Answereda year ago
Is a police clearance required for obtaining a Non-O retirement visa in Laos?
Heading 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.
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.
36 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
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.
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 ******
OP@Stuart ********
in Laos you have to submit application online. I selected Non-0 retirement and this must be answered
Brandon ************
@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.
Graham ******
@Pete *****
you haven't paid yetPete ******
OP@Brandon ***********
ohh that was a very costly mistake .. :(Stuart *********
@Pete *****
Insurance nor a police certificate are required for a Non O visa. You have selected the wrong option.
Andy **********
@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 extension
Frank ****************
@Stuart ********
insurance is needed for the extention of Non-O as well, but not for the initial 90 days
Chris *******
@Stuart ********
100 per cent correct.
Ant ***********
@Stuart ********
Agree
Brett *********
Police clearance from your home country, Thailand or both?
Pete ******
OP@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.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 ***********
@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?Stephen ********
@Terry **********
I find it a bit more layed back down here 👍Terry ***********
I’m from High Wycombe and now living in Bangkok
Pete ******
OP@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 good
Max *************
@Pete *****
It's not, only for the O-A.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 ******
OP@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”.Activity
17 joined17
people
Related
25Can I apply for a Non-O retirement visa in Thailand from neighboring countries?
1.7k10282mo
Can I apply for a retirement visa in Thailand if my bank funds have only been there for 5 weeks?
1.2k11102mo
How can I obtain a retirement visa for Thailand?
14.6k1012188mo
What are the passport validity requirements for applying for a Non-O retirement visa while in Laos?
4.3k403010mo
Do I need to deposit 100,000 baht before or after obtaining the confirmation letter for a Non-O retirement visa?
4.1k24681y
What documentation do I need for a retirement visa application in Thailand, specifically regarding medical certificates and police clearance?
7.3k48871y
Can I apply for a retirement visa while already in Thailand or do I need to leave and apply from abroad?
2.3k17221y
What steps should I take to obtain an OA visa in Thailand before my tourist visa expires?
5.1k34711y
What is the process for applying for a Non O retirement visa in Thailand?
2.5k17301y
How can I obtain a 90-day Non-O visa while in the UK to move back to Thailand?
46221y
What are the requirements for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand and do I need to pay an agent for the process?
5.2k51302y
Should I apply for a retirement visa to Thailand in the UK or during my 60-day visit?
3.8k28372y
What are the requirements for obtaining a Non-O retirement visa from the UK?
2.1k14172y
Do I need to book a flight before applying for a Non-O visa in Thailand?
4.8k48132y
Can I obtain a Non-O visa in Malaysia to apply for a retirement visa in Thailand?
640313y
What is the process for applying for a Non-O retirement visa in Chiang Mai?
4.5k14993y
Can a hotel provide documentation for a retirement visa in Thailand?
3.8k36203y
Why does the Thai embassy recommend a non-O visa for retirement while the online application does not clearly reference this?
2.5k20194y
Will a criminal record affect my retirement visa in Thailand?
9.5k661084y
Can I apply for a Non-O visa while on a tourist visa in Thailand, and will it affect the remaining days on my tourist visa?
2.1k17134y
Can my parents enter Thailand on the STV and apply for a Non-O visa based on retirement?
1k2186y
Do I need a police clearance and medical certificate to apply for a retirement visa in Thailand from Vientiane?
2k1787y
Can I apply for a long-term retirement visa while in Thailand or do I need to apply from the USA?
1k728y
What are the requirements and costs for obtaining a Retirement Visa in Thailand for a Spanish couple?
1.4k1079y
Do I need a Non-O visa to apply for a retirement visa in Thailand and what documentation is required?
3.9k4479y
Resources
Need help with your retirement visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served