This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

Do I need to leave Thailand to apply for a non-O visa?

Jul 15, 2025
3 days ago
Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I was told that I must leave the kingdom to apply for a non-O visa. This was a surprise to me.
1,247
views
6
likes
27
all likes
8
replies
0
images
7
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The requirement to leave Thailand to apply for a Non-O visa can vary based on the immigration office and the type of Non-O visa. Not all immigration offices are authorized to process Non-O visas in-country. Applicants need to meet specific requirements including having sufficient days left on their current visa status and entering Thailand on an appropriate visa. If an officer instructed you to exit the country, it may indicate that the office you visited either lacks the authority to issue the visa or that certain criteria for their in-country application process were not met.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Robert *******
Just a few unknown details.

To apply inside Thailand for a new visa, you must meet the requirements and NOT all of the over 80 Immigration Offices have the permission to issue visa.

The question now is:

Does the office you visited have permission to issue a visa?

Did you meet all the requirements, like entered with a Visa Exempt Entry OR Tourist Visa, did you have enough days left as this application goes under consideration?

IF an Immigration Officer told you to go abroad to apply, I'm almost certain that the answer on one or even both questions is NO
John **********
It depends. Not every immigration office allows you to apply for a Non-O inside Thailand. Even for those that do you need a minimum of 15 days left on your current stamp (21 days in a few places)
Peter **********
Its not that surprising to apply for visas in a embassy or consulate in general. But some you might be able to apply for in country, depending on the IO and the style of non-O
Mikkel *******
Well.. That depends on what kind of non o, and where you tried to get it. For a marriage non o for example, only some immigration offices will sell that in-country.
Jan ******************
Some immigrations don’t do Non O in country. Where was this?
Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Lloyd ********
Who told you ?
Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lloyd *******
nakhon nayok
Thai Visa Advice
... members · 40% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice