Answered3 years ago

Can I travel outside Thailand with a Non-O retirement visa and return without issues?

Non-O Visa Retirement Visa Re-entry Permit Immigration Visa Extensions Travel in Thailand

Ruth *******

asked Jan 19, 2024

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Hello -

I am currently on a 90-day, single-entry, Non-O retirement visa I obtained in my home country. I’ve already done my bank transfer and will apply for my extension after the two months. 

I want to take a trip outside the country though. Can I do so without completely messing things up?  Do I simply need to go to immigration and get a permit?  How does that affect any dates?  Is there anything else I need to know. If this can be done at all, I assume it must be done at immigration and not simply at the airport. 

TYIA

Answer summary

If you have a 90-day, single-entry Non-O retirement visa, you must apply for a re-entry permit before leaving Thailand to avoid invalidating your visa. This can be done at immigration or the airport. However, the re-entry permit allows you to return on the same visa without extending your stay; ensure to get the correct stamp upon your return.

12 repliesnewest first

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Leonard *********

@Brandon ***********

I’m in the exact same situation and I wonder how your advice about re-entry permit can be implemented on a single entry 90-day retirement visa if it’s stamped USED at the airport on your first arrival?

3 years ago

Brandon ************

@Leonard ********

because the visa is already used. But you received an entry stamp with the date you must leave Thailand by. If you leave without a re-entry permit that stamp is invalid. If you obtain a re-entry permit then when you return you return on the same stamp.

3 years ago

Leonard *********

@Brandon ***********

thanks for the explanation. And in my case, do I return to just the 90 days that I originally got? That is to leave again by 19 February?

3 years ago

Brandon ************

@Leonard ********

yes you gain no extra time with a re-entry permit. The date will be the same date

3 years ago

Brandon ************

Apply for a re-entry permit before leaving. Can be done at immigration or at the airport. It will prevent your current stamp from being cancelled when you leave and allow you to return on the same stamp but will not provide any extra time.

When you return make sure they stamped you in correctly and not on a new 30 day visa exempt stamp.

3 years ago

Ruth *******

@Brandon ***********

Sorry…a few more questions on this…

1). When I return, will they simply not stamp my passport at all or will they have to stamp it again with the same exit date as the original? I know that sounds redundant, but do they need to show that I’ve re-entered?

2). When I apply for the permit, do I need to show travel plans or can I make the plans after I have the permit (I’m the cautious type).

3). Is it possible to get a multiple-entry permit that will be valid when I go to get my extension or will I need to wait to get that?

3 years ago

Brandon ************

@Ruth ******

1) new stamp with the same dates as the old stamp but a new entry date.

2) don't need to show a plane ticket or anything.

3) a re-entry permit is only valid as long as the stamp you're under when you buy it. If you bought a multiple re-entry permit it would expire as soon as your current stamp expires. If you want one for your extension you must buy it after you receive your extension.

Ruth *******

thank you so much.

Julie **********

sorry to jump in here, but do we need a reentry permit with a METV? Thank you 🙏

3 years ago

Brandon ************

@Julie *********

no because it's multiple entry. You can enter and unlimited number of times before the expiration date written on the visa.