thailand
Ask question

Can I return to Thailand on a 30-day visa exemption and apply for an O Visa after canceling my O/A Non Imm visa?

O/A Non Imm VisaVisa ExemptionVisa ApplicationImmigration ProcessThailand Visa Rules
August 21, 2023
a year ago
Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi. If I was on an annual O/A Non Imm 50+ visa and left Thailand cancelling said visa, could I return on a 30 day visa exemption and apply for the in country O? I have all the necessary paperwork and financial requirements in place. I will do it myself, i.e. I'm not looking for an agent. TIA.

I know I know I see many posts on this, same same but different...
1,573
views
4
likes
57
all likes
35
replies
0
images
8
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion confirms that exiting Thailand can cancel your O/A Non Imm visa, particularly if you are in the second year of your visa. You can return to Thailand under a 30-day visa exemption and subsequently apply for a Non-O visa in-country. However, if your original visa is still considered valid (like during the first year), it wouldn’t cancel upon leaving. It's essential to ensure no re-entry permits are mistakenly purchased, as this could complicate your plans.
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.
Gregor **********
your problem is, in the first year of the Non-Imm-O/A visa, you cannot cancel it by exiting. It is a "multi entry" visa type. you have to sit out the whole year until the visa validity has expired, Exit shortly before and re-enter after this date.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Gregor *********
 I'm on year 2. No re-entry without a permit.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Dave *********
Reply
Steve *******
Leaving wont cancel an OA visa, it's multi entry.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve ******
 I'm on year 2. No re-entry unless I get a permit.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
@Dave ********
 Ok, So the visa's expired anyway.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve ******
 No I have an extension for year 2 so the visa is active until I leave the country.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
@Dave ********
 The visa is only valid for 1 year, if you're on the 2nd year then the visa itself has expired.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve ******
 I'm on a visa extension of one year from the original one year visa. Therefore I'm here legally until the year extension ends, or as far as I'm aware I leave the country which cancels my 'visa' extension.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
@Dave ********
I wasnt suggesting you were here illegally, however if your OA visa was still valid then leaving wouldn't cancel it. An extention of stay is totally different.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Steve *******
Reply
Bob **********
Yes
a year ago
Like
Reply
Steve ********
Two step process. Get the 90 day non-O, and then with 30 or 45 days remaining (depending on office) get the 12-month non-O extension
a year ago
Like
Reply
Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve *******
 Why would I want a 90 day visa if I could just come back in on a visa exempt and apply though?
a year ago
Like
Reply
Steve ********
@Dave ********
 The non-O visa is 90 days whether you get it at an embassy or at immigration in Thailand.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve *******
 Oh you are talking about the thread, the process at immigration, not my original question, got you. Enter country on 30 exempt and proceed to immigration as others have said. Thanks.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Steve ********
@Dave ********
 You can do it either way. You can get the 90-day non-O visa in another country and enter on that, and then once in Thailand, with
*****
days remaining on the visa, get a 12-month extension at immigration OR enter on visa exempt, obtain the 90-day non-O visa at immigration, and then with
*****
days remaining get the 12-month extension. It's your choice, whatever is easiest I guess. Getting it at an embassy means one less visit to immigration, and that seems to appeal to some people 😆
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Steve ********
Reply
Graham ******
Are you on a the initial Non-OA Visa (first 12 months), in your second year or or an extension of stay? If you're still on the initial Non-OA leaving the country will not cancel it as it's multi-entry for the first 12 months.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graham *****
 This is year 2, I arrived in 2021 and I haven't left the country in that time... So I guess the visa will be cancelled as I exit.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Steve ********
@Dave ********
 The visa will already be expired. You're now on the second year entry stamp. Just make sure you don't accidentally buy a re-entry permit on your way out. That'll stuff up everything!
a year ago
Like
Reply
Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve *******
 Yes that would be a disaster haha
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Dave *********
Reply
Graham ******
@Dave ********
 yes, you're ok
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Graham ******
Reply
Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks for the comments. Leaving the country is a last resort, although I may have to in a few days worst case scenario... I just want to cover my options. Thanks.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Garrett ***********
Yes of course, no issue at all.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Garrett **********
