The Thai Embassy is located in Pretoria in South Africa. If you are a South African and you want to visit Thailand for more than 30 days then you should apply for a Thai visa. South African get 30 days on arrival via the airport and 15 days when crossing a land border post. If you are looking at teaching in Thailand then consider a business visa or if you are married to a Thai then consider an “O” Visa or marriage visa. The contact details for the embassy are listed below.
Thai Embassy in South Africa
Note that you need to be 50 years and older to apply for the retirement visa. The Thai Embassy in Pretoria will issue you with a 90 day Thai “O-A” Visa which you then need to extend in Thailand for 12 months. If you are getting a large pension from the government then you can ask the South African Embassy in Bangkok for a letter confirming your income. The SA Embassy can also issue you with a letter of no impediment stating that you are single and able to get married if you are getting married in Thailand and not in South Africa.
Royal Thai Embassy – Pretoria
| Royal Thai Embassy |
|---|
| 428 Hill Street, Cnr. Pretorius Street, |
| Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083 |
| South Africa |
| Tel (27-12) 342 4600 / 4506 / 4516 / 5470 |
| Fax Fax: (27-12) 342 4805 |
| Email: |
| thaiembassy.pre@mfa.go.th (General queries) |
| visa.pre@mfa.go.th (visa queries) |
| consular.pre@mfa.go.th (consular queries) |
| office.pre@mfa.go.th (administrative queries) |
| Consular and Visa Section |
| Monday - Friday |
| 09.00 - 12.00 hrs. Visa submissions during this period ONLY. |
| 14.00 – 16.00 hrs. Visa collection. |
All Offices are CLOSED on Saturdays, Sundays and Official/Public Holidays.
Thai Visa
From 15 February 2023 until 14 February 2024, the Embassy will have Visa applications processed by Visa processing service companies. Visa applicants are requested to do as follows:
1. Visa Applicants holding ordinary passport
Likewise applicants for Tourist (TR, TR-MT, and MICE), Transit (TS and S), Non-Immigrant (B / IB, ED, F, M, O, R / R-A, O-A, O-X, and LTR), and SMART Visa categories are requested to submit required documents for the application at the VFS Global or the BLS offices.
2. Holders of diplomatic, official passports and UNLP
Likewise holders of official, diplomatic passports and UNLP are requested to send email to visa.pre@mfa.go.th to make an appointment for visa application and submit required documents directly at the Embassy after receiving an appointment date and time.
VFS Global Johannesburg
Address: 1st Floor Rivonia Village, cnr. Rivonia Boulevard and Mutual Road,
Sandton, 2128, South Africa
Telephone: +27 124253013
E-mail: info.thailand@vfsglobal.com
VFS Global Pretoria
Address: Cherry Lane Office Park, 1st Floor, 114 Fehrsen Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Brooklyn, Pretoria,
0181, South Africa
Telephone: +27 124253013
E-mail: info.thailand@vfsglobal.com
VFS Global Cape Town
Address: 2 Long street, 7th Floor, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Telephone: +27 124253013
E-mail: info.thailand@vfsglobal.com
VFS Global Durban
Address: 4 Linden Road, Essenwood, Durban, 4001, South Africa
Telephone: +27 124253013
E-mail: info.thailand@vfsglobal.com
2. BLS
BLS PRETORIA
Address: 1st Floor, Building B, Sabinet Building, West End Office Park, Centurion, 0157, South Africa
Telephone: +27 105002032
E-mail: info.pry@blshelpline.com
BLS CAPE TOWN
Address: 10th Floor, The Tower Building, 2 Hertzog Boulevard, Foreshore, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
Telephone: +27 105002032
E-mail: info.cpt@blshelpline.com
BLS DURBAN
Address: 1st Floor, Silver Oaks Building, 36 Silverton Road, Musgrave, Durban 4001, South Africa
Telephone: +27 105002032
E-mail: info.dur@blshelpline.com
ANGOLA
VFS Global Luanda
Address: Avenue de Portugal, n18 – 20, 2nd Andar, Edificio Vernon, Luanda, Angola
Telephone: +27 124253013
E-mail: info.thailand@vfsglobal.com
BOTSWANA
VFS Global Gaborone
Address: Plot 937 Logan House, African Mall, Gaborone, Botswana
Telephone: +27 124253013
E-mail: info.thailand@vfsglobal.com
ESWATINI
VFS Global Mbabane
Address: Sidwashini Industrial Sites, Listemba Street Mbabane SZ H100, Mbabane, Eswatini
Telephone: +27 124253013
E-mail: info.thailand@vfsglobal.com
LESOTHO
VFS Global Maseru
Address: Manthabiseng Convention Center, Maseru, Lesotho
Telephone: +27 124253013
E-mail: info.thailand@vfsglobal.com
MADAGASCAR
VFS Global Antananarivo
Address: Block I, 4th Floor, La City, Alarobia, Ivandry, Antananarivo, Madagascar
Telephone: +27 124253013
E-mail: info.thailand@vfsglobal.com
MALAWI
VFS Global Lilongwe
Address: Corporate Mall, Next to Road Traffic – Chilambula Road, Wing A, Shop No. 14, Lilongwe,
Malawi
Telephone: +27 124253013
E-mail: info.thailand@vfsglobal.com
MAURITIUS
VFS Global Port Louis
Address: Level 1 Murphy Skies, Murphy Avenue Quatre Bornes, Port Louis, Mauritius
Telephone: +27 124253013
E-mail: info.thailand@vfsglobal.com
NAMIBIA
VFS Global Windhoek
