Answered5 years ago
Can I activate a Non OA visa in Thailand if I applied for it from the US?
Can I activate a Non OA visa once I’m in Thailand? I applied from the US and don’t think it will be ready before I leave. Figured I would just do a 30 day entry (buying a refundable return ticket) and adjust it once I get the visa emailed to me. I have all the other paperwork needed and have my Thailand pass. Thanks for any info
Answer summary
You cannot activate a Non OA visa while in Thailand. Once approved, you must leave Thailand and re-enter to activate it. Consider switching to a Non-O visa based on retirement, which can be done within Thailand. Ensure your paperwork is in order to facilitate the process.
21 repliesnewest first
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Chris *******
Hope i have this right, apologies if not.
I am going to make an assumption that you are entering on basis of retirement?
I would drop the OA idea and just go for Non-O based on retirement when you arrive which can be done in country.
The challenge you will have is with the first entry you get 30 days (plus one 30 day extention)
to start that process of 90 day non-o based on retirement.
If you have all the paperwork should be relatively straight forward.
The OA requires longterm insurance, non-o doesn't.
Your challenge will be to get setup and get your money situation sorted for your year extension.
It really shouldn't be difficult if you affairs are in order.
I am going to make an assumption that you are entering on basis of retirement?
I would drop the OA idea and just go for Non-O based on retirement when you arrive which can be done in country.
The challenge you will have is with the first entry you get 30 days (plus one 30 day extention)
to start that process of 90 day non-o based on retirement.
If you have all the paperwork should be relatively straight forward.
The OA requires longterm insurance, non-o doesn't.
Your challenge will be to get setup and get your money situation sorted for your year extension.
It really shouldn't be difficult if you affairs are in order.
James ********
It cannot be activated inside of Thailand.
Once you get it approved you will have to depart and reenter Thailand to activate it.
You may wish to ponder a tourism trip to Cambodia sometime in the OA visa first year. Or Singapore if it opens.
Once you get it approved you will have to depart and reenter Thailand to activate it.
You may wish to ponder a tourism trip to Cambodia sometime in the OA visa first year. Or Singapore if it opens.
Tom ********
OP@James *******
would Cambodia be the easiest place for me to go to to activate it? I figure I can get 60 days when I arrive (with the extension).Tom ********
OPThanks James Miller. Hard to tell but was this you who took the trip or someone else? It seems to be my best option
Tom ********
OP@James *******
makes sense. Thanks againJames ********
But must get Cambodia visa online...stay a week tourism...get permission to depart and fly to BKK or Phuket...watch for Thai arrival requirements...
Bangkok flights are cheap..
Bangkok flights are cheap..
James ********
@Tom *******
another expat...but it appears simple. And as you will have the new OA visa approved no need to visit the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh.James ********
@Tom *******
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/?ref=shareTom ********
OP@James *******
thanks. I will probably just go on my planned flight next week and worry about it once I’m there. Appreciate the infoGarrett ***********
No
Tom ********
OP@Garrett **********
all you say is no without any explanation. What’s up man?Garrett ***********
@T**
Sorry, simple answer is the Non-OA cannot be obtained inside Thailand (or activated). Not sure why it hasn't been issued yet, but if you do enter Thailand before your Non-OA is issued, the only way to activate it would be to fly out and come back in.Tom ********
OP@Garrett **********
thanks for the explanation. The LA Consulate is playing hardball saying it takes up to 15 days and no expediting a visa request.Tom ********
OP@Garrett **********
I submitted all the paperwork online and paid the visa fee. They said they don’t expedite visa requests. What else can I do?Tom ********
OPBobby Howard thanks. That looks to be my best option. Changing everything at this point would not be easy
Bobby ********
Tom Wilson. You only have two choices. Delay your trip until you have the visa, or enter on an exempt basis and at some point have a trip out and back in to activate the OA.
Tom ********
OP@Garrett **********
why?
Steve *******
@Tom *******
@Gar****
is correct. The Non imm OA is activated on entry into the countryGarrett ***********
@Tom *******
Because you can't.Tom ********
OP@Garrett **********
any recommendations on what I can do? I leave this WednesdayTom ********
OP@Garrett **********
please explain. Just want to make sure you fill understand my status with the visa appActivity
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