Thailand and Bali tighten travel rules for South Africans in 2026

South Africans planning trips to Thailand and Bali face major travel rule changes in 2026, with new visa restrictions, stricter immigration checks and mandatory digital systems now in place.

The updated regulations affect visa-free stays, passport validity requirements and arrival procedures for international travellers.

Thailand cuts visa-free stays back to 30 days

Thailand has officially ended its extended 60-day visa-free entry programme for more than 90 countries, including South Africa.

South African passport holders are now limited to:

• 30-day visa-free stays only
• One entry at a time under the exemption

Travellers wanting to stay longer than 30 days must apply for a tourist visa before departure.

New Thailand Digital Arrival Card now mandatory

Thailand has also introduced a compulsory digital entry system.

All foreign visitors must complete the:

• Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)

The form must be submitted within three days before arrival.

Immigration officials may also request:

• Return or onward flight tickets
• Accommodation bookings
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Travel insurance details

Bali now visa-free for South Africans

In positive news for South African travellers, Indonesia has introduced visa-free entry for South Africans visiting Bali.

South Africans can now:

• Enter Bali visa-free for up to 30 days
• Avoid paying the previous Visa on Arrival fee

However, the free entry:

• Cannot be extended
• Applies strictly to tourism visits

Travellers wanting to stay longer than 30 days must instead apply for:

• A paid electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VoA)

The e-VoA remains valid for:

• 30 days initially
• One additional 30-day extension

Bali cracks down on immigration compliance

Indonesian authorities have simultaneously increased enforcement against:

• Illegal working
• Visa abuse
• Digital nomads operating without proper permits

Travellers entering Bali are strongly advised to comply fully with immigration rules.

Bali tourist tax still applies

Although South Africans no longer pay the Bali visa fee, visitors must still pay the mandatory:

• Love Bali Tourist Levy

The tourism tax costs:

• IDR 150,000
• Roughly R175

The payment must be completed online before arrival.

Passport validity rules strictly enforced

Both Thailand and Indonesia now strictly enforce passport validity requirements.

Travellers must have:

• At least six months validity remaining on their passport
• Two to three blank passport pages

Immigration authorities are also increasingly requesting:

• Printed accommodation confirmations
• Bank statements
• Return flight tickets

Thailand specifically expects travellers to show proof of accessible funds during their stay.

Digital travel systems becoming standard

The changes reflect a broader shift toward tighter border control and digital immigration systems across popular tourist destinations.

Thailand’s new TDAC platform and Bali’s e-VoA system are part of efforts to:

• Reduce overstays
• Improve traveller tracking
• Strengthen tourism regulation

For South Africans, the result means more preparation before departure, especially for longer holidays or multi-country trips.

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