Answered6 years ago
Can you change from a tourist visa to an elite visa in Thailand?
Can you change from tourist visa to elite visa within Thailand?
Answer summary
Yes, you can change from a tourist visa to an elite visa while in Thailand. Many users in the comments confirm that this is possible, with experiences indicating that the application process generally takes about one month, including time for necessary police checks. While it was previously required to travel to Bangkok, some individuals have reported that changes in procedures after the Covid lockdown allowed for more flexibility in processing the elite visa from elsewhere in Thailand. Overall, transitioning from a tourist visa to an elite visa is facilitated, but applicants should prepare for a background check and submit their applications in advance.
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Nick ****
Can you change to Elite from the new short term visitor visa (whatever it's called)? The one that can be extended up to 9 months and can't be converted into any other type of visa afaik.
Paulus *********
Can you get a retirement visa from a tourist visa (not the stv)
Shayne **********
It's possible to change from any visa to elite. Talk to me if you want to know more.
Thomas ********************
I'd guess no. But I'd certainly contact them if I was in that market :)
Hailey *******
You should submit your application 1 month before you arrive in Thailand since it takes 1-2 month for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to do the criminal background check. I'll send you a pdf of the application process and timeline
Christian ********
Yes, you can. 100%
Phill ******
yes , i did 3 months ago.
Arcadia ****
My personal experience I couldn’t I was forced to fly to SG and Back to Phuket the same day but this was Dec 2019
Shayne **********
It's very easy to change. Takes about 10 minutes to apply, wait a month and pay, then they get the visa into your passport and you are set. If you have any questions, just ask.
Kevin *********
Wot is elite visa ?
Andrew *********
@Kevin ********
What is Google?Garrett ***********
Yes, you can transition to an elite visa inside Thailand in Bangkok.
Ivan ************
That was a specific thing that came in after the Covid lockdowns. Previously, you had to go physically to Bangkok, I believe even if you went through Star Visa they would go with you but you'd both be on a flight down there. Then with Covid they brought in this system, as people couldn't easily travel. Worth asking Star Visa if they can do it still.
Phill ******
no , visa agent . they posted my passport to bkk . 3 months ago .
Garrett ***********
@Ph***
Lol right, so you didn't get your PE visa in Chiang mai....Phill ******
@Garrett **********
, i went from visa exemt straight onto elite . i didnt have to go to bkk.Phill ******
@Garrett **********
, i did it in chaing mai .Garrett ***********
@Ph***
When? at the airport?Phill ******
@Garrett **********
, 3months ago , star visa in CM . they posted my passport to bkk .
Wanda ****************
Can I change from TR to elite during the visa extension period while in Thailand?
Garrett ***********
@Wa***
Yes
Bo ***********
Yes, definitely. But need at least 1 month to check on your profile and nearly a month for getting the visa.
Rahul *******
Yes if you are in Thailand. And elite gets approved, you can get the visa stamp at Bangkok
Rich ********
I did exactly that last year.
Pattaya ****
Yes you can
Jim *****************
That's actually how it is done
Manon *************
Yes I'm doing it next month
Michael ********
Yes but remember you need time for police checks etc. Contact the Elite card office
Thomas ********************
Indeed! Took me ~2½ months back in April-May.
Could've maybe saved a week or so if banks weren't such a nuisance.
Could've maybe saved a week or so if banks weren't such a nuisance.
Nat ******
@Michael *******
police checks?Michael ********
@Nathan ********
*******************************************************
Michael ********
@Nathan ********
yes
Andy **********
Yes
Klaus ***********
As I remember, yes
Bim *******
Yes I have done it. It's about the only visa they allow to issue inside the country.
Josh ********
@Bim ******
you can change from TR to other visas too at the moment inside without having to leave NON IMO and ED visa are some examples Bim *******
@Josh *******
unfortunately I am not on a tourist visa. That would solve all my problems. 
Todd *********
#thingsishouldhaveconsideredbeforehand
Briton *********
OP@Todd ********
wait its before hand lol that's why Im checking.Klaus ***********
Very useful advice 😆 And did you think about not everything in life can be planned 😉
Bobby ********
Klaus Hermansen. Exactly! My mother told me for years I wasn't planned. And I told her "is that my fault?" 🤣🤣🤣
Todd *********
@Kl***
not one bit... but when I see inbound global pandemic,I make decisions. Maybe take heed next time 😉
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