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

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
2 days ago
Pete ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
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.
2,355
views
5
likes
71
all likes
36
replies
1
images
12
users
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.
Pelle Eriksson
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...
recently on Facebook
Luca G.
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
Eric ***************
Yes,takes 30 days in bangkok police head quarters
a day ago
Like
Reply
Wannikea *********
Why are you going to Laos for a Non O? It can be obtained in Thailand at your local immigration office.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reinhard ********
In Thailand ist no need for it.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
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
2 days ago
Like
Reply
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.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
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.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Maitin *******
Reply
Randy *******
Mine was for a marriage, not retirement so maybe it’s different
2 days ago
Like
Reply
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.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
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”).
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Pete ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
 in Laos you have to submit application online. I selected Non-0 retirement and this must be answered
2 days ago
Like
Reply
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.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Pete ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 ohh that was a very costly mistake .. :(
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Graham ******
@Pete *****
 you haven't paid yet
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Graham ******
Reply
Stuart *********
@Pete *****
 Insurance nor a police certificate are required for a Non O visa. You have selected the wrong option.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Frank ****************
@Stuart ********
 insurance is needed for the extention of Non-O as well, but not for the initial 90 days
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Andy **********
@Frank ***************
 there is no compulsory requirement for insurance, to apply for a 12 extension of a non O visa, based on retirement.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Stuart *********
@Frank ***************
 Nope it isn’t.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Graham ******
@Frank ***************
 there is no mandatory insurance for the Non-O extension, only for a Non-OA extension
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Graham ******
Reply
Chris *******
@Stuart ********
 100 per cent correct.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Ant ***********
@Stuart ********
Agree
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Ant ***********
Reply
Brett *********
Police clearance from your home country, Thailand or both?
2 days ago
Like
Reply
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
2 days ago
Like
Reply
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.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
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
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Terry ***********
@Stephen *******
 where in Perth are you from?
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Stephen ********
@Terry **********
 last place was down by the Rockingham foreshore, I now live in Hua Hin in Thailand 👍
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Terry ***********
I’m from High Wycombe and now living in Bangkok
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Stephen ********
@Terry **********
 I find it a bit more layed back down here 👍
2 days ago
Like
Reply
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?
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Terry ***********
Reply
Pete ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stephen *******
 it is required at the Thai embassy in Laos
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Maitin *******
@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...
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Stephen ********
@Pete *****
 bugger mate, not good
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Max *************
@Pete *****
 It's not, only for the O-A.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
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.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
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.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
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”.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Stuart *********
Reply
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
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
Do I need a background check from the USA or the Philippines for a Thailand OA retirement visa?
1 comments
23 days ago
What should I consider when applying for a retirement visa to Thailand with an old police record?
21 comments
2 months ago
What are the requirements for obtaining a Non-O visa in Thailand, specifically regarding the criminal record and health certificate?
10 comments
2 months ago
Is a police clearance certificate required to extend a Non-Immigrant O visa in Thailand?
35 comments
3 months ago
Do I need a police check from my home country for a retirement visa in Thailand?
43 comments
4 months ago
What should I do if I need a police criminal record letter for my Thai visa application?
21 comments
4 months ago
Is a criminal record check required for a non-immigrant O visa application in Thailand?
5 comments
2 years ago
Do I need a Police Clearance and Medical Certificate for a Non Immigrant O Visa in Thailand?
15 comments
4 years ago
What are the requirements for obtaining a Non-OA visa in Thailand, especially regarding the criminal report?
15 comments
4 years ago
Do I need a medical certificate and police check for a retirement visa in Thailand when applying from Australia?
64 comments
4 years ago
Do I need a Thai police check for a Non-OA visa renewal or will an Australian police check suffice?
7 comments
5 years ago
Does a Non-O (Marriage) Visa 1-Year Extension Require a Police Clearance?
17 comments
6 years ago
Is a Criminal Background Check Required for the Non-O Visa at the Thai Embassy in Vientiane?
5 comments
6 years ago
Do I need a police clearance and medical certificate to apply for a retirement visa in Thailand from Vientiane?
17 comments
6 years ago
Do I need a medical report or police clearance to apply for a retirement visa in Thailand?
29 comments
6 years ago
Will a Thai Police Clearance be accepted by the Thai Consulate in Canberra for a Non-Immigrant Long Stay Retirement Visa?
0 comments
6 years ago
What are the steps to obtain a criminal clearance for an O-A visa in Chiang Mai while living in the US?
10 comments
6 years ago
What police report is needed for a Non-Immigrant Type O-A visa application at the Los Angeles Thai Consulate?
12 comments
6 years ago
Do I need a police check each time I renew my NON-OA visa in Thailand?
8 comments
7 years ago
Do I need a police clearance for a Non-B visa at the Thai Consulate in Savannakhet?
7 comments
7 years ago
Is a Police Clearance Certificate Required for a Thai Retirement Visa?
9 comments
7 years ago
Can I apply for a Non-O 90-day visa for retirement at a local immigration office in Thailand and will I need a police background check?
2 comments
7 years ago
What are the steps to obtain a police clearance certificate for a NON-O visa in Chiang Mai, Thailand?
57 comments
7 years ago
Have recent applicants received the 90-day Non-Immigrant Type O visa based on retirement requirements from the Thai consulate in Vientiane?
16 comments
7 years ago
What is the best cannabis dispensary in Bangkok?
7 comments
a month ago
Where can I find the best cannabis dispensary in Chon Buri?
9 comments
a month ago
What are the best dispensaries in Phuket?
21 comments
a month ago
What is the best cannabis dispensary in Surat Thani?
16 comments
a month ago
Where can I find the best weed in Chiang Mai?
8 comments
a month ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.