thailand
Ask question

Is it better to get a 6-month tourist visa or a retirement visa if I plan to split my time between Thailand and the USA?

Retirement VisaTourist VisaNon-O VisaMETVVisa ExtensionsThai Elite VisaVisa RunsImmigration Rules Thailand
Apr 19, 2018
7 years ago
Daniel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I qualify for the so-called “retirement” visa, but I’m looking at the possibility of spending only half the year in Thailand for the next few years, and the other half in the States, the time not being ‘broken up’. Would there be any advantage to simply getting a 6 month tourist visa each year?
1,225
views
2
likes
49
all likes
29
replies
0
images
6
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion centers on the visa options for an expatriate planning to spend half the year in Thailand and half in the States. The primary suggestion is to consider the 6-month Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV), which requires leaving the country every 60 days or paying for a visa extension. Other options include the Non-O multi-entry visa that can also accommodate a similar travel pattern without frequent exits and the retirement visa, which allows longer stays without needing to leave the country every 60 days. There is also mention of the Thai Elite Visa as a long-term option.
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.
Jeremy ********
Buy the Thai elite visa you get 5-20 years on that visa
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Tony ********
get a Non-O multi entry. 90 days, one border run, 90 days and home!
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Daniel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
 ขอบคุณมาก (แบบเหมือนเดิม) 🙃
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Tod *********
@Daniel ******
 As far as "retirement visa" options you have these;

get a 90 day single entry Non-O about 2000baht

come to thailand get a one year extension 1900baht, get a re-entry permit 1000baht <- that lets you leave/return ONCE and keeps your extension alive

get a year-long, multi-entry Non-O-A $200USD

come to thailand get stamped in for a year, have unlimited exits/entries during the year validity of the visa always getting stamped in for a completely new calendar year when you enter.
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Daniel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Oh, I see now. I just conflated the 2 types because that’s what they do at the Chicago consulate website description. Well, other than the “O-A” in parenthesis...
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Tod *********
@Daniel ******
 you dont' qualify to get a year-long, multi-entry Non-O visa (where you bounce every 90 days) because no thai consulate that I know will sell it for the reason of being over 50 (retirement). They'll sell you a single entry 90 day one that you can extend inside the country.

They only sell the year long, multi-entry ones based on marriage, raising children, volunteering, and a few other reasons, but NOT for being over 50.

That's why I'm saying to get the Non-O-A visa
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Tony ********
@Daniel ******
 you cant get a non-o without the thai family
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Daniel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
 I DO qualify. Why wouldn’t I? So, now that I’ve ruled out a TV, what are the pro/cons of these 2 non-O’s...?
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Tod *********
@Daniel ******
 you can't get a year-long, multi-entry Non-O visa (that requires border bounces ever 90 days) based on being over 50 (retirement). :/ AND even if you could it's the same price as the year long, multi-entry Non-O-A visa I told you about that gets you two years in country.
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Daniel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tony *******
 I don’t- but it still seems like the best way to handle it with my circumstances.
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Tony ********
sorry, I just assumed you had a thai family
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Tony ********
Reply
Tod *********
A 6 month METV is 200USD a year long extension is 1900baht and a re-entry permit is 1000 for a single or 3800 for a multiple so 2900baht ($93USD) or ($183USD).

Plus on the retirement extension you don't need to leave the country every 60 days.
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Lucille **********************
@Tod ********
 Sho, ok. Thank you so much. I am trying to figure out what will be easiest for my Mom. She is 67, coming to look after my son for 6 months. I dont really want her to have to leave BKK for any reason. She has not traveled much. I appreciate your help and quick responses. Keep well :)
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Tod *********
@Luc****
, I said that because each consulate is slightly different on their requirements. The main ones are that you have a police background check, a medical certificate and proof of 800K baht (or the equivalent) in a bank in your country when you apply for the visa.
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Lucille **********************
@Tod ********
 Thank you :)
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Tod *********
@Lucille *********************
 you get it from a thai consulate in your home country before you come here. Check their website for the requirements at that particular consulate
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Lucille **********************
@Tod ********
 sorry to worry you! Do you have the visa requirements for the Non-immigrant Type O-A visa?
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Daniel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
No, l just clicked on it by mistake! Ouch- I don’t think I’ll be applying for that one any time soon... 😀

Still- if you could prove coverage... I know, I know- their rules.
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Tod *********
@Daniel ******
 nope, Did you bother to peruse the O-X visa requirements? You need to pony up 3million baht in a thai bank account among other things..
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Daniel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Oops! I guess that’s why I never saw it before! ^|^ But, geez- if I DID want an X visa, is there a way to wave that requirement if you can prove foreign coverage?
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Tod *********
@Daniel ******
 you are looking at the requirements for the wrong visa. You want a year-long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant Type O-A <- note there is an A at the end.

