Can I enter Thailand on a visa exempt and then convert my O-A Visa upon arrival?

Question

I applied for an O-A Visa from the Thai Embassy in Washington DC on Jan 17 but have not yet received it. We are scheduled to fly to Thailand soon.  If I don’t receive the visa in time, can I enter Thailand on a visa exempt and then convert to the O-A in Thailand when I receive it?

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user is inquiring about the possibility of entering Thailand on a visa exemption if they do not receive their O-A Visa in time. Comments suggest that while you can enter visa exempt, you cannot convert to the O-A Visa while in Thailand; instead, you would need to leave the country and re-enter once you receive it. It's emphasized that applying for the visa ahead of time is crucial, and there are requirements, such as depositing 800,000 Thai baht in a Thai bank account, that must be met upon entering Thailand.

Mike ****** · Answer

I am surprised the DC Embassy is taking this long  I applied for my latest OA from the Los Angeles Thai consulate on a Saturday and received the E-Visa on Wednesday,  I got the Thai pass in 90 minutes.  Have you checked on the E-Visa dashboard to confirm the application status.  My application was held up for about two days because the Consulate wanted the Foreign Health Insurance Certificate uploaded even though I have a policy with Pacific Cross of Bangkok??? 555 or TIT.  I was lucky because Pacific Cross actually completed this form in 24 hours.

Brandon ************ · Answer

You can only use a Visa when entering the country. If you want to use your OA if you receive it after you enter Thailand, you'll need to leave and enter again.

James ******** · Answer

This points out the need to get one's visa before paying for flights and hotel bookings. Be patient and plan ahead at least 15 + days for visa issue followed by Thailand Pass.

I have placed related TOPICS on this post ....CLICK on each of them and all posted discussions will pop up to read and inform.

James ******** · Answer

It takes up to 15 days to process an OA visa...

I removed one post that listed hotels for the Test N Go in Bangkok...and related help in getting the Thailand Pass.

The OP has his hotel bookings and Thailand Pass...but NOT HIS OA VISA. Its the VISA he needs...not hotel. No travel assist from Bangkok can help him get his OA visa.

James ******** · Answer

You need a Thailand Pass to be able to fly to Thailand.

You can enter visa exempt and seek retirement in Thailand...

The OA is not available in Thailand which means you will have to deposit 800,000 Thai baht in a Thai bank account as soon as you enter Thailand.

If you do not have the 800,000 Thai baht to deposit...suggest you delay your flight and Thailand Pass entry plan until you have the OA visa you have applied for.

Are you travelling with your wife to Thailand?

Do you have a Thai wife in Thailand?

Are you the father of a Thai child?

Can I enter Thailand on a visa exempt and then convert my O-A Visa upon arrival?

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