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Is it true that Non-OA visas are currently not being issued during the protests in Thailand?
Oct 20, 2020
6 years ago
Tom ********
ORIGINAL POSTERJust read a message from 1 hour ago from a fellow American. She said that she spoke to Royal Thai Embassy in DC on the phone and was advised that non O-A visas are not being granted at this point. Bad info or, if true, might be based on protests inside Thailand? Hope it’s not true. I was going to apply this week.
TLDR : Answer Summary
An American expat posted concerns regarding the issuance of Non-OA visas after hearing from the Royal Thai Embassy in DC that they are currently not being granted, possibly due to protests in Thailand. However, responses in the comments indicate mixed experiences, with some stating that other U.S. embassies, like in LA, are still processing O-A visas and suggesting that the situation may be miscommunicated. Community members advised monitoring embassy websites for accurate updates and emphasized the distinction between tourist visas and retirement visas.
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.
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Michael *********
"危機" <==== Crisis in Chinese.
A dangerous situation which produces opportunities (if you know how to find them).
A dangerous situation which produces opportunities (if you know how to find them).
Michael *********
_/|\_
Pensom ******
It’s not true, you can apply. Here’s a good reference ;
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0Kathy ****************
On any type of tourist retirement visas at all they are not accepting them trust me we are devastated that we may never see our children again
Tom ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kathy ***************
stop spreading this type of stuff. The words “tourist retirement visas” are 2 entirely different things. They ARE issuing non o-a visas in USA if you meet the criteria and follow the steps Pensom ******
My heart goes out to you 😭 ... try writing an email to the consular office or the ambassador. Sometimes there’s miscommunication from the staff who aren’t updated on the current regulation which change so rapidly because the covid situation is so unstable all over the world. I’m sure it will be sorted out for you because all embassies have been instructed to issue non-immigrant O-A visas (based on retirement) so I’m sure you can apply for this one if you qualify. I hope it all works out for you. ❤️🙏
Reply to
Pensom ******
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Kathy ****************
Americans trying to get to Thailand without a Thai connection are not allowed to enter at this time this is what the embassy Inn Washington DC is saying
Tom ********
ORIGINAL POSTERPensom Lert thanks
Pensom ******
@Tom *******
good luck and best wishes 🙏😊❤️Reply to
Pensom ******
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Bobby ********
Possibly more to do with the "anti-mask, human rights violation" protests in the USA?
Kathy ****************
I was on hold today for over an hour with the DC Embassy and finally spoke with someone and they said tourist, OA visas or o x visas are not being issued at this time and they do not know when they will begin...
Scott **********
@Kathy ***************
Sorry to say but this sounds like an USA specific thing. I cannot say for sure as I have not inquires here in Canada but everything I have read coming out of Thailand has been that OA and OX are allowed but tourist visas no.Bobby ********
Guys you need to monitor the Thai embassy website for updates. The US is not on the list of low-risk countries which are now permitted to enter on tourist visa. This is from the Canberra embassy website, and is something like what you will be looking for
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Scott **********
@Bobby *******
Thank you for trying to help the OP. Do understand that the OP was asking about an OA retirement visa. No one from any country has been able to enter Thailand with a visa exempt, visa on arrival, or single/ multi entry tourist visa. 41 Chinese arrived in the last day or so on the Special Tourist Visa scheme.Bobby ********
@Scott *********
. The Single Entry Tourist Visa is now available for low-risk countries as indicated in this list.Scott **********
@Bobby *******
Thank you for the info. It is the first time I have seen any list. That said it appears to have been put together by the Ministry of Health not the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that determines visa rules. It might be a leap of faith to think the list means that those countries are allowed typical Thai tourist visas. My home country is not on the list so I cannot tell but can guarantee you we cannot get a tourist visa. My personal guess is that the list will be used when the Thais decide to start opening but to my knowledge the only tourists coming in have been the 41 Chinese on the STV scheme very recently.Bobby ********
@Scott *********
. A mate of mine has obtained the TR in Australia, and there was a report on another thread that two people from Norway have also been successful. The application on the Canberra embassy website is very clear and explanatory. It does not allow for conversion of visa, and if a 30 day extension is available, that would be the decision of Thai immigration inside Thailand. My friend is only visiting to pick up a few items from his condo, and to arrange the letting out of it, so he doesn't need a great deal of time, although he's said if he can get the extra 30 days he'll take it, provided he can change his flight ticket.Scott **********
@Bobby *******
Good to know and good luck to your friend. I do not know the details but understand there are issues with being let out of Aus to go anywhere. In Canada it is discouraged by the government but not prevented from leaving. It will be interesting to see what happens to winter snowbirds. Most drive to Florida or Arizona. If they go this year it means flying if they can find a flight and paying for a long term car rental as you need it in those two places. I think Mexico will be very busy soon.Bobby ********
@Scott *********
. People cannot leave Australia without reason. Not only is it discouraged, it's actually banned. There are several exemptions, one being if you spend more time out of the country than in it, assessed over the previous 12-24 month period. My friend spends nine months of the year in Thailand/SE Asia, so he has no problem leaving. Reply to
Bobby ********
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Kathy ****************
@Bo***
thanksReply to
Kathy ****************
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Tom ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kathy ***************
and my post here was based on your commentTom ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kathy ***************
I have messaged you before but you don’t reply. What are they basing that decision on? They have Ben issuing them since Sept 29Reply to
Tom ********
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Tod *********
How many New Covid cases were confirmed yesterday. We do not want that here.
Ron *******
I was going to apply to LA for Non O-A next week. All is in the works for required Docs.
Andy ********
@Ron ******
good luck with your application. This is my personal opinion and not based on any facts. I think two policies are being mixed here. There is the policy of 14 day quarentine, that is none negotiable at the moment and everyone must do it. Then there is the travel bubble or travel corridor policy. This is where you allow travel from countries with low or zero infarction rates.Right or wrong this is what appears to be happening.
Tom ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andy *******
does not matter what country you live in to get a non o-a. Covid infection rate has nothing to do with itAndy ********
@Tom *******
I hope you're right. As I said just my opinion from what I have read about some Embassies offering visas and some not. The ones that don't appear to be from high COVID infection rates. Maybe there is another reason.Best if luck when you apply.
Reply to
Andy ********
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Ron *******
@Andy *******
I agree there is no set rules it seems. I am going to wait a little longer I think as I want to make sure it goes thru. I read they are taking them. But also that they are denying a lot too. I am not desperate at this point. I have no plans in place except after January 1st in thailand and if i can get there sooner thats great. So, I am not desperate at this point. Thanks for the post.Reply to
Ron *******
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Kathy ****************
After 7 days you are deleted from the system..
Kathy ****************
@R**
we had all our papers sent and in order, they don't even respond to let you know you can't get a visa..Ron *******
I will DM you.
Reply to
Ron *******
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Stan *******
LA is issuing O-A
Reply to
Stan *******
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