Answered4 months ago
Do I need to book an onward ticket for immigration when arriving in Thailand with a Non-O retirement visa?
I’m moving there on Tue & applied for the non-O today….
It asked when I was leaving I assume that’s the “onward ticket” so I selected a specific date in August. Being that I’m getting the retirement visa do I need to book this onward ticket to be allowed thru immigration upon arrival?? TIA🙏🏼
It asked when I was leaving I assume that’s the “onward ticket” so I selected a specific date in August. Being that I’m getting the retirement visa do I need to book this onward ticket to be allowed thru immigration upon arrival?? TIA🙏🏼
Answer summary
The community discussion revolves around the necessity of an onward ticket when arriving in Thailand with a Non-O visa, especially for retirement. Most responses indicate that if you enter Thailand with a Non-O visa, you do not need to present proof of onward travel. However, there are concerns regarding the timing of the visa application, with some commenters advising that applying just days before traveling may not yield the expected results. The conversation also highlights the challenges of opening a bank account for expats in Thailand and emphasizes the importance of thorough planning and understanding of the visa process.
104 repliesnewest first
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Paul *********
Have fun !!!
Greg *******
So you are coming on a tourist exempt visa then! I’m not sure why you applied for the non o especially if you don’t want to commit to depositing 800k baht? I suggest you use a booking service to book an onward ticket. There are cheap ones online.
Andrew ********
No if you arrive with a 90 day non-o visa you dont need onward ticket. If this is the TDAC question just put in other - extending non-o visa
Raymond **********
Thailand does not respond well to rules no "sense of urgency especially with visas
Ian ********
You will have to leave Thailand to activate the 90 day non o
Russell *******
You cannot apply for non-0 visa until you have $850,000 baht in the bank for 90 days
Lynnette *******
Russell Davis not true.
Russell *******
Lynnette Munoz from my experience
Pat *********
Russell Davis and it's not 90 days. It's 2 months
Russell *******
Pat McSully from my experience
Andrew ********
Russell Davis thats for the extension inital 90 non-o based on retirement just show you have it in a bankaccount
Graham ******
Russell Davis Sorry but this is utter rubbish as the Non-O visa does not require seasoning (except Jomtien) and especially when it is applied for from an Embassy
Simon *******
Russell Davis this is only for the 1 year extension, he can apply outside Thailand for the Non O without the 800,000bht in a Thai bank
Russell *******
Simon Adams I like seasoning... especially spicy peppers
Kevin **********
SPICOLI IS THAT YOU? We went to Ridgemont High together.
MJ *********
OP@Kevin *********
if you’re here, & I’m here doesn’t that make it our time?
Sylvia ********
Sounds like everything getting done in a rush. Ensure your home bank have been advised what your doing, later you will issues with transferring funds. Also bring your medical history with you for a new doctor. Complete the digital landing card 72 hrs before arrival, ensure you are carring the equivalent of 20,000 baht in CASH, if no visa you need an onward ticket booked plus accommodation.
Russell *******
Hopefully you got your medical certificate and your criminal police report
Lynnette *******
Russell Davis not required for non-o visa.
Russell *******
Lynnette Munoz from my experience
Brandon ************
@Russell ******
not required for a non-O visa. That's only required for a non-OA.Russell *******
@Brandon ***********
immigration made me get them both for visa renewal... after 15 years living in Thailand... 🤣😂🤣😂Russell *******
@Brandon ***********
I am afraid to... I don't want to... I am not reporting nor giving any advice... only stating what situations that I have been into here in Thailand... I don't argue with Thai government officials... I only do what they tell me do to.... I am retired and plenty of free time ....so, really it's not importantChris *******
Ling Gah Non-0 doesnt require medical certificate or insurance but 0A does.
Brandon ************
@Russell ******
You still haven't said which immigration office this isRussell *******
@Brandon ***********
you walk into the Immigration Office you're at hands of mercy... they told me criminal police report and medical certificate... I am not at the point to argue... only do what they requested
Ling *****
Russell Davis I'm on a 12 month extension based on non o retirement and I certainly was not asked for insurance or criminal police report.
