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

Non-O visa retirement visa Thailand visa application process passport renewal expat advice waiting period for visa

Dec 13, 2025

5 months 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 plans to return to the UK to get a new passport and apply for a Non-O retirement visa online. They are wondering if they must stay in the UK until the visa is issued or if they can travel to another country like Kuala Lumpur while waiting. Community comments suggest it is advisable to stay in the UK until the visa is granted, as the application may require an interview, but some have succeeded in traveling during this period. Additionally, there are questions raised regarding the time it may take to receive a new passport.

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.
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Myles *******

Why would you go back to UK to get a new passport? Just do it from here

5 months ago

Ian ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Myles ******

I confess my question does read like my main purpose is going back to renew however that is not the case.

5 months ago

Myles *******

@Ian *****

fair dos

5 months ago

Reply to

Myles *******

Bob **********

Your new passport will probably take more than two weeks??

5 months ago

Robin *******

@Bob *********

I applied a couple of years ago in the uk 5 days, I applied in Chang Mai for my sons first uk passport 7 days, they are very fast, I understand Christmas is coming so could take longer

5 months ago

Ian ********

No you can do a same day service just bit more money

5 months ago

Ian ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ian *******

correct and can book in advance. I will be staying close to the passport office so pretty easy

5 months ago

Ian ********

Did mine at Peterborough same day a few years ago .Cost bit more but worth it

5 months ago

Ian ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ian *******

especially considering the cost of staying in the uk it’s actually quite cheap for certainty and peace of mind

5 months ago

Bob **********

@Ian *****

Sorry but this sounds like the only good thing going on in the UK right now

5 months ago

Reply to

Bob **********

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.

5 months ago

Ian ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

thanks. That makes sense so think I will return to SE Asia and apply there

5 months ago

Reply to

Ian ******

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