Saudi Arabia entry requirements for Thailand passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Thai passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia for tourism or business visits. As of 2026, the process is straightforward at major airports.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa | Apply online at visa.visitsaudi.com before you fly. The eVisa costs $135 USD, includes mandatory medical insurance, and allows multiple entries up to 90 days. Approval usually comes within minutes — print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have at least 6 months validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Saudi Arabia. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Saudi airports routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready — they may deny entry if you cannot show one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your Saudi host. Immigration may ask where you are staying — having the address and contact number ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Have a recent bank statement or at least $1,000 USD in cash or traveler's checks. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, you need to show you can cover your stay. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is not extendable
You cannot extend the 30-day visa on arrival. If you need more time, you must apply for a different visa type before you travel. Overstaying is expensive and can get you banned.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save screenshots of your return ticket, hotel booking, and passport info page on your phone. Immigration may ask to see them, and having them ready speeds things up.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the visa-on-arrival counter
After landing at King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh, King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah, or King Fahd International Airport (DMM) in Dammam, follow signs to the 'Visa on Arrival' counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation details ready.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee (around 480 SAR, roughly 4,800 THB) by credit/debit card or cash. Keep the receipt.
3
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp a visa sticker into your passport. Check the validity dates and your name spelling before leaving the counter.
4
Proceed to immigration
Go to the immigration queue with your passport and visa. You may be asked for your return ticket and accommodation again. Answer questions clearly.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After passing immigration, collect your checked luggage from the carousel and proceed through customs. You're now legally in Saudi Arabia.
Download Saudi Arabia Entry Checklist
PDF · Thailand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity1 year from issue
CostSAR 535 (~$143 USD)
Pre-arranged online; includes medical insurance.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days total (max 30 days per visit)
Validity1 year from issue
CostSAR 1,070 (~$285 USD)
Pre-arranged online; includes medical insurance.
Business visa
Max stay30 days (extendable)
Validity3 months
CostSAR 800 (~$213 USD)
Requires sponsor invitation; extension possible.
Work visa
Max stayUp to 2 years
Validity2 years
CostVaries (employer-sponsored)
Requires employer sponsorship and medical tests.
work visa
Saudi Arabia Work Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
Varies (employer-sponsored)
For foreign workers with a Saudi employer sponsor. Requires a job offer, medical exam, and approval from Ministry of Human Resources. Provides residency and multiple entry.
student visa
Saudi Arabia Student Visa
Duration of study program (typically 1–4 years)
Varies (institution-sponsored)
For international students enrolled at Saudi universities. Requires admission letter and financial proof. Allows part-time work with permission.
retirement visa
Saudi Arabia Premium Residency (Retirement)
1 year, renewable
SAR 100,000 (~$26,667 USD) per year
For retirees with sufficient income (minimum SAR 60,000/month). Offers residency without sponsor, and ability to own property. Requires health insurance.
investor visa
Saudi Arabia Investor Visa
Up to 5 years, renewable
Varies (based on investment amount)
For foreign investors establishing a business in Saudi Arabia. Requires minimum investment of SAR 1 million (~$266,667 USD) and approval from Ministry of Investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Valid for 30 days stay, non-extendable. | SAR 480 (~$128 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Charged daily for overstaying visa validity; no maximum cap specified. | SAR 100 (~$27 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Includes insurance; valid for 30 days stay, 1 year validity. | SAR 535 (~$143 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Includes insurance; valid for 90 days total stay, 1 year validity. | SAR 1,070 (~$285 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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 Saudi Arabia
No transit visa needed
Thailand passport holders transiting through Saudi Arabia airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For layovers over 12 hours or leaving the airport, a transit visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 12h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 96 hours if they have a confirmed onward ticket.
Transit hubsKing Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) · King Khalid International Airport (RUH) · King Fahd International Airport (DMM)
Health & vaccines for Saudi Arabia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)Low risk
Rare but serious respiratory illness; avoid contact with camels and raw camel milk.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Heat-related illnessHigh risk
Extreme temperatures in summer can cause heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is very low in urban areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended. Risk exists in rural areas of southwestern regions (e.g., Jizan, Asir) during rainy season.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Riyadh
General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat)
King Fahd Road, Riyadh 11134
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Handles visa extensions and residency matters; bring passport, visa copy, and sponsor letter if applicable.
Jeddah
Jeddah Passport Office
Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah Road, Al-Salamah District, Jeddah
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Main office for western region; services for visa extensions and exit permits.
Practical information for TH travellers
Country basics
CapitalRiyadh
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license not valid. IDP required.
Money
CurrencySaudi Riyal (SAR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 3.75 SAR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h (EST) / +7h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+11h (PST) / +10h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,B,GType G — UK-style plug. US plugs do not fit. Bring a UK/universal adapter.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Use bottled water. Tap water is desalinated but bottled is standard.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Saudi Arabia
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Saudi Arabia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. You cannot extend it beyond that. If you need a longer stay, you must apply for a different visa type before travel.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at all international airports: Riyadh (RUH), Jeddah (JED), Dammam (DMM), and others. It is not available at land borders or seaports.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6 months are counted from your date of entry into Saudi Arabia.
No. For tourism, you do not need a sponsor or invitation letter. The visa on arrival is for independent travelers.
No. The visa on arrival is strictly for tourism and business visits (meetings, conferences). Working or engaging in paid employment is not allowed and can lead to deportation.
Overstaying results in a fine of 100 SAR per day (about 1,000 THB per day). You may also be banned from re-entering Saudi Arabia for a period. Leave before your visa expires.
It is not always checked, but it is strongly recommended. Some airlines may require proof of insurance before boarding. If you don't have it, you can buy a policy at the airport or online.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.