Can I exit Thailand and re-enter to obtain my OA visa stamp after being approved while in Thailand?

Thailand immigration OA visa COVID-19 extensions Visa exempt Visa rules in Thailand Expats in Thailand

Mar 26, 2022

3 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Tell you what Wayne Frazzini how about we make your OWN post?  

I  arrived 10 Dec 21 on 30 day exemption from the USA, I received the 30  day extension and one 60 cv19 extension which expires 7 April.

I'm in Bangkok today and interested if anyone has feedback on the immigration office to best use to apply for another cv19 ext.

As  a side note, before leaving the USA, i applied for the OA visa with  Washington DC, thinking that if it was approved I could stay long-term  in Thailand.

I received approval 20 December 21 for my OA VISA.

Unfortunately,  immigration says it is not available to me since I was in Thailand when  it was approved. Confounding government policies?

Anyway,  a few people have said that I would be able to fly out of Thailand and  reenter to get my OA VISA stamp in my passport. 

I just am not sure what  to believe at this point. Is it reasonable to expect that? 

Thanks for your input!

Wayne

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Wayne arrived in Thailand on a 30-day visa exemption and has been granted an OA visa while in the country. However, immigration has stated that he cannot switch to the OA visa while already in Thailand. He asks for advice on whether he can exit Thailand and re-enter to get his OA visa stamp. Responses indicate he can do so, highlighting that the OA visa is for entry and suggesting he fly out to a nearby country before returning to Thailand with his OA visa documentation.

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Tod *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Of course immigrations here would tell you that the OA can't be used once you're here. it's a VISA you use to ENTER the country and you can't come in on visa exempt and then switch over to it 😕 It's a visa you use to get in to thailand 😉

BUT with that being said, 100% you CAN exit/re-enter the country, showing your eVisa PDF print out (and proof of your mandatory health insurance you used to get the OA visa issued) and you'll be stamped in for up to a year (or as long as your health insurance is good for)

You need to meet the entry requirements to get in (like everyone does with or without a visa) BUT that OA visa is still valid and you should plan to fly out and back to KL or Singapore then show that OA when you arrive.

That's the way to work it, don't even fool with another covid extension (which you do qualify for BTW) Now because you arrived visa exempt that means you would go to the Muang Thong Thani office in bangkok to get one should you go that route.

Personally I'd just plan to exit/re-enter at a country you can fly in in the morning and turn a round and fly right back out of in the afternoon. 😛

3 years ago

Wayne **********

@Tod ********

thank you for the reassurance. It is great to hear. I will go ahead and try this next week. Thanks again for your input.

3 years ago

James ********

@Wayne *********

you will need to have a Thailand Pass to enter Thailand.

Plan carefully.

Pending publishing in the Royal Gazzette soon....

...From April 1 NO RT-PCR COVID test is required to ENTER Thailand.

...If fully vaccinated you do the Test N Go one night in Bangkok.

...Be sure you have the required O-A visa insurance policy to show for both the Thailand Pass and OA stamped in end date...

...Could do a quik turnaround one night at Phnom Penh Cambodia from Bangkok.

3 years ago

Wayne **********

@James *******

Thai pass does make it more complicated, doesn't it?

Do I simply apply before I leave Bangkok? On a one day trip, if it takes 3 days to get a T Pass...

I have a 12 month, health insurance plan, I initiated in December, sounds like it might determine the OA period?

Then I guess I need a cv19 policy for 30 days again?

All a little confusing. Lol

3 years ago

James ********

@Wayne *********

yes you can apply for the Thailand Pass while in Thailand.

When you reenter you will be stamped in until the ending date of your OA insurance policy....which is December if you took out the policy last December.

No need for the added covid/health insurance policy. Your current one will meet the Thailand Pass insurance requirement.

BUT...MY RECOMMENDATION

I would go ahead and get another COVID extension...giving you added 60 days. During that time an added BORDER RUN option likely will happen at Nong Khai among several others.

That would be out and in same day...

So get the Covid Extension before April 6 ...sit back and reassess the options in coming 2-3 months.

3 years ago

Wayne **********

@James *******

i like the idea of more time for more options in travel.

Thanks Jim, I will look into it.

3 years ago

James ********

@Wayne *********

Good Luck...Safe travels. Commenting closed.

3 years ago

Reply to

James ********

Tod *********