Thailand Visa Fees & Processing Time from Dubai
How much does a Thailand visa cost from Dubai?
Visa exemption is free. The eVOA costs USD 35 (approximately AED 128). The single-entry tourist visa costs USD 40 (approximately AED 147) and the multiple-entry tourist visa costs USD 200 (approximately AED 734), plus additional preparation costs. OraVisa service fees vary by visa type — contact us for a personalised quote.
Key Takeaway
- Visa exemption is free. The eVOA costs USD 35 (approximately AED 128). The single-entry tourist visa costs USD 40 (appro...
- Visa Exemption: Free
- eVOA Fee: USD 35 (~AED 128)
- Tourist Visa (Single): USD 40 (~AED 147)
- Tourist Visa (Multiple): USD 200 (~AED 734)
One of the first questions Dubai residents ask when planning a Thailand trip is: how much will the visa actually cost? The honest answer is that it depends entirely on your nationality and which entry route applies to you. Visa-exempt travellers pay nothing at all, eVOA applicants pay a modest USD 35, while tourist visa applicants face embassy fees plus a range of hidden preparation costs.
Processing times are equally variable — from instant border entry for visa-exempt nationals, to 3 to 5 business days for eVOA approvals, to up to 15 working days for tourist visas during peak travel season.
This guide provides a completely transparent, dirham-by-dirham breakdown of every cost involved in getting your Thailand visa from Dubai, along with accurate processing time data so you can plan your trip with confidence.
Thailand Visa Fee Comparison by Entry Type
The total cost of your Thailand visa depends on three factors: the government fee, the ancillary preparation costs (photos, bank statements, document travel), and any professional agency fees. Below is a full cost comparison across all entry types relevant to Dubai residents.
Thailand Visa Fee Breakdown — All Entry Types (2026)
| Cost Component | Visa Exemption | eVOA | Tourist Visa (Single) | Tourist Visa (Multiple) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Government / Embassy Fee | Free | USD 35 (~AED 128) | USD 40 (~AED 147) | USD 200 (~AED 734) |
| Passport Photos | None | Digital (free to AED 15) | AED 20–35 (printed) | AED 20–35 (printed) |
| Bank Statement Fee | None | None | AED 25–50 (bank stamped) | AED 25–50 (bank stamped) |
| Travel to Abu Dhabi Embassy | None | None (online) | AED 100–350 | AED 100–350 |
| Travel Insurance | Recommended (AED 50+) | Recommended (AED 50+) | Recommended (AED 75–150) | Recommended (AED 75–150) |
| OraVisa Service Fee | N/A | AED 100 | AED 300–500 | AED 300–500 |
| Total (Self-Apply) | Free | ~AED 143 | ~AED 350–580 | ~AED 950–1,300 |
| Total (With OraVisa) | N/A | ~AED 243 | ~AED 550–780 | ~AED 1,050–1,500 |
Government / Embassy Fee
- Visa Exemption
- Free
- eVOA
- USD 35 (~AED 128)
- Tourist Visa (Single)
- USD 40 (~AED 147)
- Tourist Visa (Multiple)
- USD 200 (~AED 734)
Passport Photos
- Visa Exemption
- None
- eVOA
- Digital (free to AED 15)
- Tourist Visa (Single)
- AED 20–35 (printed)
- Tourist Visa (Multiple)
- AED 20–35 (printed)
Bank Statement Fee
- Visa Exemption
- None
- eVOA
- None
- Tourist Visa (Single)
- AED 25–50 (bank stamped)
- Tourist Visa (Multiple)
- AED 25–50 (bank stamped)
Travel to Abu Dhabi Embassy
- Visa Exemption
- None
- eVOA
- None (online)
- Tourist Visa (Single)
- AED 100–350
- Tourist Visa (Multiple)
- AED 100–350
Travel Insurance
- Visa Exemption
- Recommended (AED 50+)
- eVOA
- Recommended (AED 50+)
- Tourist Visa (Single)
- Recommended (AED 75–150)
- Tourist Visa (Multiple)
- Recommended (AED 75–150)
OraVisa Service Fee
- Visa Exemption
- N/A
- eVOA
- AED 100
- Tourist Visa (Single)
- AED 300–500
- Tourist Visa (Multiple)
- AED 300–500
Total (Self-Apply)
- Visa Exemption
- Free
- eVOA
- ~AED 143
- Tourist Visa (Single)
- ~AED 350–580
- Tourist Visa (Multiple)
- ~AED 950–1,300
Total (With OraVisa)
- Visa Exemption
- N/A
- eVOA
- ~AED 243
- Tourist Visa (Single)
- ~AED 550–780
- Tourist Visa (Multiple)
- ~AED 1,050–1,500
All fees are approximate based on February 2026 exchange rates (1 USD = approximately AED 3.67). Government fees are set by Thai authorities and may change. Verify at thaiembassy.com before applying.