Brandon ************
@Russell ******
I've only ever heard of Samui requiring a medical certificate for retirement extensions. And I've never heard of any immigration office requiring a criminal records check.
Wannikea *********
Russell Davis where was this?
John **********
You seem to be planning a move to Thailand without having done much in the way of research, other than how to bring a dog.
If you come with no visa you will currently get stamped in for 60 days which you can extend for 30 days then you must leave the country.
You can't get a visa inside Thailand as you can't open a bank account as a tourist, so could apply for the 90 day Non-O visa while out of Thailand.
Once you have the visa you will be able to open a bank account and put a minimum of 800k baht in it which is required for the 1st 12 month extension. During that 12 months you can transfer 65k baht each month from overseas which you can use for the 2nd extension. You can spend the 65k as it comes in and once you have the 2nd extension you no longer need to maintain any amount in a Thai bank
If you come with no visa you will currently get stamped in for 60 days which you can extend for 30 days then you must leave the country.
You can't get a visa inside Thailand as you can't open a bank account as a tourist, so could apply for the 90 day Non-O visa while out of Thailand.
Once you have the visa you will be able to open a bank account and put a minimum of 800k baht in it which is required for the 1st 12 month extension. During that 12 months you can transfer 65k baht each month from overseas which you can use for the 2nd extension. You can spend the 65k as it comes in and once you have the 2nd extension you no longer need to maintain any amount in a Thai bank
Stuart ********
I’ve got a bank account in Thailand never had a visa of any sort
Chris *******
Stuart Burden must have been many years ago…
Chris *******
@John *********
just got the SIM registered and one bank is going to see what they can do. I don’t have a residence certificate as I’m living with my soon to be wife at her residence in officer’s quarters here at the women’s prison in Pathum Thani. After we get our marriage visa approved we’ll be renting or buying a new home nearby.John **********
@Chris ******
Chris Burns that's because you don't have a residence certificate. I realise you don't have one because of your living situation but the reality is that everyone responsible for where a foreigner lives is legally responsible to register them as staying there using a TM30 report. Get a copy of that report receipt and with it go to immigration and ask for a residence certificate. You'll then be able to open a bank account along with your passport and SIM. I don't know who would be the responsible person in your situation but somebody must be responsible for the onsite accommodation.On the marriage visa you will only be able to get one of them outside of Thailand but it's going to make zero difference to your bank situation. You are currently on a 90 day Non-O based on retirement, a marriage visa is a 90 day Non-O based on being married. As far as the bank is concerned they are just Non-O visas. You need to open a bank account to move beyond those 90 day visas whichever way you cut them.
Chris *******
@John *********
I have and came here on a Non-O and I haven’t been able to find any bank that will give an account to Non-0 as it’s only for 90 days. Seems the rules have changed as they’re cracking down on immigration fraud. After I get married I can get an account to use for marriage visa. I have the 400k THB to deposit as US Embassy wont verify income but not 800k needed for retirement visa. My friend from Australia was able to get a bank account on Non-0 and change to marriage visa after he got married many years ago but they don’t allow that anymore. Rules are constantly changing and even with an agent can be confusing.John **********
@Chris ******
To open a bank account you need more than just a Non-O visa. You also need a residence certificate from immigration and a Thai SIM registered against your passport. With both of those and your passport containing a Non-O visa you should be able to open a bank account. You may need to try a few branches, even of the same bank
Dca *****
Do you already have open and using a Thai bank account in your name only???
if you do not have a Thai bank account right now, then you need a Non–O E–Visa ( Non–immigrant E–Visa based on over 50 Years old " Retirement Visa " ) from a Thai Embassy or Thai Consulate outside of Thailand beforehand before coming to Thailand in order to open a new Thai bank account inside Thailand
if you do not have a Thai bank account right now, then you need a Non–O E–Visa ( Non–immigrant E–Visa based on over 50 Years old " Retirement Visa " ) from a Thai Embassy or Thai Consulate outside of Thailand beforehand before coming to Thailand in order to open a new Thai bank account inside Thailand
MJ *********
OPDca Dca I’ve never been there
JoyfulPer**********
MJ Spicoli so as a tourist/visitor you're just picking yourself up and move to Thailand and just settle down like that? Oh boy. You have lots of homework to do. I hope you don't end up in a Thai prison.
