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What are the current border run rules for South African citizens in Thailand?

South Africa Visa Rules Border Runs Thailand Visa Exemption Malaysia Laos Immigration

Jun 5, 2024

2 years ago

Tsyun **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Good day, all!

I am from South Africa and would like to find out about the current rules for SA citizens with regards to border runs. 

I thank you in advance for the assistance, questions follow:

Are South Africans able to go to Malaysia, either for tourist visa or for visa on arrival upon reentry?

If yes, then does this include all of Malaysia or only certain parts?

If no, then is Laos still an option in this case?

To those who answer, thank you very much for taking the time!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

This post inquires about the border run rules for South African citizens regarding their ability to travel to Malaysia for a tourist visa or visa on arrival when reentering Thailand. A commenter clarifies that South Africans do not qualify for a visa on arrival in Malaysia but do qualify for visa exemption, allowing them to receive a 30-day stamp upon reentry into Thailand from a land border. Additionally, it is noted that South Africans can only enter Thailand visa-exempt at land borders twice per calendar year.

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Brandon ************

South Africans do not qualify for visa on arrival. They qualify for visa exempt.

You cannot go to anywhere in Malaysia if you want to apply for a tourist visa, you can only get that at a Thai embassy or consulate.

If you go to Malaysia and return without a visa you will receive a 30 day visa exempt stamp. You can only enter Thailand at a land border 2 times per calendar year without a visa (visa exempt). You can do this at any Thai border.

2 years ago

Tsyun **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks Brandon! One thing: is it not possible to apply for a tourist visa from the Thai embassy in Malaysia? If not, then do you know which countries this would be possible in for a South African (besides SA itself)?

2 years ago

Nongnuch ********

@Tsyun *********

Royal Thai Embassy of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on their website:

“All nationalities are eligible to apply for a visa according to the regulation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Passport holders of (the following countries like:) SOUTH AFRICA, are required to be a permanent resident of Malaysia or hold a long-term Malaysian Pass with multiple entries which is valid for at least 3 months.”

2 years ago

Tsyun **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks everyone, appreciated

2 years ago

Reply to

Tsyun **********

Brandon ************

@Tsyun *********

each embassy has a list of countries that are considered "extended processing" and can take up to a month to apply. So you'd have to check the embassy website.

2 years ago

Stephen *********

@Tsyun *********

check the Thai embassy website. A non South African wouldn't really know.

2 years ago

Reply to

Stephen *********

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