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How can we apply for a long-term holiday visa in Thailand without secured accommodation?

Jul 30, 2025
3 days ago
Sabrina **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi friends, my husband and I are going to apply for a 1 yr holiday visa in Thailand.

How do we do this if we don’t have accomodation secured?

We aren’t keen to sign up for a rental if we don’t know if we will be approved? Any thoughts?

Can a one month accomodation do as proof, or do we need to show a 1 year lease?

Thank you
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster (OP) inquires about applying for a one-year holiday visa in Thailand without having secured accommodation beforehand, expressing uncertainty about needing a long-term lease for visa approval. The community clarifies that there is no official one-year tourist visa, but alternatives like a six-month multiple entry tourist visa exist. They suggest getting a one-month accommodation to apply for the visa and later seeking longer-term housing once settled. There is also some debate and confusion about visa terminology among commenters, particularly regarding the Non-O/A visa, which is often colloquially referred to as a retirement visa but is not categorized as a tourist visa.
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.
John ********
So sorry but it doesn't exist in Thailand
Mark *******
There is no 1 year holiday visa dick.
Anna *********
Apart from all the carry on there is no ‘holiday’ visa so you need to work out which visa you are actually going to apply for ( it will save a lot of unnecessary incorrect comments🤣)

And no you don’t need a 1 year lease
Robert *********
Easiest .

You get 9 months

Multiple entry(important ) tourist visa .

Do it so you miss the hot season and or rain season
Nongnuch ********
@Robert ********
even these 9 months are not guaranteed. We hear reports that people on the METV have been pulled aside and warned when they tried a re-entry close to the expiry date of their visa
Ian *****
Good luck
Matt **********
Confusing. Holidays don't last for a year.

Christmas if including Christmas Eve 2 days.

Halloween 1 day.

Easter 1 day.

Fourth of July 1 day.

Are you meaning to say you want a year long vacation?
Pui *****
@Matt *********
Holiday is the proper term in most of the English-speaking world for what Americans call "vacation." You're going to just look like a sheltered untraveled American if you think your comment was funny.
Matt **********
@Sabrina *********
I don't work. I retired at 39. I wasn't anything special. Just got lucky.
Stuart *********
@Matt *********
If you’re from the US you might say that. If you’re from the UK you’d say holiday.
Matt **********
@Stuart ********
I know I've been in Thailand for years. I learned that European people say that years ago. I was only playing dumb, because I'm immature (admittedly)
Sabrina **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ha ha, sorry youre confused LOL. It does if you dont work ;)
Todd *********
@Sabrina *********
actually you are confused as there is no such thing as a ‘1 year holiday visa’. But good luck lol
Matt **********
@Todd ********
what is funny about getting lucky? Believe me I've also had bad luck. But financial wise I didn't do much. Extremely lucky investments.
Andrew ********
1 year tourist visa with multiple entry but has age requirement
Wayne ********
@Andrew *******
Has an age requirement, because it’s a Retirement visa. Not a holiday or tourist visa. You know that.
Nongnuch ********
@Wayne *******
the Non-O/A visa is not based on retirement. Because you needn't be retired to obtain this visa. You just have to be 50 or older. The Non-Imm-O/A visa is called "Longstay Visa" by every Thai embassy
Wayne ********
@Nongnuch *******
O/A, read Sabrina’s post
Wannikea *********
@Andrew *******
Excuse me. You're deadass wrong. There are 2 tourist class visas, 3 if you count the DTV, 4 if you count VOA. You'll find most all of them on the Thai evisa website under the classification tourist visa. A Non Imm class visa, especially an OA (retirement/age 50+) is not a tourist visa classification, it's a long stay visa with yearly extensions. Stop with your fairy tale.

I've included pictures, sorry, ran out of crayons.
Nongnuch ********
@Wannikea ********
the Non-O/A visa is not based on retirement. Because you needn't be retired to obtain this visa. You just have to be 50 or older. The Non-Imm-O/A visa is called "Longstay Visa" by every Thai embassy
Wannikea *********
@Nongnuch *******
yeah I wrote retirement/50+ because it's pretty much talked about colloquially as a retirement visa
Nongnuch ********
@Wannikea ********
only because it is referred as a "retirement visa" from barstools and pubs in Thailand, it doesn't make it more true. There are 6 different visa and extensions that can be referred to as "retirement visa" . . . . . with regards and thanks to Robert Lagas, who wrote this!

Once more, because people try to give advice based on what they think is a "Retirement Visa"

First of all, you DO not have to be retired to apply for this visa. You however need to be 50 years or older

Second is that all options have DIFFERENT rules, regulations and requirements.

So please read and try not to give incorrect advice by using the requirements for a different type of visa or extension of stay.

What is a retirement visa?

