Edited 2013-01-22
GENERAL SUMMARY OF VISA REGULATIONS
Visa applications must be submitted to / Contact details: The Consular / Visa Section, Royal Thai Embassy, 248 Hill Street, Corner of Hill and
Pretorius Streets, Arcadia, Pretoria, South Africa, 0083. Tel: +27 (0)12 342 5470 extension 49, Fax: Direct to Visa section: +27 (0)86 607 9663 OR
Embassy: +27 (0)12 342 3986, Email: visa@thaiembassy.co.za
HOURS: Visa applications submissions: only between 09:00 – 12:00 in the mornings,
Visa collections: between 14:00 to 16:00 the next day in the afternoon, Mondays to Fridays.
The Embassy will be closed on all South African and Thai holidays. Enquire at the Embassy or see the Royal Thai Embassy website
(www.thaiembassy.co.za) or email us for a list
IMPORTANT:
1. Visa applications are NOT processed on the same day and will only be ready for collection the next working day.
2. Method of visa payment: Strictly deposit into embassy bank account only.
Account Name: Royal Thai Embassy Pretoria,
Bank: First National Bank,
A/c Number: 62197573415,
A/c Type: Cheque,
Branch Code: 251345 (BROOKLYN),
Swifte Code: FIRN ZA JJ
– REFERENCE: Applicant’s name (Include copy of deposit slip with application)
-Submit a copy of the deposit slip/transfer slip with the application
-Visas will not be processed until the payment shows in our account on our online statement
-If you transferred from another bank, the payment can take 2-4 days to clear our account.
-No refunds will be made
-An application will not be accepted if the deposit is more than 5 days old.
Submissions from applicants outside South Africa can only be accepted from:
The Royal Thai Embassy in Pretoria will grant visas through couriers/visa services for non-SA residents, only for these countries (if the applicant is not in
South Africa at the time of the application): Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Applicants from and with residence in Mozambique, Mauritius and Namibia should apply for visas from the Thai Honorary Consulate/Honorary
Consulate-General in the respective countries.
Different Types Of Visas
Transit Visa:
“TS” - For persons transiting through Thailand on their way to another destination./ Shopping
“S” - For persons participating in sport
Tourist Visa:
“TR” - For persons who are going to Thailand for the following reasons: holiday or meeting up with friends
Non-immigrant “B” Visa :
To conduct business or work
Non-immigrant “ED” Visa : To study, take a study tour, attend a conference / training course / meeting in Thailand
Non-immigrant “O” Visa :
1) For persons accompanying a spouse/parent who will be stationed in Thailand
2) For persons married to a Thai spouse or the child of a Thai person
Non-immigrant “O-A” Visa : Retirement Visa
Diplomatic/Official Visa:
For diplomatic, service, official or UN passport holders (must accompanied by Note Verbale)
Very Important
The visas issued by the Embassy or Consulate entitle visa applicants to ENTER Thailand and must be used within 3 months from date of application.
Upon arrival in Thailand THE ACTUAL LENGTH OF STAY (starting from the date the applicant enters Thailand) shall be determined according to the
type and category of the visa in possession:
Tourist Visa: not exceeding 60 days (per entry) / Transit Visa: not exceeding 30 days (per entry)
Non-Immigrant visa: not exceeding 90 days (per entry)
For requirements, see the next page. Please note that this list is not exhaustive and does not guarantee a visa. The Royal Thai Embassy or its
Consulates reserve the right to ask for additional documents if required.
Edited 2013-01-22
Visa Requirements
(The following basic requirements always stay the same)
Submit the completed forms along with the following documents:
1) TWO completed and signed visa application forms.
(Please note: A separate form is required for each passport holder, regardless of age. The application form MUST be signed by the APPLICANT
personally, unless applicant is a minor.)
2) PASSPORT(which should be valid for at least SIX MONTHS from the date of application)
3) Also a COPY OF PASSPORT
4) Certified copy of your I.D. document (besides passport – ID card; driver’s license, etc.)
5) 2x colour passport PHOTOS (recently taken)
6) Travel document (one of the following: photocopy of air ticket / booking / reservation / itinerary)
7) Bank statement, recent, with a balance equivalent to 20,000 Baht (5,000 Rand or $700 US) per person, or 40,000 Baht (8,000 Rand or $1,500 US) per
family,
Or: Bank Letter confirming sufficient funds for travel.
8) Employment confirmation letter (& certified copy of ID of person who signs letter)
Or: Business Registration Certificate (CC, etc. if self-employed)
Or: Letter confirming you are a student
9) Deposit slip for visa fee (see further down for amounts)
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IMPORANT!! --- For Minor Child (Under 16 Years of age)
A copy of the child’s unabridged birth certificate showing both the parents names.
A certified consent letter signed by both the parents,
Certified photocopies of parent’s passports
In case of Divorce, Child Custody Letter from court in respect of the child is required.
