Visa rules change frequently and without notice. This page describes how each destination system generally works and what commonly applies to our source markets as at our last review (August 2026). It is guidance for agents, not legal advice, and never a substitute for checking the official source or IATA Timatic for the specific passport, on the specific date, before ticketing.
How each destination system works
Sri Lanka — ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)
Sri Lanka runs an online ETA system for tourist visits — typically a short-stay, double-entry authorization applied for before arrival and processed within days. Fee-waiver and free-visa schemes for selected nationalities (including India and several others) have operated in recent years; whether a waiver applies on your client travel date must be checked at application time. Official portal: eta.gov.lk.
UAE / Dubai — tiered by nationality
Three broad tiers. GCC nationals enter without a visa. A wide list of nationalities (including UK, EU and Japan) receive visa on arrival for 30-90 days. Remaining nationalities — including India and Pakistan — require a pre-arranged tourist visa, typically processed through airlines, hotels or licensed travel channels, arranged by the booking agent. We do not process UAE visas; we issue the supporting hotel and itinerary documentation that applications require. Indian nationals holding valid US, UK or Schengen visas have qualified for on-arrival options in some periods — verify current applicability. Official references: icp.gov.ae and gdrfad.gov.ae (Dubai).
Thailand — broad visa exemption
Thailand grants visa-exempt entry (commonly 30-60 days) to a long list of nationalities including the UK, Germany, Netherlands, Japan and the GCC states, and in recent periods has extended exemption schemes to Indian nationals. Nationalities outside the exemption list use the e-visa system or apply at a mission. Exemption durations and lists have changed several times in recent years — confirm per passport before quoting. Official portal: thaievisa.go.th.
Azerbaijan — ASAN e-visa
The ASAN e-visa covers most nationalities we handle: single-entry, typically 30 days, standard processing in about 3 working days with an urgent service available. Some GCC nationalities have also qualified for visa on arrival at Baku airport. The e-visa is the reliable default for all markets. Official portal: evisa.gov.az.
Quick matrix by client nationality
* Indicative of the commonly applicable route only — always verify against the official source for the travel date. Pre-arranged = visa must be obtained before travel through official or licensed channels.
| Client nationality | Sri Lanka | UAE / Dubai | Thailand | Azerbaijan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇮🇳 India | ETA* | Pre-arranged* (VOA has applied with valid US/UK/Schengen visas) | Exempt* (exemption schemes have applied) | e-Visa* |
| 🇵🇰 Pakistan | ETA* | Pre-arranged* | e-Visa* | e-Visa* |
| 🇬🇧 UK | ETA* | VOA* | Exempt* | e-Visa* |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | ETA* | VOA* | Exempt* | e-Visa* |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | ETA* | VOA* | Exempt* | e-Visa* |
| 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia | ETA* | Exempt* | Exempt* | e-Visa* / VOA* |
| 🇦🇪 UAE | ETA* | — | Exempt* | e-Visa* / VOA* |
| 🇶🇦 Qatar | ETA* | Exempt* | Exempt* | e-Visa* |
| 🇰🇼🇧🇭🇴🇲 Other GCC | ETA* | Exempt* | Exempt* | e-Visa* |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | ETA* | VOA* | Exempt* | e-Visa* |
Our role — documentation support only
- Hotel confirmation vouchers and itinerary letters issued within 1 business day of confirmed booking.
- Sri Lanka ETA assistance where applicable — guidance and supporting documentation for our home destination; entry requirements remain the traveller's responsibility.
- We do not process visas or issue air tickets for any destination. Both remain with the booking agent and traveller.
- Advice on realistic processing timelines for your client departure date.
- Group visa strategy — we flag high-risk VOA plans before they become airport problems.