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

Jul 4, 2023
a year ago
Jason **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
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?
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TLDR : 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.
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.
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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
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
Jason **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@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.
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..
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 👍
Lloyd ********
As for a return flight to UK, that will not be needed
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.
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.
Jason **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lloyd *******
thank you 🙏
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
Jason **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@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?
Jason **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@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.
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