THAILAND EXTENDS VISA OPTIONS FOR SOUTH AFRICANS

For years, South Africans have been travelling to the beautiful Southeast Asian country of Thailand.

The fact that South Africans don’t have to pay for visas and the favourable exchange rates have all been added to the number of tourists visiting every year.

Now, Thailand is opening its doors even wider. Thanks to a new entry system, long-term visa options and extended travel, South Africans are expected to visit even more.

Your Luxury reports that South African passport holders, along with certain other African nationalities, can now enjoy visa-free entry into Thailand for 60 days.

This is an increase from the previous 30-day allowance.

To qualify for this extended visa-free option, travellers must have a valid passport for at least six months and have a return or ongoing ticket.

South Africans now apply for a 30-day extension on top of the already 60 days. This means that South Africans can now stay in Thailand for up to 90 days without having a visa.

The country is expected to introduce its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system in 2025. The system will be integrated with Thailand’s current e-visa system into a single online application platform.

Travellers will be able to apply for an e-visa to gain entry to Thailand by sea, air, or land. There won’t be any fees involved.

Image credit: Lonely Planet