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What are my options for extending my Non-O retirement visa while waiting for my Emirates flight to the UK?
Non-O VisaRetirement Visa in ThailandVisa ExtensionThai ImmigrationFlight CancellationExpat AdviceCOVID-19 Travel RestrictionsEmirates FlightsBank Account Requirements for VisaVisa Application Process
Mar 8, 2026
2 months ago
Pauline ********
ORIGINAL POSTERSorry if I annoy anyone …
Due to fly Sun 15 with Emirates - Phuket-Dubai-London Stanstead.
It’s likely it will be cancelled and we would prefer to continue spending our money in Thailand.
We have Non O Visas (Retirement). What are the chances of:
1. An extension to one year ( late I know). We have proof of income statements (UK Bank) and other forms all ready. Is there a tactic we can use apart from being old and a bit teary ha ha!
2. 30 day extension - are they likely to renew?
3. 7 day extension worst case?
We don’t want to spend 5-6 thousand pounds getting back to UK when we don’t need to. Any positive advice please.
Due to fly Sun 15 with Emirates - Phuket-Dubai-London Stanstead.
It’s likely it will be cancelled and we would prefer to continue spending our money in Thailand.
We have Non O Visas (Retirement). What are the chances of:
1. An extension to one year ( late I know). We have proof of income statements (UK Bank) and other forms all ready. Is there a tactic we can use apart from being old and a bit teary ha ha!
2. 30 day extension - are they likely to renew?
3. 7 day extension worst case?
We don’t want to spend 5-6 thousand pounds getting back to UK when we don’t need to. Any positive advice please.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking guidance on extending their Non-O (Retirement) visa in Thailand while planning to fly from Phuket to London with Emirates on March 15, amidst concerns about flight cancellations. They inquire about options for a one-year extension, a 30-day extension, or a 7-day extension. Comments indicate that a one-year extension is unlikely without funds in a Thai bank for two months prior, and they may only qualify for a maximum of 7 days under current circumstances. It is recommended that they check with Thai immigration for updates and to consider airline options if their flight is cancelled.
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.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
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I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Retirement Visa Agent
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#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
THAI ******************************
If you need assistance with the yearly extensions our team can asssit.
Send us a messsge:
Send us a messsge:
**********************
Brian *********
Fly the other way around the world...
Ian **********
You can simply leave the country for a short local trip and come back visa-exempt for a free 60 day stamp.
Paul ***********
Don’t worry to much.
Iran will defeat the yanks and every thing will be good
Iran will defeat the yanks and every thing will be good
John *********
Agent. Assuming you each have a Thai Bank accounts. Without which it gets difficult but not impossible. Just very expensive and weary.
Good luck 👌
Good luck 👌
Jonah *****
Personally I wouldnt fly out of any of the Emirates at the moment.
In the murky world of geo politics someone could easily shoot a plane out of the sky and then blame the opposition or even simply being shot by mistake.
In the murky world of geo politics someone could easily shoot a plane out of the sky and then blame the opposition or even simply being shot by mistake.
Helen ********
Jonah Avo totally agree...im staying put in Bangkok x
Reply to
Helen ********
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Nick ********
I'm heading to immigration on Friday for my 1 year extension and fully trust that my emirates fight to Glasgow on the 17th will go ahead as planned!! If not I suppose I either stay or fly to Vietnam via London!!
Lisa ***************************
We are HKT DXB GLA on the 14th emirates contacted us this morning and got us on all our flights having to spend a longer connection in DXB but would say unless anything changes you wil be the same .. at least we get home .. same position as you are
Steven ********
Hire a car and drive to Mukdahan Thailand park up in the longstay border carpark and exit Thailand over the Mekong bridge to Savannahkhet 🇱🇦 Laos.
Go straight to the Thailand embassy and get a TR60 tourist visa or even an METV 6month. Lots of people do it.
Go straight to the Thailand embassy and get a TR60 tourist visa or even an METV 6month. Lots of people do it.
Paul *******
Steven Hoxton just curious about something. Are you sure you can apply for the 6month METV from Laos? I was told in the past, you must do it from your own country (and upload the airline tickets into Thailand showing you are leaving your own country)
Not challenging your comment, just asking for confirmation that the 6 month multiple entry visa, can be done at the Thai embassy in Laos?
Thanks, and would be great news to know that this is an option, other than the 2 month tourist visa.
Not challenging your comment, just asking for confirmation that the 6 month multiple entry visa, can be done at the Thai embassy in Laos?
Thanks, and would be great news to know that this is an option, other than the 2 month tourist visa.
Steven ********
Hi Paul. Sorry for my late reply. I’m just biking it thru Phetchabun.
When I applied for the METV I’m on now which I applied for in Jan 2026 there was a message sent to me that stated that I could apply for it outside of Thailand if I didn’t wish to continue with the one I was currently in the process of doing.
