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What are the best visa options for Canadians over 60 wanting to stay in Thailand for 5-6 months?
Thailand visasNon-O visaretirement visatourist visavisa extensionexpat adviceCanada to Thailand immigration
Apr 8, 2024
2 years ago
Ron ********
ORIGINAL POSTERLooking for the best way to stay in Thailand for 5-6 months, we are both Canadian over 60. For the last 2 years we have been coming in on exemption and extending, then border bounce and extending again. When we extended our first exemption the Phuket immigration was very suspicious and phoned my brother inlaw(Thai) asking about where we were staying. When we came back from border bounce the immigration at Phuket airport was asking for return ticket and was questioning us. This is the 1st of ten years coming here that this has happened! Thanks in advance
TLDR : Answer Summary
The best options for Canadians over 60 looking to stay in Thailand for 5-6 months include applying for a 60-day tourist visa with a 30-day extension, or considering a Non-O retirement visa which is available for those over 50. Alternatively, the multiple entry tourist visa or retirement visa can also be viable options. It's beneficial to have the necessary documentation such as an affidavit of income from the Canadian embassy, and in some cases, verifying marriage certificates if opting for related spouse visas. Some users recommend entering Thailand on a Non-O visa and then transitioning to a retirement extension for easier management of stay without frequent border crossings.
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.
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Helen ********
As Canadian you don't need to do the transfer of money to a local bank as you can still get an affidavit of income from the embassy in BKK or consulate in Chiang Mai. Suggest both you and your wife enter on Non O 90 day before you leave Canada. When here one of you get the retirement extension with the affidavit and the other get a trailing spouse. You will also need the consulate to verify you marriage certificate. Fairly easy. You can also get a multi re-entry at the same. Just be in Thailand for you next renewal
Phil ******
ME Tourist visa.
Poontarika ************
Agreed with above suggestions of getting a retirement visa. My husband has done it.
Craig *********
Put 800 k in the bank and get a retirement visa
Graham ******
@Craig ********
Not necessary as Canada still does the income affadavitCraig *********
@Graham *****
really? I’ll have to look into that.Reply to
Craig *********
Reply
Lloyd ****
If you qualify apply for the LTR visa
Pui *****
Consider getting what is commonly called a retirement visa, available to those over 50 years old.
Peter *********
Over 50 apply for non O retiment visa multi entry
John **********
Multiple entry tourist visa
Henrik *****
Get a 60 day touristvisa + 30 day extension, then you can stay 90 days without leaving Thailand, less border crossings.
When going to Thailand for 31 - 60 ( 90 )days, the 60 days touristvisa is the best option.
It is cheaper than visa excempt + 30 days extension.
No need of a onward ticket ( 90 days 1 onward ), if returnticket within 60 days.
It is easier to apply from the comfort of your home.
thaievisa.go.th
Not wasting holiday time to find, go to and waiting at a immigration office ( 90 you would need that ).
Then no need to leave Thailand in up to 90 days.
When going to Thailand for 31 - 60 ( 90 )days, the 60 days touristvisa is the best option.
It is cheaper than visa excempt + 30 days extension.
No need of a onward ticket ( 90 days 1 onward ), if returnticket within 60 days.
It is easier to apply from the comfort of your home.
thaievisa.go.th
Not wasting holiday time to find, go to and waiting at a immigration office ( 90 you would need that ).
Then no need to leave Thailand in up to 90 days.
Nigel **************
I was told that if I want to stay for 5 months I need to get a Non O visa based on being over 50. (Retirement). Up until this year I was using 60 day tourist visasa and extensions
Ron ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nigel *************
so the Non O is good for 90 days, if/when they approve the 1 year extension, is it from the date of approval or backdated to the start of your Non O? ThanksNigel **************
@Ron *******
I think it is added to the 90 day visa but I am not 100% sure.Reply to
Nigel **************
Reply
Nigel **************
@Henrik ****
that is no use if they want to stay 6 months.Henrik *****
What you want and
what you can
Is not always possibel.
Especially if you can’t deposit a large sum of money.
what you can
Is not always possibel.
Especially if you can’t deposit a large sum of money.
Reply to
Henrik *****
Reply
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