Can South African travelers on a visa exemption in Thailand qualify for a Covid extension and what are the return flight requirements?

Covid Extension Visa Exemption Thailand Immigration Return Flights Travel Regulations Visa Types

Apr 1, 2022

3 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

My folks are planning on flying to Thailand from South Africa on the 21st of April. They will get an exemption visa on arrival (30 days). They plan to get an extension to stay an additional 30days. 

1. Would they qualify for the Covid extension which is 60 days or is that at the discretion of the immigration officer? 

2. Do they need to book their flights with a return to SA within the month or can they book for two months knowing that they plan to get an extension?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Travelers from South Africa arriving in Thailand on a visa exemption may qualify for a Covid extension of 60 days based on the discretion of the immigration officer. To avoid complications, it's suggested to secure a single entry tourist visa beforehand for 60 days plus a possible 30-day extension. Regarding flight bookings, proof of return travel may depend on airline and immigration guidelines; onward flights for two months could be acceptable if they have a Thai pass approval.

Tod *********

Whether or not they can get a covid extension is totally up to the office/officer they're using and sitting in front of,

Obviously they can't say they need one because they can't travel seeing as they just flew IN to thailand 😕

I'd say IF they really want more time BUY a single entry tourist visa from the thai consulate in their country before they wing their way here, that will give them 60 days when they stamp in and then could get a 30 day extension at the immigration office giving them 90 days total.

As far as whether they need proof of onward travel within the days they're getting stamped in for comin' visa exempt that is between their air carrier and their thai pass approval.

IF the get an approved thai pass and IF they check in at their airlines (with onward travel dated 60 days but comin' in visa exempt) they won't have any issues at passport control here in thailand

3 years ago

Bonny **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

Thanks so much Tod.

I posted earlier about my mom planning on getting a retirement visa. Unfortunately she is still waiting for her SA police clearance. She applied in January. It seems unlikely she will get it within the next two weeks (SA bureaucracy 🥺)

Any visa, aside from the exemption visa, requires a police clearance. That’s why at this point the exemption visa our only option. We are also pressed for time as I’m due to deliver end of this month.

I appreciate your insight. I guess the Thai pass will tell 😅

3 years ago

Reply to

Bonny **********

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What are the visa requirements for a South African passport holder staying in Thailand for 2 months?

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