Thailand

Thailand visa

for South Africans

Thailand is a tropical favourite for South Africans seeking adventure, culture, affordability, or a laid-back lifestyle. From short holidays to long-term stays for remote work, retirement, or study, Thailand offers something for everyone. It’s no wonder that more South Africans are choosing Thailand as a gateway to Southeast Asia, or as a more permanent base.

At Visaline.co.za, we help South Africans secure the correct visa for Thailand, manage all necessary paperwork, and guide you through document legalisation if required.

Do South Africans need a visa for Thailand?

South African passport holders do not need a visa for tourist stays up to 30 days, provided they enter Thailand by air. If entering by land, the stay is limited to 15 days. You can extend your stay once inside Thailand for an additional 30 days.

However, for longer visits, work, study, volunteering, retirement, or relocation, you’ll need to apply for the appropriate long-stay visa before travelling.

Types of Thailand visas for South Africans

Short-stay options

Visa exemption: 30 days for air arrivals, 15 days by land (extendable once).
Tourist visa (TR): Valid for 60 days with a possible 30-day extension.
Special tourist visa (STV): Designed for long-stay tourists (up to 270 days) but issued under specific conditions and during special periods.

How to apply for a Thailand visa from South Africa

Most long-stay Thai visas must be applied for at the Royal Thai Embassy in Pretoria or via their official eVisa portal. The application process typically includes:

Choosing the correct visa type based on your purpose of stay
Gathering required documents, such as passport photos, financial statements, invitation or sponsor letters, and travel bookings
Completing the eVisa application online or booking an embassy appointment for in-person submissions
Paying the visa fee (varies depending on type and number of entries)
Waiting for approval, which typically takes 3–10 working days

Some visa types, such as work or education visas, require additional documents or certifications.

Document legalisation for Thailand

For long-stay visas such as work, retirement, or study visas, you may need to provide authenticated or legalised documents from South Africa, including:

Academic qualifications
Police clearance certificates
Marriage or birth certificates (for dependants)

Thailand does not recognise apostilles, so South African documents must be:

Notarised by a lawyer or notary public
Authenticated by DIRCO (Department of International Relations and Cooperation)
Legalised by the Thai Embassy in Pretoria

This process can be time-consuming and must be done correctly to avoid delays or visa rejections. At Visaline.co.za, we manage the full legalisation process for you.

How Visaline.co.za helps with your Thailand visa

Whether you’re heading to Thailand to explore, retire, work remotely, or settle long-term, we simplify the entire visa process. Our services include:

Identifying the correct visa type for your situation
Checking your documents and providing application support
Assisting with online eVisa submissions or embassy appointments
Managing the document legalisation process for work, study, or retirement visas
Helping you obtain police clearance certificates, medicals, and translations (if needed)
Providing updates and expert guidance throughout the process

We help make your Thai journey smooth, stress-free, and fully compliant.

Why South Africans love living in Thailand

Thailand continues to attract South Africans with its:

Low cost of living compared to South Africa
Tropical climate and stunning beaches
Delicious food and vibrant culture
Strong expat communities in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Hua Hin
Reliable healthcare and digital infrastructure

Remote workers, entrepreneurs, retirees, and even families are finding that Thailand offers a lifestyle few countries can match.

Let Visaline.co.za help you get to Thailand

If you’re dreaming of exploring life off the beaten path in Thailand, we’ll help you get there, paperwork, legalisation, and visa processes included. With the right visa and expert help, your Thai experience can begin with confidence.