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How long does it take to process an initial Non-O visa in Thailand and what currency should I use in Laos?

Non-O VisaVisa Processing TimeThailand ImmigrationExpat TipsThai VisaCurrency in Laos
Oct 18, 2024
2 months ago
Nick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
How long does an initial Non-O generally take to process? Ball park figure? I will be entering Thailand from Laos by air on a 60 day TV to then start the process through to extension.

I have the funds and time, so won’t be using an agent and applying myself. Any tips or advise about the process would be very much appreciated. I’ll be applying in Phuket.

Also, best currency to use in Laos? I’ve heard USD?

Thanks in advance.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The processing time for a Non-O visa can vary, but typically you should expect it to take about 1-3 days if you have a complete application. However, it is important to enter Thailand on a valid visa (not a tourist visa) if you wish to apply for a Non-O visa in-country; otherwise, you may need to leave and reapply. Additionally, using Thai Baht or US Dollars is advisable while in Laos, with the Lao Kip being the official currency.
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.
Eric ******
Well, right or wrong, now you see why people use agents...😄
2 months ago
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Ken ***********
In regards to currency in Laos. I just returned from 4 days in Vientiane, the Laos kip I would say is best to use. Some places may accept dollar but with varying exchange rate along with Thai baht.

In Laos, the official currency is the Lao Kip (LAK). Other commonly accepted currencies include the US Dollar (USD) and, to a lesser extent, Thai Baht (THB). While the kip is the primary currency for transactions, many businesses, especially in tourist areas, will accept US dollars.
2 months ago
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Steve *******
You can use Thai Baht or USD in Laos but make sure you use small bills because any change will be in Lao Kip.
2 months ago
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Graham ******
Why not get your Non-O (for marriage or retirement?) before you enter Thailand as this makes things much easier to get your 12 month extension?
2 months ago
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Nick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graham *****
 I’m already in Thailand on a Non-B. Have to leave within 7 days after it’s cancelled. When I re-enter, i’ll have
*****
days to sort, time is on my side so no worries.
2 months ago
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Graham ******
@Nick ******
 You only get the grace period to leave if you are on a BOI Non-B is my understanding otherwise you leave when the Non-B extension is cancelled
2 months ago
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Nick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graham *****
 IMO has informed I have 7 days.
2 months ago
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Graham ******
@Nick ******
 That sounds like an "Extension denied, 7 days to leave Thailand" stamp which can have consequences further down the line
2 months ago
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Nick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graham *****
 No, I have to pay 1000 bht for this. All being processed through lawyers that act on behalf of the company I work for.
2 months ago
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Nick *******
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Ryan ****
@Graham *****
 agreed from experience first hand, the paperworks are a hassle.
2 months ago
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Ryan ****
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Tony **********
The tricky thing for you will be to open a Thai bank account on tourist visa. You need 800k in Thai bank account to apply for non-o in country.
2 months ago
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Jan ******************
You’ll need to have at least 15-21 days left on your current stamp to apply for a Non O in country. Regarding exact processing time I guess it varies a bit between seasons and immigrations. Regarding funds there’s normally no seasoning required for the initial 90 days Non O.
2 months ago
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Nick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jan *****************
 Thank you, very clear.
2 months ago
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Nick *******
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David *******
1 day before the e visa. Hope you are entering on your 90 day visa because you can’t switch to non imm visa after you enter on tourist visa unless it’s for marriage. You’ll have to leave the country and reapply after you enter with TV. And you can’t apply for non imm inside the country, so it sounds like you might need to rework your plans.
2 months ago
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Nick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David ******
 Sorry, really not following you. On one hand you’re saying I can’t apply for a Non-O on a TV, then you say I have to leave the country (which I am) and enter on a TV (which I am) and then apply for a Non-O. Very confusing, please clarify.
2 months ago
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Jan ******************
@Nick ******
 No problems, this is just as an example requirements for a Non O in country at Chang Mai immigration.
2 months ago
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Nick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jan *****************
 Thank you.
2 months ago
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Jan ******************
@Nick ******
 If you’re on a real 60 days tourist visa you’ll apply on a TM.86. If it’s 60 days visa exemption you’ll apply on a TM.87. Go to your immigration and get their specific requirements handed over first.
2 months ago
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David *******
@Nick ******
 sorry if I caused ya any confusion!
2 months ago
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Nick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David ******
 it’s ok buddy, thank you for taking time to try and help. 👍
2 months ago
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Nick *******
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David *******
@Nick ******
 maybe don’t listen to my advice, so hard to figure out what’s what with recent changes no one seems to know. My non imm BOI visa for my own company was unable to be extended due to new paperwork that had to be completed 1 week prior to visa ending. My renewal appt was 2 days after the rule change which was 5 days left before it expired and I have no choice but to leave country now to apply again.
2 months ago
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Nick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David ******
 I have a Non-B but it’s ending in November where I’ll be given 7 days to leave the country. So will be re-entering on TV and sorting along term visa once back. Good luck.
2 months ago
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David *******
@Nick ******
 yeah just stick to your plan. Probably right. I just got got caught at a terrible time with the rule changes and e visa and my renewal time.
2 months ago
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David *******
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David *******
@Nick ******
 I don’t know. Everyone is saying yes but I just tried with my friend and he was forced to leave the country. So who knows, rules just changed last week.
2 months ago
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John **********
@David ******
 possibly not enough time left on his stamp? You need from 15 to 21 days remaining on your stamp depending on where you apply
2 months ago
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Jan ******************
@David ******
 If your current stay isn’t cancelled, you might need to leave to cancel and re-enter on a visa exemption or a tourist visa to apply for a Non O in country.
2 months ago
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Jan ******************
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Pete *******
@David ******
 you can’t apply for a non-o inside the country? Really?
2 months ago
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David *******
@Pete ******
 don’t know that’s what I was just told at immigration earlier
2 months ago
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Pete *******
@David ******
 I converted from visa exempt to Non-O in country. In fact it’s very common to do in country Non-O’s.
2 months ago
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David *******
@Pete ******
 I am just reporting what I was told with someone earlier today. Disregard my comments and info. Everyone else saying you can so probably can. I think misunderstanding at immigration
2 months ago
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Stephan ***********
@David ******
 Have a look here...

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2 months ago
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Stephan ***********
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John **********
@David ******
 this is not correct. You can apply for a non-o visa inside Thailand after having entered either visa exempt or on a tourist visa
2 months ago
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Philip ***********
@John *********
 you are correct
2 months ago
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David *******
That’s I was told earlier today at immigration. But honestly not sure they 100% understood what I needed so who knows
2 months ago
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Andy **********
@David ******
 It depends on the immigration office?? I've heard some either won't issue, or will make it difficult, and suggest you go to a Thai consulate/embassy in a neighbouring country, or apply in your home country before coming to Thailand.
2 months ago
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Andy **********
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