There are different rules for entry to Thailand depending on nationality. The good news for South African passport holders is that you don’t need to apply for a visa in advance if you are visiting Thailand as a tourist and will be in the country for less than 60 days. In this situation, South African travellers can enter Thailand under the visa exemption scheme.
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Visa exemption
Visa exemption shouldn’t be confused with visa on arrival; they are two different things. South African passport holders are allowed to enter Thailand ‘visa exempt’. The visa-on-arrival scheme does not apply to South African nationals.
The key thing about the visa exemption is that you do not need to complete paperwork or apply in advance. On arrival in Thailand, the immigration officer will stamp your passport with the visa-exempt permit. This allows you to stay for up to 60 days.
Please note that there are some rules which apply to the visa exemption and you will need to meet all of these requirements:
- Available to passport holders from certain countries including South Africa
- You are travelling as a tourist
- Your passport has at least 6 months validity (from the date of arrival in Thailand)
- You have a confirmed flight ticket (an e-ticket is acceptable) to show you will be flying out of Thailand within 60 or 90 days
- Although this is not routinely checked, you may be required to show you have adequate finances for your stay. This should be cash or travellers’ cheques equivalent to 20,000 Baht (approximately 10,000 rand) per person or 40,000 Baht (20,000 rand) per family. Although this requirement is rarely requested by immigration officers, it is something to take note of just in case.
If your plans change and you decide you want to stay longer than 60 days, you can apply for an extension of 30 days (fee 1,900 Baht) at any immigration office in Thailand. Extensions are at the discretion of the immigration office.
Tourist Visa Multiple Entry
If you are travelling in South-East Asia and plan to visit Thailand at different times, you can apply for a Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa. This visa is valid for entering Thailand multiple times within six months from the date of visa issuance. Each time you enter Thailand you will be allowed to stay for 60 days. In effect, this allows a stay of up to 180 days during the period the visa is valid.
You can see the full details required to apply for a Tourist visa on the Royal Thai Embassy website. Among the main things you will need are:
- Proof of flight/travel confirmation
- Proof of accommodation in Thailand e.g. hotel booking
- Bank statements showing sufficient funds to cover your trip to Thailand
Applications need to be made via the Royal Thai Embassy, Pretoria. There is a chance applications could be moved online, but that is not yet confirmed. We will add more details as and when known. In the meantime, please see the details on the Royal Thai Embassy website here:
Royal Thai Embassy, Pretoria: Tourist Visas
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)
The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is a new visa category that was introduced in July 2024. The visa allows a stay of up to 180 days per entry. The DTV is aimed at digital nomads/remote workers/freelancers. It is also suitable for anyone training in Muay Thai, Thai culinary training, or undergoing medical treatment in Thailand. South African passport holders can apply via the Royal Thai Embassy, Pretoria.
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