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What are the best visa options for a Canadian senior looking to stay in Thailand for six months?
Thailand VisaSenior VisaNon-O VisaDTV VisaMETVMulti Entry Tourist VisaRetirement VisaVisa Rules for ExpatsImmigration Thailand
Apr 15, 2025
a year ago
Shawn *******
ORIGINAL POSTERCould someone please tell me how a senior, from Canada can get a six months visa and which one is the best. Thank you
TLDR : Answer Summary
A Canadian senior looking for a six-month visa for Thailand has several options. The Non-O Visa, particularly for retirement, and the DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) are popular choices, particularly for those over 50. For a simpler option, the Multi Entry Tourist Visa (METV) allows for a stay of up to 180 days over the course of multiple entries. Alternatively, entering Thailand visa-exempt for 60 days and extending once for 30 additional days is also feasible. Each suggestion involves different requirements and implications, so it's important to evaluate based on personal circumstances.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV 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.
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Nongnuch ********
the easiest 6-months visa is the "multi entry 6-months Tourist Visa" applied by the E-Visa system in Canada. It does not require any financial proofs. . . . . you can apply for the METV every other year. Just don't stay in Thailand longer than 180 days per each holiday, as it would make you a tax resident of Thailand
Nongnuch ********
check the website of the Ottawa embassy or the Vancouver consulate (whichever applies to you) for the exact requirements
Shawn *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nongnuch *******
thank you so muchReply to
Shawn *******
Reply
Shawn *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nongnuch *******
thank you, that sounds doable.Nongnuch ********
@Shawn ******
as I am not sure if a financial proof must be mad for the METV. For me (German citizen) these proofs, that were a 5000.- Euros in my bank account, got discontinued by October 30th, 2023.Shawn *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nongnuch *******
I have the right amount of funds 🙌Nongnuch ********
@Shawn ******
it's just that you have to understand this visa. It's 6-months validity starts on the date of issue. It gives you a 60-days stay permit upon each entry. You have the option to either extend the stay permit for 30 days for 1900 THB on Immigration, before doing at least ONE border run, or do a "border run" before the 60 days stay permit expires - meaning exit and re-enter Thailand - and get stamped in for another 60 days. Within the visa validity, each re-entry gets you stamped in for 60 daysShawn *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nongnuch *******
thank you for your adviceReply to
Shawn *******
Reply
Andrew ********
DTV or Retirement visa if you are over 50
Sharon ********
How long do you plan on staying. There can be Canadian tax benefits to making your residence in Thailand.
Bob *****
@Sharon *******
I am curious as to what you mean by Canadian tax benefits...thank youReply to
Bob *****
Reply
Crispus *********
Go to Phillipines. More to see and friendlier English speaking hot chicks.
Chris *******
Currently the easiest to achieve what you want, without border bounces, would be DTV based on a "soft power", like muay thai or cooking classes.
You can stay 6 months every year for 5 years without border bounces.
Proof of 500k baht ( 20k cdn) one time proof for 5 years of visa.
As long as you come and go.
At this point you only need one course usually 3-6 months it seems and get 5 years, amazing deal.
Cost varies but about $400cdn visa and $800cdn for the courses seems to be what's reported.
You can come and go whenever you want and each time you enter its 6 months.
The courses have no follow up, so it's like a gym membership, if you don't go it doesn't matter.
It is a good way to do what you want, now, who knows if it stays that simple for the duration....
You can stay 6 months every year for 5 years without border bounces.
Proof of 500k baht ( 20k cdn) one time proof for 5 years of visa.
As long as you come and go.
At this point you only need one course usually 3-6 months it seems and get 5 years, amazing deal.
Cost varies but about $400cdn visa and $800cdn for the courses seems to be what's reported.
You can come and go whenever you want and each time you enter its 6 months.
The courses have no follow up, so it's like a gym membership, if you don't go it doesn't matter.
It is a good way to do what you want, now, who knows if it stays that simple for the duration....
Robert *********
20 + years as a Canadian .
