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Is there a time limit for activating a Thailand Elite Visa after application?

Elite Visa Visa Activation Thailand Immigration

Jul 8, 2020

4 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Re: Elite visa & 6 month extension...

I am stuck in the USA (finishing work before retirement) for 6-12 months.  

I'd like to buy an Elite visa and get the extra 6 month deal.

I'm told the 5 1/2 years begins when the visa is "activated."  The visa is activated when it is attached to my passport.

Is there a limit to the time between when I apply/pay for the elite visa and when I activate it?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The Thailand Elite Visa activation timing is crucial for applicants, particularly those currently outside the country. Once the membership is paid, the five and a half year countdown begins, even if the visa is not physically added to the passport right away. There seems to be an understanding that applicants can delay activation for up to three months after the approval date. However, it's important to note that Elite Visa holders might not have favorable entry privileges into Thailand at this time, and alternative visa options like the O-A visa might be worth considering.

Tod *********

and we are done. Direct your questions to the elite company.

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Nick ****

Does anyone know what happens if you get an Elite visa and then find a job in Thailand that can sponsor you for a work permit? Are you able to "pause" the Elite visa? If not, are you able to at least go back to it and use the remaining time after the work permit runs out or do you have to cancel Elite and forfeit all the remaining years on it?

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Phillip ***********

Only taxi meter by the sounds of that

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

You cancel Elite and go onto a non-B. You can go back to Elite after, but it doesn't "pause", your membership will run concurrently.

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

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

This isn't correct, the visa starts when you are accepted and pay- that's when your membership starts. Even if you don't get the visa actually put into your passport until later the clock starts ticking from when you pay them.

If you are over 50 and qualify for an O/O-A, it is hard to see the point. Elite doesn't give you any special right to enter Thailand at the moment, and several other visa classes (work, marriage) have been prioritised ahead of it.

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Mark *******

I'm on the verge of Elite visa too

Does anyone think it could help with earlier entry into Thailand

I know O -A is an awful lot cheaper but can anyone forsee ongoing visa issues for foreigners

It seem to me Thailand could be heading for a closed country under military leadership not unlike North Korea

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Bobby ********

. Thailand's entry requirements are similar to most countries of SE Asia and others around the globe, including Australia. Would you suggest they will all become closed countries, merely because they wish to control this virus, unlike the UK and the US who don't seem to give a shit?

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Mark *******

Absolutely not sir

Not for your reasons anyway

I worry because they have a Military Gov't with the worst prospects in Asia economically .

Very close to China with millions suffering in through lack of income from tourists

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Bobby ********

. Aren't all countries suffering from lack of tourists? I certainly know Australia is. And do you think economically, Thailand is worse off than, for example Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, Philippines? I've not been to North Korea (have no desire actually), only seen videos and pictures, but I really can't see Thailand striving to emulate it. I think because Thailand is very popular with western tourists, they (the western tourists) believe they have some kind of rights here, and the closing of the borders has upset this philosophy. Foreigners just need to be patient. The embargo will not last forever, but neither will it be lifted any sooner than deemed necessary.

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Bobby ********

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Gabe ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I've kept a close eye out for any notice that Elite will be allowed entry and so far not a peep. Allowing Elite would be in line with their stated goals, so I have hope.

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Mark *******

OK

Thanks for your thoughts

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Mark *******

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Billy ************

Save your money get an O-X visa

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John *********

You can up to 3 months after approval date.

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

You can pay up to 3 months after approval, that's how long the "approval letter" stays valid. There is no limit between your paying and getting the visa, but the clock starts ticking on your 5 years when you pay.

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Frank **********

It can take a couple of weeks for your payment to post, and when it posts is when the program starts.

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Frank **********

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James ********

But be aware holders of the Thai Elite Visa are not among those allowed to seek special permission to enter Thailand.

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Robert *******

They have a multi lingual sales team and help desk,

Best is to inform at the base

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Robert *******

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