Do You Need a Visa for Thailand From Saudi Arabia? 2026 Rules
Thailand changed its tourist entry rules in September 2026, so what you read a few months ago may no longer apply. In short, Saudi citizens are still exempt from a visa for tourism, but for a shorter stay than before, and the digital arrival card is required for all arrivals.
We write this at Almorad, a visa office in Riyadh, and link each fact to its official source. If you live in Saudi Arabia on a non-Saudi passport, your nationality decides the rule.
We checked the sources below in October 2026. The rules took effect on 15 September 2026 and are still new, so contact us to confirm the latest rules before you book.
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Check your file on WhatsAppVisa servicesWhat Changed on 15 September 2026?
Thailand published notices in the Royal Gazette on 31 August 2026. According to the Thai foreign ministry press briefing summary, it revoked the 60-day exemption and limited the exemption to 30 days for tourism purposes for 60 countries and territories, with one arrangement per country.
Anyone already in Thailand, or arriving before 15 September 2026, may stay until the last date shown on the immigration stamp in the passport.
Do Saudis Need a Visa for Thailand?
For tourism, Saudi citizens do not need a visa in advance. The Thai foreign ministry summary of the revised exemptions lists Saudi Arabia among the countries exempt for 30 days, and a Fragomen legal update (a secondary source) shows it on the final list too.
The new exemption is for tourism only. If you travel for work, study or another purpose, check the right visa type before you go.
| Your situation | What applies |
|---|---|
| Saudi citizen, tourism | Visa exemption for 30 days from 15 September 2026 |
| Saudi citizen, work, study or non-tourist purpose | The exemption is for tourism only, so check the right visa |
| Arrived before 15 September 2026 | You stay until the date printed on your entry stamp |
| Resident with another nationality | Follow your nationality's list; you may need to apply through the e-Visa system |
What About Residents With Other Nationalities?
It depends on your passport, not on living in Saudi Arabia. Countries on the ministry summary include the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, Türkiye and the Philippines. Nationalities such as Egypt, Pakistan and Bangladesh did not appear on the list we reviewed, so check your own status before you travel.
The official summary we opened reflects the May 2026 cabinet decision and names 54 countries, while the final announcement after Royal Gazette publication names 60. We could not find the final 60-country list on a readable official page, so do not rely on our list alone. Confirm your nationality with the Thai foreign ministry or a Thai embassy.
The ministry says the e-Visa system was one reason for the review, and the Thai e-Visa portal lets you apply by creating an account, filling in the form, uploading documents and paying the fee, after which the e-Visa confirmation arrives by email.
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card website states that all passengers must complete the card, and that foreigners submit their details 3 days before arrival. It is required even if you are visa-exempt, because it is an arrival card, not a visa.
- Use only the official site, whose domain ends in immigration.go.th.
- Have your passport number, flight details and stay address ready.
- Keep a copy of the confirmation with you on arrival.
From What We Prepare at Almorad
This is Almorad practice, not an official Thai requirement. For travellers who need a tourist visa we usually gather a passport with enough validity (usually six months), the national ID for Saudis or a valid residence permit for others, recent photos, a recent bank statement, an employer letter or proof of study, and a trip plan or tentative booking.
In practice we suggest changeable bookings, because some travellers are asked about their return ticket, accommodation and funds. That is general advice, not an official rule we verified. To plan your trip, read our Thailand 7-day itinerary and the best time to travel to Thailand.
To time an application when you need a visa, read when to apply for a visa before you travel, and for the categories see the difference between visa types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Saudis need a visa for Thailand in 2026?
Not for tourism. Saudi Arabia is among the countries exempt for 30 days from 15 September 2026. Check the official pages before you travel.
How long can a Saudi stay in Thailand without a visa?
30 days for tourism under the new announcement, down from 60 days. If you arrived before 15 September, the date on your stamp applies.
Is the TDAC required if I am visa-exempt?
Yes. The official site says all passengers must complete it, 3 days before arrival, and it does not replace a visa where one is required.
I live in Saudi Arabia on a non-Saudi passport. What should I do?
Check your nationality's status with the Thai foreign ministry. If it is not on the exempt list, use the e-Visa portal or ask the embassy.
Does Almorad issue the Thailand visa?
No. We prepare and review the file and book the appointment where needed. The Thai authority decides, and we do not guarantee approval.
Let us prepare your file with you
We review your documents, arrange your appointment and put the full file together, which reduces the chance of a refusal caused by a missing or incorrect document.
Start on WhatsAppVisa servicesOfficial Sources
- Thai foreign ministry press briefing summary (3 September 2026) — revised exemptions and effective date
- Summary of the revised visa exemptions 2026 — countries exempt for 30 days
- Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) — who must submit and when
- Thai e-Visa official website — how to apply
Prepare Your File With Almorad
If you need a visa, see our Thailand visa service and our visa services, or message us on WhatsApp.
