This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

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 Health Insurance Requirements

Apr 19, 2025

25 days ago

MillieandTimmiesgreatadventure **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

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.

530

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : 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.

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.

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted Retirement Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Wannikea *********

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

25 days 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.

25 days ago

Sarah ******

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

25 days ago

MillieandTimmiesgreatadventure **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Sarah *****

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

25 days ago

Reply to

MillieandTimmiesgreatadventure **********

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

25 days ago

MillieandTimmiesgreatadventure **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tony ****

tha OA suits our needs best.

25 days 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

25 days 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

24 days 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

25 days ago

Greg *********

@Tony ****

Depends on what company and what level of policy you have. You kind of get what you pay for.

24 days ago

Reply to

Greg *********

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Join the Group

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else