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

Thai visa rulesO visaOA visaRetirement visaImmigration requirementsVisa insuranceVisa extensionThai embassyExpat guidance
Nov 1, 2021
3 years ago
Doreth *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
What is the defference between a O visa or OA visa
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The O visa, categorized as 'Other', is typically a single-entry visa that allows stays of 90 days, which can be extended for another year under specific conditions, often without the need for health insurance. It's available for various circumstances like marriage to a Thai national or being over 50, and can be applied for inside or outside Thailand. In contrast, the OA visa is a multiple-entry visa designed primarily for individuals over 50, valid for one year with necessary health insurance and documentation. The OA allows travelers to come and go freely during the first year, while subsequent entries may require a re-entry permit.
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.
Joe *********
Does our travel insurance certificate document have to detail about being covered for covid and other items ie total health cover ( say 5 million )

In my insurance documents the facts are there but not on the actual insurance certificate.

Any comments please
3 years ago
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Joe *********
Interesting answers gents
3 years ago
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Stuart *********
The OA is a multiple entry visa so for the 1st year you can come and go as you please. If you time it right and leave Thailand and return just before it expires you get stamped in for another 365 days (subject to insurance). The second year is not multiple entry so you’d need a re-entry permit if you wished to leave and return.
3 years ago
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Dirk *********
@Stuart ********
 This is so confusing. I am in the situation that the first year of my multiple entry O-A visa is almost over. I had planned to reenter and get a stamp for an other year.

However, the consulate in Frankfurt told me explicitly that this is not possible and I would only get a stamp for the day of my first entry on this visa + 1 year. So I don't get a 1 year stamp at reentry, I can only stay for 1 year counted from the day of first entry. I also talked to an experienced visa service and they said the same.
3 years ago
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Stuart *********
@Dirk ********
 Never listen to what a Thai consulate tells you about rules for immigration in Thailand. The consulate is run by the MFA. Immigration is run by the police. Seemingly they don’t tend to communicate well.

Your OA visa is valid for one year. On entry you will get stamped in for 365 days or however long you have insurance for.

If the last day for your visa is November 10th and you arrive in Thailand on or before November 10th with valid insurance you’ll be stamped in for 365 days.

Once the visa expires then your entry stamp is no longer “multiple entry” so in order to keep the stamp alive you’d need a re-entry stamp to keep that new date alive.
3 years ago
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Dirk *********
@Stuart ********
 May I quickly ask you an other question?

If I travel on a 60 day TR visa (+ 30 days extension), is it accepted that my return flight ticket is after 88 days?
3 years ago
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Stuart *********
@Dirk ********
 You may get the ThailandPass, you may not be denied boarding by your airline or you may not be refused entry into Thailand at immigration. I word it like that because you may get away with it, but possibly not. Best to have a changeable ticket or Google “onward flight ticket” which cost approx $10
3 years ago
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Dirk *********
@Stuart ********
 Thank you.
3 years ago
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Dirk *********
@Stuart ********
 Yes I thought so too. But to be honest it's kind of hard for me to travel on the assumption that the Royal Thai Consulate is providing seriously false visa information. There is too much on the line for me... So I applied for a new TR visa this time, as I will only stay for 3 months anyway.
3 years ago
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Dirk *********
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Luc ********
@Stuart ********
 what happens after the second 365 days in your example?
3 years ago
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Stuart *********
@Luc *******
 You either return home and buy a new visa or extend for a further year in country providing you meet the financial requirements. 800K in a Thai bank or if your embassy doesn’t issue the affidavit of income you can show 12 months of international transfers of at least 65,000 baht to your bank account.
3 years ago
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Stuart *********
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Garrett ***********
Here's a little overview of the requirements for each.

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3 years ago
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Garrett ***********
Non-OA is a 1 year multiple entry retirement visa that you can only get in your home country. It requires health insurance and 800k baht (the equivalent currency) in a bank account (can be in your home country, Not a thai account).

A Non-O is a 90 day single entry retirement visa. You can get this at any Thai embassy in any country, or inside Thailand. This visa can be extended once inside thailand for 1 year at a time. Non-O does NOT require health insurance, but the 1 year extension does require 800k baht to be in a Thai bank for 60 days before you apply for the visa, and the duration of the time you're in the country.
3 years ago
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Stuart *********
The O visa based on being over 50 ( retirement) would give you 90 days upon arrival.

The OA visa would give you 365 days provided you have insurance for that time.

You would also need to get a health check and police certificate for the OA.

The OA can only be applied for in your home country or country where you legally reside.
3 years ago
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Benjamin ******
O visa is for "Other". This includes (but NOT limited to):

- Marriage to a Thai national

- Marriage to a foreigner who has an existing visa

- Raising half-Thai children

- Raising Foreign children

- Being over 50

- Being a volunteer

This visa allows a person to enter Thailand for 90 days, giving time to get an extension of stay. It is marked "used" on entry.

A Non-OA visa is a multiple entry visa for people who are over 50. This visa is valid for a year, and allows a person on each entry to stay for a year. This visa requires insurance, which may be expensive for some people.
3 years ago
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Benjamin ******
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