Answered8 years ago

Can a tourism visa in Thailand be converted to a Non-O visa and what are the importation rules for belongings?

Thailand Visa Non-O Visa Tourist Visa Visa Conversion Importing Belongings Retirement Visa

Lesley *******

asked Feb 18, 2019

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I hope you are all still willing to talk to me!

Hong Kong Thai Consulate said no to my husband's application for a 90 Visa. All he can get is a 60 day tourist visa. We are now working on the timing for that. Can that visa be converted to a 90 day in country, then to a one year?

Another issue is the importation of our stuff. The removal company said we must have a retirement visa, but is it possible to import as a tourist and just pay the duty?

I think I might be going slightly mad over all this......

Answer summary

The user is inquiring about the possibility of converting a 60-day tourist visa to a 90-day Non-O visa and eventually to a one-year visa, citing issues with the application process at the Hong Kong Thai Consulate. Additionally, they seek clarification on the rules for importing personal belongings into Thailand, specifically whether this can be done under a tourist visa while paying the necessary duties. User comments provide insights on visa conversion experiences and suggest consulting with customs about importation requirements.

12 repliesnewest first

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Lesley *******

Would anyone be able to suggest which visa would work to import our stuff?

8 years ago

Lesley *******

Many thanks!

8 years ago

Garry *********

I used a company called Crown removals and they gave good advise and arranged all of the required paperwork for customs.

8 years ago

Tod *********

that is something you need to talk to your shipper about OR the thai customs and import dept.

8 years ago

Lesley *******

If Steve went in on a tourist visa, how quickly could he convert it?

8 years ago

Tod *********

in theory they could get the documentation together and apply for it right away IF that immigration office issues them.

8 years ago

Tod *********

Depending on the immigration office you use in thailand you CAN go from a single entry tourist visa to first a 90 day Non-Immigrant Type O visa based on being over 50 (retirement) and then a year extension of stay based on being over 50.

In Bangkok you need 15 days or more left on your current entry stamp to convert to a 90 day Non-O visa. In Chiang Mai you need 21 days or more left on the stamp.

8 years ago

Robert *******

I'm not sure if the Immigration Office in Koh Samui is allowed to convert a Tourist Visa into the Non Immigrant O visa based on being over 50 years of age. If they can not do this they will ask you to visit the office in Surat Thani.

8 years ago

Robert *******

You need to report your address within 24 hours after arrival at the Immigration Office, don't be shy and directly ask if they can convert and the hand out with requirements and the day you can come back to do this. Or the contact details from Surat Thani to call them and ask the requirements and an appointment to do this.

8 years ago

Lesley *******

That sounds 'doable' I think.

8 years ago

Lesley *******

He was told that he is not a resident of HK so not able to apply for anything other than a tourist visa. he asked for a 90 visa and was told there is no such thing!

8 years ago