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How long does it take to obtain an Elite Visa after leaving Thailand on an STV?

STV Visa Elite Visa Visa Extensions Thailand Immigration Expat Visa Tips Visa Conversion

Feb 14, 2021

4 years ago

Brendon ****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi all, I am currently on an stv visa and once all extensions have expired, my only choice is to leave the country to get an elite visa. Has anyone got an idea how long it take to get the visa as I’d like a ballpark figure on the amount of days I need in my home country before returning with said visa.

Thanks in advance

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The OP is currently holding a Special Tourist Visa (STV) and is concerned about the possibility of obtaining an Elite Visa after their STV extensions expire. There are mixed opinions regarding whether the OP must leave Thailand to apply for the Elite Visa, with some suggesting that it might be possible to change to the Elite Visa within Thailand, provided they consult the right authorities or agents. However, others firmly state that due to the regulations of the STV, they would have to exit the country to apply for the Elite Visa. The community is uncertain about the timeline for obtaining the Elite Visa and recommends reaching out directly to the Elite Visa office or a trustworthy Thai Visa Center for the most accurate guidance.

Chanachai *****

I am aware that issue with my STV as well but after I read the law about STV. It say that if STV is expired, you can extend but cannot change to any visa in Thailand. It means if your STV is not expired yet, you should change to any Visa!

Please update your situation for anyone who wanna change visa in Thailand after STV! Thank you in advance 🙂

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Maxim ***********

How told you that non sense? Stop listening to fear mongering by grumpy old fart who like to patronize everyone. If you use a reputable agent you will stay no problem, many have done it.

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Tod *********

Sadly

because you entered the country on a Special Tourist Visa it doesn't matter even if you could get a covid extension after getting your 2 additional 90 day extensions and being here the 9 months. You can't convert from an STV entry (no matter the extension you're on) to another type of visa :( 　

One way or another you'd HAVE to leave, because there isn't a way to get OFF the STV entry stamp (as even a covid extension would track back to their original entry) and on to something that can be converted to Elite

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Noel ***********

I agree with Todd Mc Gowan. Best you contact Thai Visa Centre. They are on the level. Have used them as has thousands of expats.

Don’t believe half the crap you read on these sites.

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Brendon ****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Noel **********

just got finished talking with them and I’m going to use them

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Brendon ****************

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Bobby ********

Just go on the covid extension after nine months (if it's still around). Once you're on that, you can talk directly with Elite Visa management and get it in Bangkok. Should never have to leave, and never have to pay a scungy agent. Best strategy. You can buy me a beer later

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Brendon ****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

I’m pretty sure COVID extension is extension of your expired visa, making it valid and in the same situation I’m in now.

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Bobby ********

Brendon Peter Douglas. That's exactly what it is. 1900 baht for two months, continuing indefinitely. But you can convert to another visa from the covid extension

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Tod *********

As a general rule

you'd be correct. you can convert to another type of visa from a covid extension

BUT

because the Special Tourist Visa specifically states it cannot be converted to other visa types inside the country, until they exited the country and re-entered on a visa exempt, they couldn't get OFF the STV entry stamp (even with a covid extension)

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Bobby ********

Tod Daniels. You could well be right in relation to the covid tracking back to the STV, and we won't know probably for another six months or more until someone actually tests it. So I do think the OP is asking the question a little prematurely.

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Brendon ****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Leo? 🍺

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Bobby ********

Brendon Peter Douglas. As a connoisseur of beer drinking, any beer will do! 🤣

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Tod *********

and you know the covid extensions are continuing indefinitely how exactly

? They have been extended ONCE since they rolled the program out.

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Bobby ********

Tod Daniels. Indefinitely as in "non definite" not "forever". Amnesty finished on October 31, which means the covids have now covered six months. I'm willing to bet you $50 they will continue until quarantine has either finished or drastically reduced. Your thoughts?

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Bobby ********

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Bob **********

Why not talk to Elite

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Brendon ****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

I did

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Bob **********

@Brendon ***************

if they say you have to leave that's it it's not the elite it's the STV Visa you have might be cheaper to go to Cambodia or Laos and quarantine them come back and quarantine again you know you get 270 days with the STV

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Bob **********

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Brendon ****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

After talking with an elite sales associate I was told it was not possible which led me to believe so. I know not everything black and white in Thailand hence reaching out to this group.

You have given me hope!

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Richard ******

@Brendon ***************

that is exactly what I would expect the sales person to say, definitely check with local immigration and with a reputable visa agent or two, there should definitely be a way to stay.

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Brendon ****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

thanks. Will do

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Brendon ****************

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Shayne **********

You should be able to change in Thailand. See message

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Michael ********

Surely you are talking a few months yet.

First STV approved was end of september so even you got in when made law thats end of June.

Personally i would speak to the people at the elite visa office.

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Todd *********

anyone should be good for all of 2021 if they wish

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Michael ********

yep

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Michael ********

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