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Can I activate my Non O visa by doing a border run to Laos instead of returning to France?

Non O visa visa exemption border run Thailand immigration visa activation expat advice

Jun 1, 2024

5 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello everyone, I hope you are all well. I have a quick question. If I don't receive my Non O visa before my flight date, I will have to enter Thailand on visa exempt. When the Non O arrives via email, can I validate it by flying to and from a nearby country (Laos) or must I return to my country of residence (France) where the Visa is from and fly back? Needless to say, the latter option would be a pain and very expensive. 

Thanks. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

If you do not receive your Non O visa before your flight to Thailand and enter the country on a visa exemption, you can activate your Non O visa by doing a border run to a nearby country like Laos. It is not necessary to return to your home country (France) for activation. A border run allows you to leave and re-enter Thailand, which validates your visa upon return.

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.

Bob **********

Yes

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Graham ******

No Visa is entry specific. Once you have a valid Visa you can (exit and re-) enter the country at any entry point (air, land or sea) departing from any other country to activate it.

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Kay ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you, Graham. Have a nice day.

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Kay ******

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Terary **********

Border run will do. I live in Pattaya and there are agents that will run you to Cambodia. Round trip 3500 - takes about 8 hours. Flights will likely cost a little more and take a bit longer (taxi, wait at the airport there and back, etc, etc).

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Janet ***************

We call it boarder run. Cambodia

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Brandon ************

You do not have to return to your home country. You just need to do a border bounce to activate your visa. You can leave and return the same day.

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Richard ********

@Brandon ***********

is land border bounce ok or only by air ?

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Brandon ************

@Richard *******

either is fine

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Richard ********

@Brandon ***********

🙏

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Richard ********

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Kay ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks Brandon. That is a relief. 😘

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Kay ******

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The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

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