I got the impression from that message that it probably meant either 60TR or the METV I eventually got.
When I got the 60TR in early 2023 in Savannahkhet as I recall it was simple. But then when i mentioned I was going to do another on ThaiVisa I was told it was a one time thing, although they didn’t put the Do not apply here again stamp on it. Actually now I think about it I and told them I was flying in from Cambodia SIA airport and back a month later thinking I was clever so I paid for Emirates refundable for no charge tickets. Then they sent me that message saying they wanted to see I was flying out of the UK, absolute madness. In the message they said if I didn’t provide the flight details for leaving the uk I could cancel the current application and apply in Cambodia at the Thai conculate. Thats the reason I thought it can be applied at thru any consulate outside Thailand. I was then forced to buy a £1500 flight to show I was leaving the UK and connecting to the Cambodia to Thailand flight. I could probably just bought a flight that showed I was leaving the UK to start a round the world tour. When I got it I then had to cancel all flights. The whole thing is ridiculous. If you’re planning on cycling to Thailand from your country you cannot get the METV coz a flight ticket is required.
When I applied for the METV I’m on now which I applied for in Jan 2026 there was a message sent to me that stated that I could apply for it outside of Thailand if I didn’t wish to continue with the one I was currently in the process of doing.
I got the impression from that message that it probably meant either 60TR or the METV I eventually got.
When I got the 60TR in early 2023 in Savannahkhet as I recall it was simple. But then when i mentioned I was going to do another on ThaiVisa I was told it was a one time thing, although they didn’t put the Do not apply here again stamp on it. Actually now I think about it I and told them I was flying in from Cambodia SIA airport and back a month later thinking I was clever so I paid for Emirates refundable for no charge tickets. Then they sent me that message saying they wanted to see I was flying out of the UK, absolute madness. In the message they said if I didn’t provide the flight details for leaving the uk I could cancel the current application and apply in Cambodia at the Thai conculate. Thats the reason I thought it can be applied at thru any consulate outside Thailand. I was then forced to buy a £1500 flight to show I was leaving the UK and connecting to the Cambodia to Thailand flight. I could probably just bought a flight that showed I was leaving the UK to start a round the world tour. When I got it I then had to cancel all flights. The whole thing is ridiculous. If you’re planning on cycling to Thailand from your country you cannot get the METV coz a flight ticket is required.
Paul *******
Hey Steven Hoxton , wow quite an ordeal.
Yeah, as I mentioned to another person who replied, I rent a place in Siem Reap, but still like to travel. The 6 month METV is really what I was curious about but know you must upload your flight ticket into Thailand, and the 1st ticket out, before the 60 days.
Its even harder now since the border dispute, and the uploading of a plane ticket from Cambodia would most likely put a " no can do" on doing it here idea. The consulate in Phnom penh may be even closed for all visas, however, they can be done online.
I appreciate your reply. I am pretty certain you need to start the first flight from your own country, but the thought of getting if from Laos was something I hadn't thought about. Sounds like you have/had some other backround visas that complicated the process as well.
Anyway, enjoy the cycling and more power to you in the pursuit of getting the 6 METV done. Cheers.
Yeah, as I mentioned to another person who replied, I rent a place in Siem Reap, but still like to travel. The 6 month METV is really what I was curious about but know you must upload your flight ticket into Thailand, and the 1st ticket out, before the 60 days.
Its even harder now since the border dispute, and the uploading of a plane ticket from Cambodia would most likely put a " no can do" on doing it here idea. The consulate in Phnom penh may be even closed for all visas, however, they can be done online.
I appreciate your reply. I am pretty certain you need to start the first flight from your own country, but the thought of getting if from Laos was something I hadn't thought about. Sounds like you have/had some other backround visas that complicated the process as well.
Anyway, enjoy the cycling and more power to you in the pursuit of getting the 6 METV done. Cheers.
Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Doug ********
Paul Bauerim a UK citizen and got my 90 day non retire ment visa in Vientiane laos. Applied in line but be careful as you have to go and pay in cash in Vientiane and I think you have to go and pay cash in savanakhet . I got mine almost a year ago so apologies if any thing has changed that I don't know about. I have my permanent address as UK and my current address as the hotel in Laos. For proof of location I uploaded my Laos visa and entry stamp. Cost 1900 bhat and issued in 24 hours after payment. Proof of funds was UK ban accounts. TDAC arrival I put as bus number 2 from Vientiane and it was issued immediately. I didn't even show any departure details on the TDAC and had no issues coming into Thailand from Laos so I don't think you have to apply in your own country I less something had changed dramatically.
