In 2022, Saudi Arabia and Thailand turned a new page in their diplomatic relationship and announced the start of direct flights between both countries. This comes almost three decades after direct flights were suspended.
Travellers from Saudi Arabia are now allowed entry into Thailand. However, the entry comes with some additional requirements—all of which we will discuss in this article.
Saudi passport holders are eligible for a visa exemption to travel to Thailand. This means they do not need to apply for a visa to enter and stay in the country for travel purposes for 30 days.
Saudi passport holders visiting Thailand for reasons other than travel-related purposes can apply for one of the following:
For more information, please visit the website of the Thailand embassy in Riyadh.
As of June 2023, Saudi Arabian travellers are no longer required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination before entry. There is also no need for a negative COVID-19 PCR test result prior to arriving in Thailand. Having said that, authorities still encourage travellers to get fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before visiting the country.
COVID-19 vaccines approved in Thailand for travel include:
Additionally, travellers are not required to obtain a Thailand Pass, Certificate of Entry (COE), or travel insurance. However, it is still highly recommended to invest in travel insurance before visiting Thailand.
There are two airlines that fly directly from Saudi Arabia to Thailand: Saudi Airlines and Emirates.
SAUDIA or Saudi Airlines operates several direct flights and connecting flights to multiple cities in Thailand, particularly Bangkok, Phuket and Samui.
To Bangkok
From Dammam: Multiple connecting flights are available all days of the week. Ticket prices start at $740.
From Jeddah: One direct flight is available four days a week. Ticket prices start at $625.
From Riyadh: One direct flight is available three days a week. Ticket prices start at $660.
To Phuket
From Jeddah: Multiple connecting flights are available four days a week. Ticket prices start at $680.
From Riyadh: Multiple connecting flights are available four days a week. Ticket prices start at $790.
To Samui
From Jeddah: Multiple connecting flights are available four days a week. Ticket prices start at $710.
From Riyadh: Multiple connecting flights are available four days a week. Ticket prices start at $775.
Unlike SAUDIA, Emirates only offers connecting flights from Saudi Arabia to multiple cities in Thailand.
To Bangkok
From Dammam: Multiple connecting flights are available all days of the week. Ticket prices start at $665.
From Jeddah: Multiple connecting flights are available all days of the week. Ticket prices start at $608.
From Riyadh: Multiple connecting flights are available all days of the week. Ticket prices start at $630.
To Phuket
From Jeddah: Multiple connecting flights are available all days of the week. Ticket prices start at $790.
From Riyadh: Multiple connecting flights are available all days of the week. Ticket prices start at $820.
To Samui
From Dammam: Four to five connecting flights are available all days of the week. Ticket prices start at $1,225
From Riyadh: Three to five connecting flights are available all days of the week. Ticket prices start at $1,130.