Answered3 years ago

Does my friend on a retirement visa in Thailand need a re-entry permit for a 30-day trip to the UK?

Retirement Visa Re-Entry Permit Visa Requirements Immigration Travel Thailand

Jason **********

asked Jul 4, 2023

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Good morning, my friend here in Thailand he is on a retirement visa and would like to fly back to the UK for 30 days then come back to Thailand. Does he have to get a re-entry visa so his current retirement visa does not expire? Also he will book a return ticket, but i am wondering on his return back to Thailand would they allow him to fly without a return back to the UK?

Answer summary

The individual, on a retirement visa in Thailand, will require a re-entry permit to avoid expiration of their visa during a 30-day trip to the UK. This permit can be obtained easily at the immigration office where the visa was issued. Upon return to Thailand, the individual does not need to show a return flight to the UK as long as they possess a valid visa and re-entry permit. However, it's prudent to verify with the airline for their own requirements regarding onward travel.

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Tom *********

From my understanding yes re-entry permit will be required but easily obtained and he won’t need a return flight to the UK because he is on a long term visa. But be ready to show the retirement visa stamp that would clear up any issues

3 years ago

Tod *********

@Jason *********

this is why posts asking things for a friend can often run off the rails.

the visa whether gotten inside or outside thailand, the type of visa and/or extension, etc, ALL matter to get good answers

Send your friend to the immigration office where he got his "visa/extension" and have him get a re-entry permit.

Now as far as if he will require onward travel when he comes back THAILAND will not require it as he has a valid visa/extension & re-entry permit

BUT

his air carrier might, and some of them have proof of onward travel requirements in place.

So check with the air carrier, if they say he doesn't need it he's fine to fly in on the return trip

3 years ago

Jason **********

@Tod ********

thanks for the reply. He is 80 years old so he’s not very good on the computer. I’ll take him to the local immigration for the re-entry and check requirements with the airline as well.

3 years ago

Tod *********

@Jason *********

re-entry permits are 1000baht single re-entry (exit/re-enter once) or 3800baht multiple re-entry (exit/re-enter all you want for the current stamp validity)

safe travels to him..

3 years ago

Malcolm *************

I once had a problem returning with Qantas from Heathrow after a few minutes explaining at check-in and showing the airline my retirement visa stamp in my passport the problem was quickly resolved 👍

3 years ago

Lloyd ********

As for a return flight to UK, that will not be needed

3 years ago

Lloyd ********

Without knowing if your friend is on a VISA (obtained outside Thailand), or an extension of stay (obtained inside Thailand), we can't give a proper answer.

3 years ago

Lloyd ********

OK, so yes he will require a re-entry permit to maintain his current permission to stay. He can get this at his local immigration or at the airport.

3 years ago

Jason **********

@Lloyd *******

thank you 🙏

3 years ago

Lloyd ********

That would depend if his initial entry all those years ago was on a Non-OA or not. I am guessing not, else he would already have to have insurance for his yearly extensions

3 years ago

Jason **********

@Lloyd *******

thank you very much. I also forgot to ask in the post, does he need to provide any kind of insurance in Thailand on his return?

3 years ago

Jason **********

@Lloyd *******

he is on a retirement visa obtained in Thailand. He’s been on the same visa for the last 20 years. He is 80 years old so he asked if I would advise him since he’s not very good on a computer.

3 years ago