I arrived back today in Bangkok with non o 90 day that I got in London this time,again no departure info put on my tdac application and again no issues in arrival
I arrived back today in Bangkok with non o 90 day that I got in London this time,again no departure info put on my tdac application and again no issues in arrival
Paul *******
Doug Powell I was really curious about the 6 METV, but thanks. I.m not looking for a 90 day non O as I rent a place in Siem Reap, but still like to travel in and out of Thailand.
Cheers 👍
Cheers 👍
Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Eric ***********
Check your options with Emirates First. If Your connecting flight is cancelled you will not be able to check in at Phuket. See what alternative Emirates has on offer and based on that see what to do with your visa
Peter *******
Why not head to Vietnam?
Terry ***************
Just board your flight next week as planned and stop being a drama queen.
John *********
Get A 5 year visa fot india great in goa loads of retired go there
Patrick ******************
@John ********
id rather be in Iran.John *********
Patrick James O Connor Ah you havnt been to Goa then ha ha
Kevin *******
@John ********
Goa is lovelyReply to
Kevin *******
Reply
Sylvia ********
With no bank account nor funds seasoned, I'd fly to neighbouring country and return on a 60 day exempt stamp maybe, check with immigration or visa agent
Mark *********
Rose *****
Fly to Taiwan and get DTV visa. it takes one day once you do the application online and its 5 years
Peter **********
Good questions.
1. Check with Thai Immigration Bureau.
2. Check with Thai Immigration Bureau
3. Check with Thai Immigration Bureau.
1. Check with Thai Immigration Bureau.
2. Check with Thai Immigration Bureau
3. Check with Thai Immigration Bureau.
Andrew ********
Peter H Bates so are you suggesting that they should check with the Thai immigration bureau?
Reply to
Andrew ********
Reply
Ian ********
Sounds as if you came over here on a non o with the intention of only staying 90 days so don’t have a bank account?
Pauline ********
ORIGINAL POSTERIan Carman Correct
Reply to
Pauline ********
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John ********
Not a chance ! You might get some extensions but only days not weeks or months . You won't have time to shove the necessary
*****
0 as it has to mature for 2 months before application .Alexander *******
Emirates are already ramping up operations. I would anticipate they will be back to normal schedules by 15th and you will fly without issue.
Jimmy *********
Definitely talk to immigration as this is a special time. Also, a standard non O (marriage) can be extended for 60 days for 1900 bath. You normally don't need much documentation as it's an extension. One year extension is highly beauricratic and must be sent off by the local office and can't be done in house. Not a viable option.
Kool *******
Jimmy Tuffrey technically there is no 60 day extension for a Type O visa of any kind. What you are confused about is changing to the 60 day visiting Thai family visa, which is not an extension of any kind. It is a completely different visa.
Reply to
Kool *******
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James **********
Surely if you have retirement visa you don't need to worry?
Greg ***********
James Mitchell A retirement visa gives you only a 90 days stay permit. You need the 1-year extension of the stay permit to be allowed to stay in Thailand after these 90 initial days
Reply to
Greg ***********
Reply
Martyn ***********
Emirates has announced they are trying to get to 100%, checking my wife's flights they have flown the last 4 days via dubai... Until they cancel it your flying.
Andrew *********
If your flight is cancelled immigration are letting you overstay without fines.
You can book a direct flight to LHR
You can book a direct flight to LHR
Chris *******
You cannot do a one year extension off a 90 day visa with income method from the UK.
THE UK embassy does not endorse income.
THE UK embassy does not endorse income.
John *********
Chris Nadon - That is exactly what my wife and I happened to do. As I believed (mistakenly) that our Visa was valid for 12 months. Not 90 days. Bit of a shock when we rocked up to 90 day reporting to find it was about to expire.!
It is classed as an extension, not a new Visa.
Handed off to an agent, done and dusted in 48 hours. 12,000 per each for a Non O retirement Visa.
15 months from entry to expiry all told. However, we each had Thai Bank accounts. Without them it gets seriously expensive.
It is classed as an extension, not a new Visa.
Handed off to an agent, done and dusted in 48 hours. 12,000 per each for a Non O retirement Visa.
15 months from entry to expiry all told. However, we each had Thai Bank accounts. Without them it gets seriously expensive.
Reply to
John *********
Reply
Will ************
EK379 HKT-DXB has flown for the last 3 days.
Graham ******
@Will ***********
yes, resumed flights on the 6thReply to
Graham ******
Reply
John **********
For the 12 month extension of stay you need funds in a Thai bank and the funds must be in place for 2 months before you apply for the extension. There is no 30 day extension available for a Non-O visa. So the very best you could hope for is to apply for an extension knowing you don't meet the criteria and get 7 days to leave Thailand. They don't have to accept your application and the 7 days will start on the day you apply so it's really only a last minute situation
Andy *******
Probably an agent if you have cash they can sort you out
Tom *******
I don’t think at this point in time that you’re gonna fly to Dubai with the ongoing conflict
Reply to
Tom *******
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