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Can I enter Thailand as a tourist if my Non-O Visa is still pending?
Non-O VisaThailand VisaVisa Processing DelayVisa RegulationsTravel to ThailandAustralian EmbassyVisa Application Tips
Feb 22, 2026
2 months ago
Craig *********
ORIGINAL POSTERHi, I am an Australian based in Melbourne and have applied for a Non O Immigrant E visa via the embassy in Canberra.
The application was lodged in mid January and is still in the processing stage. My flight is not until mid March but I am starting to have concerns regarding the timing.
I think I saw a recent post where people mentioned similar delays with processing of applications from Canberra.
If I haven't received the visa prior to my flight is it OK to come in as a tourist and do a quick trip to Malaysia once I have got the Visa and use it when re-entering Thailand?
I have to drive up to Sydney soon, I might drop into Canberra on the way for peace of mind.
Are there any Australians who have gone directly to the embassy before? As I cannot see where you can book an appointment for a Visa, no problem for other services but not a visa.
The application was lodged in mid January and is still in the processing stage. My flight is not until mid March but I am starting to have concerns regarding the timing.
I think I saw a recent post where people mentioned similar delays with processing of applications from Canberra.
If I haven't received the visa prior to my flight is it OK to come in as a tourist and do a quick trip to Malaysia once I have got the Visa and use it when re-entering Thailand?
I have to drive up to Sydney soon, I might drop into Canberra on the way for peace of mind.
Are there any Australians who have gone directly to the embassy before? As I cannot see where you can book an appointment for a Visa, no problem for other services but not a visa.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is an Australian based in Melbourne who applied for a Non-O Immigrant E visa via the embassy in Canberra, encountering delays in processing. They are concerned about traveling to Thailand in March without having received the visa. Community responses suggest that if the visa is issued after arrival in Thailand, the user can enter as a tourist under the visa exemption rule and could leave to activate the visa. Others shared their experiences with visa processing timelines and advised contacting the embassy for updates.
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.
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Ken ********
Yes
Paul *******
immigrant e visa ???
John *********
Never buy a plane ticket until AFTER your visa is approved.
Mark **********
Send them an email and ask them. I did when thought my visa was taking a bit long
Paul **********
I have just recently had my non immigrant OA visa 1 year approved
Through the thai consulate in Canberra
I received it the day before I flew to Bangkok
This has happened 4 years running
It always comes in time
Through the thai consulate in Canberra
I received it the day before I flew to Bangkok
This has happened 4 years running
It always comes in time
Mick *****
I was told by someone who worked at that embassy, If they are busy which they generally are they prioritize applications based on the planned departure date you provided. No need to panic yet.
Craig *********
ORIGINAL POSTERMick Lor Recent election and New Year celebrations, it makes sense that prioties are not on processing visas
Ian **********
Mick Lor Correct. In the UK my visa was sent to me the day before my flight
Reply to
Ian **********
Reply
Glen ********
Send them an email , it worked for me
Magnus *********************
If it would be you don’t get your visa, so yes you can travel into Thailand without visa, you go under “visa exemption rule” and permitted to stay 60 days free. Do the TDAC (digital arrival card, it’s free).
After your visa is approved you need to visit any immigration to have it stamped in. If local immigration can do that for you or you actually need to travel outside is up to immigration office. Immigration office or immigration at airport is same people.
Send the embassy an email first and ask. Seen other post from other countries that they also worried about not knowing, doubt it some offices only. Could be the Chinese new year celebrations that cause the delay.
After your visa is approved you need to visit any immigration to have it stamped in. If local immigration can do that for you or you actually need to travel outside is up to immigration office. Immigration office or immigration at airport is same people.
Send the embassy an email first and ask. Seen other post from other countries that they also worried about not knowing, doubt it some offices only. Could be the Chinese new year celebrations that cause the delay.
Colin *********
@Magnus ********************
Moderator, @Brandon ***********
already said a couple of hours before your comment, that an exit and re-enter is required to validate the visa if one has already entered Thailand Visa Exempt... Google it.As for the Chinese New Year, it is neither an Australian or Thai public holiday, so it has absolutely no bearing on how long it takes for visas to be processed.
I don't know where you're getting your information from, but I'm pretty sure that you commented on another post in the past few days, where people (maybe even myself also) corrected you.
Magnus *********************
Colin Boyland hmm, like I wrote if it’s needed to exit and re-enter. I wrote it as 2 options, still immigration personnel is same, in an office or at airport not matter. And fact is that not all immigration offices do follow same rules. If it is exit only then so be it,
I live in Thailand and my family is part Chinese, we celebrate it, not our company since it’s not a public holiday. That doesn’t mean workers in other countries that has Chinese ancestors take a vacation during this time does it?
I’m go far out not now in a way that maybe even you can relate to… one worker get a flue, and the next and suddenly 5 people are sick, leaves 3 workers doing 8 people’s job… got it? Would this be in some way a possibility?
Yeah I know, it always happens when people need to work but their friends are free… the common cold 😂
Corrected in what way and what post?
