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

5 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.

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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.

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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.

5 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?

5 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

5 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?

5 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

5 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.

5 months ago

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

@Ryan ********

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

5 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.

5 months ago

Reply to

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

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

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