Thailand Visa for UAE Residents: New 30-Day Rules from 15 September 2026
Thailand cut its visa-free stay from 60 to 30 days on 15 September 2026. Who can still travel visa-free, who needs an e-Visa, and what UAE residents should do before booking.
Travelax Visa TeamDubai Marina, UAE
3 min read
Thailand is one of the most popular holiday destinations for UAE residents – Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi and Pattaya are only a short flight away. On 15 September 2026, Thailand changed its entry rules. Here is what that means for you.
What changed on 15 September 2026?
- The earlier 60-day visa exemption has ended.
- Passport holders of 60 countries and territories can now visit visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism.
- Holders of Mauritius and Seychelles passports get 15 days visa-free.
- Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia passport holders can get a visa on arrival.
Who can travel visa-free for 30 days?
The list of 60 includes, among others: India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Maldives, Bhutan, Türkiye, Georgia, South Africa, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and most EU countries.
Good news for Indian nationals in the UAE: India is on the 30-day list, so Indian passport holders can visit Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism.
Who needs a visa?
If your passport is not on the exemption list – for example Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Egyptian, Nepali or Sri Lankan passport holders – you need a tourist visa before travelling. Thailand's tourist visas are now applied for online through the official Thai e-Visa system; most applicants do not need to visit the embassy.
Some nationalities had other bilateral arrangements before the change. If your passport is not clearly on the list, check with us before you book – our visa checker flags these cases as "rules changed recently".
Documents for a Thailand e-Visa (typical)
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- UAE residence visa and Emirates ID
- Recent photo
- Confirmed return flight booking
- Hotel bookings for your stay
- Recent bank statement showing sufficient funds
Don't forget the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
Most foreign visitors must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card online before arrival – whether you are visa-free or have a visa. It replaced the old paper arrival form. See our TDAC guide.
Staying longer than 30 days?
If you plan to stay longer than your visa-free period, apply for the right visa before travelling rather than relying on extensions. Overstaying leads to fines and can affect future entry.
Need help?
We confirm the rule for your passport, handle your e-Visa application and can also book flights and hotels. Start your Thailand visa.
Frequently asked questions
Can Indian passport holders in the UAE visit Thailand without a visa?
Yes. India is on Thailand's list of 60 countries that can visit visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism from 15 September 2026.
Do Pakistani nationals need a visa for Thailand from Dubai?
Yes. Pakistani passport holders need a tourist visa, which is applied for online through the official Thai e-Visa system.
Is the 60-day visa-free stay still available?
No. The 60-day exemption ended on 15 September 2026 and was replaced by the new 30-day rule for 60 countries.
Do I need the TDAC if I am visa-free?
Yes. Most foreign visitors, including visa-exempt travellers, need to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card before arrival.
Please note: visa rules change often. This guide is general information for UAE residents and was last reviewed on 24 Sep 2026. Always confirm the current requirements for your nationality before you apply – our consultants do this for free. Travelax is a private agency and is not affiliated with any embassy or government.
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