Answered5 years ago

Can I convert my 30-day visa exemption in Thailand to a different visa type for a longer stay?

Visa Extension Visa Conversion Non-O Visa Retirement Visa Visa Exemption Thailand Immigration

Fred ***********

asked Nov 18, 2021

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Hello.....I have 30 day visa exemption on arrival, I know I can extend it  for 30 more days. Will I be able to acquire a visa of a different type if I decide to stay in Thailand longer? ( I am over 50 ) 

FOLLOW UP : 

I called 2 dependable sources: For those interested in follow up visa conversion from VOA/ Tourist Visa . One can extend the VOA for 30 more days. One must apply for the visa conversion within 21 days of current visa .  IF applying for Retirement Visa ....one must apply for Non O Immigration first,  then subsequently apply for Retirement visa. The fees for Agent are approx 20,000 for non O application/ 7,500 for Retirement visa application.  ( Or 2,000 / 1,700 ) If one does the application themselves.   Happy Trails !

Answer summary

The user inquires about the possibility of converting a 30-day visa exemption to a different visa type for a longer stay in Thailand, particularly in relation to retirement visas since they are over 50. They mention their understanding of extending the visa exemption for another 30 days and the process to subsequently apply for a Non-O visa leading to a retirement visa. The conversation includes advice from other users on the correct terminology, urgency in application, and links to resources for the visa process.

9 repliesnewest first

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Fred ***********

Thanks Bobby, I had a retirement visa previously but it expired while on border lockdown in Vietnam. ( Do quickly? My understanding is that i can extend my stay for another 30 days? )

5 years ago

Stuart *********

Here’s the requirements from the Phuket office.

1st link is for obtaining the Non O inside the country. 2nd link is for the extension off of that.

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5 years ago

Kristen ********

@Stuart ********

Sorry to bother you again, am I correct that we can enter on a regular tourist visa, apply for the non-O (valid for 90 days), assuming that gets approved apply for retirement extension of 1 year? We are both over 50 and have the funds. If we only have 11 weeks in Thailand before returning to Canada for 2 months should we set up the bank account in April and apply for the non-O in September? I think that is what I am understanding? Are we still able to apply for an extension of stay beyond the 30 days if we are planning on being there from early April to the end of June? We are currently locked out of HK and I have not heard back from the Vancouver consulate if we can apply for the 90 day visa from outside our "home country" - I am Canadian and my husband is western but holds a HKSAR passport. Thank you so much.

5 years ago

Stuart *********

@Kristen *******

you can enter on a regular tourist visa, extend once and convert to a Non O in country

5 years ago

Fred ***********

Presently I am in 10 day quaruntine....beginning Nov 17..... ( Did I read a requirement that I had to apply for the non O 21 days before the 30 day expire ? Seems I best call an agent. Can anyone recommend one who will expedite this ?

5 years ago

Fred ***********

Thanks Stuart !

5 years ago

Stuart *********

Your local office may have slightly different requirements, but it’ll give you an idea of what’s needed.

5 years ago

Stephan ***********

Yes, you can apply for a Non-O-Visa, that gives you 90 more days. In that time you can prepare your things for the one year extension (bank account, money transfer, proof of income, marriage papers etc.). Check it out here...

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5 years ago

Bobby ********

Subtle difference but you don't have a Visa On Arrival, you are visa-exempt (so you don't actually have a visa). If you want to convert to "retirement" visa you'd better act quickly as you're running out of time. Go to your immigration office and request the list of requirements to obtain the non-O visa based in being over 50.

5 years ago