Do I need a re-entry permit for my Non-O visa when traveling outside Thailand for over three months?

Dec 1, 2024
3 days ago
Glyn ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hiya all. I will be travelling outside of Thailand for 3 + months and hold an O non immigrant visa which expires on May 24 2025. I have done this before without a problem but I heard from some source that I need a re entry stamp from immigration prior to my departure. I leave December 13 abd will be back late March. Thoughts anyone?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The individual traveling outside Thailand on a Non-O visa is uncertain about needing a re-entry permit. Comments clarify that a re-entry permit is necessary to maintain the visa status during their absence, especially if they have a retirement stamp or a 12-month extension of stay. It is emphasized that securing the re-entry permit at immigration before departure is crucial to avoid visa complications.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
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Declan **********
Are you on a Non-O or non-OA? Terminology is important to get the correct information.

If you're in your first year of a non-OA you don't need anything. If you're on a non-O or you have gotten a 1 year extension on your Non-OA at immigration in thailand you need a re-entry permit.
Glyn ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
In fact I just returned from Sapa and did not have a re - entry stamp.
Glyn ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
My visa and retirement stamp expire May 28 2025. I renewed May 28 2024.
Glyn ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I renewed it May 28 2024
Glyn ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks I have a non OA.
Graham ******
@Glyn *******
if you have been inside Thailand for over 2 years your Non-OA is long expired and you are on an extension of stay which required a re-entry permit otherwise your current status is terminated when you stamp out and you start again
Glyn ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks Pete. I checked everything and I am ok. I had a momentary panic attack. Cheers
Michael ********
@Glyn *******
Do you have an OA visa then because that is multi entry
Glyn ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael *******
yes an O Visa so I think I am ok. Thanks Michael
John **********
@Glyn *******
a Non-O visa is not the same as a Non-OA visa.

A Non-O visa is normally only single entry, and you need a re-entry permit to keep it alive when you leave the country.

A multi entry Non-O only allows to stay 90 days at a time (and you're unlikely to get another one)

A Non-OA on the other hand is multi entry throughout its validity.
Pete *******
@Glyn *******
if you’ve been here 2 years you better check you didn’t receive a visa exempt entry stamp if you left on an extension of stay without a re-entry permit.
Glyn ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you Kool and Graham . I have a retirement stamp. I have ever do e a re- entry stamp despite living here for over 2 years and making numerous overseas trips
Graham ******
@Glyn *******
If you have been in Thailand over two yours your stamp is not a visa it is an extension of stay
Graham ******
You are probably not on a Non-O Visa but on a 12 month extension of stay so a re-entry permit is required to maintain your current status
Kool *******
You can get the required re-entry permit at the airport. Just give yourself an extra half hour.
Stuart ***********
Yes you will need a re-entry permit from immigration before you leave Thailand or your visa will expire.
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