Is it better to apply for a retirement visa in the UK before moving to Phuket?

The postal visa service relies on sending a postal order for the fees (varies depending upon the type).

I assume most will not leave it too long to exercise the visa but there must be some, who, for unforeseen circumstances, delayed their departure (from the UK specifically). Has anyone done so beyond the 3 month mentioned?

it's at best ambiguous...

@Tod ********

I defer to your superior knowledge but there is a note (in the 'estimated date of arrival' section of the application form. I assume most people will apply with a little contingency.

@Peter ********

I do not see on the website where it says you must travel within 3 months of getting a year-long, multi-entry Non-O-A visa

@Peter ********

that is NOT correct. The year-long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant Type O-A visa is good for a year from the date it's issued so in theory you have a whole year to enter thailand and get stamped in for a year on that visa.

A SINGLE entry Non-Immigrant Type visa (NOT an O-A) is good for 90 days from the date it's issued and you must enter thailand during that 90 days to get stamped in.

here's an example of a Non-O-A visa. You can see it has a "valid from" date of the 10th April 2018. It has an "valid until" date of the 09th April 2019. That means as long as the holder enters the country ON or BEFORE the 09th of April 2019 they will be stamped in for a whole year.

You must travel within 3 months from the date of issue)

The application form clearly states that:

To answer my own question and guidance for others: ACPO police clearance is £45 for standard service (10 working days not including the date of receipt and dispatch) and £80 for Premium Service (2 days not including the day of receipt or dispatch). The links are all on the London Embassy website:

James Power. How easy is the police bit, how much does it cost and how long does it (usually) take?

Thank you. I'll manage with another METV this upcoming trip but next time...

@Peter ********

correct.

...and every time you enter you get a whole new year up until the visa expires and thus it's the best part of 2 years?

A year-long, multi-entry O-A visa is good for a year from the date it's issued. That means you have one year to enter the country and get stamped in for a year.

You do a 90 day report when you're in thailand for 90 days. So your first 90 day report is due 89 days from the date you first stamp into the country on that visa. (They count the day you arrive as day 1)