 Would it be like getting a renewal, rock up with all the paperwork and done in one enjoyable day out?
a year ago
Like
Reply
Garrett ***********
@Dave ********
 Non OA is a multiple entry visa. You can leave and reenter as many times as you want. If you cancel the visa, you can renter on a visa exempt entry. But Non-OA's can only be obtained outside of Thailand. You could apply for a new Non-O in country, witch is 90 days.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Garrett **********
 I have an O/A but a mix up with the health care company means I won't have the correct certificate in place for renewal. It's year 2 of my O/A visa so my understanding is that as soon as I leave the country (for the first time in 2 years) the visa will be cancelled.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Dave *********
Reply
John **********
@Dave ********
 it's a 2 step process. You come in then apply for the Non-O visa and before that expires apply for the 12 months extension
a year ago
Like
Reply
Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
 Thanks.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Dave *********
Reply
Graham ******
@Dave ********
 yes, then go back to get your final stamp after the under consideration period
a year ago
Like
Reply
Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graham *****
 Thanks Graham.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Dave *********
Reply
Brandon ************
Yes, you can.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 I have read that the process can take up to 4 weeks! Would that be for someone with no previous long term visa background? Seems a long time if you have a history of O/A visa, 90 day reports and funds gathering dust :)
a year ago
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
@Dave ********
 do you have the money in the bank already? If so you shouldn't have any issues though you need to have at least 21 days left on your stamp when you apply since you'll get an "under consideration" stamp
a year ago
Like
Reply
Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 I have the funds there already yes. So it sounds like fly out abroad, come back in hopefully on the same day if possible, go straight to immigration, apply and Bob's your uncle?
a year ago
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
@Dave ********
 you don't need to rush to go the same day. I'd go and pickup the list from immigration on what is required to do the conversion to non-O, go home and make sure you have everything, then go back that week and apply.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 Nice one. Thanks.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Dave *********
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
Can I leave Thailand on a visa exemption without canceling my Non-O business visa?
12 comments
2 months ago
Can I switch from a Non-OA extension to a Non-O visa by exiting and re-entering Thailand on a 30-day visa exemption?
7 comments
4 months ago
Can I switch to a Non-O visa by leaving Thailand and entering as visa exempt?
4 comments
10 months ago
Can I change from a Non-Immigrant OA visa to a Non-O visa in Thailand after the OA visa expires?
10 comments
a year ago
Can I switch from a Non-OA retirement visa to a Non-O retirement visa after leaving Thailand?
17 comments
a year ago
Will my OA Retirement Visa be cancelled if I leave Thailand for Vietnam without a re-entry permit?
5 comments
a year ago
Can I apply for an OX visa with 2 months left on my Non OA visa in Thailand?
12 comments
a year ago
What is the process for switching from an O-A to an O Retirement visa in Thailand?
18 comments
2 years ago
Can I extend my Non Immigrant O-A Visa by leaving Thailand just before expiration?
11 comments
2 years ago
Can I switch from a non-OA visa to a non-O visa upon re-entering Thailand after my OA visa expires?
10 comments
2 years ago
What are the steps for switching from an OA retirement visa to an O visa in Thailand?
21 comments
2 years ago
Can I return to Thailand on a 30 day visa exempt and apply for a Non-O retirement visa?
9 comments
2 years ago
Can I switch from an OA retirement visa to an O retirement visa by leaving Thailand without a re-entry permit?
23 comments
2 years ago
Can I switch from an O-A visa to a Non-O visa while on a 30-day visa on arrival?
4 comments
2 years ago
Can I enter Thailand on a 30-day tourist visa and then apply for a new Retirement 'O' visa?
7 comments
2 years ago
Can I apply for a Non-O Retirement Visa in Thailand while on a Visa Exempt?
41 comments
2 years ago
Can I return to Thailand on a visa-exempt status to apply for a Retirement O Visa after using a Tourist Visa?
12 comments
3 years ago
Can I enter Thailand on a visa exemption and apply for Non-O status during my stay?
60 comments
3 years ago
Can I switch to a Non-O visa from a tourist visa while in Thailand?
2 comments
3 years ago
Can I switch from an O-A visa to a Non-O visa while in Thailand, and what happens to my extension when I leave and return?
7 comments
3 years ago
Can I Apply for a Non-O Visa Without Leaving Thailand After My O-A Visa Expires?
15 comments
4 years ago
What are the steps to apply for a Non-Immigrant O Visa after my Non-Immigrant OA Visa has expired?
22 comments
4 years ago
Can You Enter Thailand on a 30-Day Exemption After Having an O-A Visa?
5 comments
5 years ago
What are the steps to return to Thailand after my Non-OA visa expired, and how can I obtain a new visa?
5 comments
5 years ago
Can we leave Thailand with our Non-Imm O-A multiple entry visa and return before expiration?
10 comments
6 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund 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.