It is a phrase used by foreigners and Immigration and it could be 6 different types of visa or stay permits, with different rules, regulations and requirements

OR

it could even be an 1 year Extension of Stay based on being over 50 years of age and willing to sit out the rest of their life inside Thailand.

It is easy to type “retirement visa”, but very difficult to understand which option the person refers to

Options are:

1. Single Entry Non Immigrant O visa based on being over 50 years of age

2. Multiple Entry Non Immigrant O visa based on being over 50 years of age (it got discontinued by October 2023 and is not available any more)

3. Non Immigrant O visa based on being over 50 years of age without entry by conversion at local immigration office

4. Non Immigrant O-A visa (Long Stay)

5. Non Immigrant O-X visa

6. Long Term Residency (LTR) visa

7. Extension of Stay based on being over 50 years of age and willing to sit out the rest of their life inside Thailand (stamp from Immigration, which is not a visa)

ONLY for options 3, 5 and 7 the applicant needs a bank account in Thailand or a Certificate of Income from their Embassy.

Option 2 cannot be applied for any more, since all Thai Embassies and Consulates took it out of the E-visa program.

Option 3 is applied for by conversion of your Visa Exempt Entry or Tourist Visa at your local Immigration Office inside Thailand.

Option 6 is applied for with support of BOI Thailand

Option 7 is applied for at your local Immigration Office AFTER you used a Non-Immigrant visa.

Other options are applied for at a Thai Consulate OR for those countries who are legit, on-line.

Thanks for reading this long explanation.
Andrew ********
@Wannikea ********
you need to read where I explained the 1 year they are looking for is the non-oA visa clearly you cant read.

The person asking the question wanted to know if they can get a 1 year visa i answered them saying it was a

Non-OA they are not used to terminology so I explained the requirements for it in my comment

But thanks for playing just like the moron moderator in here that lack reading comprehension skills.

I showed them the option for a 1 year visa if they qualify and fits there needs

I know many people who maintain the retrimemnt visa and only here a few months out of the year own property as vacation property, perhaps that's what they were looking for too.

So maybe you need to read a bit more carefully
Wannikea *********
@Andrew *******
yeah I read your word salad. Before and now. Suggest you give it up. OA hardly fits anyone as a tourist visa alternative. You got some DJT genes?
Stuart *********
@Andrew *******
You seriously need to learn about terminology if you are going to be advising people on visa options.

Yes a one year visa exists. A 5 year visa exists. A 20 year visa exists but they are not “tourist” visas. They are long term visas for people who want to spend long term time here.

The fact that you need to be over 50, apply in your home country, have medical insurance, a police check, and a shed load of money in a bank account to get a Non OA is not something a typical tourist would do.
Andrew ********
@Stuart ********
if you read it in explanation it was a retirement visa that I pointed out in my explanation of the 1 year visa maybe you need to learn to read explanations idiot 😉 you really are a detriment to this group where I have proven you wrong on many occasions and you are a mod here ? Yeah... again they asked for a 1 yr visa and I explained the 1 year visa is non-oA clearly critical thinking is absent on you
Stuart *********
@Andrew *******
You are obviously just in this group to show how much of an asshole you are. If someone asks for apples you tell them to buy oranges and then try to explain your misguided reasoning behind doing so.
Keryn ******
@Stuart ********
why do you not ban Andrew Romine from this group? He is rude and disrespectful.
Max *************
@Andrew *******
Are you by any chance thinking about the Non-O-A based on retirement?
Andrew ********
@Max ************
yes they asked for a 1 year visa and gave them info that a 1 year visa does exist they call it holiday of you wish. I Know individuals with retirement visa that only spend a few months here but free to come and go as they see fit.
Max *************
@Andrew *******
Yes, but it's not s tourist visa,it's a 1 year visa based on retirement. How people are using it is totally irrelevant. Correct terminology is important when discussing different types of visa.
Nongnuch ********
@Max ************
the Non-O/A visa is not based on retirement. Because you needn't be retired to obtain this visa. You just have to be 50 or older. The Non-Imm-O/A visa is called "Longstay Visa" by every Thai embassy
Max *************
@Nongnuch *******
The O-A was also for many years known as a retirement visa at several embassies in Europe. The 50 year of age requirement has nothing to do with the official retirement age in western countries.
Sabrina **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
thank you guys, its been different. i have my answer. have a great day!
Stuart *********
@Andrew *******
Doesn’t exist.
Gianpaolo ******
@Stuart ********
It could exist in his brain!but only his psychiatrist can tell us that🤣🤣🤣
Andrew ********
@Stuart ********
hey its you again and yes it does exist Non-O A visa is a 1 year tourist visa but requires age 50 health insurance and finance. It does exist. Dont you hate to keep being proved wrong by me.

