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Is the Non-Immigrant 'O' visa multi-entry or should I choose the 'OA' visa for retirement in Thailand?

NI O Visa NI OA Visa Thailand Visa Rules Retirement Visa Visa Entry Types Expat Visa Information

Jan 16, 2022

3 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi All, If I apply for an NI "O" visa is it multi entry? Or am I better off with a NI "OA" visa for retirement purposes. TIA

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The Non-Immigrant 'O' visa can be either a single or multiple entry, depending on the application. The Non-Immigrant 'OA' visa, suitable for retirees, typically allows multiple entries and offers longer duration options, such as a 12-month validity that can extend to 24 months with proper timing for re-entry. While applying for the 'OA' requires medical checks, criminal checks, proof of funds, and mandatory insurance, the 'O' visa has fewer requirements, needing proof of funds in a Thai bank account and no insurance. A suggested route for obtaining the 'O' visa involves entering Thailand on a tourist visa, applying for a 3-month 'O' visa, then extending it to a 12-month validity upon retirement.

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.

Nick *******

Hi Mark, some simple guidelines to follow should make it easier to understand.

NI OA - Multiple 12 month entry (but can get 24 months if re-entry timed correctly) Apply in your country, you will have to provide medical, criminal checks, proof of funds (in your home account) and insurance is mandatory (From an approved list) to get this visa.

NI O - Valid for 12 months only, apply in Thailand, no criminal or medical checks and no insurance required. Will need to have proof of funds deposited in a Thai bank account.

Best and easiest route is entering Thailand on a tourist visa then applying for the 3 month NI O and then apply for the 12 month NI O extension based on retirement.

Hope this helps.

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Mark *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi Nick, NI O seems to be the route in. Option 1 entering on a tourist visa then apply for 3 month NI O. Option 2 apply for 3 month NI O from Thai Embassy in UK. Any thoughts?

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Nick *******

OP 1 or 2 will do. Option 2 - will have to apply online via e-visa site. Not sure of their timescales but if you’re in no rush, all good.

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Nick *******

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Steve *******

Non Imm O can be single or multiple entry.

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Sammy *******

another wonderful round of helpful FB comments and debate exactly why I say repeatedly, use Google and official govt sites where the details of Non-O and NON-OA are clearly detailed and one can see for oneself the differences and then determine which might be best for you.

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Benjamin ******

The problem is that there's a difference between the consulate websites (where visas are issued) and the immigration offices (where the extension of stays are issued and in-country visas). The consulates are managed by the ministry of foreign affairs, and the immigration offices are managed by the Thai Police.

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Sammy *******

@Benjamin *****

that's not the real problem

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Benjamin ******

Then what's the real problem?

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Sammy *******

@Benjamin *****

that half the advice is incorrect, that regardless of the point u made, it's still more effective to get the information from official sites, then Google. i know so many, many, many who have managed quite nicely by doing that rather than trying to sort thru various FB posters' comments as to which is accurate. i know, i am being "unkind" to expect someone not to do even the most basic research on their own.

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Benjamin ******

how about telling me what is wrong with my advice?

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Sammy *******

@Benjamin *****

don't you get it? all the advice is not necessarily wrong, but enough of some posters is, and then arguments/debates begin and how is the OP to know which to believe? look how defensive u got about your comments being correct.

get OA outside, get O inside, yes, various rules, just follow the rules where u plan to get it, if outside listen to embassy/consulate, if inside, listen to immigration. all the pros and cons one can read the details and judge for themselves.

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Sammy *******

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Mark *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks, still not clear on the difference between the 2 other than O is applied in country & OA is applied from country of residence.

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Steve *******

Nope. Both O and OA are applied from country of residence.

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Benjamin ******

Not true. A Non-O visa based on being over 50 does not need to be acquired in the country of residency or country of passport. In Pre-COVID-19 days, people would border bounce to Vientiane to get new Non-O visas based on being over 50 frequently.

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Steve *******

@Benjamin *****

It doesnt need to be aquired in your country of residency but can be aquired there or any Thai embassy/consulate. My point was that you dont have be in Thailand to get it

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Benjamin ******

A Non-O Visa Based on Being Over 50 does not need to be acquired in a person's country of passport. However, some Thai consulates does not allow a non-resident to apply for visas.

A Non-OA Visa Based on Being Over 50 MUST be acquired in the person's country of passport (or potentially if they have long-term residency status, if that country also sells the Non-OA visa).

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Steve *******

@Benjamin *****

Try reading the comment I replied to then you might understand my answer.

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Benjamin ******

I did:

> It doesnt need to be aquired in your country of residency but can be aquired there or any Thai embassy/consulate. My point was that you dont have be in Thailand to get it

A Non-OA visa MUST be acquired in a person's country of residence. A Non-O visa *MAY NOT* need to be acquired in a person's country of residence.

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Benjamin ******

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