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Is a police clearance required for obtaining a Non-O retirement visa in Laos?
Non-O VisaRetirement VisaVisa Application ProcessPolice ClearanceThailand ImmigrationLaos Visa RequirementsExpatriate Guides
Aug 21, 2025
8 months ago
Pete ******
ORIGINAL POSTERHeading to Laos to upgrade my tourist visa to a Non-O retirement visa. A police clearance, criminal records form is required. Has anyone managed to get the required police clearance while in Thailand.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the requirements for upgrading a tourist visa to a Non-O retirement visa, specifically in relation to the need for a police clearance certificate. Several comments clarify that a police clearance is generally not required for a Non-O visa, but some confusion arises due to online application choices that may mistakenly signal the need for such documentation, especially if applicants select the Non-OA option instead. Many users advise that the Non-O visa can typically be obtained within Thailand, negating the need to travel to Laos for this process.
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.
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Eric ***************
Yes,takes 30 days in bangkok police head quarters
Wannikea *********
Why are you going to Laos for a Non O? It can be obtained in Thailand at your local immigration office.
Reinhard ********
In Thailand ist no need for it.
Maitin *******
What county are you a resident of? It was my understanding you could only apply for a Non O visa from your home county. Also., from what you have said, I didn't think you selected the right visa. There is no requirement for criminal background clearances or insurance with a Non O.
What I would not do is VPN from Thailand as they will see that you never left Thailand and could reject the visa application. That would be very very unfortunate
What I would not do is VPN from Thailand as they will see that you never left Thailand and could reject the visa application. That would be very very unfortunate
Wannikea *********
@Maitin ******
non O can be applied for from anywhere, including inside Thailand. It's the non OA that must be obtained in your home country or a country that you have permanent residency.Maitin *******
@Wannikea ********
I was referring to the online a application, which I believe must be done outside of Thailand. I said that your shouldn't use a VPN to take your location if inside Thailand. They check the status of the passport and will see that you never left and this will cause trouble I've still never heard anyone need a criminal background or insurance for a non o.
Reply to
Maitin *******
Reply
Randy *******
Mine was for a marriage, not retirement so maybe it’s different
Randy *******
I just went there and got type O visa I did not need any police records or criminal history. I use a visa agent. They also had an office  there so their agent was able to get my Visa in five days and I was flying back to Thailand. I opened a bank account a week later.
Stuart *********
Can you show where it says it is required? The online system is standard for every embassy or consulate (but routes it to the specific one you are applying at).
If it’s a requirement I believe you selected the Non OA option (lists as “long term stay”).
If it’s a requirement I believe you selected the Non OA option (lists as “long term stay”).
Pete ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart ********
in Laos you have to submit application online. I selected Non-0 retirement and this must be answeredBrandon ************
@Pete *****
You did not select non-O. You selected non-OA. You picked the wrong option. Go back and start a new application and choose the retirement pensioner option for not greater than 90 days.Pete ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
ohh that was a very costly mistake .. :(Graham ******
@Pete *****
you haven't paid yetReply to
Graham ******
Reply
Stuart *********
@Pete *****
Insurance nor a police certificate are required for a Non O visa. You have selected the wrong option.Frank ****************
@Stuart ********
insurance is needed for the extention of Non-O as well, but not for the initial 90 daysAndy **********
@Frank ***************
there is no compulsory requirement for insurance, to apply for a 12 extension of a non O visa, based on retirement.Stuart *********
@Frank ***************
Nope it isn’t.Graham ******
@Frank ***************
there is no mandatory insurance for the Non-O extension, only for a Non-OA extensionReply to
Graham ******
Reply
Chris *******
@Stuart ********
100 per cent correct.Ant ***********
@Stuart ********
AgreeReply to
Ant ***********
Reply
Brett *********
Police clearance from your home country, Thailand or both?
Pete ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brett ********
2). Evidence of a criminal background check form the county of residence.I was told they would take one from Thailand
Brett *********
@Pete *****
for the Thai one you can get it only from Special Branch in Bangkok. It can be done online but you need to submit a full set of fingerprints taken by police. I did a hi-res scan from Australian police fingerprints form.Reply to
Brett *********
Reply
Stephen ********
I did a non-o 90 day single entry visa and was not asked for either of those documents, I did mine before I flew out of Perth Australia
Terry ***********
@Stephen *******
where in Perth are you from?Stephen ********
@Terry **********
last place was down by the Rockingham foreshore, I now live in Hua Hin in Thailand 👍Terry ***********
I’m from High Wycombe and now living in Bangkok
Stephen ********
@Terry **********
I find it a bit more layed back down here 👍Terry ***********
@Stephen *******
I have no doubt but, my wife has this house in BKK where we are currently living however, I would like to visit Hua Hin sometime soon, maybe catch up for a beer and swap a few stories?Reply to
Terry ***********
Reply
Pete ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stephen *******
it is required at the Thai embassy in LaosMaitin *******
@Pete *****
then go somewhere else. Absolutely no need to go to the embassy. Do the whole thing online, I was unaware you could even apply in a foreign country...Stephen ********
@Pete *****
bugger mate, not goodMax *************
@Pete *****
It's not, only for the O-A.Reply to
Max *************
Reply
Stuart *********
Why would that be required? It is for a Non OA visa but not for a Non O. You can’t get a Non OA in Laos unless you’re a legal resident.
Pete ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart ********
the forms are now submitted online and they are required for the non-o retirement visa… I was in Laos last week.Stuart *********
@Pete *****
I’ve not seen anywhere where that’s needed. As I said it is a requirement for a Non OA visa. Did you select the right option? Both are commonly referred to as a “retirement visa”.Reply to
Stuart *********
Reply
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