JoyfulPer**********
MJ Spicoli well Goodluck, wish you all the best 👍 Thailand is not like what it used to be. It's becoming harder for foreigners to settle there. The country itself is becoming xenophobic towards foreigners. And personally speaking, foreigners are causing lots of troubles in Thailand
MJ *********
OPJoyfulPersimmon1064 I have a landlord who is from the states is a real estate developer out there with a Thai wife they’re going to help me with everything I’m just trying to learn for myself. I’m not in any sort of bind nor do I have to move to Thailand I will just as fast move to the Philippines which is alot easier. I prefer Thailand that’s why I’m going there first if it doesn’t work for wutever reason I will keep it moving without blinking
Sylvia ********
MJ Spicoli your moving here yet never visited?? Am I understanding this correctly??
Jim *********
Good luck on getting your visa by Tuesday. You need to apply 15 days or more before your departure date.
Summer ******
How do you know you’re getting the retirement visa when it hasn’t been approved?
Anders ********
Summer Dawn I'm about to apply for a retirement visa and have been in touch with the embassy to get correct information and check that the rules haven't changed.
As long as you fill the requirements there should be no problem. If you don't happen to get a really grumpy case officer.
As long as you fill the requirements there should be no problem. If you don't happen to get a really grumpy case officer.
Summer ******
Anders Thomas correct.. IF you meet the requirements……….
Anders ********
Summer Dawn Of course.
MJ *********
OPSummer Dawn that’s the eventual goal. Or wutever makes it possible to live there
Christer *****
MJ Spicoli Are you 50+ and running from something?
BC ********
MJ Spicoli so you plan on living here, but aren't even interested in properly organizing ? Just a few weeks extra would have been enough.
Summer ******
MJ Spicoli may I ask, have you been here before?
MJ *********
OPEverything can wait if need be I’m in no rush for time or money I just don’t know fully how it works over there. If I don’t have it in time can’t I just go in without one as a tourist & change it later?
Chris *******
MJ Spicoli Thai gov will not allow you to just convert it. You need to leave country and apply for new visa and
***
A can only be applied for online outside Thailand. I can’t even convert Non-0 to marriage without leaving the country. I’ll be going to Laos for 3-5 days and apply for a marriage visa several weeks after being married to a Thai officer. I receive $7k US/mo in retirement income but don’t have $25k to leave in bank account as I gave my ex my house and everything except my income in divorce. I do have the $12k needed for a bank account required for a marriage visa though. US will not verify income for visas. Even getting a bank account is impossible without the right visa. The Thais are really cracking down on immigration fraud because of the abuse by Chinese, Indian and even Russian nationals.Graham ******
MJ Spicoli For someone supposedly moving to Thailand you don't know much do you?
Amy **********
Graham Seal Must you be rude to her? Just offer assistance. You were once new to this process yourself. If you did not have questions about it, there will come a day you will have questions about something that is foreign to you. You will appreciate some mercy and grace.
Julie ********
MJ Spicoli change your ticket. When your visa is approved you have 90 days to arrive, or 89 if you start counting the next day. Depending on the embassy it can take 2 weeks to 4 weeks to get approved. By some miracle mine was approved in less than 24 hours. Do you have a plan for when you land? It's a race to open your bank account so it can sit for 60 days so you can get the extension. There are a few steps to do that.
MJ *********
OPJulie Loving I don’t mind constantly doing border runs instead of getting the retirement visa but still learning how all this works
JoyfulPer**********
@John *********
I did 2 and the second was immense questions, technically speaking you are right.JoyfulPer**********
MJ Spicoli you can't do more than 2 border runs then you will be blacklisted. Look it up. Border run is now dead
Robin *******
Yes there is ,, enter on a tourist visa n go see an agent straight away,, cost toughly £1000/£
*****
agent ,, non o visa with Extention of stay plus bank account ,, no need for you to deposit the 800kWannikea *********
MJ Spicoli You can't constantly do border runs anymore. You must also stay in the country where your visa application is being processed until it is either approved or declined. Really suggest you take it down a notch and plan out your steps piece by piece.