(I will follow the trace and look) maybe missed something)
Getting my information 😆 I get my information from same place as everyone else…
I live in Thailand and my family is part Chinese, we celebrate it, not our company since it’s not a public holiday. That doesn’t mean workers in other countries that has Chinese ancestors take a vacation during this time does it?
I’m go far out not now in a way that maybe even you can relate to… one worker get a flue, and the next and suddenly 5 people are sick, leaves 3 workers doing 8 people’s job… got it? Would this be in some way a possibility?
Yeah I know, it always happens when people need to work but their friends are free… the common cold 😂
Corrected in what way and what post?
(I will follow the trace and look) maybe missed something)
Getting my information 😆 I get my information from same place as everyone else…
Brandon ************
@Magnus ********************
going to immigration is not an option. The ONLY way to activate a visa is by leaving and entering. And asking the embassy is useless. They have no say in immigration matters and don't know anything about them. It's a completely different government agency and they do not communicate.
Reply to
Brandon ************
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Mick ******
Weird. I applied online and got mine next day all be it 2 years ago.
Steven *******
I did my non o over the xmas new year holidays. Took 10 working days, received it 2 days before departure, note, it sat saying pending document check the whole time once submitted.
Patong ******
I applied for the DTV 4 weeks ago still pending document check I got a law firm handling my application in Thailand they emailed the embassy in Canberra this week they didn’t even respond!!
Geoff *****
Patong Jeff I used Thai law firm to lodge my DTV visa and got it within 15 days
Patong ******
Geoff Hay Hi Geoff where are you from ? I’m told the Canberra embassy isn’t exactly the quickest at theses things unfortunately
Reply to
Patong ******
Reply
Colin *********
Patong Jeff did you lodge your application outside of Thailand, which is required? They may be checking where you are and where you were when lodging your application. They probably wouldn't like you bringing a lawyer into it when it's not a legal matter.
Patong ******
Colin Boyland hey mate yes I was and still am home in Australia I’m dumb with technology and the firm is based in Thailand they lodge on your behalf it’s quite normal process and less chance of mistakes being made
The Thai B embassy in Canberra is apparently not very quick from my immigration lawyer’s experience
The Thai B embassy in Canberra is apparently not very quick from my immigration lawyer’s experience
Reply to
Patong ******
Reply
Graham ******
I did mine last October in less than 50 hours, l believe they look at departure dates you put on application as mine was done 1 week out from departing and as l said done lickety split.....don't stress!
Mark *******
I just done mine it took about 30 working days.don’t stress to much.if you are worried send them an email.and if there is a next time you need a visa use Sydney immigration much better than Canberra
Mark *******
I live in South Australia
Reply to
Atrustwor*********
Reply
Atrustwor*********
Mark Heard only Nsw people can use Sydney. Canberra for rest of Australia
Mark *******
AtrustworthyJaguar that is bullshit
Colin *********
Mark Heard no it's not, it's a fact
Atrustwor*********
Mark Heard go and check then. It changed obviously you dont know shit
Reply to
Atrustwor*********
Reply
Ant ***********
In the Australians in Thailand FB group
People still visiting embassy in Canberra to get info ( of course that’s if you are fairly local )
Many are reporting waiting
4 weeks
People still visiting embassy in Canberra to get info ( of course that’s if you are fairly local )
Many are reporting waiting
4 weeks
Paul *********
Submitted mine in December to the Sydney Consulate. Had the approval in 6 days, got it on a Sunday so looks like they do weekends.
Does seem to be taking a while but could be peak period.
Does seem to be taking a while but could be peak period.
Barrie *********
Paul Hadland Yes Tet Has just Finished
Vinson *******
Barrie Hassell TET is in Vietnam. Not Thailand
Paul *********
Vinson Dynes thank you, I thought it was a weird typo. I had nfi what TET was.
Reply to
Paul *********
Reply
Steve ********
Lucky you. I’m in Sydney and registered for Evisa but cant login. Frustrating part is you can’t talk to anyone too rectifiy the problem
Tony ********
Steve Walker Had the same issue because my email address had a hyphen in it,
The system doesn't accept special characters, created a new email address just for Evisa. Works great now.
The system doesn't accept special characters, created a new email address just for Evisa. Works great now.
Soulseeker **********
Steve Walker make sure you update web browser :)
Greg *********
Soulseeker Dolphlee or change browser, sometimes works too
Steve ********
Soulseeker Dolphlee thanks, I’ll give that ago
Reply to
Steve ********
Reply
Brandon ************
If the visa is issued after you arrive in Thailand, then yes, you can just do a border bounce to activate the visa.
All visa matters are now handled online, so I doubt they'll even let you onto the embassy property if you try to visit.
All visa matters are now handled online, so I doubt they'll even let you onto the embassy property if you try to visit.
Craig *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
Thanks for the confirmation, I wasn't sure if there would an issue with the flight details conflicting with the detail supplied in the visa applicationBrandon ************
@Craig ********
None of that matters once a visa is issued.Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
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