Answered7 years ago

Can I Apply for a Non Immigrant O Visa at a Consulate in Laos Without a Re-Entry Permit?

Non-O Visa O-A Visa Visa Application

Kevin ******

asked Jan 31, 2020

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Thank you for the recent post regarding changing an O-A Visa and/or extension of stay from an O-A visa to an O visa.

As my local Immigration Office (Nong Khai) will not issue a Non Immigrant O visa for retirement, it will be necessary for me to go to Laos to get one. 

My question is: Can I cross the border without a re entry permit (which will cancel my O-A extension of stay) and go directly to the Embassy or Consulate in Laos and apply for the visa or will it be necessary for me to come back to Thailand on a 30 day visa exempt stamp and then go back to Laos for the O visa. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

Answer summary

The user seeks advice on whether they can exit Thailand without a re-entry permit to apply for a Non Immigrant O visa at the Thai Consulate in Laos, given their current O-A visa situation.

11 repliesnewest first

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Robert *******

@Michael ********

Please respect the way this page works.

We do not share our personal telephone numbers on Social Media, unless you like all 32 thousand members call you

****

for advice.

Next we give advice according the rules and regulations, not tell them how to avoid them using agents and photo shop to fix things.

Problem is that soon more people start complaining about the "though" rules to get into Thailand in an honest way.

Advice is written on this page, so every single member can read, learn or comment if mistakes are made.

7 years ago

Gregor **********

I think you missed to ask your Nong Khai Immigration the correct question. Your question should not be if they "ISSUE" a Non-Imm-O visa, but if they "CONVERT" a 30-day exempt entry or a Tourist Visa into a Non-Imm-O (once your O/A has been made invalid by leaving Thailand without a re-entry permit and doing a simple border run. Then you don't need to visit the Embassy

7 years ago

Kevin ******

@Gregor *********

Thank you for your reply. We had quiet a long discussion and they were clear at what I (and many others here) wanted to do.

7 years ago

Gregor **********

. appreciated, will spell correct it, the Converse is the sports shoe 😉

7 years ago

Biff *******

@Gregor *********

Convert

7 years ago

Robert *******

If you leave Thailand without the Re-Entry Permit, your Extension of Stay will be cancelled with the exit stamp.

You can then directly apply at the Thai Consulate in Vientiane for a new Non Immigrant O visa.

Be aware that this consulate also wants to see the medical check and the police record.

7 years ago

Robert *******

What is the best? If you meet all the requirements and are fully prepared, you get what you ask for. To me this sound as the best.

Less copies, travel time, old or new building, man or woman behind the counter, young and attractive or old and grumpy, nice hotels, beer bars, restaurants all could be helpful to get to the best but are not visa related.

7 years ago