

At the Thai port of entry, present your passport and TDAC QR code. Immigration grants a visa-exemption stamp for the applicable period (30 days under the new rule).

· No advance visa· Stamp on arrival

/05

Extend in-country if needed

To stay longer, visit a Thai Immigration office before your stamp expires and apply for a one-time 30-day extension by paying the 1,900 THB fee.

· 1,900 THB· Once· Immigration office

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

8 items

Personalized checklist

0 / 8 complete

UAE ordinary passport valid 6+ months with a blank page

required

Approved TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) QR confirmation

required

Confirmed onward or return flight within permitted stay

required

Proof of adequate funds (approx. 10,000 THB / person)

recommended

Hotel booking or accommodation address

recommended

Stay within the 30-day visa-exemption limit

required

Travel insurance covering Thailand

recommended

1,900 THB ready if you plan to extend in-country

optional

Track your progress · save & email a copy

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

Visa exemption entry stamp0 THBNo charge for the visa-free stamp on arrival

Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)0 THBMandatory online; always free on the official portal

In-country extension (optional)1,900 THBOne-time 30-day extension at an immigration office

Total estimate0 THB — 1,900 THBincl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

On-arrival visa exemption

At the border (minutes)

Entry stamp granted on arrival for eligible UAE ordinary passport holders; no advance application needed.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

Tourism and short leisure visits

Beach holidays, sightseeing and city breaks of up to 30 days fall squarely within the visa exemption scheme.

High

/02

Visiting friends or relatives

Short social visits to friends or family are permitted under visa-free entry.

Medium

/03

Short business meetings

Brief, non-employment business activities such as meetings or conferences are generally accepted under visa exemption.

Medium

/04

Transit and stopovers

Travelers passing through Thailand who clear immigration can use the visa exemption for short layovers.

Low

/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01

Immigration

Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.

/02

Customs

Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.

/03

Connectivity

Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.

/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024

2026-05-30

United Arab Emirates to Thailand route verified

Confirmed UAE ordinary passport holders remain visa-free for tourism. Noted Thailand's 19 May 2026 Cabinet decision reducing the visa-free stay from 60 to 30 days (UAE in the 30-day tier), effective 15 days after Royal Gazette publication, and that the free TDAC has been mandatory for all foreign nationals since 1 May 2026.

/09 — The questions