Answered2 years ago
Should I switch to a Non-Immigrant O Visa or risk extending my current tourist visa in Thailand?
I’ve been to Thailand many times, I have a condo in my name and have a thai bank account. I’m still a year or two from retiring to Thailand full time. My last two entries were on a 30 day tourist Evisa for 30 days with 30 day extension and 5 months ago I entered on a 60 day tourist tourist Evisa with a 30-day extension. I heard there is a crackdown on tourist using multiple extensions and that I may be denied entry. About 3 weeks ago I was approved for another 60 day tourist visa and I wish to stay for 90 days. Should I just apply for a non immigrant o visa or take my chances with the extension either way is fine for me?
Answer summary
The user, who has frequently visited Thailand and plans to retire there eventually, seeks advice on visa options after concerns about current regulations and entry denials. They have previously used tourist eVisas and extensions but are considering applying for a Non-Immigrant O visa instead due to fears of potential crackdowns on multiple extensions. Community members suggest having all necessary entry proofs (funds, onward travel, and lodging) ready and recommend applying for the Non-Immigrant O visa for stability.
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Terary **********
Whatever you're plan, I would have a plan B. Know which flight to KLA or PP you will take in case you're denied entry.
They have been cracking down, I guess. I *think* they're more concerned with people who come to Thailand and doing leave or don't leave enough. It sounds like you are here only part time. I think the Thai government appreciates those individuals who come to Thailand and spend money, then leave, then come back and spend more money.
They have been cracking down, I guess. I *think* they're more concerned with people who come to Thailand and doing leave or don't leave enough. It sounds like you are here only part time. I think the Thai government appreciates those individuals who come to Thailand and spend money, then leave, then come back and spend more money.
Bill ********
If your plan is to go non o then just do it....
Brandon ************
It sounds like you haven't been coming on any visa at all, because there was never such thing as a 30 day tourist visa. A tourist visa is something you apply for and pay for from the Thai embassy.
It sounds like you've been coming on visa exempt, which is when you arrive with no visa at all and you're from a qualifying country, and you get a free entry stamp.
You don't give any indication of how much time is between your entries so it's impossible to say. But even knowing that it would still be impossible to say since each entry is at the discretion of the officer you are standing in front of.
It's best if you can have the 3 proofs when you enter:
1) proof of funds (20,000 baht or equivalent in another major currency IN CASH ONLY)
2) proof of onward travel (a ticket out of Thailand within 60 days
3) proof of lodging (hotel reservation for at least a few days)
It's rare that you wouldn't get a warning first where they take you out of line and question you and warn you to get a visa next time. But being immediately denied does happen.
It sounds like you've been coming on visa exempt, which is when you arrive with no visa at all and you're from a qualifying country, and you get a free entry stamp.
You don't give any indication of how much time is between your entries so it's impossible to say. But even knowing that it would still be impossible to say since each entry is at the discretion of the officer you are standing in front of.
It's best if you can have the 3 proofs when you enter:
1) proof of funds (20,000 baht or equivalent in another major currency IN CASH ONLY)
2) proof of onward travel (a ticket out of Thailand within 60 days
3) proof of lodging (hotel reservation for at least a few days)
It's rare that you wouldn't get a warning first where they take you out of line and question you and warn you to get a visa next time. But being immediately denied does happen.
Anton *******
I wasn’t asked for anything by EVA at Heathrow about leaving Thailand even though my return flight is booked with them 105 days later and no problems with Immigration at Swampy…
Robert **************
OP@Brandon ***********
my flight back is close to 90 days from the date of entry. Last summer I had same situation and nobody said a thing
Arnold **********
@Robert *************
you should have booked a return flight within the 60 daysRobert **************
OP@Arnold *********
why do that if I want to stay 90 days?Robert **************
OPYes that’s how most do it
Liam ***********
@Robert *************
I am surprised your airline let you board the plane with not having your return flight within the visa’s limits,they don’t take into account any extension you might get ,that’s what happened to meLiam ***********
@Robert *************
Heathrow with Eva Made me buy a ticket for a flight out of Thailand within the visa exempt dates ,bec my return flight was 4 days over , I bought a ticket to Vietnam to satisfy them before I could board
Robert **************
OP@Liam **********
where were flying out ofRobert **************
OP@Liam **********
never been askedRobert **************
OPApplying now. Thanks. Peace of mind is worth it
Brandon ************
@Jason *****
Just check the website of either of the Thai embassy in either of those places and double check what their requirements are for non-O visa, and that they provide services to non-residents.Jason ******
@Brandon ***********
thanks Brandon,I can meet all the requirements ,I was going to apply for the non-O to arrive on,so I can open a bank account and extend to the retirement 1 year,if this is correct .my concern is I have a prison sentence from when I was 21 in the UK,I'm now 53 and my concern was if I needed a criminal background check for non -O but appears not ,I would also like to apply for it either in turkey or Egypt as I don't intend visiting the UK 🙏🏽Brandon ************
@Jason *****
The 90-day non-O IS the retirement visa, so you can't extend to it. If you arrive on a 90-day non-O based on retirement, then you can apply for a 1-year extension (not a visa) at your local immigration office, if you can meet the requirements.
John **********
@Jason *****
no, only with the Non-OA not the Non-OJason ******
@Brandon ***********
and from a 90 day non O,can I then once in Thailand extend to retirement visa ?🙏🏽Brandon ************
@Jason *****
It's the 1-year non-OA that requires a criminal record check, medical check, and insurance.The 90-day non-O does not require any of that, just proof of funds in your bank account back home.
Annette *********
@Jason *****
not required 🙏Robert **************
OP@Jason *****
good question. Not sure maybe others here can answerJason ******
@Robert *************
with Non O do you have to provide a criminal data based check in the UK ?Brandon ************
@Robert *************
they'll only ask to see your proof of onward travel if they're looking for a reason to deny entry. And since you'll only receive a 60 day entry stamp, they can require it to be within 60 days. If you're over 50 it should be easy for you to get a non-O from your embassy. Just get one each time you travel to Thailand until you actually move there. There's no restriction on getting them multiple times from your Thai embassy.
Robert **************
OP@Brandon ***********
sounds like for peace of mind just get the o visaActivity
10 joined10
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