Thailand Visa for UAE Residents: TDAC Arrival Card, DTV Nomad Visa & Entry Rules for United Arab Emirates

ByAdmin

UAE travelers planning to visit Thailand must follow the new visa rules. In this guide, we cover the Thailand visa for UAE residents, including the TDAC form, security alerts, and the new 5-year DTV visa.

Thailand Visa for UAE Residents

What is the Thailand Digital Travel Arrival Card (TDAC)?

The Thailand Digital Travel Arrival Card (TDAC) is an online form required by travelers entering Thailand. The new form replaces the old TM6 paper form. Residents of the UAE must fill out this form before arriving in the country.

72 hours prior to arrival

Upon arrival in Thailand, you must apply for the TDAC within 72 hours. We will not accept submissions made too early or too late.

TDAC Form Guide for UAE Travelers

  • Visit the official website of the Thai immigration
  • Please enter the details of your passport, flight, and stay
  • You will need to upload a passport-size photo
  • Before submitting, review all data
  • A confirmation slip will be emailed to you

What happens at the airport?

At immigration in Thailand, show your TDAC confirmation slip. As a result, the arrival process is faster, and the old TM6 card is replaced.

UAE Nationals: Security Alert on Thai-Cambodia Border

Embassy Alerts

UK, US, and Australian travel advisories warn tourists to avoid the Thai-Cambodian border.

Provinces affected

The following regions should be avoided:

  • Sure.
  • Si Saket
  • Ubon Ratchathani
  • Buriram
  • Sa Kaeo
  • Chanthaburi
  • Trat

Factors that pose a risk

  • Border zones with landmines
  • An armed clash has been reported
  • Rural tensions persist

Advice on Travel

Make sure you stay in popular tourist areas. Border crossings and remote rural areas should be avoided. Keep an eye out for alerts from Thai authorities and your embassy.

UAE residents can apply for a Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)

DTV Visa Overview

A 5-year multi-entry visa for remote workers and long-term travelers, the DTV (Destination Thailand Visa) was introduced in July 2024.

Who is eligible to apply?

  • Freelancers in the UAE
  • Workers who work remotely
  • Nomadic digital nomads
  • Members of the immediate family (dependents)

Featured Benefits

  • Stay of 180 days per entry
  • Validity for multiple entries for a period of five years
  • Suitable for Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai workation lifestyles
  • Private healthcare and high-speed internet access

Requirements for applications

  • Income or savings proof
  • Residence in the UAE is valid
  • Ticket for return
  • No intention of seeking employment in the local area
  • Submission of TDAC within 72 hours of entry

Limitations known to date

  • Thai companies do not allow foreign workers to work
  • It is restricted to set up a bank account
  • DTV holders are rejected by some banks for financial products

Cost of Living: Thailand vs UAE

Category Thailand (avg/month) UAE (avg/month)
1-Bed Apartment Rent $400–$600 $1000–$1600
Utilities $70–$100 $150–$250
Internet $20–$30 $80–$100

Thailand Visa Checklist for UAE Residents

  • Thailand Digital Travel Arrival Card (TDAC)
  • Within 72 hours of flight, fill out the form
  • Photo on passport
  • Information about flights and accommodations
  • Print or save the confirmation slip (PDF).

Visa for DTV

  • Documents related to income
  • Copy of passport
  • In case of need, health insurance
  • Residence proof in the UAE
  • Photo and application form

Staying out of trouble at the border

  • Thai border crossings are not recommended for entering Cambodia
  • Stay in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket
  • Alerts should be sent through embassy channels

TDAC vs DTV Visa Comparison Table

Feature TDAC (Arrival Card) DTV (Visa)
Required for all travelers? Yes No (only for long-stay travelers)
Purpose Arrival registration 5-year visa for digital nomads
Validity Single entry Multi-entry, valid for 5 years
Submission timing Within 72 hours before arrival Before travel, through official portal
Employment allowed Not applicable No local job allowed
Dependents allowed Not applicable Yes

Tips for UAE Nationals Traveling

Prior to departure

  • You can complete the TDAC form online
  • Confirmation slips can be printed or saved
  • If you are applying for a long stay, prepare your DTV documents

Ahead of a trip

  • Border zones between Thailand and Cambodia should be avoided
  • Travel alerts for the UK, US, and Australia
  • Make sure your transportation and accommodations are reliable

Planning a long stay

  • Places like Phuket and Chiang Mai are worth considering
  • Find out how much it costs to live in Thailand versus the UAE
  • Access to healthcare and internet speed should be checked

UAE residents planning long stays abroad can use the free online Gratuity Calculator Dubai to accurately calculate their end-of-service benefits before traveling or relocating.

FAQs About Thailand visa for the UAE

Thailand is visa-free for UAE passport holders for short stays (up to 30 days). If you plan on staying for a longer period of time, you will need to apply for a visa such as the DTV.

Yes, of course. The TDAC (Thailand Digital Travel Arrival Card) must be completed online by all travelers. Before your flight, submit it 72 hours in advance.

Yes. UAE expats who work remotely or freelance can apply if they meet the income and documentation requirements. Dependents of the family are also eligible.

Conclusion

In order to enter Thailand from the UAE, you will need to submit the TDAC form at least 72 hours before your arrival. Now you can get a 5-year DTV visa if you plan to stay for a long time or work remotely. The Thai-Cambodian border should be avoided. Follow any safety alerts sent by the embassy.

Prepare your documents, check your eligibility, and follow official guidance to ensure a safe trip.

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