Answered5 years ago

Do I need a return ticket to apply for an OA retirement visa in Thailand?

OA retirement visa Thailand visa rules immigration return ticket Non-O visa visa application process

asked Dec 29, 2021

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Hi I'm planning apply for a OA retirement visa in May,I understand you must have return ticket to exit Thailand within 3months,I'm planning to stay for 12 months so if excepted by Thai immigration to stay what happens to that return ticket?do you just cancel it ?Coming from New Zealand so a return not cheap or could my return or exit ticket be to a close neighboring country to make it abit cheaper,

Answer summary

The original poster is inquiring about the necessity of a return ticket when applying for an OA retirement visa in Thailand. They mention their plan to stay for 12 months and express concern about the cost of a return ticket from New Zealand. Several comments clarify that there is no requirement for a return or onward ticket with a long-term visa like the OA or a Non-O visa. Therefore, travelers can apply for these visas without needing to provide a return ticket.

13 repliesnewest first

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Garrett ***********

You don't need a return ticket with a non-immigrant visa.

5 years ago

Peter *********

Why not come in on a 30 day tourist visa then apply for a Non O visa retirement visa easy.

5 years ago

Ken ******

for OA instead.of O visa, you have to buy health.insurance every year to renew your visa, the cover has just been raised to 3 milion baht which means substantial premium increase

5 years ago

Bobby ********

Peter Weedall. OA he doesn't have to fart around at immigration. He's stamped in for a year and can immediately start importing 65k per month ready for first extension

5 years ago

Stuart *********

@Peter ********

30 days would be visa exempt, 60 days for a tourist visa.

5 years ago

Glenn ********

@Stuart ********

Thanks your spot on with that info.by the way i wasn't trying to argue with you like that guy said.Cheers.

Peter *********

non O visa

Glenn ********

I have a place over there I'm planning to stay there for long time more than 5 years what visa do you recommend ?

5 years ago

Stuart *********

@Glenn *******

It depends The OA is good for people who don’t want to have lots of money in Thailand. If timed right with a bounce out and back when the first year is nearly up you can eeek out 2 years from that visa. A Non O doesn’t have the insurance requirement on renewal and for some that’s a big thing. Most offices will allow you to buy a non O in country if you meet the requirements, so you could convert from a tourist visa to that. I’m not sure if the NZ embassy sell the non O for retirement. I believe the Australian ones won’t.

5 years ago

Stuart *********

On a long term visa like the OA there is no requirement for a return or onward ticket.

5 years ago

Glenn ********

@Stuart ********

Thanks but maybe it depends on what country you apply from,You know Thailand different rules for different countries,Best I ask New Zealand Thai Embassy I think,

5 years ago

Kool *******

@Glenn *******

it doesn't matter what country you apply from concerning an OA type visa. It is considered a long term visa and is the first stage in staying in Thailand for your remaining lifetime. There is no return ticket required to get the visa, or the Thailand Pass to enter the country. With the answer you gave Stuart why didn't you ask the Thai embassy first, instead of arguing with his correct answer. With an OA multi-entry visa you can stay for one year, and there is no airlines that will book a ticket reservation one year in advance.

5 years ago

Stuart *********

@Kool ******

actually everyone needs the ThailandPass, but thanks for backing up my comment.

5 years ago