I saw a report that they were refusing Non b visas to anyone not holding a Hong Kong residents card and only issuing a transit visa in order to get back to Thailand.
I mailed the Embassy in order to try see what was what and to avoid anybody here having a wasted journey. I did stipulate I was a UK passport holder and if it applied to other visas. They only replied regarding the Non b. I have mailed them again to clarify the other visa situation. I will report once they get back to me regarding other visas
My email and their reply as follows
Sent: Monday, November 11, 2019 2:40:57 PM
Subject: Visa for Thailand
Dear sir, I am seeing reports it is no longer possible for non Hong Kong residents to apply for a non immigrant B visa.
Can you please confirm and is it only Non B visas which are effected or all visa applications?
I hold a UK passport and wish to know if it is still possible to apply?
Kind regards
Ronald Angel
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TLDR : Answer Summary
There are concerns about the Thai Embassy in Hong Kong allegedly refusing Non-B visas to individuals who do not hold a Hong Kong resident card, only issuing transit visas instead. An inquirer, Ronald Angel, reached out to the embassy for clarification and shared the required documentation for a Non-B visa. While the embassy's response seems to indicate a strict requirement for residency, some community members expressed skepticism about this interpretation, recalling previously easier access to Non-B visas for non-residents. Further updates from the embassy are awaited to confirm the current policy.
They have replied. The way I am now reading them, I think they may have gone the way of other Embassys and consulates and only issuing visas to bonafide Hong Kong residents only?
I just applied and got a o a visa from Hong Kong. I know that all visas need to be hK residence and they photo copy your passport ( if from another country but a hk resident) and HK ID card.
That answer is a b/s cut and paste off their website, and really doesn't say one way or the other IF you need to be a legal resident of Hong Kong or not. Typical consulate doing a cut--n-paste :(
That does not make sense, many many people have gotten Non-B visas from that consulate, in fact it's one of the few (if not the only one) that doesnt' require a work permit or a receipt that you applied for one to apply for a Non-B.
People only needed to copy the little paper they give you when you stamp into hong kong. That's what they take if you're not a legal resident of Hong Kong..
Documentation required when applying for a Non-immigrate visa Category “B” as below:
- A copy of Hong Kong resident I.D. card.
- Passport original with a copy of main pages of a passport
- A copy of W. P. 3 or work permit
- A valid at least 6 months passport with a clear page for a visa sticker
- One application forms must be completely filled out in English
-One recent photo, 1.5x2 inches in size, with clear face taken within 6 months. The photograph should have a plain white background.
- An original letter of guarantee from the employer with authorized signature and Company Seal Stamp with details about the purpose of the visit to Thailand and a copy of the company registration. A copy of I.D. card of the authorized signatory is also required
- A letter from the Thai Business Counterpart with authorized signature and Company Seal Stamp, stating the details about the visit to Thailand together with a copy of the Certificate of Company Registration issued by the Thai Authority. A copy I. D. card of the Company’s authorized signatory is also required
- A copy of company’s list of shareholders certified by the Commercial Registration Department, Ministry of Commerce or the pertinent document certified by the Commercial Registration Department, stating business classification, name of partners, board of directors, committee, and manager. Also acquire the list of objective of the business
-HK$600 (Single entry) for the visa fee in cash
-Two working days for the visa process
Once you have obtained such visa, you can enter the Kingdom and therefore apply for a Work Permit from the Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour.
In order to expedite visa issuance, your employer may, on your behalf, apply for the Work Permit in advance (with the form called Tor Thor 3). The Department of Employment will then issue a pre-approved certificate to be used in your visa application. In such case, please make sure to obtain the Work Permit (Tor Thor 2) once you arrive in Thailand.
The first line is a Hong Kong resident ID card, which you'd only have if resident. But I believe they're had that on the list forever, but used accept your tourist entry slip if you were just visiting.
I am guessing from their reply that it is still possible if meeting all the above requirements. Have seen more than that asked for. But no mention of nationality or residence in reply. Sounds like a pretty stock standard non reply. Forgot to answer your question. Please keep us informed.
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