Ask question

This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

Can I obtain a 12-month Non-O multi-entry visa in Thailand without my Thai spouse present?

Thai visa regulations Non-O visa marriage visa multiple entry visa Savannakhet consulate expat advice immigration visa application process

Sep 5, 2023

2 years ago

Justin **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Just at the consulate in Savannakhet. Been told that I can't get a 12 month  non o multi entry visa because my wife isn't physically with me. They'll only offer a 3 month single entry instead. Are there any other embassies in countries around Thailand that offer a 12 month non o multi entry visa based on marriage?

6,536

views

12

likes

173

all likes

50

replies

2

images

14

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

An expat recently faced difficulties obtaining a 12-month Non-O multi-entry visa at the Savannakhet consulate in Laos due to his Thai wife not being physically present. Instead, he was offered a 3-month single-entry visa. Several users discussed alternatives like obtaining a single-entry visa and then applying for a family extension, which could extend his stay. Others shared experiences, noting inconsistencies in the consulate's requirements regarding the presence of a spouse during application. Some embassies, like those in Ho Chi Minh City, may offer 12-month visas under certain conditions, but there appear to be new, unclear policies since COVID-19. It is advisable to check directly with the consulate or previous applicants for the most current requirements.

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.

Pelle Eriksson

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted Retirement Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Nigel *********

Not sure if this helps this conversation or not, but, I asked the Savannakhet Consulate if my wife needs to be present for the 12 month non o multiple entry and here's the reply this morning=

Like

Reply

Tod *********

thanx for that

@Nigel ********

sure is a change in policy, BUT notice how they say "should" not "must",

wonder if the "letter" (hand written letter in thai from your wife asking that you be issued the visa) would work..

Like

Reply

Nigel *********

I managed to cut that bit out. So, I asked but no reply. I also noted the 'should' as opposed to 'must'. I wonder if anyone can report back from yesterday or today.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Nigel *********

Reply

Andy *********

I was just there last week. The guy in front of me was told they no longer issued one-year visas (but it was far from his first).

For me, they asked where my wife was. I said she was in the hotel across the street (which was true), and they told me to bring her with me to pick up my passport the next day.

We went back the next day and they didn't even glance at her, one year visa was already in the passport.

Like

Reply

Nicolas ***********

maybe at some point they wish we apply for an extension and stop going for the multi-o repeatedly 🤔🤔🤔

Like

Reply

Andy *********

@Nicolas **********

Yes, I assume so. This was my first so no issues.

Like

Reply

Nicolas ***********

Same, first time applying for the multi.., i think it might get boring and more costly to do a border run every 90 days anyway ..

Like

Reply

Reply to

Nicolas ***********

Reply

James ******

is there some kind of limit to how many times you can be issued a visa based on marriage?

Like

Reply

Andy *********

I think it's probably at their discretion.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Andy *********

Reply

James ********

@Justin *********

Did you try again to get the one year? Did they accept the 5,000 Thai baht?

Like

Reply

Justin **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I had a problem trying to get hold of my wife on the phone as she was working. There seemed no rhyme or reason why the official was asking some people to contact their wife and not asking others, so I just settled with the single entry Non-O.

Guess the lesson to learn from this is that if your wife isn't present then they may ask to speak to her on the phone.

Like

Reply

James ********

@Justin *********

so did you get the 90 day Non O Visa as Married to Thai?

Like

Reply

Reply to

James ********

Reply

Nicolas ***********

Got my Non-O Multi about a month ago at Savannakhet, the lady at counter did actually ask me “Where’s your wife?” but it seemed to be cause she didn’t see the Changed Name Certificate while reviewing my documents, i just pointed at it then she took my money and we were done in 30 seconds (i didn’t have a letter from the wife nor been asked for it)

Like

Reply

Geoff **********

@Nicolas **********

I got the multi entry about 3 weeks ago and the change of name document was aldo required (I had it after seeing it mentioned on a Thai forum). Dont recall seeing this on the Savannakhet website so maybe a new requirement.

Like

Reply

Nicolas ***********

@Geoff *********

yes indeed it’s not mentioned on the consulate website! I got that information on the Thai Visa Advice group .. 💯💯💯

Like

Reply

Reply to

Nicolas ***********

Reply

Tod *********

@Andrew *******

sorry to bother you, any update on whether you got the year/multi visa?

Like

Reply

GL ******

Isn't the O visas individually issued? Can't apply as a couple (like Elite or LTR)? So why is the spouse situation relevant to them?

