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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.

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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?

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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.

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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..

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Tod *********

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Robert *******

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

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Benjamin ******

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

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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.

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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

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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?

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George *********

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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.

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George *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

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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.

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James ********

@George ********

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

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James ********

@George ********

no they cannot.

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James ********

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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.

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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.

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James ********

@George ********

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

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

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James ********

@George ********

you are going to Thailand for one year...

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

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George *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

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George *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks James, this alleviated my worrying about things.

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George *********

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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.

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Steve *********

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

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Steve *********

@George ********

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

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George *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

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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

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George *********

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