This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

Should I apply for a Thai tourist visa despite being a South African citizen with visa-free entry?

Thai Visa Tourist Visa Non-O Visa Visa Requirements South African Citizens Thailand Immigration Visa Exemption

Jun 7, 2018

8 years ago

Anton *****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi guys.  OK, I currently live in China and will return to Thailand end of the month.  Fiance and I are getting married next month and I am thinking of getting a tourist visa so that I can change that to Non-O without having to leave the country.  However South African don't need a visa for Thailand.  So won't it look strange that I apply for a tourist visa?  Also, the embassy here in Shanghai wants confirmed return tickets for tourist visas.  What do I do about this?

456

views

all likes

replies

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The user, a South African expat currently in China, is preparing to return to Thailand for marriage and is considering applying for a tourist visa to switch to a Non-O visa without leaving the country. They question the necessity of the tourist visa since South Africans can enter Thailand visa-free for 30 days. Concerns arise regarding the requirement of confirmed return tickets by the Thai embassy in Shanghai for the tourist visa application. Comments suggest that applying for the tourist visa is reasonable, highlighting the extended duration it offers compared to the visa exemption, while also addressing the embassy's requirements.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted Retirement Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Tod *********

You meet the requirements of the thai consulate in China where you are applying for the tourist visa or you don't get the tourist visa :/

More and more consulates are requiring some or all of the 3-proof-ofz:

proof of 20K baht (or the equivalent) in a bank account

proof of onward travel in 60 - 90 days

proof of a hotel booking or confirmed lodging

8 years ago

Michael ********

If it "looked strange" then no one from any western country would ever use the 30 day exemption allowance. Do they want confirmed return tickets or only tickets leaving Thailand? If so book some cheap flights to somewhere or fully refundable flights.

8 years ago

Robert *******

If you enter Thailand as SA you only get 30 day visa exempt entry, with the tourist visa you will get 60 days, so it does not look strange to apply for a visa. Shanghai is not the easiest embassy to deal with, no idea what to do if they require a return ticket, other than visit another country to apply there like Hong Kong.

8 years ago

Reply to

Robert *******

Thai Visa Advice

... members · 40% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.

Join the Group

Thai Visa Advice

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice

Does the return flight date matter when applying for a tourist visa to Thailand?

6 comments