Answered6 years ago

What are the differences between an O visa and an OA visa for Thailand?

O visa OA visa Thai visa types retirement visa visa extension medical insurance requirements

Paul ********

asked Mar 9, 2021

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Hi I just want clarification 

What’s the difference between an O visa and an OA visa please

Answer summary

The O visa is generally for various circumstances such as marriage to a Thai, raising half-Thai children, volunteering, or age (over 50). It allows for a 90-day stay and can be extended for a year under certain financial conditions. In contrast, the OA visa is exclusively available from the applicant's home country, provides a one-year entry with mandatory medical insurance, and is specifically for those aged 50 and over. The OA visa also allows for extensions, but medical insurance is required for both the initial visa and any extensions.

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Benjamin ******

An “O” visa stands for “other “. This includes:

- being married to a Thai

- raising half Thai children

- volunteering

-being over 50 years age.

These are almost always single entry visas that allows to stay in Thailand for 90 days. You can get a one year extension of stay for 1900 THB if you meet the requirements.

A non-oa visa is a special type of visa for those who are over 50 years old. This is a multiple entry visa, good for a year, and on each entry allows you to stay for a year. You must get medical insurance, and if you get an extension of stay, you must show health insurance at each extension.

For some immigration offices, you can purse the single entry non-o visa inside Thailand off from a tourist visa or visa exempt.

6 years ago

Stuart *********

The O visa (based on retirement) gives you 90 days on entry. You don’t need to have medical insurance (other than what you need these days to get the CoE) and you can apply for an extension of stay for 1 year if you meet the financial requirements.

The OA visa which you can only get from your home country, gives you a 1 year stamp on arrival providing you have medical insurance for that time period. You can also apply for an extension for a year, but you will have to meet the financial requirements AND have medical insurance for the year too.

6 years ago

Paul ********

@Stuart ********

thanks that is a great explanation

6 years ago

Stuart *********

@Paul *******

pre Covid many used the OA visa as a way to live here long term. You get stamped for a year, and if you bounced out of the the country just before it expired you got stamped in again for another year (albeit needing a re-entry permit to keep those dates alive). You didn’t need funds in Thailand and after the second year you could pop back home and apply for another one. These days those options aren’t realistic. The mandatory medical insurance is a stumbling block for many, especially those over 70 who find it difficult to get a policy that’s affordable.

6 years ago

Rich *****

O you get here the OA you get in your own country.

6 years ago

Paul ********

@Rich ****

are they different?

6 years ago

Rich *****

Have a read of this though for a more thorough answer:

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6 years ago