John **********
@MJ ********
you won't be able to do that. One border run is about the maximumMJ *********
OPChris Nadon gotcha. So is there a way to live there if I don’t want to park $25k in a drawer earning nothing for the rest of my life?
Chris *******
MJ Spicoli you cannot do border runs to live here any longer.
This is a thing of the past.
This is a thing of the past.
MJ *********
OPJulie Loving yea I can’t do that again I’ve been having issues for 3 solid weeks mainly waiting to get the USDA cert in time
Summer ******
MJ Spicoli you can. I’m not sure about retirement visa but most visas you have to leave and get stamped in with your visa stamp
Steven ********
If you don’t reschedule your flight you will be arriving with out without your visa
Russ **********
Hcmc US consulate replacement passport processing time
Brandon ************
No, proof of onward travel is not needed if you enter with a non-immigrant visa.
But I wouldn't like to bet on your odds of receiving your visa if you JUST applied for it now and you're traveling in 2 days. The embassy websites say to give them 15 business days for processing.
But I wouldn't like to bet on your odds of receiving your visa if you JUST applied for it now and you're traveling in 2 days. The embassy websites say to give them 15 business days for processing.
Brandon ************
@MJ ********
While I'm not sure about the date, I would definitely say that your passport was not issued in Florida.MJ *********
OP@Brandon ***********
I got it when I was in Florida where else?MJ *********
OP@Brandon ***********
I actually got word this morning.. DENIED. “Becuz the expiration date for my passport was wrong” I screen shotted everything I submitted knowing this might happen with these corrupt MFers. Every bit of wut I submitted was 1 million percent correctBrandon ************
@MJ ********
The rest of the world uses a different date format than the US, so are you sure the date was input correctly?MJ *********
OP@Brandon ***********
btw if the expiration month was wrong the issue month would also be wrong they’re always the sameChris *******
@Brandon ***********
except now I’m getting married. I had no idea how long my divorce would take and when it would be final so I applied for the retirement visa first. Imagine my surprise when my divorce was finalized before my visa was approved. I didn’t have any idea how to come to Thailand specifically to marry the woman I’ve known for nine years.Chris *******
@Brandon ***********
no bank I went to would allow me to open an account with Non-0. I tried at about a dozen banks. One bank agent told me she’d see what they could do but it may take a couple weeks. My tirak and I are getting married in a week. I already have a phone SIM registered to my passport.John **********
@Chris ******
that's because you don't have a residence certificate. I realise you don't have one because of your living situation but the reality is that everyone responsible for where a foreigner lives is legally responsible to register them as staying there using a TM30 report. Get a copy of that report receipt and with it go to immigration and ask for a residence certificate. You'll then be able to open a bank account along with your passport and SIM. I don't know who would be the responsible person in your situation but somebody must be responsible for the onsite accommodationJohn **********
@Chris ******
i don't think that will work with immigration, pretty sure your going to need the TM30Chris *******
@John *********
I do have an invitation letter from my tirak. We can try that. ThanksJohn **********
@Chris ******
I'd try just pointing out to the head of prison that legally your accommodation owner needs to file a TM30 and see if they will do that for you. Immigration inside Thailand are not the same thing as the consulate staff you would have dealt with when applying for the visa, all they really needed was either a hotel booking or an invitation letter from your girlfriend. Don't over complicate thingsChris *******
@John *********
We submitted lettters from her, her supervisor and the head of the prison where she works to immigration when applying for my Non-0 and the agent who helped me submit this in CA thought that verification is why it took so long for my Non-0 to be approved but immigration accepted it as verification for where I was staying when I came here to visit for three months in 2024 on a tourist visa. I’ll see if we can try that again to get a residence certificate. I’ve been told by nearly every bank opening an account shouldn’t be a problem after we’re married.Chris *******
@Brandon ***********
My O took almost a month and it only gives me 90 days. Ill be getting married here at the end of the month and then we’ll apply for a marriage visa but immigration told us it can’t just be converted to marriage visa and the best course of action would be to leave the country for 3-5 days and then apply for the marriage visa after. Marriage visa requires a bank account but you cant get one on a non immigrant O as it’s only good for 90 days. Bank says I can get account after married. The entire visa process is quite confusing but I’m confident it will all work out. My soon to be wife is a corrections officer for the Gov and this only helps a little. There are so many rules regarding bank accounts, housing, etc and it’s great to get any help possible.Brandon ************
@Chris ******
you cannot convert a 90 day retirement visa into another visa. You already have the visa. The only thing you can do with that is apply for the 1-year extension based on the same reason the visa was issued, which sounds like it was retirement.