Multiple entry tourist visa is good up to 9 months .
I do 6 every year .
Two extensions ,one Cambodia in and back same day .
Easy
Multiple entry tourist visa is good up to 9 months .
I do 6 every year .
Two extensions ,one Cambodia in and back same day .
Easy
Mike *****
I'd ignore all the suggestions to get a retirement visa. If you're only looking for a 6 month stay, there's no reason to go to the effort - that's for retirees who want to stay at least a year. Also, it requires exchanging/transferring about $30,000CAD or proving you have enough monthly pension income. Really too much work if you're only planning on 6 months.
Right now there's still a visa free 60 day on arrival (can easily extend for another 30 days at any immigration office in Thailand). Normally if you leave to visit another country for a week and then return, you could do that a second time (6 months total). The 60 day is supposed to be going back down to 30 days though, so if that happens then maybe the DTV.
Right now there's still a visa free 60 day on arrival (can easily extend for another 30 days at any immigration office in Thailand). Normally if you leave to visit another country for a week and then return, you could do that a second time (6 months total). The 60 day is supposed to be going back down to 30 days though, so if that happens then maybe the DTV.
Chang ******
@Mike ****
I agree with you 100 %Reply to
Chang ******
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Stefani ********
DVT for sure
Ronny *****
@Stefani *******
ah yes, the Deep Vein Thrombosis visaShawn *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ronny ****
may I ask what that means?Reply to
Shawn *******
Reply
Todd *********
You can get a multi entry tourist visa METV. Or just do nothing, enter visa exempt for 60 days and extend 30 days at immigration for a total of 90 days. Then exit the country and return for another 90
Pornpatcharanan *************
@Todd ********
if just 6 month. Non o multiplePornpatcharanan *************
Easy way not go out or not extension with immigration many times
come non o 90days from country after fly out or go visa run get orther 90 days back easy 🙏😅so 1time out Thailand get 6month 🙏
come non o 90days from country after fly out or go visa run get orther 90 days back easy 🙏😅so 1time out Thailand get 6month 🙏
Shawn *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Pornpatcharanan ************
thank youPornpatcharanan *************
@Shawn ******
your welcome 🙏Reply to
Pornpatcharanan *************
Reply
Todd *********
@Pornpatcharanan ************
6 months is what he wantsPornpatcharanan *************
@Todd ********
non o e- visa 3 month stamp border or fly out come back orther 3month complete 6 monthTodd *********
@Pornpatcharanan ************
why bother with a 3 month visaShawn *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Todd ********
she lolTodd *********
@Shawn ******
does it matterShawn *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Todd ********
no, I guess notReply to
Shawn *******
Reply
Paul **********
@Todd ********
the *****
might be going to to *****
tbc. And reports that immigrate starting to challenge visa bounces. And whatever the IO says, sticks.Michael *******
You are forgetting the ETA which is going to be rolled out will be a game changer for border hoppers……
Tai **********
@Michael ******
In what way a “game changer”Reply to
Tai **********
Reply
Todd *********
@Paul *********
it might be. But so what. It might not be. There are no challenges for simple border bounces. If you have concerns use an agency for border bounces. Guaranteed. In spite of all the useless fear mongering here, every country in the world likes tourismReply to
Todd *********
Reply
Paul **********
50+ season some money in a Thai bank account then non O retirement, renewable ever 12 months.
Chris *******
@Paul *******
Non-o does not require health insurance.Shawn *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul *******
thank you very muchReply to
Shawn *******
Reply
Phil ******
Non O based on retirement or a DTV. Look on the evisa website to see which one is suitable
Shawn *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Phil *****
thank you for your adviceReply to
Shawn *******
Reply
Marianne ********
The Non OA seems like a solid choice for you
**********************************************************************************
Shawn *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Marianne *******
thank you so muchMarianne ********
You can also do a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa if you plan on traveling around SEA when you're first here.
Shawn *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Marianne *******
thank you so muchReply to
Shawn *******
Reply
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