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

7 years ago

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?

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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.

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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

7 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.

7 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.

7 years ago

Reply to

Robert *******

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