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Do I need an onward flight booked while traveling to Thailand on a SETV for retirement extension?

SETV Thailand visa rules Non-Immigrant O Visa Retirement Extension Visa requirements Onward flight Immigration process

Apr 14, 2018

8 years ago

Iain ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

should know this but.......................... I am returning to Thailand on a SETV,  1.do I need to have an onward flight booked & 2. does the flight have to be within the 90 days of the life of the SETV ? it is my intention to convert SETV to Retirement Extension once inside the country.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

When traveling to Thailand on a Special Tourist Visa (SETV), you typically do not need to show an onward flight at the immigration checkpoint. However, it may be a requirement at the time of visa application at the embassy or consulate. If your intention is to convert the SETV into a Non-Immigrant O visa based on retirement once in Thailand, you can apply for this visa at a local immigration office if you meet the requirements. It's best to initiate the retirement visa application before your SETV expires, allowing you to apply for a one-year extension of stay.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
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Biff *******

You don’t need a flight out of the country with a visa in your passport in order to board the flight from the UK. If the extension of stay whilst in Thailand is your plan, then stick to that plan. If you want to explore the possibilities of getting a one year O-A visa then that’s a whole different thing. I know the London embassy like to point people in that direction, but I always think that it’s best to make your own plans/decisions. The costs, and time taken to get the police reports and medical are not insignificant. Worth finding out, but if you’ve already researched getting an extension when you arrive in Thailand and decided that that’s what you want to do then just stick with that plan.

Just show the check in staff at the airport that you have a visa and you’ll be fine boarding the plane.

8 years ago

Robert *******

I think it it more easy to apply for the Non Immigrant O visa based on retirement before you come to Thailand in stead of the SETV. Than 45 days before the last date apply for the Extension of Stay.

8 years ago

Tod *********

@Iain *******

an O-A visa can be done by post to the London Consulate. It does require the police back ground check and the medical certificate as well as meeting the financial requirements. BUT that visa gives you almost 2 years in country

8 years ago

Iain ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Robert ******

I have always thought that an O-A takes time and expense compared to plan A. do you have to attend in person at Embassy in London ? As I live North East uk, I think Hull i easier if I can get away with one way flight, if not I noticed that a BKK to Vietnam flight was obtainable for £20 ish.

8 years ago

Robert *******

Or alternative apply in London for the Non Immigrant O-A visa, you get 1 year of stay at each entry so you can get 2 years out of this visa.

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-Non-Immigrant-visas.html

8 years ago

Iain ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Robert ******

back to plan 'A' then 😎

8 years ago

Robert *******

You are correct:

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8 years ago

Robert *******

Ask for the Single Entry Non Immigrant O Visa. I'm not sure about the requirements in Hull.

8 years ago

Iain ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I need to check with Hull, as I was under the impression that you had to be 65+ to obtain the appropriate 'o' VISA

8 years ago

Reply to

Iain ********

Robert *******

Normally not asked for flights at Immigration checkpoint, but could be an requirement to get the Visa at the Embassy or Consulate. You can if you have 15 days left (some Immigration 21 days) on your Admitted to Stay period apply for the Non Immigrant O visa based on Retirement at your local Immigration Office if you meet the requirements. This takes about 14 days and will be a 90 day Visa. 45 days before last date you can than apply for the 1 year Extension of Stay based on retirement.

8 years ago

Iain ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Just a bit concerned that the flight outbound might be fussy, haven't booked flight yet. I have previously been asked about VISA's on previous one way flights, but had a retirement Extension at time so wasn't a problem.

8 years ago

Reply to

Iain ********

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Do I need an onward ticket to fly to Thailand with a retirement visa?

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