Which embassy should I apply to for a Thai tourist visa: South Africa or Cambodia?

Thai Tourist Visa Visa Application Process Embassy Procedures E-visa South Africa Cambodia Visa Extensions

Apr 7, 2023

2 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

I am planning on getting a 60-day (+1 extension) tourist visa for Thailand. I will be flying in from Siem Reap, Cambodia. But I am currently in South Africa. I have both a UK and SA passport. I plan to spend the entire month in Siem Reap before heading to Thailand. The E-visa site tells me I need to apply through the nearest embassy. What is my best option here? Should I apply through the embassy in SA or the embassy in Cambodia? Will I require any physical documents to be sent back and forth from the embassy?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is seeking advice on whether to apply for a 60-day tourist visa for Thailand at the Thai embassy in South Africa or Cambodia, as they are currently in South Africa but planning to spend a month in Siem Reap, Cambodia before traveling to Thailand. Commenters highlight uncertainties around South Africa's participation in the Thailand e-visa program, suggest that the visa can be obtained in Cambodia, and recommend potential services to make the application process easier.

John **********

You use the system in the country from which you apply. In Cambodia that requires a trip to the Thai embassy. I've no idea about South Africa

2 years ago

Umami *********

I've no experience of using the e type yet - Applicants can apply and pay for their visa through the e-Visa website, and if approved, receive the visa by e-mail.

The website offers search functions for the user to find out if they require a tourist visa for Thailand, whether they are eligible to apply online for a visa, and which visa type to apply for.

There is a User Manual guide and videos in English and Chinese language providing details on the visa application process.

2 years ago

Richard *********

Just use an agent in SR-easy...no hassles

$60-80 5-8 days as needs be sent to PP

2 years ago

Josh **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Richard ********

So documents do need to be sent to PP?

2 years ago

Richard *********

@Josh *********

of course< agent will advise you>

2 years ago

Reply to

Richard *********

Stuart *********

No idea if SA uses the evisa system yet. I assume it doesn’t. If you apply for a tourist visa it’s valid for 90 days. It’s irrelevant where you got the visa as to how you enter the country. You can apply for a tourist visa in Cambodia. Some embassies have restrictions on which passport countries can apply. I don’t believe SA is on that list but check their website to make sure.

2 years ago

Josh **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

And just a follow-up on documents. The SA embassy website says I need proof of accommodation for the entire duration of my stay. Is this genuinely necessary? Do I have no room to be more flexible and find accommodation once I arrive?

2 years ago

Stuart *********

@Josh *********

Seen a few embassies have this stipulation. It’s completely stupid. What tourist books hotels for an entire 60 day stay when travelling around the country? A way around it is to book a hotel on Agoda that is cancellable. Print the confirmation and then cancel.

2 years ago

Reply to

Stuart *********

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

I don't know if south Africa participates in the Thailand evisa program, and if not then you need to apply in person either there or in Cambodia.

2 years ago

Graham ******

@Brandon ***********

For SA & SA on the eVisa site You are not eligible to apply for a visa through Thai E-Visa system. Please apply for a visa in person at the nearest Thai Embassy or Consulate.

2 years ago

Reply to

Graham ******

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How can I extend my stay in Thailand with a 60-day tourist visa from Cambodia?

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