Answered2 years ago

Is a DBS check sufficient for the OA visa application from the UK or do I need an ACRO certificate?

OA Visa Visa Application Process Criminal Record Check DBS Check ACRO Certificate Non O Visa

MillieandTimmiesgreatadventure **********

asked Apr 19, 2025

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Looking at the OA visa,applying from the UK. I have a question about the 'certificate of criminal record clearance '. I can get a DBS check that costs £21.50, or an ACRO certificate which costs £68. Is the DBS sufficient or do I need to go all in with the ACRO?

Thanks.

Answer summary

The user is questioning whether a DBS check will suffice for obtaining an OA visa from the UK or if they need to opt for the more comprehensive and expensive ACRO certificate. Several commenters suggest that a standard DBS check may be enough unless the user plans to work with children, in which case the ACRO would be necessary. Others recommend considering the Non-O visa due to fewer restrictions and concerns about health insurance options related to the OA visa.

10 repliesnewest first

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Wannikea *********

Dump the OA in favor of the O, unless you specifically are trying to delay bringing funds over.

2 years ago

David *******

I've been there done that.

Had a "SIA" licence but still had to pay for their checks to obtain my OA visa.

Looking back I wished I'd opted for just the "O" visa as the health insurance is very restricted to only certain companies with Thai approval.

2 years ago

Sarah ******

If you intend on working with children then the ACRO is the better option, if not then a normal DBS will suffice.

2 years ago

MillieandTimmiesgreatadventure **********

@Sarah *****

thanks for that, no intention of working with kids. No intention of working!

2 years ago

Tony *****

Have you considered the Non O option? Less restrictions and more importantly you’re not tied into the health insurance which is apparently pretty bad

2 years ago

MillieandTimmiesgreatadventure **********

@Tony ****

tha OA suits our needs best.

2 years ago

Paul ********

@Tony ****

hi interested in your comment, can you explain a bit more about you comment on health insurance and a non o visa, thanks

2 years ago

Tony *****

@Paul *******

my misunderstanding then. I thought that when you extend after the first year it has to be one of the recommended companies by the Thai government

2 years ago

Tony *****

@Paul *******

the non o visa is pretty similar to the non oa but without the extra requirements. Same financial but nothing else. You get an initial 90 visa which as long as you fulfill requirements can extend for 12 months. From that point on it’s a case of extending every 12 months pretty much the same as the non OA

As for the health insurance you in order to extend after 12 months in pretty much needs to be one of the government approved ones. Someone can correct me if I’m wrong in that. The policies they offer aren’t the best

2 years ago