What type of visa should I apply for to teach in Thailand after coming from South Africa?

Thailand Visa Teaching in Thailand NON-B Visa Visa Exempt Entry Tourist Visa Work Permit TEFL course Expat Advice

Sep 13, 2018

6 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi ladies and gents, it will be my first visit to Thailand and wanted to know a few things regarding Visas. I'm coming from South Africa so do not need a Visa to come through to Thailand however I am wanting to teach there(finishing up my TEFL course at the moment.) So my question is, which visa should I apply for when I land, keeping in mind that I am looking at having an extended stay once I'm there. Any advice or information will be appreciated, I have looked online but there is a lot of confusing information and just want some first hand advice. Thanks in advance.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is looking for advice on visa options for their upcoming move to Thailand, specifically to teach after completing a TEFL course. While they can enter Thailand without a visa as a South African, they are seeking clarification on which visa to apply for to facilitate an extended stay. Comments suggest entering on a tourist visa for 60 days, then applying for a work visa once a job is secured. It's advised to avoid applying for the visa in Pretoria due to potential restrictions and complications.

Tod *********

Contrary to people saying to apply for a visa before you come here I would say DO NOT DO IT. Especially from the consulate in Pretoria. They are writing on visas that you have to go back there to get a new visa and most consulates in the area won't issue new visas with that written on a visa sticker

Just come in here on a 30 day visa exempt entry instead, then go get a tourist visa from a thai consulate in a nearby country.

6 years ago

Robert *******

Well at least he knows to apply for a Visa before he goes to Thailand. Thanks for all the stories about teaching, where to work legal and where you supposed to be allowed to work illegal. Please Tyron Leigh Steenkamp get your self at least a Tourist Visa, that will give you 60 days of stay and can be extended with another 30 days. By law you can only work if you have the correct Visa and a Work Permit in your pocket, not during application process or on a trail period or what ever some people like to call it. Be careful out there and enjoy your time in Thailand.

6 years ago

Robert ********

This is the best site for finding teaching jobs in Thailand...

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6 years ago

Robert ********

@Tyron *****************

That also works, good luck with the job search! I taught here for years as well and had a blast!

6 years ago

Tyron ******************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Robert ***********

I'm busy doing my TEFL course, I want it done before I come over.

6 years ago

Robert ********

I also earned my TEFL here in BKK which also helped place me with work while I completed the course.

6 years ago

Reply to

Robert ********

Steve *******

If your are an actual teacher with qualifications then you wont have any problems getting the paperwork to apply for a visa from the school that you'll be working for

6 years ago

Elana ************

You cannot get a non b visa for work without obtaining a job first. You may come in and then do a visa run after you've secured a job

6 years ago

Robert *******

Sad part is that you can not apply for a Visa when you land. You have to apply for a Visa before you make your way to Thailand at a Thai Consulate or Embassy. Try to avoid Pretoria, as they like to write all kind of restrictions on the visa over there.

6 years ago

Tyron ******************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Robert ******

I'm based in Cape Town so will look into getting it all sorted here before I leave.

6 years ago

Reply to

Tyron ******************

James ********

We have about 12 SA teachers currently in Ban Pong. Arrive on a tourist visa and move onto a new visa if you snag a job with a work permit.

6 years ago

James ********