Thailand has officially confirmed that only three African countries qualify for its visa on arrival programme. This means travellers from most nations across the continent must still obtain a visa before travelling.
According to the Thai Consulate, the revised visa on arrival policy took effect on 15 July 2024.
Under the updated arrangement, nationals of 31 countries and territories are eligible to apply for entry at designated immigration checkpoints upon arriving in Thailand for tourism.
Thailand Visa on Arrival: Which African Countries Made List
Among the 31 countries and territories included in Thailand’s visa on arrival programme, only Seychelles, Namibia, and Ethiopia are African nations.
Passport holders from Seychelles, Namibia, and Ethiopia can arrive at approved Thai immigration checkpoints and submit their visa on arrival applications without securing a visa before departure.
Successful applicants are permitted to stay for up to 15 days under a single entry visa. Travellers are also required to pay a visa on arrival fee of 2,000 Thai Baht upon arrival.
Meanwhile, citizens of all other African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and Egypt, are not covered by the visa on arrival programme. They must obtain the appropriate Thai visa through an embassy or consulate before travelling.
How Thailand’s Visa Policy Works
Apart from the visa on arrival programme, Thailand also operates a separate visa exemption scheme that applies to some of the 31 eligible countries.
Travellers from countries listed under the exemption programme, including China, India, Russia, Kazakhstan, and several others, can enter Thailand without a visa and remain in the country for up to 60 days.
However, none of the three African countries included on the list qualifies for the 60 day visa exemption. Instead, Seychelles, Namibia, and Ethiopia remain under the standard visa on arrival programme, which limits visits to 15 days.
The updated policy highlights Thailand’s selective approach towards African travellers compared with many other destinations in Southeast Asia.
Most passport holders across the continent are still required to complete the visa application process before travelling.
