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Can I leave the UK while waiting for my Non-O retirement visa to be issued?

Dec 13, 2025
a day ago
Ian ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am going back to the Uk to get a new passport and will then apply for a Non-O retirement visa online. I want to pre book my flights and ideally only spend two weeks there. Do I need to remain in the Uk until the visa is issued or can I go somewhere else (e.g. KL) and wait there?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user inquires if they can wait outside the UK for their Non-O retirement visa after submitting their application while needing to return to the UK for a new passport. Responses indicate it is generally advised to stay in the country where the application is submitted until the visa is granted, as there may be a need for an interview. However, some have successfully waited abroad for their visa.
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.
Myles *******
Why would you go back to UK to get a new passport? Just do it from here
Bob **********
Your new passport will probably take more than two weeks??
Stuart *********
Generally it is advised to stay in the country where you’re applying for the visa from until granted. They can ask you to attend for an interview and/or decline an application if they see you are no longer there.

That said many have done what you have said and got their visa anyway. Toss a coin. It might go either way.
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