Address: Ground floor, Below Hilton Hotel, Independence Avenue, Windhoek, Namibia
Telephone: +27 124253013
E-mail: info.thailand@vfsglobal.com
ZAMBIA
VFS Global Lusaka
Address: 4th Floor, Goldman Insurance House, Plot 58, Stand 2374, Great East Road, Lusaka, Zambia
Telephone: +27 124253013
E-mail: info.thailand@vfsglobal.com
ZIMBABWE
VFS Global Harare
Address: Celestial Park, Block 6, Ground Floor, Harare, Zimbabwe
Telephone: +27 124253013
E-mail: info.thailand@vfsglobal.com
VFS Global Bulawayo
Address: 128 Samuel Parirenyatwa Street, between 13th and 14th Avenue Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Telephone: +27 124253013
E-mail: info.thailand@vfsglobal.com
TOURIST VISA (TR)
Tourist Visa (TR) is issued for touristic purposes in Thailand. There are two types of Tourist Visa: Single-Entry Tourist Visa and Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa.
The Single-Entry Tourist Visa is valid for a one-time entry within three months from the visa issuance date, and the maximum stay is 60 days. On the other hand, the Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa is valid for a one-time entry within six months from the visa issuance date, and the maximum stay is 180 days.
Documents Needed
Firstly, the completed Visa Application Forms and two recent photographs (size 2×2 inch) dated at least ten working days before the intended date of travel. Secondly, the applicant’s passport, which must be valid for no less than six months, and a copy of the passport. Thirdly, a copy of an ID document other than a passport, such as an ID card or driving license.
In addition, if the applicant is not a national of the country of residence, a copy of the Permanent Residence or other permit is required. Fourthly, travel tickets to and from Thailand. Fifthly, evidence of adequate finance, such as an original bank statement covering a period of dating back 3 months for Single Entry or 6 months for Multiple Entry, which states bank contact information and deposit with the equivalent amount of not less than ZAR 11,000 per person or ZAR 22,000 per family for Single Entry and not less than ZAR 110,000 per person or ZAR 220,000 per family for Multiple Entry.
Family Travel
Moreover, for family members traveling together, documents showing family relation such as a copy of the birth certificate or marriage certificate must be submitted. Evidence of accommodation booking for the entire duration of the stay in Thailand and proof of employment in the country of residence in the form of a recently signed letter by an employer are also required.
If the applicant is unemployed, they need to write and sign a letter attached to the application stating that they are unemployed and have sufficient funds to travel. A copy of the Yellow fever vaccination card is required for applicants from or have traveled to yellow fever-infected areas. Additionally, for minors under 20 years old, a certified copy of the unabridged birth certificate, certified original passport or ID of parents/legal guidance, and original letter of notarized consent for minor to travel abroad by parents/legal guidance are needed.
Finally, the Visa Application Fee, which is ZAR 600 for Single-Entry Visa and ZAR 3,000 for Multiple-Entry Visa, must be paid. It is important to note that the Royal Thai Embassy reserves the right to reject any visa application with insufficient documents or if the reasons given are not fully supported, and the visa fee is non-refundable.
NON-IMMIGRANT VISA-B / IB (WORKING)
Moreover the Non-Immigrant Visa-B / IB. There are different types and validity periods. Nonetheless the Single-Entry visa is valid for 90 days from the date of visa issuance. Additionally holders can extend their stay and re-entry permit after entering Thailand by contacting the Immigration Bureau.
Likewise to apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa-B / IB. Certain required documents must be submitted. Firstly, two signed and completed Visa Application Forms, as well as two recent photographs. Secondly they must be dated at least 10 working days before the intended date of travel. Thirdly, the applicant’s passport, valid for no less than 6 months, must be submitted with a copy. Lastly, a copy of an ID Document other than a Passport, such as an ID card or driving license, is required.
Additionally, applicants must provide Business-related Documents, such as an invitation letter from the employer in Thailand. Likewise indicating details of employment, including position, salary, and length of contract. Additionally a copy of a Thai Business Registration certificate issued by the Ministry of Commerce of Thailand, or a School Registration certificate issued by the Ministry of Education of Thailand, is also required for school teachers.
Additionally the approval Letter from the Ministry of Labour (WP3) is required for some applicants, issued by the Office of Foreign Workers Administration, Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour, Mit-Maitree Road, Din-daeng District, Bangkok, Tel: +662-245-2745.
