Can South Africans convert a Non-O visa to a tourist visa at a Laos border instead of a Thai embassy?

Non-O Visa Tourist Visa Visa Exemption Immigration Rules South African Visa Regulations Border Procedures Visa Types Visa Changes

May 8, 2024

8 months ago

Ryan *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi all can someone clarify if South Africans can go to a laos border instead of going to the thai embassy to change a non o visa to a tourist visa thanks in advance.

581

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

A South African cannot convert a Non-O visa to a tourist visa at a border. They must visit a Thai embassy to obtain a tourist visa. If they leave Thailand, they can return under visa-exempt rules but only twice a year. For a friend with a Non-O volunteer visa wanting to cancel it and return as a tourist, exiting the country via a land border will not allow immediate re-entry with the visa exemption upon the same day.

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.

Ryan *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

So a friend of mine currently has a non o volunteer visa and wants to cancel that visa and come back in on a tourist but he wants to know if South Africans can do this at a border instead of going to the thai embassy in laos.

8 months ago

Graham ******

@Ryan ********

Is he on a Non-O Visa (probably 90 days) or has he obtained an Extension of Stay (12 months)? If a Non-O Visa has it been stamped Used or does it say multi-entry and has not expired?

8 months ago

Ryan *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

It doesn't state multi entry he had it for 12 months with a work permit now he needs to do a tourist visa and then reapply for a non o but that's not the case. Can he cancel at the border and get exempt on arrival the same time he exits. He also does have a letter from his organization who did he's volunteer visa

8 months ago

Graham ******

@Ryan ********

Is he over 50, married to a Thai or have a Thai child as he could possibly change the reason for his Extension if he meets the requirements for any of these?

8 months ago

Reply to

Graham ******

John **********

It will depend on the type of non-o (not multi entry) and whether you have a re-entry permit or not

8 months ago

Ryan *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Can I get a visa exempt upon leaving the country via land border and returning on the same day after canceling my non o visa? So basically I want to cancel my non o at a land border then cross and turn back and re enter Thailand with a visa exempt.

8 months ago

Pertti *************

@Ryan ********

take one night hotel and next day back if not use border run agent..

8 months ago

Reply to

Pertti *************

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

You can't change any visa at any border. If you want a tourist visa you have to go to a Thai embassy and apply for it.

South Africans qualify for visa exempt (NOT a visa) which means if you leave Thailand and return without a visa, you will be stamped in for 30 days visa exempt.

You can only enter by land border without a visa 2 times per calendar year.

8 months ago

Reply to

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

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 you obtain a Non-O volunteer visa before entering Thailand or convert a tourist visa to it in-country?

5 comments