Visa Officer may request additional documents at their discretion
***See below for additional requirements if you are not going on holiday!***
*** The following additional requirements are needed if applying for a visa other than a tourist visa:
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In case of Transit: a confirmed travel document (air ticket, etc.) showing Thailand as a point of transit
In case of Sport participation: Letter of invitation stating participation in sport activities. (Apply for Transit visa, Subcatogory: Sport)
In case of a Business trip: a letter from your employer and business counterpart in Thailand
In case of Conference/Seminar/Meeting: letter of invitation to from the organizers
In case of Employment/Work/Conduct Business: 1) a letter of employment from your prospective employer on the company letterhead and a letter
by them requesting the embassy to issue the relevant visa. 2) Also include a copy of company registration papers, 3) Ask the employer to get you
a pre-approved work permit from the Ministry of Labour to submit with your application.
In case of Teaching in Thailand: 1) a letter of employment from your prospective employer on the company letterhead and a letter by them
requesting the embassy to issue the relevant visa. 2) Also include a copy of company registration papers. 3) Ask the school to get you a preapproved work permit from the Ministry of Labour to submit with your application. 4) South African Police Clearance.
In case of studying: your letter of acceptance from educational institution and their registration.
In case of settlement with Thai spouse/children/parents: 1) marriage certificate if joining Thai spouse, (2) copy of Thai passport of spouse/child
For Minor Child (Under 16 Years of age)
A certified copy of the child’s birth certificate showing both the parents names.
A certified consent letter signed by both the parents, Certified photocopies of parent’s passports along
In case of Divorce, Child Custody Letter from court in respect of the child is required.
In case of settlement with partner/parent working in Thailand: 1) marriage certificate (if joining spouse), 2) letter from employer stating that the
person will be joining the spouse/parent in Thailand.
For Minor Child (Under 16 Years of age)
A copy of the child’s unabridged birth certificate showing both the parents names.
A certified consent letter signed by both the parents, Certified photocopies of parent’s passports
In case of Divorce, Child Custody Letter from court in respect of the child is required
In case of retirement: please enquire at the embassy.
In case of Diplomatic / Official / UN passports: Note Verbale (even if only going for holiday)
Transit Visa…………….
* Tourist Visa…………….
VISA FEES:- (as of 15 March 2012)
: 250 Rand per entry, per person
: 300 Rand per entry, per person
: 600 Rand per double entry, per person
Non-Immigrant Visa……: 600 Rand per single entry, per person (issue only single entry or double entry)
:1200 Rand per double entry, per person
Non-Immigrant Visa Retirement Visa …. :1500 Rand per multiple entry (valid for ONE YEAR), per person – subject to approval.
(please ask for requirements – separate document)
Diplomatic/Official Visa..: Free of charge but MUST HAVE Note Verbale with application and must be using Diplomatic/Official/UN passport
Edited 2013-01-22
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PEOPLE HOLDING PASSPORTS FROM THE FOLLOWING COUNTRIES:Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Lebanon, Nepal, Nigeria, Palestine, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Yemen
**Please enquire at the Embassy for further requirements for these passport holders.
Summary of Countries and Territories entitled for Visa Exemption and Visa on Arrival
The VISA EXEMPTION RULE allows tourists to enter without a visa. They are granted a stay of maximum 30 days (unless stated otherwise in the table
below) but only if entering Thailand via an international airport.
However, persons, entering through a land border checkpoint from neighbouring countries will be granted a maximum stay of 15 days.
Passport holders of the following countries are entitled to enter Thailand under this rule provided that they meet the following criteria:
a. The visit is strictly for tourism purposes.
b. They must have a confirmed return ticket to show that they are flying out of Thailand within 30 or 15 days of entry, as appropriate. Open
tickets do not qualify. Travelling overland out of Thailand by train, bus, etc to Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia (including en route to Singapore),
Myanmar, etc is not accepted as proof of exiting Thailand. You may be asked to show your flight ticket on entering Thailand. If you do not
possess a flight ticket to show you will be exiting Thailand within 30 or 15 days of entry you will be most likely to be refused entry.
c. It will also be necessary to prove that you have funds of at least 20,000 THB per person during your stay in Thailand.
Note that a person traveling using a “UK Travel Document”, a “UK Certificate of Identity”, or a “British National Overseas Passport”, cannot enter Thailand
whatever their nationality. They are subject to visa rules concerning their nationality.