In addition other documents that could be used to replace WP3 Approval Letter include a letter from the Board of Investment, universities, schools, international organisations, or charitable organisations.
Additional Requirements
Likewise there are additional requirements for special professions such as School Teachers and Professional Sport Players. Moreover applicants for a Single-Entry Non-Immigrant O-visa for Dependents must provide the same required documents as for Non-Immigrant B-visa plus marriage and birth certificates.
Additionally other documents may be requested by Consular officers, and applicants must also pay a Visa Application Fee, not including the visa processing company’s fee. Moreover consular officers reserve the right to require additional documents or an interview, and the Royal Thai Embassy has the right to reject any visa application without all the required documents.
NON-IMMIGRANT VISA-O (SPOUSE/DEPENDENT)
Non-Immigrant Visa-O may be granted to applicants under various circumstances. Firstly, those who are lawfully married to a Thai citizen or lawful parents of Thai children. Secondly, applicants who accompany a foreign spouse/parent who works in Thailand. Thirdly, applicants who accompany a foreign dependent studying in Thailand. Lastly there are different types of Non-Immigrant Visa-O available, with varying validity periods. For instance, the Single-Entry Non-Immigrant Visa-O is valid for 90 days from the date of visa issuance. After entering Thailand, visa holders may contact the Immigration Bureau of Thailand for the extension of stay and re-entry permit.
Documents Needed
Furthermore to apply for the Non-Immigrant Visa-O. The applicants need to submit several required documents. These include two signed and completed Visa Application Forms dated at least 10 working days. This before the intended date of travel, two recent photographs, a passport (valid for no less than 6 months) with a copy of the passport. Additionally a copy of ID Document other than Passport, and a copy of Permanent Residence or other permit (if not a national of the country of residence). Additionally, applicants must provide proof of relationship such as a copy of the marriage certificate, passport, and identity card of the applicant’s spouse or copy of birth certificate, passport, and identity card of the applicant’s children. However if the documents are issued by non-Thai authorities, they must be certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of those countries prior to submission.
Evidence
Moreover, applicants must provide evidence of adequate finance by submitting an original bank statement for the last three months. The bank statement must state bank contact information and deposit with the equivalent amount of at least 400,000 Baht or equivalent. Applicants must also provide a copy of flight ticket(s), copy of Yellow fever vaccination card (for applicants from or have travelled to yellow fever infected areas), and pay the visa application fee.
Likewise the Royal Thai Embassy reserves the right to require additional documents or an interview as deemed necessary without prior notice. Please note that Consular officers reserve the right to reject any visa application with insufficient documents or if the reasons given are not fully supported. Finally, it is essential to bear in mind that the visa fee is non-refundable.
NON-IMMIGRANT VISA-O-A (LONG STAY)
The purpose of this document is to provide information about the Non-Immigrant Visa-O-A, a long-stay visa for applicants aged 50 years and above who want to stay in Thailand for up to 1 year without working. Holders of this visa are not permitted to work during their stay. This type of visa is only available to South African and Accredited Countries’ Permanent Residents and is granted by the Royal Thai Embassy in Pretoria.
Requirements
To be eligible for this visa, applicants must be aged 50 years and over, have no criminal record, not have prohibitive diseases, and possess a passport valid for at least one and a half years. Additionally, applicants must submit a visa application form, two photographs, a summary of personal data, a letter from the bank verifying a deposit of no less than 800,000 Baht. Additionally an original police clearance certificate or letter of verification, a medical certificate, a foreign insurance certificate or a health insurance policy document, and a copy of a flight ticket.
The visa application fee for a multiple-entry visa is ZAR3,000. Dependents of visa holders are not allowed to enter Thailand, but they can apply for a Single-Entry Non-Immigrant O-visa if they meet the necessary requirements. Visa holders must report to the competent authority every 90 days and must not overstay their visa.
Additional Application Form for Non-Immigrant Visa O-A
Birth Certificate
Documents required are as follows:
1. Discharge document from the hospital
2. Birth certificate from the Department of Home Affairs or equivalent agency
3. Identification Document of the parents
4. Passport of the parents
5. Marriage certificate (if any)
6. House registration in Thailand of father or mother who has Thai nationality
7. Completed application form (available on the Embassy’s website)
Marriage Certificate
Please contact the Embassy before making an appointment for Marriage Certificate via 012-342-5470 press 2 or consular.pre@mfa.go.th
Documents required are as follows:
1. Identification document of both parties
2. Letter of impediment of both parties
3. House registration certificate for Thai citizens and proof of residence for foreigners
4. 2 witnesses with their identification documents
Likewise for Thai nationals, documents issued by Thai authorities must always be certified by the Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. Additionally for Foreign nationals, documents issued by foreign authorities must always be certified by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation or equivalent agency. Likewise see the Thai Consulate in New South Wales as well as the Thai Embassy Korea as well as the Thai Embassy in Pakistan. See also the Visa on arrival in Thailand on here.