Thailand entry requirements for Saudi Arabia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
No visa required
60 days
Max stay
60 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Saudi Arabian passport holders can enter Thailand without a visa for up to 60 days. This covers tourism, business meetings, or short visits. As of 2026, no prior visa application is needed — just show up at the airport with the right documents.
Apply for Thailand eVisaSingle and multiple entry options. Processing 3–5 business days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Thailand | Your passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from the day you leave Thailand. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Thailand within 60 days | Immigration at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang routinely asks for a return or onward ticket. Budget airlines like AirAsia and Nok Air will not let you board without one. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration officers sometimes ask for your first night's hotel booking or a host's address. Keep a printed confirmation or a screenshot on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Minimum 20,000 THB per person or 40,000 THB per family | Thailand's official rule says you must show at least 20,000 THB (about $550 USD) per person or 40,000 THB per family in cash, travelers cheques, or a bank statement. In practice, this is rarely checked for short stays, but have proof available. | Recommended |
| Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)Thailand Digital Arrival Card — a free 2-minute online pre-registration at tdac.immigration.go.th. Not mandatory, but gets you through the immigration queue faster. Optional online pre-registration | Fill in the free TDAC form at tdac.immigration.go.th before your flight. It takes 2 minutes and gives you a QR code that speeds you through the immigration queue at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang. Not mandatory, but worth doing.Register on TDAC | Optional |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check your passport validity before boarding. If it’s less than 6 months from your entry date, you’ll be denied boarding — no exceptions. Check your passport now.
TDAC saves time at immigration
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card is free and optional, but filling it out online before your flight can cut your queue time significantly. Do it at https://tdac.immigration.go.th within 72 hours of arrival.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Thai immigration
At any Thai airport (BKK, DMK, HKT, CNX, etc.), follow signs to 'Passport Control' or 'Foreign Passports'. Join the queue for 'Visa on Arrival' or 'All Passports' — there’s no separate visa-free lane, but you don’t need to fill any forms.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport and boarding pass. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. Answer clearly: 'Tourism' or 'Business meeting'. They’ll stamp you in for 60 days.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After the stamp, head to baggage claim, then customs. No additional steps needed. You’re free to stay up to 60 days.
Download Thailand Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay60 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost2,000 THB (~$56 USD)
Apply at Thai embassy/consulate; required for stays beyond visa-free.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost10,000 THB (~$280 USD)
Ideal for frequent visitors; each entry resets stay.
retirement visa
Thailand Retirement Visa (Non-OA)
1 year, renewable annually
~$180 USD / year + bank fee
For those aged 50+ with 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account or 65,000 THB monthly income. Allows long-term stay with annual renewal.
digital nomad visa
Thailand Smart Visa (for digital nomads/startups)
Up to 4 years
~$600 USD (application fee)
For highly skilled professionals, investors, and startup founders. Requires minimum income of $40,000/year and relevant experience.
elite visa
Thailand Elite Card (Privilege Entry Visa)
5, 10, or 20 years
~$15,000–$30,000 USD (one-time fee)
Premium visa for wealthy individuals. Includes VIP airport services, multiple entries, and no income or age requirements.
student visa
Thailand Education Visa (Non-ED)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (application fee)
For those enrolled in a Thai language course or university program. Requires proof of enrollment and attendance.
work visa
Thailand Work Visa (Non-B)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (application fee)
For those with a job offer from a Thai company. Requires a work permit and company sponsorship.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (60-day visa-free)Extension not available for visa-free entry; must leave and re-enter or apply for tourist visa. | 1,900 THB (~$53 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Allows 60-day stay, extendable by 30 days at immigration office. | 2,000 THB (~$56 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid 6 months, 60-day per entry, extendable. | 10,000 THB (~$280 USD) |
| Overstay finePay at airport immigration before departure. | 500 THB/day (~$14 USD), max 20,000 THB (~$560 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Thailand
No transit visa needed
Saudi Arabia passport holders transiting through Thailand do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. For landside transit or leaving the airport, a visa-free entry (60 days) or tourist visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsSuvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) · Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) · Phuket International Airport (HKT)
Health & vaccines for Thailand
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, cholera, and hepatitis A from contaminated food/water.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most tourist areas (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket). Prophylaxis recommended for rural forested borders with Myanmar, Cambodia, and Malaysia.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Bangkok
Immigration Division 1 (Chaeng Wattana)
120 Moo 3, Chaeng Wattana Road, Laksi, Bangkok 10210
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Bring TM.7 form, 1 photo, 1,900 THB, and supporting documents.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai Immigration Office
71 Moo 3, San Phisuea, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50300
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Less crowded than Bangkok; same extension process.
Practical information for SA travellers
Country basics
CapitalBangkok
LanguageThai
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license not valid in Thailand. IDP (International Driving Permit) required. Obtain before travel at AAA.
Money
CurrencyThai Baht (THB)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 33.23 THB
Time zone
Local timeUTC+7
vs New York+11h (EST) / +12h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+14h (PST) / +15h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
A,B,CType A, B, C — US plugs (Type A) fit most Thai sockets. No adapter needed for Type A sockets, but bring one for Type C.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Drink bottled water. Ice in restaurants is generally safe.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Thailand
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Thailand — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa-free entry for Saudi passport holders is not extendable. You must leave Thailand within 60 days. If you need to stay longer, you can apply for a tourist visa (single or multiple entry) at a Thai embassy before traveling, or leave and re-enter (though border runs are increasingly scrutinized).
No, the TM6 card was abolished in 2023. You don’t need to fill out any arrival form. Just present your passport and boarding pass at immigration.
TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) is a free online form at https://tdac.immigration.go.th that pre-fills your details. It’s optional but recommended — it can speed up the immigration queue. Fill it out within 72 hours before your flight.
Each entry is separate. You can leave and come back, but immigration may question frequent back-to-back visits. For multiple entries over a longer period, consider a multiple-entry tourist visa from a Thai embassy.
Overstay is fined at 500 THB per day (capped at 20,000 THB). You’ll also get an overstay stamp, which can cause problems for future Thai visas. Avoid it — set a reminder to leave on time.
No, the 60-day visa-free entry covers business meetings, conferences, and short-term work (not employment). If you’re doing paid work or a long-term project, you’ll need a proper business visa.
No, it’s not required for entry. But it’s strongly recommended — medical costs in Thailand can be high, and insurance covers hospital stays, accidents, and trip disruptions.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.