Answered8 years ago

What nearby countries can a South African passport holder enter with less than 6 months passport validity?

Visa Rules Passport Validity South African Passport Thailand Immigration Travel to Neighboring Countries Visa Exemption

Tod *********

asked Jul 3, 2018

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Any ideas about a country nearby that a South African passport holder could enter on a passport with under 6 months validity? 

Someone is waiting for their new passport (and the old one is NOT canceled yet)  and they need to come back to thailand on a 30 day visa exempt entry and wait for their new passport to arrive. 

And before you start the real rule for entering thailand is that you must have more time left on your passport than you are being stamped in for NOT that you need 6 months on the passport to enter the country. That 6 month rule is to BUY a thai visa from a consulate.

Answer summary

A South African passport holder can enter various nearby countries with a passport that has less than 6 months of validity, as long as they are aware of specific entry requirements. Countries mentioned include Laos and Cambodia, which are noted for lenient checks on this rule. Malaysia offers a 3-month visa exemption but the passport validity specifics should be verified. Other options discussed are Hong Kong, with a requirement of at least one month validity beyond the stay, and Macau, which has similar leniency as Laos and Cambodia.

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Jacco ***********

They can enter Thailand with under 6 months validity, pretty sure Lao and Cambodia allow the same, this is hardly ever checked

8 years ago

Ivor ******

Malaysia is pretty good towards us - 3 month visa exemption on arrival but I am not sure about the 6 month thing. Sorry. Worth checking that out though.

8 years ago

Tod *********

thanx, I think hong kong is the easiest choice. (y)

8 years ago

Ivan ************

Hong Kong is visa free for South Africans.

8 years ago

Bob **********

Not an easy visa to get for my Cambodian girl I would think African countries would be tough to they told me four weeks to see if her visa was approved,if his passport is on the way why not wait until he gets it

8 years ago

Lloyd ********

And, (a little far), New Zealand.

8 years ago

Lloyd ********

Macau is the same.

8 years ago

Ivan ************

Hong Kong is one month beyond your intended stay. I think that would mean 1 month beyond your return ticket from HK.

>In general, all visitors to Hong Kong must have a passport that is valid for at least one month after the period of their intended stay in Hong Kong.

8 years ago