Thailand Visa for Indian & Pakistani Passport Holders in Dubai

Before diving into the details of each process, here is a side-by-side comparison of the Thailand visa pathway for Indian and Pakistani passport holders living in Dubai. This single table answers the most common question both communities ask OraVisa.

Indian nationals are one of the most frequent Thailand travellers globally, and from Dubai the process is relatively straightforward thanks to eVOA eligibility. However, choosing between the eVOA and the tourist visa depends on how long you plan to stay. Below is everything Indian passport holders in Dubai need to know.

Option 1: Thailand eVOA for Indian Passport Holders

The eVOA is the recommended route for Indian nationals visiting Thailand for up to 15 days. Apply online at tp.consular.go.th, pay USD 35, and receive your approval by email in 3 to 5 business days. No embassy visit, no queuing at the airport.

1. 1Visit tp.consular.go.th and select India as your nationality. The system will confirm your eVOA eligibility.
2. 2Enter your passport details exactly as they appear on your passport — name, date of birth, passport number, issue date, expiry date.
3. 3Upload a compliant digital photo: JPEG format, white background, face covering 70-80% of frame, no glasses, neutral expression.
4. 4Enter your planned arrival date in Thailand and upload your confirmed flight itinerary.
5. 5Pay the USD 35 fee by credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, or JCB).
6. 6Receive your application reference number by email and track status at tp.consular.go.th.
7. 7When approved, download and print your eVOA. Carry it with your passport on travel day.
8. 8At Thai immigration, join the eVOA counter (not the standard VOA queue) and present your eVOA with your passport.

Option 2: Thailand Tourist Visa for Indian Nationals (for 60-Day Stays)

If you need to stay in Thailand for more than 15 days, the eVOA is not sufficient. Indian nationals should instead apply for a single-entry tourist visa at the Royal Thai Embassy in Abu Dhabi, which grants 60 days with a possible 30-day extension inside Thailand. The process is similar to the Pakistani tourist visa process described below.

Pakistani nationals residing in Dubai must apply for a Thailand tourist visa (TR) at the Royal Thai Embassy in Abu Dhabi. There is no eVOA option and no visa exemption for Pakistani passport holders. The tourist visa grants 60 days of stay, extendable once for 30 more days inside Thailand — a total maximum stay of 90 days.

The Thai Embassy in Abu Dhabi is generally efficient with Pakistani applications, provided the document file is complete and well-prepared. OraVisa has processed a large volume of Thailand tourist visa applications for Pakistani nationals in the UAE and has found that complete, clean documentation leads to smooth approvals in the standard 3 to 5 working day window.

Step-by-Step Tourist Visa Process for Pakistani Nationals

1. 1Gather all required documents (see checklist in the next section). Have originals and photocopies ready before contacting the embassy.
2. 2Download the Thai tourist visa application form from thaiembassy.com. Complete it in full in English using black ink or typed. Do not leave any field blank.
3. 3Attach two recent passport-sized photos (4×6 cm, white background) to the application form.
4. 4Arrange your documents in the order specified by the embassy (application form first, then passport, then supporting documents).
5. 5Submit your documents at the Royal Thai Embassy in Abu Dhabi — either in person during working hours (Sunday to Thursday, 9am to 12pm) or via OraVisa's courier service from Dubai.
6. 6Pay the visa fee of USD 40 at the embassy counter. Payment is typically in AED equivalent or by card. Confirm the accepted payment method with the embassy before your visit.
7. 7Collect your reference number or submission receipt. Track the status of your application by calling the embassy or through OraVisa's tracking service.
8. 8Collect your passport with the visa sticker from the embassy, or have OraVisa collect and courier it back to your Dubai address.

Complete Document Checklist for Pakistani Nationals

While the Thai Embassy in Abu Dhabi processes Pakistani nationals' applications efficiently when the file is complete, there are specific elements that can strengthen an application and reduce the risk of queries or rejection. Based on OraVisa's experience, here are the most impactful measures.

• Bank balance: A consistently maintained balance of AED 8,000 to AED 15,000 over three months is significantly more convincing than a large lump-sum deposit made shortly before application. Avoid inflating your balance artificially.
• Employment documentation: An employment letter alone may not be sufficient — supplement with your last three pay slips and a formal No Objection Certificate (NOC) on company letterhead confirming your leave period and that you are expected back at work.
• Travel history: If you have prior Schengen, UK, USA, or other credible visa stamps in your passport, include clear photocopies of those pages. This demonstrates a history of responsible international travel and compliance with visa terms.
• Return ties: Documents that demonstrate strong ties to the UAE — a long-term employment contract, property lease, or dependant family members in the UAE — show that you have compelling reasons to return from Thailand.
• Clear itinerary: A day-by-day Thailand itinerary (even a simple typed document) showing your planned activities, locations, and hotels demonstrates that you have a genuine holiday purpose and a structured plan.
• Hotel quality: Booking accommodation at reputable hotels (3-star and above) rather than budget hostels can sometimes positively influence the perception of your financial standing and travel purpose.

Here is a side-by-side summary of fees and timelines for both nationalities, for quick reference.