Answered2 months ago
What are my best visa options for staying in Thailand for less than 6 months per year?
Hi all. Appreciate any guidance. I’m a U.S. citizen and I’ve been spending just under 6 months per year in Thailand lately. The 60 day exemption plus the 30 day extension has worked great for me. I had planned to transition to a non-immigrant o-a retirement visa, but it turns out my next few trips will also be limited to 3 months or less. Just trying to figure out the best path forward in the short term, and I’m unsure if I’m understanding my options correctly.
As I understand it, I can apply for a 90 day retirement visa (O) at a cost of $80 USD which looks to be single entry or I can apply for a tourist visa (TR) at a cost of $40 USD for single entry or $200 USD for multiple entry, with the possibility of a 30 day extension via immigration. My upcoming trip is planned for 3 weeks from now which may limit me to just the TR visa.
Is this correct, or am I misunderstanding my options? Thanks in advance.
As I understand it, I can apply for a 90 day retirement visa (O) at a cost of $80 USD which looks to be single entry or I can apply for a tourist visa (TR) at a cost of $40 USD for single entry or $200 USD for multiple entry, with the possibility of a 30 day extension via immigration. My upcoming trip is planned for 3 weeks from now which may limit me to just the TR visa.
Is this correct, or am I misunderstanding my options? Thanks in advance.
Answer summary
A U.S. citizen seeking guidance on visa options for spending under 6 months a year in Thailand is contemplating switching from a tourist visa to a non-immigrant O-A retirement visa. The individual has primarily used the 60-day visa exemption with a 30-day extension. They are confused about applying for a 90-day non-immigrant O visa, a single-entry tourist visa, or a multiple-entry tourist visa. Comments suggest that the 90-day non-O visa is preferable, allowing longer stays without the need for frequent extensions, and provide insights on the associated costs, requirements, and possible future plans for long-term stays.
20 repliesnewest first
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Martyn *********
Straight non o can multiple times o a need many extras
Jeff *************
3 weeks from now, just come over on the free 60 day and get the 30 extension or do the non O get your bank account and phone set up so it will be easier when you retire
Greg **********
OPJeff Hoffmeister Thanks Jeff. That's going to be my route. I'd certainly have done the Non-O 90 if I had been aware. Next time, and as you said that sets me up for the longer term when I'm ready.
Jim *******
Jeff Hoffmeister No go. Possible with agencies, 54,000 THB.
Jeff *************
Jim Davis you don’t need any agent to get your non O, if you come here with a non O you can get your retirement extension done in Pattaya for about 15-
*****
bahtRalph *******
I would get the non O for retirement, stay up to 90 days, don’t apply for the extension of stay. Then get another for your next visit.
Greg **********
OPRalph Tyson Thank you. Makes sense, but the emabssy website states I need to apply 30 days in advance. My travel is planned for 3 weeks from now.
Ralph *******
Greg Coreschi That could be a problem.
Could get the SETV which gives you 60 days and get a 30 days extension at an immigration office.
Could get the SETV which gives you 60 days and get a 30 days extension at an immigration office.
Kool *******
You are correct on your options, but something more importantly to understand, with you returning to your passport country everytime, you are following a pattern of an actual tourists, that Thailand likes very much. You are not trying to stay here long term on tourist entries, you are an actual tourist that takes long vacations in Thailand, and you are not alone in doing that. Keep that in mind when you decide what to do for now.
Greg **********
OPKool Breez thanks for the reply. Your right, I'm simply doing longer vacations a few times a year in Thailand. I was not aware of the 90 day Non-O that Ralph mentioned, which honestly is ideal for me, but timing may be an issue.
Ralph *******
Kool Breez Nope. They stopped me after two visits of 60 days each in a year. Separated by 4 months in my own country. I did this for two years. They now insist that I get a long term visa (not tourist visa).
Martyn *********
Ralph Tyson they did not insist they advised but you are within limits no refused entry just quietly
John **********
I'd suggest you use a 90 day Non-O visa for your trips and forget about visa exempt and tourist visas
Greg **********
OP@John *********
thank you. I was not aware of the 90 day Non-O and the embassy website states I need to apply 30 days in advance. Travel is scheduled for 3weeks from now.Martyn *********
Greg Coreschi non o supplied 10 days or can apply enter visa exempt incentives accepted few days loas vietnam enter on. New non. O
Jim *********
Yes, or visa exempt is still currently 60 days but it depends on your entry history as I think you know by your question. A single entry tourist at $40 plus a 30 day extension at ฿1,900 would cost you more than the 90 day non immigrant O based on retirement. And you can open a Thai bank account with it so you can get a one year extension of permission to stay in the Kingdom if you deposit ฿800,000 in your new bank account for two months before you can apply for the same ฿1,900 and then get a re entry permit, single, ฿1,000, multiple, ฿3,400. Then come and go as you please.
Greg **********
OPJim McGowan Thanks for the detailed reply. Very helpful and I appreciate it.
No, I did not realize the 60 day exemption was still in effect. That would my issue. I was also not aware that there was a 90 day Type O visa. I wrongly thought this was yearly only, and tbh I did not want to leave the ฿800,000 sitting in a bank account as it feels like dead money to me given that I'm not in Thailand full time at this point. The 90 day Type O would be perfect, but the emabassy website states that I would need to apply 30 days prior to travel,which is planned for the first week of September. I don't know if you have any experience or knowledge with timing on this type of visa, but is it still possible to apply for it, or is it a hard requirement to apply 30 days in advance? Thanks.
No, I did not realize the 60 day exemption was still in effect. That would my issue. I was also not aware that there was a 90 day Type O visa. I wrongly thought this was yearly only, and tbh I did not want to leave the ฿800,000 sitting in a bank account as it feels like dead money to me given that I'm not in Thailand full time at this point. The 90 day Type O would be perfect, but the emabassy website states that I would need to apply 30 days prior to travel,which is planned for the first week of September. I don't know if you have any experience or knowledge with timing on this type of visa, but is it still possible to apply for it, or is it a hard requirement to apply 30 days in advance? Thanks.
Martyn *********
Greg Coreschi apply arrive exempt once passed depapart re arrive on new visa
John ********
Jim McGowan a related but slightly different question Jim ... I have been on non imm o extensions (retirement) for many years but now expect to be in thailand a max of 6 months a year ... could be in 2x3 month slots.
Either 2x non imm o or 2x tourist+30 day extension would appear to be ok options. The 2xo is slightly cheaper.
Is there any pro or con to either of those options long term?
These days are both online with paper printouts rather than send in passport for visa stamp?
Many thanks
Either 2x non imm o or 2x tourist+30 day extension would appear to be ok options. The 2xo is slightly cheaper.
Is there any pro or con to either of those options long term?
These days are both online with paper printouts rather than send in passport for visa stamp?
Many thanks
Graham ******
John Fitton Two Non-Os a year is your best option for 2 three month stays as it is indeed cheaper, does not require a trip to Immigration for an extension and you will have no issues with proof of onward travel.
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