Key Takeaways
- If your nationality is visa-exempt (UAE, UK, US, Filipino, etc.) — the trip to Thailand is completely free of visa costs
- The eVOA at USD 35 is significantly cheaper than the airport VOA at THB 2,000 (~USD 55)
- For tourist visa applicants, the Abu Dhabi embassy trip can cost more than the visa fee itself — OraVisa eliminates this cost
- Multiple-entry tourist visas are cost-effective for those who visit Thailand more than once per year
eVOA Fee: What USD 35 Covers
The USD 35 eVOA fee is a non-refundable government processing fee paid through the official Thai government portal at tp.consular.go.th. It covers electronic processing and the 15-day travel authorisation granted to eligible nationalities. The fee is charged in USD and processed via international credit or debit card. Your bank or card issuer may apply a foreign currency conversion markup of 1 to 3 percent on top of the base fee.
Unlike some third-party eVOA websites that charge USD 50 to USD 80 for the same 15-day authorisation, the official portal charges only USD 35. Be aware that numerous unofficial websites impersonate the Thai government portal and charge significantly inflated fees while providing the same eVOA — or in worst cases, do not submit a real application at all. Always apply at tp.consular.go.th.
eVOA Fee Warning
- Only pay the eVOA fee through the official Thai government portal at tp.consular.go.th
- The correct fee is USD 35 — any website charging more is unofficial and should be avoided
- The USD 35 fee is non-refundable even if your application is rejected or your travel is cancelled
- Your card issuer may add a foreign currency conversion charge of 1-3% on top of the USD 35
Tourist Visa Fees: Single Entry vs Multiple Entry
The Thailand tourist visa (TR) comes in two variants: single entry and multiple entry. The choice depends on your travel plans and how often you visit Thailand.
Single-Entry vs Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa Comparison
| Feature | Single Entry (TR) | Multiple Entry (METV) |
|---|---|---|
| Government Fee | USD 40 (~AED 147) | USD 200 (~AED 734) |
| Entries Allowed | 1 | Unlimited within 6 months |
| Stay Per Entry | 60 days | 60 days per entry |
| Total Possible Stay | 90 days (with extension) | Up to 180 days over 6 months |
| Best For | Single holiday trip | Frequent visitors or long stays |
| Cost Per Entry (Multiple) | N/A | ~USD 33 per entry (if used 6 times) |
Government Fee
- Single Entry (TR)
- USD 40 (~AED 147)
- Multiple Entry (METV)
- USD 200 (~AED 734)
Entries Allowed
- Single Entry (TR)
- 1
- Multiple Entry (METV)
- Unlimited within 6 months
Stay Per Entry
- Single Entry (TR)
- 60 days
- Multiple Entry (METV)
- 60 days per entry
Total Possible Stay
- Single Entry (TR)
- 90 days (with extension)
- Multiple Entry (METV)
- Up to 180 days over 6 months
Best For
- Single Entry (TR)
- Single holiday trip
- Multiple Entry (METV)
- Frequent visitors or long stays
Cost Per Entry (Multiple)
- Single Entry (TR)
- N/A
- Multiple Entry (METV)
- ~USD 33 per entry (if used 6 times)
The multiple-entry tourist visa (METV) is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. Each entry allows a 60-day stay, extendable once for 30 days inside Thailand.
For most Dubai residents visiting Thailand on a holiday, the single-entry tourist visa is the right choice. The multiple-entry METV makes financial sense for those who visit Thailand more than twice per year or for business-related travel that requires multiple short visits.