Its called a retirement visa they asked for a 1 year visa one does exist you are always wrong. Fact they called it "holiday visa" means nothing

But I enjoy showing your dumbass up in this group. They just asked for a 1 year visa and there is most definitely a 1 year visa.
Nongnuch ********
@Andrew *******
you are completely wrong. The Non-O/A Visa is neither a tourist visa, nor is it a retirement visa. The Non-Imm-O/A visa is called the "Longstay Visa" by all Thai embassies. Now you better show some character and apologize for your part, to
@Stuart ********
Regina **********
@Andrew *******
American?
Ally ************
@Andrew *******
You are so darn rude.. and just to let you know that your conceited tone is not a good look! Especially when you are wrong about being right! The OA wanted a 1-yr tourist visa and Stuart is absolutely right when he says it doesn't exist. There are numerous visa's that may allow you to stay in country for a year.. but not as a tourist.. the immigration website is clear on this fact.. so please refrain from your playground antics and show some respect to a guy that regularly goes out of his way to help people.. enuff said!
Todd *********
@Andrew *******
holy crap you are a dumbass. Is English your first language?
Max *************
@Andrew *******
You're a bit wrong about the O-A visa. It's not a tourist visa. The only existing tourist visa is the 60-days visa you can apply for back home.
Stuart *********
@Andrew *******
A non immigrant visa is not a tourist visa. There’s various different types for varing lengths but they are not considered tourist visas.

A typical tourist visits for a week or more and returns home. They have visas for those type of people (many don’t even need a visa).

Yes a Non OA allows a stay for a year but that’s considered a “retirement” visa (one of various ones that are called that). Completely different from a tourist visa as it requires that the applicant is over 50, has health insurance, has a police background check and a medical. Not something a typical tourist would either have or could be bothered to do.
Andrew ********
@Stuart ********
when people ask questions you answer them they are looking for a 1 year visa that does exist later in comments it was explained what visa they can get as tourist i explained what 1 yr visa exists for further information if they qualify for.

Perhaps you need to stop using google to respond to people or listen to what they are asking. They are interested in a 1 yr visa there is an option. I know people with the 1 year visa for exactly what they are looking for.

Just stop this is the 3rd time I have proven your wrong with yoir Google info helps of you are actually in thailand

If you are in thailand you are purposely giving out wrong info in here
Stuart *********
@Andrew *******
The OP asked about a tourist visa for one year. They didn’t specify their age, where they were applying for one or whether they had a police check or a medical. Why would I suggest a visa that I have no clue whether they could or possibly couldn’t obtain?

I told them that a one year tourist visa doesn’t exist.
Sabrina **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
okay Im not sure what this is guys, but thank you. I was really only asking/interested in the proof of lease before getting the Visa, seem a bit difficult to do that then apply for a visa? Is this the norm?
David **********
@Sabrina *********
to answer your question - no, you don't need a long term lease as a requirement for a visa. That being said, you do have to meet certain other requirements (age, financial, etc) to be approved for any of the multiple visas that everyone has mentioned.
Lynnette *******
@Sabrina *********
Stuart Cummings works for immigration so trust his advice. The other guy, Andrew, is just a foolish guy likes to argue.
Andrew ********
@Sabrina *********
its ok the guy responding to me isnt in thailand and only goes off limited google info.
Pui *****
@Andrew *******
Are you seriously kidding me, questioning
@Stuart ********
, the moderator of this group and one of the most well-known expats for visa advice in Thailand. As he mentioned, he even works for the Phuket immigration office. You look moronic questioning his credentials when he has been around forever helping tens of thousands of people with very good advice, often better than any other expat due to his role working for immigration. You owe him an apology when he is correct that the O-A is a non-immigrant visa, which most definitely is not a tourist visa. It's closer to being a long-term residence visa than anything else. He's been far kinder to you than most people would be when you accuse one of the actual experts on Thai visas and immigration of not knowing better.
Stuart *********
@Andrew *******
You are 100% correct that I am not in Thailand. I arrived in Australia today on holiday. I have however lived for the best part of the last 37 years in Thailand. I also work for immigration in Phuket. But you can think that I don’t know what I am talking about if you like.
James ********
People making up their own visas now hey
Sabrina **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
not really James, but thanks for your reply. I was just asking friend.
Mark **********
Come for a month, get a temporary accommodation and find one when you are here and sure you like it
David **********
1 year holiday visa? Not sure such a thing exists. There's the DTV (valid for 180 days but certain criteria must be met), retirement visa (90 days initially, extension for 1 year, again certain criteria - minimum age 50), multi-entry tourist visa (but won't allow you to stay for a whole year) So...you may want to research more
Stuart *********
There is no one year tourist visa for Thailand. There is a 6 month multiple entry tourist visa that you can eeek out almost 9 months from. There are conditions to getting that but a one year lease isn’t one of them.
Stuart *********
As some idiot on here has pointed out there are options for a 1 year visa, as are options for 5,10, or 20 years. But these have very specific requirements and are not something that a typical tourist would want nor apply for.
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