Answered6 years ago
Can I apply for a Non-B visa while waiting for my Thailand Elite visa approval?
I’m currently applying for a Thailand elite visa from Singapore but it seems to take ages for it to get approved.
If I were to get a non-B visa first in the meantime, will I be able to get my thailand elite visa affixed in Thailand when everything gets approved and can I cancel my Non-B and go on the elite visa then?
I’m looking to travel back in December.
Advice will be greatly appreciated.
If I were to get a non-B visa first in the meantime, will I be able to get my thailand elite visa affixed in Thailand when everything gets approved and can I cancel my Non-B and go on the elite visa then?
I’m looking to travel back in December.
Advice will be greatly appreciated.
Answer summary
The user is seeking advice on whether they can obtain a Non-B visa while awaiting approval for their Thailand Elite visa application, which has been pending for about 1.5 months. They also inquire if they can switch to the Elite visa after it is approved and cancel the Non-B visa. Community comments provide varying insights, including concerns about work eligibility with the Elite visa, the typical approval timeline for the Elite visa, and suggestions on obtaining a tourist visa.
26 repliesnewest first
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Thomas ********************
What is "ages"? Approval took ~3 weeks in my case.
Thomas ********************
Happily, that I have no experience with. I did my Elite inside Thailand before all this malarky.
Bryan *****
OP@Thomas *******************
lucky you, oh well, let’s see how all these plays out eventually. Thomas ********************
Ok, that's strange. Have you tried emailing? They're usually quite responsive.
Bryan *****
OP@Thomas *******************
yes I did but they are saying it’s still under processing and will keep me updated. How long does it take for me to get the COE once I’ve paid when it gets approved?Bryan *****
OP@Thomas *******************
I’m probably at 1.5 months now and have no news on the approval. 
Brian **********
Just ask your thai embassy for a 60 day tourists visa. They will issue it for some countries
Jane ***********
Yes you should be able to do that. Although be aware that 'the rules' change all the time. That said, once you're in Thailand it's pretty easy to find a way to stay TBH.
Nick *******
@Jane **********
is it still? Do share if you have a way to avoid being ejected into the pandemic and paying through the nose to get back in just in time to spend xmas in isolated quarantine, just to complete the last 15 months of 2 year language course having paid for 12 and only got 9. p.s. at the time of starting the course it was possible to do the 2nd year without leaving, now suddenly it isn't, AFTER covid and quarantine came along. Easy to find a legit way to stay my arse. about thb100k for a year or 500k for 5, during which time you can't work.
Jane ***********
@Nick ******
Well buying an Elite visa is what the OP was asking about. He didn't mention wanting to work or do a language course so your little rant isn't relevant to the situation he mentioned. But I hope you feel better getting it off your chest, your story is just fascinating 🙄Jane ***********
@Nick ******
fair comment. I’m glad to hear that 😀Nick *******
@Jane **********
To be fair you made a very general statement that finding a way to stay here is easy, at a time when the exact opposite is true for probably 50% of foreigners still in Thailand. But I did go off on a tangential rant, sorry. And yes it helped a little 
Steve *******
@Jane **********
You cant cancel a visa only an extention of stay.Jane ***********
@Steve ******
Well you might not be able to cancel it but I believe you can apply for Elite Visa in country whilst on a different visa.Rob ******
Its not worth it .
Michael ********
@Rob *****
it may be to him how do you knowRob ******
@Michael *******
Yes , just my opinion . i have had various types of visas around the world .There is nothing even close to value in buying this visa .
Rob ******
@Michael *******
Not when it lacks the punch where and when you need it . Tea money is more valuable than that Visa . Michael ********
@Rob *****
so do I, but costs/worth are relative to the persons needs and wantsRob ******
@Michael *******
Yes , I get paid to go there only . Michael ********
@Rob *****
450 quid for 3 month Nigerian visaMichael ********
If you are coming to work (non b) why are you getting elite ?
You cannot work on elite yet ?
You can get tourist visa into country from Singapore and you now have semi commercial flights
You cannot work on elite yet ?
You can get tourist visa into country from Singapore and you now have semi commercial flights
J ******************
Elite Visa is not exempt from quarantine.
Karim ***************
@J *****************
there is talk of reducing quarantine for Singaporeans, “again”... Wouldnt hold my breath on that though. J ******************
@Karim **************
key word is talk Bryan *****
OP@Michael *******
I’m managing the business remotely from singapore now but helps to get a visa to allow a longer period of stay and the hassle of quarantine or travel restrictions being changed suddenly again. Activity
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