Thailand Visa Processing Times from Dubai
Processing time is as important as cost when planning your travel. Below is a full comparison of how long each visa type takes to process from Dubai, including peak and off-peak timelines.
Thailand Visa Processing Times (2026)
| Entry Type | Standard Processing | Peak Season | Apply Before Travel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Exemption | Instant (border entry) | N/A | No advance application needed |
| eVOA | 3-5 business days | Up to 7 business days | 2 weeks before travel |
| Tourist Visa (TR) | 3-5 working days at embassy | 10-15 working days | 3-4 weeks before travel |
Visa Exemption
- Standard Processing
- Instant (border entry)
- Peak Season
- N/A
- Apply Before Travel
- No advance application needed
eVOA
- Standard Processing
- 3-5 business days
- Peak Season
- Up to 7 business days
- Apply Before Travel
- 2 weeks before travel
Tourist Visa (TR)
- Standard Processing
- 3-5 working days at embassy
- Peak Season
- 10-15 working days
- Apply Before Travel
- 3-4 weeks before travel
Peak season for Thailand travel from Dubai is December through January and April through May. The Thai Embassy in Abu Dhabi observes UAE and Thai public holidays. OraVisa tracks embassy schedules and advises the optimal submission timing.
There is no express or priority processing option for Thailand visas from the UAE. Unlike some embassies that offer premium processing for an additional fee, the Thai Embassy in Abu Dhabi processes all applications on a first-come, first-served basis within the standard timeline. This makes early application essential for peak season travel.
Key Takeaways
- Never apply for a tourist visa less than 3 weeks before your planned departure date
- eVOA applicants should submit at least 2 weeks before travel to allow a comfortable buffer
- Visa-exempt travellers can book their trip without any advance visa planning
- OraVisa provides estimated processing completion dates at the time of your application submission
Hidden Costs of a Thailand Visa Most Applicants Miss
Beyond the headline government fee, there are several additional costs that catch many Dubai residents by surprise. Being aware of these upfront allows for accurate budgeting.
- Bank statement fee: Most UAE banks charge AED 25 to AED 50 for an officially stamped bank statement — required for tourist visa applications
- Passport photo: Printed photos meeting the 4×6 cm embassy standard cost AED 20 to AED 35 at most photo studios in Dubai
- Abu Dhabi embassy trip: A round trip by car costs AED 100 to AED 200 in fuel and tolls; taxi or ride-share return can cost AED 300 to AED 500 — and you may need a second trip to collect your passport
- Courier for passport: The embassy allows postal submissions for an additional AED 40 to AED 80, but this adds 2 to 3 days to processing
- Currency conversion on eVOA: International card transactions in USD incur a 1 to 3% markup from most UAE banks
- Travel insurance: Not mandatory but strongly recommended — typically AED 50 to AED 150 for a one-week Thailand trip
Get an Exact Thailand Visa Cost Quote
OraVisa provides a full fee breakdown specific to your nationality and travel plans — no surprises, no hidden charges. Our service fee includes document preparation, submission, and passport return to your Dubai address.
Get Free QuoteOraVisa Thailand Visa Service Fees
OraVisa offers two service packages for Thailand visa applications from Dubai, designed to simplify the process and eliminate the need to travel to Abu Dhabi.