Ordinary Passport
Nationals of
the following
countries
may apply
for
Visa on
Arrival
15 days
Nationals of the following countries may
enter Thailand without a visa
Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme
Bilateral Agreement
Bilateral Agreement
Period of stay
Period of stay
Period of stay
Period of
stay
Andora
Bulgaria
Bhutan
China
Cyprus
Czech
Republic
Estonia
Ethiopia
Hungary
India
Kazakhstan
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Maldives
Malta
Mauritius
Oman
Poland
Romania
Russia
San Marino
Saudi Arabia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Taiwan
Ukraine
Uzbekistan
Diplomatic/Official Passport
Nationals of the following countries may enter Thailand without a visa
** 30 days
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Bahrain
Brunei
Canada
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hong Kong
Iceland
Indonesia
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Japan
Kuwait
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Monaco
The
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Oman
The
Philippines
Portugal
USA
Vietnam
Qatar
Singapore
Spain
South Africa
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
UAE
UK
Czech
Republic
Hungary
Liechtenstein
Poland
Slovak
Slovenia
90 days
* Brazil
* Korea (ROK)
* Peru
14 days
30 days
Cambodia
Hong Kong
Laos
Macau
Mongolia
Russia
Vietnam
90 days
Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Korea (ROK)
Peru
30 days
Cambodia
China
Hong Kong
Laos
Macau
Mongolia
Myanmar
Oman
Vietnam
90 days
Argentina
Austria
Belgium
Bhutan
Brazil
Chile
Costa Rica
Croatia
Czech
Republic
France
(Diplomatic)
Germany
Hungary
India
Israel
Italy
Japan
Korea (ROK)
Liechtenstein
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Mexico
The
Netherlands
Nepal
Panama
Peru
The
Philippines
Poland
Romania
Russia
Singapore
Slovakia
South Africa
Spain
(Diplomatic)
Switzerland
Tunisia
Turkey
Ukraine
Uruguay
SOURCE: http://www.mfa.go.th/main/contents/files/consular-services-20120410-195946-424479.pdf
Remarks
* Nationals of Brazil, Republic of Korea are entitled for tourist visa exemption scheme. Meanwhile, Thailand also holds bilateral agreements
on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, official and ordinary passports for a visit of not exceeding 90 days with Brazil, Republic of Korea
and Peru.
** If such nationals enter the Kingdom at the immigration checkpoints which border neighboring countries, they will be allowed to stay for 15
days each time, except Malaysian nationals who cross the borderline from Malaysia whose granted period of stay will not exceed 30 days
each time.
In addition, such nationals who hold diplomatic and official passports are also practically exempted from visa for tourism.
Edited 2013-01-22
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS (subject to changes) :Persons holding passports or having residence in countries in the Yellow Fever Area must produce a valid international health certificate for Yellow Fever
at the point of entry in Thailand.
LIST OF COUNTRIES WHICH ARE DECLARED YELLOW FEVER INFECTED AREAS
- The Ministry of Public Health has laid down regulations that applicants who have travelled from or through the countries which have been declared
Yellow Fever Infected Areas must provide an International Health Certificate proving that they have received a Yellow Fever vaccination.
- The International Health Certificate must be submitted together with the visa application form. The traveller will also have to present the said
certificate to the Immigration Officer upon arrival at the port of entry in the Kingdom.
- As for those nationals of the countries listed below but who have not travelled from/through those countries, such a certificate is not required. However,
they should possess concrete evidence showing that their domicile is not in an infected area so as to prevent undue inconvenience.
- Please note that the International Health Certificate will become effective 10 days after the vaccination and will last for 10 years.
Following are the countries which are declared Yellow Fever Infected Areas.1. Angola : People’s Republic of Angola
2. Argentinia: Argentina Replubic
3. Benin : People’s Republic of Benin
4. Bolivia : Republic of Bolivia
5. Brazil : Federative Republic of Brazil
6. Burkina Faso : Republic of Burkina Faso
7. Burundi : Republic of Burundi
8. Cameroon : Federal Republic of Cameroon
9. Central African Republic
10. Chad : Republic of Chad
11. Colombia : Republic of Colombia
12. Congo : Republic of the Congo
13. Congo: Democratic Republic of the Congo
14. Cote d’ Ivore : Republic of Cote d’ Ivoire
15. Ecuador : Republic of Ecuador
16. Equatorial Guinea : Republic of Equatorial
Guinea
17. Ethiopia : The Federal Democratic Republic
of Ethiopia
18. French-Guiana
19. Gabon : Gabonese Republic
20. Gambia : Republic of the Gambia
21. Ghana : Republic of Ghana
22. Guinea-Bissau : Republic of Guinea Bissau
23. Guinea : Republic of Guinea
24. Guyana : Cooperative Republic of Guyana
25. Kenya : Republic of Kenya
26. Liberia : Republic of Liberia
27. Mali : Republic of Mali
28. Mauritania : Islamic Republic of Mauritania
29. Niger : Republic of Niger
30. Nigeria : Federal Republic of Nigeria
31. Panama : Republic of Panama
32. Paraguay : Republic of Paraguay
33. Peru : Republic of Peru
34. Rwanda : Republic of Rwanda
35. Sao Tome & Principe : Democratic Republic
of Sao Tome & Principe
36. Senegal : Republic of Senegal
37. Sierra Leone : Republic of Sierra Leone
38. Somalia : Somali Democratic Republic
39. Sudan : Democratic Republic of the Sudan
40. Suriname : Republic of Suriname
41. Tanzania : United Republic of Tanzania
42. Togo : Republic of Togo
43. Trinidad and Tobago
44. Uganda : Republic of Uganda
45. Venezuela : Republic of Venezuela
See:
http://www.mfa.go.th/web/2482.php?id=2494