Like

Reply

GL ******

Ah! makes sense now. Thanks

Like

Reply

Tod *********

their spouses are THAI and these people are getting Non-O visas based on marriage to a thai. previously this consulate had the "softest touch" in S/E Asia to issue this visa. However just yesterday they started asking people applying for the year long, multi-entry Non-O visa (again based on marriage to a thai) where their wife was <- as in they wanted the wife THERE when the foreigner applied for the visa..

Like

Reply

Reply to

Tod *********

Reply

Andrew ********

No problem. I was going to write an update when I arrived in Mukdahan (currently on the bus crossing over). The good news is I got the 1 year visa. I didn't have a letter from my wife and they didn't call her to check, so everything went as planned. Perhaps I was just lucky to have gone yesterday rather than today

Like

Reply

Reply to

Andrew ********

Reply

Daniel **********

Ah that's a shame. Are they asking for proof of cash in the bank for the multiple entry or just having your wife with you? Thanks.

Like

Reply

Tod *********

@Daniel *********

nope not anything to do with proof of funds

Like

Reply

Reply to

Tod *********

Reply

Justin **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

A little update:

For some applicants they wanted to speak with their wife on the phone.

For others it didn't matter.

It was all a bit random.

Like

Reply

Nicolas ***********

@Justin *********

then it seems reasonable to wonder what they wanted to ask over the phone? As if they don’t need to ask for anything they seem not to request that call 🤔🤔🤔 ; would be great to get more clues on those mystery calls 😄😄😄

Like

Reply

James ********

@Justin *********

Did you try again to get the one year? Did they accept the 5,000 Thai baht?

Like

Reply

Reply to

James ********

Reply

Tod *********

Well, to anyone being turned away and sold only a single entry because your thai wife isn't there, I'd say take the single entry, that'll get you a 90 day stamp, THEN take the 60 day visit family extension at the immigration office and that'll buy you 5 months total before you have to do it again..

Like

Reply

Justin **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks Tod. 🙂

Like

Reply

Reply to

Justin **********

Reply

Ellie *******

HCMC is supposed to issue multiple entry Non-O spouse to a Thai, too, but may be with financial requirements. There is not much report after Covid, unfortunately. You can contact them.

Like

Reply

Michael ********

I was there early July and they scrutinized my 6 months of financials very closely

Like

Reply

Justin **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks Ellie. Might try going to HCMC next time. Any ideas how much money is needed.....and whether it needs to be in a Thai bank account? 🙂

Like

Reply

Nicolas ***********

@Justin *********

planning the HCMC for next year as well ..

Like

Reply

Reply to

Nicolas ***********

Reply

Andrew ********

I did mine yesterday morning. They said "Where's your wife?" and I said Chiang Mai and it wasn't an issue. Haven't collected my passport yet though

Like

Reply

Tod *********

@Andrew *******

report back when you get your passport today if you can and let us know if you got a single or a multiple entry

I'd wager IF they took the 5k baht from you, you're fine getting the year multi

Like

Reply

Andrew ********

I'm hopeful of getting it but definitely won't take anything for granted until I see it stamped in my passport. I'll let you know either way

Like

Reply

Reply to

Andrew ********

Reply

Lloyd ********

I have a friend in the queue right now, so I will wait for his report

Like

Reply

Lloyd ********

My mate was turned away too

Like

Reply

Lloyd ********

His wife was not with him, so quite probably

Like

Reply

James ******

For the same reason? Did they tell him his wife needs to be present?

Like

Reply

Reply to

James ******

Reply

Lloyd ********

Chap in front of my friend got it, (multi), they just phoned his wife to ask about her signature

Like

Reply

Justin **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks. Will have to bear that in mind next time.

Like

Reply

James ********

@Justin *********

did you have a letter from the Thai wife requesting the Thai Embassy issue the Non O One year multiple entry visa to her husband?

Did you have a signed copy of your Thai wife's Thai 🪪 ID card? With phone number and address?

Like

Reply

Randy ********

I’ve been preaching this requirement for months. The majority of the people laughed at me, said it wasn’t a requirement. It’s better to be over prepared than be rejected because some IO wants to nitpick.

Like

Reply

James ********

agreed 👍

Like

Reply

Ellie *******

there were reports the letter from the wife is no longer required

Like

Reply

Randy ********

it all comes down to the IO, which I’m sure you’re well aware of. Tod has a perfect list which did list the letter on it. I would suggest any and everyone follows that list.

