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Can a US citizen change from a Visa on Arrival to a Multi-entry Visa while in Thailand?
Visa RulesUS Citizen VisaMulti-entry VisaVisa ExemptVisa Application IssuesTourist VisaNon-O VisaResidency IssuesVisa Agencies
Feb 2, 2026
3 months ago
Don *********
ORIGINAL POSTERI am a US citizen and if I enter on a Visa on arrival can I change/upgrade to a Multi-entry Visa while I am in Thailand? I ask because I am having issues with the online e-Visa application for multi-entry in regard to my residency and the online application has no ability to offer notes/messages or upload multiple docs so doing it in person would be easier. Would an agent be able to assist if need be?
TLDR : Answer Summary
A US citizen cannot upgrade from a Visa on Arrival to a Multi-entry Visa while in Thailand. Instead, a Multi-entry Visa must be obtained prior to entering the country. The conversation highlights the difficulties the user is facing with the online e-Visa application, particularly regarding residency documentation, and seeks advice on alternative options, including assistance from visa agents.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Carlos *********
No, you came in visa exempt and would have to leave the country to apply for any visa.
Sammy *********
You mean multiple Re-Entry permit.... It is seperate from your visa.... Two different things
Greg ***********
I am a US citizen and if I enter on a Visa on arrival
*** a US citizen does not enter VOA. He enters visa-exempt and receives a 60-days stay permit stamp
can I change/upgrade to a Multi-entry Visa while I am in Thailand?
*** no, you cannot. Who told you that you can?
I ask because I am having issues with the online e-Visa application for multi-entry in regard to my residency and the online application has no ability to offer notes/messages or upload multiple docs so doing it in person would be easier.
*** you can download a free App for the merging of multiple .pdf documents into ONE document, which you can upload
Would an agent be able to assist if need be?
*** it seems not to be the question if, but it seems to be that you urgently need an agent to hold your hands
*** a US citizen does not enter VOA. He enters visa-exempt and receives a 60-days stay permit stamp
can I change/upgrade to a Multi-entry Visa while I am in Thailand?
*** no, you cannot. Who told you that you can?
I ask because I am having issues with the online e-Visa application for multi-entry in regard to my residency and the online application has no ability to offer notes/messages or upload multiple docs so doing it in person would be easier.
*** you can download a free App for the merging of multiple .pdf documents into ONE document, which you can upload
Would an agent be able to assist if need be?
*** it seems not to be the question if, but it seems to be that you urgently need an agent to hold your hands
Don *********
ORIGINAL POSTERGreg Alexander LOL....you must be a lot of fun at the party....thanks anyways for your input.
Reply to
Don *********
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Graeme ******
Nope a multi entry visa cannot be upgraded in thailand. You need to get it before you leave .
Don *********
ORIGINAL POSTERGood question....the form simple had fairly generic choices which were tourist and single or multiple entry......so I picked multiple but it did not give the designation, at least I did not see it and I was looking for that kind of info.
John **********
No you can't. If you want to get the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa you need to apply for it before you travel
Atrustwor*********
Are you applying for the TR60 multiple entry?
Or the OA multiple entry visa ? As the Non O 90 day is not multiple entry
Or the OA multiple entry visa ? As the Non O 90 day is not multiple entry
Atrustwor*********
All application are online not in person anymore
Kevin ******
Residency? How many days are you planning to be here? You don’t qualify for a VOA, rather, you get a 60 day exemption. Or are you looking at a Non-O /OA?
Don *********
ORIGINAL POSTERKevin Hall Hi the issue is my current residency, not Thailand. I have dual citizenship US and St Kitts (in the Caribbean) when I applied I put St Kitts as my residency and the form auto-populated the Royal Thai embassy in Ottawa Canada which is the correct embassy for the Caribbean,, but the Visa came back asking for additional documentation that I am allowed to be a resident in Canada.....So all I could do it attach my St Kitts passport and hope they figure it out. As such I am concerned it may get rejected as they may not catch their error and there is no way to send a message to the processing agent. Hence why I am exploring alternatives.
Kevin ******
Ok I understand. I am familiar with the Ottawa Embassy and understand that you are applying through Thaievisa. Still, whenever I had a question (it’s the Embassy I use), I wrote to the embassy directly and got help. Maybe it’s worth a try .
Don *********
ORIGINAL POSTERKevin Hall Thanks.....I did send a email to the Visa related email listed.....have not heard back yet, but fingers crossed.....I am just exploring backup ideas as I am booked to arrive March 5th....so still have time but they do seem slow to process.
Donald **********
Don Lockman I applied for a different type of visa from a third country where I was working, not the U.K. which is my home country. I was asked to provide proof I was legitimately in that country and sent a copy of my work visa (together with my entry stamp which I had already provided) and I received my visa within 2 working days of my initial application. If you take the helpful advice of contacting the Thai embassy in Canada, I’m sure you’ll be fine.
Don *********
ORIGINAL POSTERDonald Campbell Thanks for the info
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Don *********
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Peter ********
I'm having online issues also for the multi entry visa,can't even get past the setting up a account, nightmare
Atrustwor*********
Peter Loader your in Perth ? I am also ex Perth
Message me i will try help you out
Message me i will try help you out
Peter ********
AtrustworthyJaguar Yes I am ,are U in Perth currently?
Atrustwor*********
Peter Loader nope i do 2 and 2 Perth i am back Sunday morning
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Atrustwor*********
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