Thailand Visa RequirementsFor Saudi Arabia passport holders
Saudi nationals are eligible for a Thailand visa on arrival valid for 15 days, costing 2,000 THB (approximately $35). This shorter duration applies to Gulf passport holders rather than the 30-day VoA offered to some other nationalities. For stays beyond 15 days, a Thai tourist visa (TR) should be obtained at a Thai embassy before travel.
Saudi Arabia passport holders can obtain a Visa on Arrival at Thailand ports of entry.
For the visa on arrival: Arrive with passport (6 months validity), completed VoA form (available at the airport), one passport photo, return/onward ticket, proof of accommodation, and 2,000 THB in cash for the fee. For an advance tourist visa: Apply at the Royal Thai Embassy in Riyadh (Al Worood District) with passport, photo, bank statement, return ticket, and hotel booking. Fee is approximately 800 THB payable in SAR equivalent.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid Saudi Passport
Must have at least 6 months validity and at least one blank visa page.
Completed TM86 Arrival/VoA Form
Visa on arrival application form available at the VoA counter at the airport.
Passport Photo
One recent color passport photo (4x6 cm), white background.
Return or Onward Ticket
Confirmed booking showing departure from Thailand within 15 days.
Proof of Accommodation
Hotel booking confirmation for your entire stay in Thailand.
VoA Fee
THB 2,000 (approximately USD 55). Cash only. USD also accepted at most counters.
Current Travel Situation
Saudi Arabia to Thailand: What You Need to Know
Thailand offers a visa on arrival facility to Saudi nationals, but the permitted stay is 15 days rather than the 30 days offered to citizens of many other countries. This is a known distinction for Gulf passport holders. The VoA is available at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Don Mueang (DMK), Phuket (HKT), Chiang Mai (CNX), and other international airports.
The fee is 2,000 Thai Baht (approximately $35 USD), payable in Thai Baht or sometimes USD. Queue times for VoA processing can be long at Suvarnabhumi, particularly on weekend evenings. Using the visa on arrival e-service (pre-registration) shortens the queue.
For trips longer than 15 days, Saudi travelers should apply for a TR (Tourist Visa) at the Royal Thai Embassy in Riyadh or the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Jeddah before departure. The TR allows 60 days with a 30-day extension available in Thailand.
How to Get There
Riyadh (RUH) to Bangkok (BKK) is approximately 7 to 8 hours. Saudia flies direct from Riyadh to Bangkok. Thai Airways and other carriers also serve this route. Jeddah (JED) to Bangkok has limited direct options; many travelers connect via Dubai (Emirates) or Abu Dhabi (Etihad). Phuket (HKT) receives some direct or one-stop charters from Gulf airports.
Money & Banking
Thailand uses the Thai Baht (THB). As of 2024, approximately 35 THB per USD. Thailand is very affordable for Saudi travelers. Upscale hotels in Bangkok run $100 to $250 per night. Street food is excellent and inexpensive. ATMs are ubiquitous but charge a 220 THB fee per withdrawal to foreign cards. Bring USD or EUR to exchange at Superrich or similar exchange counters for better rates than airport kiosks. Major credit cards accepted at hotels and malls.
Practical Tips
Pre-register for the VoA online at thaievisa.go.th to use the faster queue. This does not guarantee approval but speeds processing.
For trips over 15 days, a TR tourist visa (60 days) applied for before travel is strongly recommended. Extensions of 30 days are available at immigration offices in Thailand for 1,900 THB.
Phuket and Krabi are the most popular Gulf destinations in Thailand for beach holidays. Bangkok is popular for shopping, medical tourism, and city breaks. Chiang Mai attracts trekking and temple visitors.
Halal food: Thailand has a significant Muslim population in the south, and halal restaurants are widely available in Bangkok tourist areas, Phuket, and Krabi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Saudi nationals need a visa for Thailand?
Saudi passport holders can get a visa on arrival (VoA) in Thailand for 15 days, costing 2,000 THB (approximately $35 USD). For stays over 15 days, a TR tourist visa should be obtained at the Royal Thai Embassy in Riyadh or Jeddah before departure.
Why do Saudi nationals only get 15 days VoA in Thailand when others get 30?
Thai immigration grants Gulf passport holders a 15-day VoA rather than the 30 days offered to many other nationalities. This is a long-standing Thai immigration policy for Gulf states. For a full 60-day stay, apply for the TR tourist visa at the Thai Embassy in Riyadh before travel.
How do I apply for a Thailand tourist visa from Saudi Arabia?
Apply at the Royal Thai Embassy in Riyadh (Al Worood District). Required: passport (6 months validity), 2 passport photos, completed form, bank statements, return flight booking, and hotel booking. Fee approximately 800 THB (paid in SAR equivalent). Processing takes 3 to 5 business days.
Can I extend my Thai visa on arrival?
The 15-day VoA can be extended once for an additional 7 to 15 days at a Thai immigration office for a fee of 1,900 THB. For longer stays, the TR tourist visa (60 days) is better, extendable by 30 days at immigration offices throughout Thailand.
What airports in Thailand accept VoA for Saudi travelers?
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK), Don Mueang (DMK), Phuket (HKT), Chiang Mai (CNX), Krabi (KBV), Ko Samui (USM), and Hat Yai (HDY) all accept VoA applications. Use the e-VOA pre-registration at thaievisa.go.th to access a faster queue.
Is halal food available in Thailand for Saudi tourists?
Yes. Thailand has a significant Muslim population, particularly in the south (Phuket, Krabi, Hat Yai). Bangkok's tourist areas have numerous halal-certified restaurants, and supermarkets in tourist zones stock halal food. Phuket and Krabi have excellent halal Southern Thai cuisine.
What is the best time to visit Thailand from Saudi Arabia?
November through April is the dry season in most of Thailand and the best time to visit. Phuket and Krabi are at their best December to April. Bangkok is manageable year-round. Avoid May to October (monsoon) in coastal areas, though Chiang Mai and inland areas have less rain.