Like

Reply

Tod *********

but there have been MANY reports of people successfully getting that year-multi Non-O based on marriage with just the documentation listed on the Savannakhet website for the 90 day single entry..

I don't think having the letter makes any difference anymore..

Like

Reply

Randy ********

yes, I understand. Like most of us know, at any given time the IO can ask for everything or the minimal.

All I was getting at was, go over prepared and hope for the best.

I will be back there early next year. Looks like I’m going to be taking my wife with me.

Like

Reply

Tod *********

on this we agree 100%

Way better to take TOO much documentation (and have EVERYTHING signed by your thai wife) than to take too little and get hung out to dry..

Like

Reply

James ********

okay 👌

Like

Reply

Reply to

James ********

Reply

Justin **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Was surprised by the official's reaction. Just wasn't interested in giving me the multi entry visa. 😅😅

Like

Reply

Reply to

Justin **********

Reply

Thai Visa Advice

... members · 40% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.

Thai Visa Advice

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice

Why did I only receive a 3-month Non-O marriage visa instead of a 1-year visa?

5 comments

7 months ago

Where can I obtain a Non-O multiple entry visa based on marriage and kids?

11 comments

a year ago

Does the Thai consulate in Savannakhet still issue a 1-year multiple entry visa for spouses of Thai nationals?

21 comments

a year ago

Can I apply for a multi-entry Non-O visa based on marriage while in the UK?

6 comments

a year ago

Is the Non-IMM O spouse multi-entry visa still available from overseas embassies?

4 comments

a year ago

Can I obtain a 1-year Non O visa based on marriage at the Thai consulate in Savannakhet?

19 comments

a year ago

Can I obtain a 1-year non-O multi-entry visa based on marriage at the Thai embassy in Vientiane?

15 comments

a year ago

What are the current requirements for obtaining a 1-year Multiple Entry Non-O visa at the Savannakhet Consulate?

56 comments

a year ago

What are the requirements for applying for a multi-entry Non-O visa in Savannakhet as a spouse of a Thai citizen?

15 comments

2 years ago

What are the requirements for obtaining a Non-O single entry visa in Savannakhet for a Thai family?

5 comments

2 years ago

Can I apply for a one-year multi-entry NON-O marriage visa in Laos instead of a 90-day visa?

7 comments

2 years ago

Can I apply for a spouse visa (Non-O) without leaving Thailand?

11 comments

2 years ago

How to Obtain a 12 Month Multi-Entry 'O' Visa for Visiting Family in Thailand from Savannaket, Laos?

1 comments

3 years ago

Can I obtain a 1-year multi-entry Non-O visa based on my marriage to a Thai citizen at the Savanaket consulate?

4 comments

3 years ago

Can I obtain a one-year multi-entry Non-O visa outside Thailand based on my marriage to a Thai citizen and my child?

15 comments

3 years ago

Can I obtain a 1-year multiple entry Non-O visa based on marriage from Savannakhet or any Thai consulate?

8 comments

3 years ago

Should I Get a Visa Extension Before Traveling to Laos for a Multi-Entry Visa?

7 comments

5 years ago

Where Can a South African Apply for a 1-Year Non-O Multi-Entry Visa Based on Marriage in Thailand?

11 comments

5 years ago

Do I Need My Wife to Accompany Me for a Non-O Visa at the Laos Consulate?

3 comments

5 years ago

What Are the Requirements for a Non-O 1 Year Multi-Entry Visa Based on Marriage in Savannakhet?

4 comments

5 years ago

Can I Apply for a Multiple Entry 12 Month Non O Visa in Laos After Obtaining a 90 Day Single Entry Non O Visa in Melbourne?

7 comments

5 years ago

Can I obtain a Non-O multi-entry visa in Savannakhet after my 90-day visa expires?

5 comments

5 years ago

Can I obtain a Non-O Marriage visa after arriving in Thailand on a single entry visa and traveling to Laos?

2 comments

6 years ago

How can I obtain a one-year NON-O visa in Thailand based on marriage to a Thai citizen?

34 comments

7 years ago

Can I obtain a Non-O year-long marriage visa in Ho Chi Minh with my documents?

23 comments

8 years ago

What is the best cannabis dispensary in Bangkok?

7 comments

a month ago

Where can I find the best cannabis dispensary in Chon Buri?

9 comments

a month ago

What are the best dispensaries in Phuket?

21 comments

a month ago

What is the best cannabis dispensary in Surat Thani?

16 comments

a month ago

Where can I find the best weed in Chiang Mai?

8 comments

a month ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.