Answered5 years ago

Can I enter Thailand on a 30-day tourist visa and then apply for a new Retirement 'O' visa?

Retirement visa NON-O visa Visa rules Visa extension Tourist visa Thailand immigration

Rick *******

asked Apr 6, 2022

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Searched and no definite info. My wife and l left Thailand and my extension of stay on my Retirement 'O' visa has expired. Can l enter on a 30 day tourist on arrival visa and immediately apply for a new retirement 'O' visa. My passports have my previous extension of stay history (7 years worth). Will l need departing Thailand ticket?

Answer summary

The user inquires about the possibility of entering Thailand on a 30-day tourist visa after their Retirement 'O' visa extension has expired, and whether they can then apply for a new Retirement 'O' visa immediately. Comments clarify that they can apply for a Non-O visa while in Thailand, require at least 15 days remaining on their stamp (21 in Chiang Mai), and that the need for a departing ticket depends on the airline's policy. It's important to note the correct terminology used: entering on a visa exempt basis rather than a visa on arrival.

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

Stuart answered your question, but just want to make sure you are using the correct terminology as it can make a big difference at times. You'd be entering "visa exempt" not visa on arrival. They are very very different.

5 years ago

Rick *******

Ok, one of the 64 countries. I am Canadian but arriving from USA

5 years ago

Maxim ***********

@Rick ******

I'm Canadian too, you have Visa Exempt entry. Doesn't matter which country you are arriving from.

5 years ago

Rick *******

Can you explain the difference between visa on arrival and "visa exempt" please.

5 years ago

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

@Rick ******

visa exempt means you don't have any visa at all. You are simply stamped in for 30 days when you arrive, and you can extend this for 30 more days. It's based on an agreement between Thailand and specific countries.

Visa on arrival is when you PAY for a visa when you land in Thailand. These usually cannot be extended and are much more limited than visa exempt status. Sometimes they are only good for 15 days depending on the country you arrive from.

5 years ago

Stuart *********

You can apply for a Non O visa in Thailand. You’ll need at least 15 days left on your stamp (21 in Chiang Mai). Whether you need a departing ticket out of Thailand is usually up to the airline. Some don’t care, many will.

Previous history of visas and extensions are of no interest to immigration. They have your entry history in their database anyway.

5 years ago

Rick *******

Thank you for confirming.

5 years ago