Ask question

Can a US citizen on an OA multiple entry visa stay in Thailand while traveling to other countries?

OA Visa Travel Restrictions Visa Application

Nov 14, 2019

5 years ago

George *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi, I'm a US citizen and had the idea of trying to get an OA multiple entry visa, as I'm 51yo and can prove the funds they ask for.  I wanted to stay abroad a year and be able to leave Thailand and go to Europe, Vietnam, etc. during the year then go back to Thailand for the remainder of the year.  But I wanted to visit numerous sights in Thailand and stay at numerous hostels.  It seems I might not be able to do that according to the info needed about lodgings.

2,208

views

2

likes

60

all likes

24

replies

0

images

8

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

A US citizen is considering applying for an OA multiple entry visa to live in Thailand for a year while traveling to other countries like Europe and Vietnam. Concerns were raised about lodging requirements for the visa application, with several commenters suggesting that initial bookings would suffice to meet the consulate's requirements. There were discussions about transitioning to a work visa for teaching English after arriving in Thailand, which is generally not possible within the first year of holding a retirement visa. Alternatively, it was recommended to apply for a Non-Immigrant B visa for work or a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) to explore options for teaching.

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.

George *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I noticed on the Miami consulate page that multiple entry tourist visa dropdown doesn't work. Does anyone know if you cannot get this there?

Like

Reply

Christopher *********

I got my 6 month METV from Chicago last year. The requirements there were less than Washington and I also figured turn around time would be quicker than NYC or LA. You do have to send your passport off and they’ll mail it back.

Like

Reply

Tod *********

Unless I'm mistaken NONE of the honorary thai consulates in the US can issue a 6 month METV.. (Just like they can't issue year long multi-entry Non-Immigrant Type visas anymore)

You need to use the thai consulates in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York or Washington DC..

Like

Reply

Reply to

Tod *********

Reply

Robert *******

You can not change visa within the first year of validity of this visa.

Like

Reply

Benjamin ******

I would think long and hard about teaching English here in Thailand. Also make sure you are fully qualified as well.

Like

Reply

George *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I think I like your second idea Robert. I know I want to stay abroad for at least a year, and I do need to see if teaching English in Thailand is something that really fits me. And I know if I don't work my money will too quickly run out as I have no retirement benefits coming in.

Like

Reply

Robert *******

Best is to find the job, get the documents of your employer and apply for the Non Immigrant B visa before you go. Second option is to apply for the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa which is valid for 6 months and can be stretched to a stay of 270 days that will give you enough time to find an employer willing to convert this tourist visa into the Non Immigrant B visa and get you the Work Permit

Like

Reply

George *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

So if you knew you wanted to stay in Thailand for a year, at least, and you are considering possibly teaching English there, then is it best to just get a tourist visa for 60 days instead of the "retirement" visa for one year?

Like

Reply

Reply to

George *********

Reply

George *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I will follow all this advice to the T. I have one other question. If I get there on this retirement visa for a year. And if I decide I want to start teaching English there, is there a way to change that visa and get a work visa with a school there? Or should I not get a retirement visa but a tourist visa first? I only ask this because although I did sell my house I didn't get more than 160,000 usd for it and don't want to spend it all.

Like

Reply

George *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks Robert I will do that, unfortunately the Miami consulate can't do the long term visas which stinks

Like

Reply

Joe ***********

@George ********

- The Miami Consulate is an Honorary Royal Thai Counsel General. These Honorary Counsel Generals are contractors - usually not Thai Nationals. Starting several years ago their authority to issue various Visas has been cut back rather drastically.

Like

Reply

James ********

@George ********

again keep it simple...no need to tell them you are visiting other countries.

Like

Reply

James ********

@George ********

no they cannot.

Like

Reply

Reply to

James ********

Reply

James ********

Keep it simple...book a hotel in Bangkok for first two weeks...a cancelable hotel booking. That should be enough to satisfy them as the visa is a retirement visa. No need for full year of bookings or of a return flight to USA. I used the address of a Thai friend...period.

Like

Reply

James ********

If you do not want to buy health insurance...apply for the METV visa...multiple entry visa. With planning you can stretch it to 9 months in Thailand. Ninety days at a time.

A METV may be a good choice for you as you wish to travel in and out of Thailand. If in future you wish to get Non O or O-A visa for retirement you will be better prepared. Think about the METV.