The visa that requires the thai health insurance is a 10 year multi-entry Non-Immigrant Type O-X <- note there is an X at the end.

They are completely different visa categories
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Daniel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks, Tod! Hey what’s this I’m just now seeing about a Thai health insurance requirement? My US-based insurance works in Thailand. Should I start a new post to ask this?
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Tod *********
@Daniel ******
, OR seeing as you're in the US, for the same price as a 6 month METV (200USD) you could get a year-long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant Type O-A (Long Stay) visa which is unlimited entries for a year with each entry getting you stamped in for another year. That visa would get you two years of stay in thailand out of it.
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Daniel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Well, in this scenario I’m not seeing the need for multiple re-entry. Couldn’t I just stay in-country and pay for 2 60 day extensions?
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Daniel *******
Reply
Jeremy ********
Yes you can apply for the 6 month METV....every 60 days you need to depart country or pay ฿1,900 at an immigration office for a 30 day stamp...apply in the states at the following thai consulates/Embassy....LA, DC, NYC, and Chicago....Inquire to see if you can do mail service for the visa or if you have to show up in person...
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Dianne *****
When you factor in the cost of in country extensions, possible flights and accommodation in neighbouring countries, not to mention your time. I think the multiple entry non immigrant OA visa represents better value
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Daniel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jeremy *******
 Yeah, it IS easier to get initially, but I don’t really need a lot of multiple entry options since I’ll be bugging out every 6 mos, anyway.
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Jeremy ********
@Daniel ******
 it’s easier and gives you more options for the 6 month METV
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Daniel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks. I guess what I’m asking is, are there any drawbacks to getting one as opposed to the other if I know with certainty that I’ll be staying in each country 6 months. I guess the tourist visa will use up a bit more space on the passport (if I do it a few years), but the upside seems that it’s cheaper (in the short run). I’m trying to see if I’m missing something important.
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Daniel *******
Reply
Thai Visa Advice
... members · 40% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice
What is the best visa option for a 66-year-old retiree planning to split time between Thailand and the UK?
43 comments
3 months ago
What is the best visa option for retirees wanting to split time between Thailand and the UK?
55 comments
4 months ago
What is the best visa option for a couple over 50 planning to stay in Thailand for six months each year for two years?
42 comments
6 months ago
What is the best visa option for staying in Thailand for 6 months each year without exceeding tax implications?
19 comments
7 months ago
Is it possible for US citizens to live in Thailand and Vietnam by using tourist visas without tying up funds in a Thai bank?
60 comments
9 months ago
What is the best visa option for a retired expat wanting to stay in Thailand for 3-6 months?
20 comments
a year ago
What are the best visa options for expats over 50 planning to split their time between Thailand, the US, and the UK?
3 comments
a year ago
What is the best visa option for a 66-year-old planning to live in Thailand for 8-9 months a year, and can I enter Thailand on a 30-day visa exemption while waiting for my visa?
32 comments
a year ago
What visa options are best for frequent visits to Thailand for 1-2 months at a time?
12 comments
a year ago
What are the best visa options for multiple trips to Thailand in a short time?
3 comments
a year ago
What are the best visa options for living part-time in Thailand while bouncing between the USA, EU, and Mexico?
31 comments
2 years ago
What is the best visa option for retirees planning to stay in Thailand for six months?
16 comments
2 years ago
What visa options are available for an Australian living part-time in Thailand with multiple entries each year?
40 comments
2 years ago
How can I best utilize a retiree visa for long stays in Thailand?
35 comments
2 years ago
What visa options are available for staying in Thailand for 6-8 months a year as an expat?
13 comments
2 years ago
What visa options do I have to live in Thailand for 6 months and return to Australia for 6 months?
39 comments
2 years ago
What are the Visa Options for Staying in Thailand for Less Than 6 Months Without Leaving?
9 comments
3 years ago
What is the best visa option for a retired person married to a Thai national who wants to spend 6 months in Thailand?
16 comments
4 years ago
What visa should I get if I want to live 6 months in Thailand and 6 months in the US, considering health insurance and recent changes?
46 comments
4 years ago
What is the best visa option for spending 6 to 9 months a year in Thailand?
8 comments
4 years ago
Is a Non Immigrant Visa the better option over a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa for long-term stay in Thailand after age 50?
12 comments
5 years ago
What are the details of the 6-month METV for staying in Thailand?
14 comments
5 years ago
What Visa Options Are Available for Expats Only Visiting Thailand for Two Months a Year?
18 comments
5 years ago
What is the best visa option for staying 6 months in Thailand and 6 months in my home country?
25 comments
6 years ago
What is the best way for a UK expat to stay in Thailand for 6 months using tourist visas?
25 comments
6 years 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.