Greg ***********
Chris Burns you have been told wrongly. You can definitely get a Thai bank account opened on a 90-days Non-Imm-O Visa. Get a "certificate of residency" from Immigration, a Thai mobile SIM card registered to your name and passport number, and visit a bank. You might have to try a few banks because they all love to pull out of their noses random rules and will tell you it is not possible, because they don't want your business. If you live in Pattaya, visit an agent. They can get a bank account opened for you within 2 days for something like 5000 Baht
Paul *******
Chris Burns If you do not have a bank account you cannot show 400k for your 1 year extension. You need open when you arrive and deposit required funds to season.
Lynnette *******
Chris Burns you use the Non -O to open a bank account. You do that soon as you arrive. . That's the usual way. But you may need to ask at several banks as they have their own rules.
MJ *********
OP@Brandon ***********
so should I book a flight to Vietnam or Cambodia for the date I selected?Brandon ************
@MJ ********
no.MJ *********
OPRalph Tyson btw I will happily go to Vietnam for a coupe weeks first if need be. Wutever it takes I’m in no rush at all
MJ *********
OPRalph Tyson I already applied payment was processed & waiting to be approved. I also have a dog need to get there soon with the USDA cert
Ralph *******
MJ Spicoli Why don’t you just wait for the non O? It will be more complicated in Thailand.
Doug ******
You will need an onward ticket if coming in as a tourist. Your airline probably won’t let you board without it. However, if your Non-O visa comes through then you don’t need it.
MJ *********
OP@Brandon ***********
I prob won’t have it in timeMJ *********
OP@Brandon ***********
even if I’m going in as a tourist without the non-O?
Doug ********
So you are arriving without the visa,yet planning to move here ???
MJ *********
OPDoug Powell I’m ok doing wutever it takes maybe even doing border runs instead of parking $25k in a drawer for the retirement visa. Again I’m still pretty clueless about how all this works
Doug ********
MJ Spicoli ..then you are not really looking to move here in the true sense of the word as constant border runs so t work for life. I agree you are clueless And appears you don't want to commit money to you new life so I can't e bothered to commit my time into trying to make you un..c!ueless...as you don't seem to want to make much effort. Good luck, by the way when you arrive with No visa you will probably get 60 days visa exemption, make the most of it . After that you will need to............oh look it up..
Doug ********
MJ Spicoli ..agreed .you can do a lot with 25k....border runs x 200, agents for dodgy visa to stay x ???....medical bills x ? who knows, and your original post was...
I'm going to move there, not I'm going to start my South East travels from there....
I'm going to move there, not I'm going to start my South East travels from there....
MJ *********
OPDoug Powell curious why do u even waste your time? So you’re saying if I don’t want to travel somewhere else every few months which I’ll be doing anyway I don’t wanna move there? Anyone who would commit money to a drawer that makes zero income not even minimal interest & doesn’t look for another way is a fool. I can do a lot with 25k especially over there
MJ *********
OPDoug Powell yes
Amy **********
MJ Spicoli You are very brave. Everything will work out.
Doug ********
Amy Benjamin ..no..he is very stupid lol...
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