Like

Reply

James ********

@George ********

if you are going to get the O-A visa you will need to buy health insurance.

**************************

Like

Reply

James ********

@George ********

you are going to Thailand for one year...

retirement. As its Multi-entry that year can be stretched to almost two.

Like

Reply

George *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I've never had health insurance if anyone has any advice I'd appreciate it. Somehow always been healthy

Like

Reply

George *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks James, this alleviated my worrying about things.

Like

Reply

Reply to

George *********

Reply

Robert *******

The Thai consulate will understand you like to explore the country and not sit on one location, give them a call as most Consulates only needs this accommodation for the first few days or week

If you have any inquiry about a visa, Please call 212-754-1770 Ext.303 during business hour

Mon-Fri 9.00 am.-12.30 pm.

Like

Reply

Steve *********

I don't understand why not. What lodging information are you referring to?

Like

Reply

Steve *********

@George ********

as I understand it, they want to know your first address ... if they want to know more, it's news to me.

Like

Reply

George *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Evidence of accomodation requirement, but my plan was to jump around to different hostels as I photograph many areas.

Like

Reply

George *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Mainly this: as I have not wanted to book in advance a years worth of hostel stays. This from the Thai embassy in NY. Three copies of evidence of accommodation for your stay in

Like

Reply

Reply to

George *********

Reply

Thai Visa Advice

... members · 40% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.

Thai Visa Advice

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice

Can I apply for a Non-OA visa while in Thailand on a ME tourist visa?

11 comments

6 months ago

What are the pros and cons of 90-day O vs 1-year OA visa for a US retiree planning to stay in Thailand?

55 comments

7 months ago

Is a retirement visa the only option for living in Thailand for a year?

44 comments

7 months ago

Is it possible for US citizens to live in Thailand and Vietnam by using tourist visas without tying up funds in a Thai bank?

60 comments

10 months ago

What are the requirements for staying in Thailand on an O or OA visa, including minimum stay and multiple entry options?

25 comments

10 months ago

Can an American citizen apply for a 6-month METV while in Thailand?

16 comments

a year ago

Do I need a return ticket for the 30-day tourist entry in Thailand and how does the non-OA visa work?

10 comments

a year ago

Is the Non-Immigrant O-A visa a multi-entry or single-entry visa for retirees?

9 comments

a year ago

What visa options do I have as a US citizen planning to stay in Thailand for 6-8 months?

11 comments

a year ago

Can I repeatedly apply for a Non-O visa for 90 days each time in Thailand?

16 comments

a year ago

Can a retired 57-year-old US citizen obtain a retirement visa in Thailand based on income?

11 comments

a year ago

What visa options are available for a USA citizen planning to retire and travel frequently to Thailand?

6 comments

2 years ago

What are the requirements and benefits of the OA visa in Thailand for expats?

9 comments

2 years ago

What is the process for multiple entries on a non-immigrant O visa and retirement visa in Thailand?

5 comments

2 years ago

Can I switch from a non-OA visa to a non-O visa upon re-entering Thailand after my OA visa expires?

10 comments

2 years ago

Can I frequently travel to the USA while on a retirement visa in Thailand?

16 comments

3 years ago

Can I return to Thailand on a visa-exempt status to apply for a Retirement O Visa after using a Tourist Visa?

12 comments

3 years ago

What are the best visa options for a 75-year-old USA citizen seeking a four-month vacation in Thailand?

33 comments

3 years ago

What are the best visa options for a US citizen planning to stay in Thailand long-term before obtaining a Non-OA visa?

17 comments

4 years ago

Can I renew my OA Retirement Visa in Bangkok before leaving for the US and what do I need for re-entry?

9 comments

4 years ago

What Visa Options Are Available for a US Citizen with an Expired Non-Immigrant OA Visa Who Wants to Stay Longer in Thailand?

5 comments

5 years ago

Can I apply for a Thai OA visa from the US if I don't have permanent residency there?

9 comments

5 years ago

What is the best visa option for an American expat wanting to stay in Chiang Mai for most of 2020?

44 comments

5 years ago

What are my options for a long-term visa in Thailand without frequent extensions?

0 comments

6 years ago

What is the best visa option for someone who plans to visit Thailand for multiple short stays each year?

8 comments

6 years ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.