Is it possible to obtain a Non-Immigrant O Visa in Thailand within 30 days of arriving as a tourist?

Non-Immigrant O Visa Visa Application Process Marriage in Thailand Visa Exemption Retirement Visa Health Insurance Requirements Visa Extensions Living in Thailand

December 26, 2019

5 years ago

Ernie ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Happy Holidays! Looking for help/opinions. Planning a move to Bangkok (from Seattle) in January. Goal is to remain and marry in 30-60 days. Thought I would come in as a tourist. US does not need a visa for a 30  day visit. Once there I would apply for a non immigrant type O visa by establishing a bank account, establishing a residence, and meeting the new insurance requirement either with a Cigna  health policy covering in-patient and our-patient or depositing sufficient cash to meet that requirement.Assuming I received a type O, then I would start the process to obtain the retirement visa. I am over 50. I will very much appreciate thoughts on this and any potential hiccups there might be. Is it reasonable to get the Non immigrant O before my 3o days is up or would I likely have to try for an extension of the 30 days?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The poster is planning to move to Bangkok from Seattle and intends to enter Thailand as a tourist for 30 days before applying for a Non-Immigrant O Visa to marry. Community members suggest various approaches, including marrying in Thailand to simplify visa requirements, applying for a 1-year Non-O visa based on marriage in Savannakhet, Laos, and cautions about time constraints. They emphasize that if marrying in Thailand, some financial and insurance requirements may be less strict compared to applying for a retirement visa.

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.

Terary **********

Off topic - but before you leave US you can get google voice account. This allows you to make free direct dial calls to the US and allows people from the US to direct dial you for free. Catch is A) has to be set up while you're in the US and B) you have to us a friend's phone.

5 years ago

Michael ********

Get six months tourist visa then plenty of time to do as

@Steve *********

suggested its quite easy, but some things like getting married may take time

5 years ago

Steve **********

My 50 satangs worth: I would come in visa exempt, get married in country then go to Savannakhet, Laos and get a 1 year non-O based on marriage. No funds to prove. No medical, police background or health insurance needed. That will give you at least 12 months to sort out your situation relatively hassle free. You can then decide whether you want to get an extension based on retirement or marriage.

5 years ago

Stephen ************

Get an o visa before you travel

Keep it simple KISS

5 years ago

Ivan ************

He could get an O in the US for marriage, if he got married before coming. Only O-A available in the US for retirement.

5 years ago

Ադամ ********

@Stephen ***********

How is he to get an O-visa in the US before travel? (Cannot!)

5 years ago

Reply to

Ադամ ********

Roy ***********

I think doing everything in 30 days is a bit much, as you may also need to wait about 15 workdays for the visa. No worries, enough options to stay longer.

After you get married and get the Non O spousal, you do not need a retirement visa or medical insurance.

Also get your future wife to help you out what to get and where to go. Together you can do everything, alone you may find it difficult to communicate what is required, and she also needs papers for marriage.

Take your time and be patient.

5 years ago

John *********

Get here. I have been here 13 years. My agent does everything about Visa.

The retirement Visa with her will cost about 20,000 baht but you do not have to put money in the bank. She can do it after you arrive.

I am married here. Would never, ever do it on my own. Visas are a Thai business. Let them have the worry.

Everything is easy.

5 years ago

Steven ***************

Spouse visa doesnt require medical insurance and financials (money in bank or income ) is less. Being over 50 is irrelevant if you're on a NonO spouse visa.

You'll also need to legally marry and have certain certified thai paperwork to obtain one.

5 years ago

Reply to

Steven ***************

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What is the best way to transition from a 60-day tourist visa to a Non-Immigrant O retirement visa in Thailand?

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