OraVisa Thailand Visa Service Packages
| Feature | eVOA Assistance (AED 100) | Tourist Visa Full Service (AED 300–500) |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility Check | Included | Included |
| Document Checklist | Basic | Personalised by nationality |
| Photo Compliance Review | Included (digital photo check) | Included (full photo guidance) |
| Form Filling | eVOA portal form | Embassy application form + full set |
| Document Review | N/A | Full pre-submission review |
| Embassy Submission | N/A (online) | Included (Abu Dhabi embassy) |
| Passport Collection & Return | N/A | Included (delivered to Dubai address) |
| Status Tracking | Email updates | WhatsApp real-time updates |
| Re-submission on Rejection | Free guidance | One free re-submission included |
Eligibility Check
- eVOA Assistance (AED 100)
- Included
- Tourist Visa Full Service (AED 300–500)
- Included
Document Checklist
- eVOA Assistance (AED 100)
- Basic
- Tourist Visa Full Service (AED 300–500)
- Personalised by nationality
Photo Compliance Review
- eVOA Assistance (AED 100)
- Included (digital photo check)
- Tourist Visa Full Service (AED 300–500)
- Included (full photo guidance)
Form Filling
- eVOA Assistance (AED 100)
- eVOA portal form
- Tourist Visa Full Service (AED 300–500)
- Embassy application form + full set
Document Review
- eVOA Assistance (AED 100)
- N/A
- Tourist Visa Full Service (AED 300–500)
- Full pre-submission review
Embassy Submission
- eVOA Assistance (AED 100)
- N/A (online)
- Tourist Visa Full Service (AED 300–500)
- Included (Abu Dhabi embassy)
Passport Collection & Return
- eVOA Assistance (AED 100)
- N/A
- Tourist Visa Full Service (AED 300–500)
- Included (delivered to Dubai address)
Status Tracking
- eVOA Assistance (AED 100)
- Email updates
- Tourist Visa Full Service (AED 300–500)
- WhatsApp real-time updates
Re-submission on Rejection
- eVOA Assistance (AED 100)
- Free guidance
- Tourist Visa Full Service (AED 300–500)
- One free re-submission included
Tourist visa service fee varies by application complexity. Multiple-entry visas and applications with complex travel histories may be at the upper end of the AED 300-500 range. Get your personalised quote at /get-quote/.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Thailand eVOA fee from Dubai?
The official Thailand eVOA costs USD 35, which is approximately AED 128 at February 2026 exchange rates. This fee is paid online through the official Thai government portal at tp.consular.go.th. It is non-refundable. Many third-party websites charge USD 50 to USD 80 for the same eVOA — always use the official portal.
How much does a Thailand tourist visa cost from Dubai?
The single-entry Thailand tourist visa costs USD 40 (approximately AED 147) at the Royal Thai Embassy. The multiple-entry tourist visa (METV) costs USD 200 (approximately AED 734). Additional costs include passport photos (AED 20-35), bank statement fees (AED 25-50), and travel to the Abu Dhabi embassy (AED 100-500). OraVisa service fees eliminate the embassy trip.
How long does the Thailand eVOA take to process from Dubai?
The Thailand eVOA typically processes within 3 to 5 business days from the date of submission. During peak travel seasons (December-January and April-May), processing can take up to 7 business days. OraVisa recommends submitting your eVOA application at least 2 weeks before your planned travel date.
Is it cheaper to get the eVOA or the Visa on Arrival at the airport?
The eVOA at USD 35 is cheaper than the traditional Visa on Arrival (VOA) at THB 2,000 (approximately USD 55 or AED 200). Beyond the cost saving, the eVOA eliminates the airport queue, which can exceed 2 to 3 hours at Suvarnabhumi during peak season. OraVisa always recommends the eVOA for eligible nationalities.
Are there any additional fees when applying for a Thailand visa from Dubai?
Yes. Tourist visa applicants should budget for: passport photos (AED 20-35), bank statement fees (AED 25-50), travel to the Thai Embassy in Abu Dhabi and back (AED 100-500 depending on transport), and optionally travel insurance (AED 50-150). eVOA applicants have minimal additional costs, mainly a potential currency conversion markup of 1-3% on the USD 35 fee.
Need Expert Visa Assistance?
OraVisa handles everything from document preparation to embassy submission. Get a free consultation today.
Get Free ConsultationTools to Help You Prepare
Get a personalised list of every document you need for this visa.
See a full cost breakdown — government fees, VFS charges & more in AED.
Check standard, express & peak processing times and when to apply.
All tools are free — no login required. View all tools →
Related Visa Guides
Latest Visa Updates
Written by
Sarah Khan
Content Manager & Visa Research Specialist
Content Manager creating accurate visa guides based on daily research across 100+ country policies. Former travel editor with a journalism background.
Expert reviewed by Ahmed Al Rashid
Senior Visa Consultant
Last updated: · 12+ years of visa consultancy experience
Last updated:
