Answered4 years ago
Can a Visa Waiver entry be converted to a Non-O retirement visa in Thailand?
I will be going to ChiangMai Jan 7 to start proceedings for a retirement visa. I am a US Citizen so I can enter on a Visa Waver entry.
Question is, can a Visa Waver entry be converted to the Non O retirement? I would apply the 60 day tourist visa but I am in South China and the covid chaos here prevents me from being able to go to the Thai consulate to do so. I have also read that US will not issue one without me being in US (my plane ticket would give it away).
If it can't be, then I need to figure out another way.
Thanks in Advance!!
Question is, can a Visa Waver entry be converted to the Non O retirement? I would apply the 60 day tourist visa but I am in South China and the covid chaos here prevents me from being able to go to the Thai consulate to do so. I have also read that US will not issue one without me being in US (my plane ticket would give it away).
If it can't be, then I need to figure out another way.
Thanks in Advance!!
Answer summary
Yes, it is possible to convert a Visa Waiver entry to a Non-O retirement visa while in Thailand. However, you must act quickly to set up a Thai bank account and ensure that you have enough days left on your visa (typically 14-21 days) to apply for the conversion. It is essential to have the required funds in your bank account (800,000 THB) ready for the application, and if necessary, you may need to extend your visa before applying for the Non-O visa.
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Steve ******
OPThanks Everyone!! Understood on the Quickly!! I will likely need to set up the account and apartment then fly to Hong Kong for a few days then back to Thailand so that should reset the clock (I think).
Sandra **********
@Steve *****
for 1900b you can get a 30 day extention with the 45 upon arrival it's plenty of time.Sandra **********
If you have trouble getting a bank account go to Bangkok bank and buy life insurance which is cheaper than the fee to open an account and then get the bank account free for both your wife and yourself. You will need to keep the account at 800k for three months. If your wife is 50 you will need to do the same for her.
Steve ********
@Sandra *********
Ok. I know many banks are reluctant to open bank accounts for tourists. I was speaking from a non-immigrant visa viewpoint, and it's been easy for meSteve ********
@Sandra *********
There's no fee to open a bank account and there's no requirement to buy insurance. This is a con by some banks, as the tellers operate on a commission. It's easy to open a bank account with passport and lease. I've done it in three different banksSandra **********
@Steve *******
on a tourist visa in Koh Samui it's impossible... We went to each bank until we got the tip to buy a product that comes with a bank account. Only Bangkok bank had these services.Sandra **********
We came here from Hainan, managed to get it all done with only one extention. No border run needed. You can pm me. They will take into consideration your Chinese residence as being an Asian citizen and be more understanding.
Will ************
Yes, come in on 45 day exempt, go to the immigration office in your province in the first week and apply for Non-o visa (you get 3 months), immediately open a Thai bank account and transfer in 800k baht. A month before your 90 day Non-o expires apply for a 1 year extension.
Steve *******
@Will ***********
You need a Thai bank account to get the Non Imm O visa.Will ************
@Steve ******
got my initial one in the UK and banged 800k in my Thai bank account months before that. Getting a bank account is a piece of cake.Steve *******
@Will ***********
Yep, that's the best way but the OP wants to get his in Thailand so he needs a Thai bank account to get the visa first.
John **********
@Will ***********
almost. They need the 800k in the bank transferred from overseas before applying for the initial 90 day Non-O visa. They need to keep it there to apply for the extension.Will ************
@John *********
no its a minimum of 2 months before the 1 year extension.John **********
@Will ***********
that's correct. But it's also a requirement for the initial Non-O visa. Most offices don't require the 800k to be seasoned for any length of time to apply for the initial visa.
Stuart *********
You’ll need 21 days (15 for some offices) left on a valid stamp to apply to convert to a non O in country. You can do it from an exempt entry but you need to get your ducks in a row fairly quickly.
Brandon ************
It's possible, but you need to move quickly once you arrive to get a bank account setup and the funds transferred. This is because you need 14-21 days left on your stay (varies by office) to apply. If you can't get everything setup in time, you'd need to apply for your visa exempt extension first, then apply for your conversion to the non-O visa.
Garrett ***********
Yes, you can transition a visa exempt entry to a Non-O retirement in country.
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