Thailand is known for its floating markets, colorful temples, lip-smacking cuisine, lively nightlife, lush rainforests, and sun-kissed beaches. Thanks to its multicultural flare, this beautiful Southeast Asian country has been drawing millions of tourists worldwide. This country is one of the most popular destinations in Asia and one of the most visited by residents of the UAE.
However, like any other destination, the process of visa application can be daunting for people residing here with a different passport. It involves numerous steps of proper documentation and interview abiding by many rules and regulations. But don’t worry, as we are here to help you through every step of the way. So, if you are a UAE resident with a Pakistani passport, here is a detailed guide on how to go about this process stress-free.
About Thailand Visa
A Thailand Visa is an official stamp on your passport or a valid paper that allows you to enter the nation for tourism, business, or work purposes. It is granted by the Thai Consulate or Embassy in your country after thoroughly verifying your application and all the supporting documents.
Types of Thailand Tourist Visas
Following are the three types of Thailand Tourist Visas:
Single-entry visa: A Single-entry visa is usually valid for three months. However, once you leave the country, you cannot re-enter, even if you have a certain number of stay days pending on the visa.
Multiple-entry visa: A Multiple-entry visa is valid for six months and allows you to leave and re-enter the country multiple times during the period for which the visa is issued. You can stay up to 60 days per visit.
Visa On Arrival: A Visa on arrival is only granted to citizens of some countries for a non-extendable period of 15 days.
Among more than 50 countries, the UAE is also one of the visa-exempt countries for Thailand. This means that if you are a UAE citizen, you do not require a visa to enter Thailand. You can enter the country and stay for up to 30 days as a tourist without a visa. You can also extend your stay for another 30 days by getting a permit at any local immigration office. As a result, travelers from the UAE can enjoy a Thailand vacation for up to 60 days.
However, there are certain conditions that you must know. If you enter Thailand by air, you can stay without a visa for 30 days. If you arrive by land from one of the neighboring nations, you can stay in Thailand for only 15 days without a visa. So, if you want to plan an extended vacation, it is highly recommended that you apply for a Thailand visa before traveling.
Documents required for Thailand visa for Pakistani passport holders in the UAE
The following documents are required to apply for a Thailand visa from Dubai for a Pakistani passport holder:
- A passport valid for a minimum of six months from the date you plan to enter Thailand, including at least two blank pages for stamping. Also, carry photocopies of your passport’s first and last pages.
- A UAE residence visa with a minimum validity of 90 days.
- Three passport-size photos (Dimensions: 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm) taken against a white background and not older than six months.
- A Thailand visa application form completed with all the correct information and signed.
- Previous six months’ online bank statement with bank seal and stamp or original bank statement. (Anyone will do) to cover the entire duration of your stay.
- Photocopies of confirmed roundtrip airline tickets.
- Photocopies of hotel bookings or proof of any other accommodation details.
- Travel insurance that covers your entire stay in Thailand. (Usually, the cover includes medical emergencies, personal injury and accidents, damage to belongings, loss of luggage, and missed or delayed flights. Since Covid-19, the travel insurance also includes coverage for the same.)
Note: Urgent Thailand visa service is available for an additional fee.
Other documents that you may require:
- Letter of invitation from friends or family in case you plan to stay with them, including proof of relationship with them.
- If you are applying for a multiple-entry visa, you must submit proof of employment. This may include a letter from your employer if you are employed, your company’s registration document or a self-assessment if you are self-employed, or a letter from your school if you are a student.
- Covering letter stating the purpose of the visit along with a detailed travel itinerary.
The process to Apply for a Thailand Visa for Pakistani UAE Residents
Here is the detailed process to apply for a Thailand visa from UAE for Pakistani passport holders:
Select the correct visa type: You have to apply for a particular type of Thailand visa online. The most common Thailand tourist visas are the regular tourist visa (TR), through which you can stay in Thailand for up to 60 days, or the visa on arrival (VOA), through which you can stay for up to 15 days. You can select either a single-entry or multiple-entry visa according to your convenience.
Collect all the necessary documents: Once you know the visa type, start collecting all the documents you will require to process the same. Kindly note that the documents required may change depending on your visa type.
Submit your Thailand visa application form: Submit your Thai visa application form and other important documents to the following email id – info@thailandvisa.ae.
Pay visa fees: You can pay the visa fees using a valid debit or credit card.
Wait until the visa is processed: Once you submit your visa application, it will take some business days to process it. As soon as it is approved, you will receive your visa by mail or in person.
Travel to Thailand: Once you enter Thailand, you need to present your passport and visa to the immigration officer. In some cases, depending on your visa type, the immigration authorities may ask you to submit additional documents or undergo a health checkup.
Note: The visa rules keep changing constantly, so it is highly recommended that you check the latest visa requirements for Pakistani passport holders traveling to Thailand from the UAE. You can check with the Consulate General of Thailand in Dubai or the Royal Thai Embassy in Abu Dhabi to learn about the updated visa requirements.
Also, remember that documents that are not in English must be translated and legalized.
FAQs
1. How many days does it take to process the Thailand visa from the UAE?
A Thailand visa from the UAE usually takes 5-7 working days to process.
2. What is the cost of a Thailand tourist visa from the UAE for Pakistani passport holders?
A Thailand tourist single entry visa from UAE costs approximately AED 300. A six months multiple-entry Thai tourist visa costs approximately AED 900.
3. Can I extend my Thailand visa?
Unless you have a Thai Visa on Arrival, you can extend your visa. If you are visiting Thailand on a regular Tourist Visa and you want to stay for a longer duration than the visa is valid for, you can apply for a visa extension at the Office of the Thailand Immigration Bureau in Bangkok before the visa expiry. In most cases, Thailand visas are extended for up to 30 days, but the final decision is taken by the Immigration Officers.
You need the following documents to apply for a visa extension:
- Your original passport
- Photocopies of your passport’s information page and your current Thai visa, along with the entry and exit stamps.
- A passport-sized picture.
- The Thai Visa Extension Application Form, which can be downloaded from the official website or collected at the Immigration Office.
- Money to pay the Thai visa Extension fee (around 1,900 Thai Baht)
Note: Thai Visas on Arrival, issued for up to 15 days, cannot be extended. If you want to stay in Thailand longer than 15 days, you must apply for a regular Thai Tourist Visa from one of the diplomatic missions of Thailand.
4. How much money is required in my bank account to travel to Thailand?
You must have a minimum balance of THB 20,000 for one individual and THB 40,000 per family.
5. Should I go to the Embassy/Consulate personally to submit the documents?
There are two ways to do this.
- You can either go personally to the Thai Embassy or Consulate to submit all the documents, or
- Once we receive your visa application and documents by email, we can verify them, and one of our team members will submit them at the Embassy or Consulate.
6. Will I get my visa fees back if my Thailand visa is rejected?
The visa fee is non-refundable in all cases, and unfortunately, you won’t get it back if your visa is rejected.
7. Should I go to collect the visa in person?
Not required, as you will receive your visa at the registered email address.
8. Do my children also need a visa to travel to Thailand?
Yes, every individual traveling to Thailand will require a visa.
Conclusion
Thailand caters to different kinds of tourists and is a fantastic destination to unwind and soak in the natural beauty. Whether you want to spend some tranquil moments at the Buddhist temples, indulge in delicious street food, relax on the pristine beaches, or party all night at the clubs and bars, the ‘Land of Smiles’ fulfills all your travel dreams. So, get your Thailand visa and make unforgettable memories.