Answered6 years ago

Can I renew my OA Retirement Visa in Bangkok before leaving for the US and what do I need for re-entry?

OA Retirement Visa Visa Renewal Thailand Immigration Non-O-A Visa COVID-19 Entry Requirements Extension of Stay

asked Jan 18, 2021

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I have family matters to attend to in the US late September - Dec.  My 1yr OA Retirement Visa ends November, 22.

Can I renew my Visa in BKK in September — before fly out of Thailand? How? 

Would I need a new COE if I return in December? 

Sorry, this is still all new to me.

Answer summary

The user inquires about renewing their one-year OA Retirement Visa before traveling to the US. They learned that renewing an O-A visa is not possible within Thailand, but they can apply for a one-year extension of stay based on retirement if they have less than 45 days left on their current visa. It is suggested that applying for a new multi-entry Non-O-A visa in the US may be a better option, and there are uncertainties regarding entry requirements back to Thailand due to COVID-19.

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Bobby ********

Get a new OA in the US! That way you use money in a US bank account. All other entry requirements (as at this moment in time) are the same. But as Tod says, it's too early to say. On the plus side if land borders open in a year's time, you'll get two years out of a new visa

6 years ago

Paul *******

@Bobby *******

It was just such a hassle getting the visa and COE.. Sadly.. I may just say, sorry family… And stay here till I can renew and travel with less restriction and requirements.

6 years ago

Jay ***********

@Paul ******

I think we are all in that same boat . As much as id like to go back and visit my 87 year old mother in the US she knows Im better off here and she's better off without any contacts until we get over all of this . Thank goodness for FaceTime technology

6 years ago

Bobby ********

Paul Ruegg. If the family matters are no urgent, it's probably the best strategy

6 years ago

Tod *********

Honestly though,

IF you are going back to the US I'd just get a new year long multi entry Non-O-A visa from one of the consulates back there before you come back

And as far as what you would need to get back in. You're light years too early asking those types of questions. All you can do is watch how this covid shit show plays out and see what the entry requirements are when you want to come back in.

6 years ago

Paul *******

@Tod ********

It was so much trouble getting the visa meeting all those requirements. I would hate to have to do that again in the US before coming back.

Sadly.. It’s looking like my October plans may not work out.. unless I leave like in August & return in October.

With my multiple entry.. will I need a new COE? I’ll get Covid vaccines here or there before.. I guess we don’t know?

6 years ago

Tod *********

@Paul ******

, nope no one knows what you'll need to get back in, watch the f/b groups about people outside entering and see what they're going thru when you wanna start applying to get back.

6 years ago

Tod *********

You can't renew your O-A VISA inside the country

BUT

you can apply for a year extension of stay based on being over 50 (retirement) from the entry stamp you have on your O-A visa. :) You still need to meet the proof of funds and the proof of insurance

In Bangkok the earliest you can apply for a new yearly extension is when you have 45 days or less left on your current stamp. <- Meaning if you have a stamp that runs out Nov 22 the soonest you could apply for a year extension would be the 8th of Oct.

6 years ago

Tod *********

Now IF you can show the immigration office proof you will travel out of the country before your extension expires and will not return until after it has expired they MIGHT (as in maybe) let you apply for the yearly extension earlier).

6 years ago