Answered6 years ago

What Are the Entry Considerations for Retirement VISA Holders into Thailand During Travel Restrictions?

Retirement Visa Non-O Visa Entry Requirements

Rick ***********

asked Jul 10, 2020

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Need advice... I hold an American passport with a non immigrant OA visa issued 3 March 2020.  I have been unable to fly into Thailand because of travel bans.   I attempted to contact the Thai embassy here in Los Angeles, but they are still closed.  My question... any special considerations for retirement VISA holders allowing entry in the Kingdom? Also any possibility to add lost time to my initial Visa?  Thanks for your responses!!

Answer summary

A U.S. passport holder with a non-immigrant OA visa issued on March 3, 2020, is seeking advice on entry considerations for retirement visa holders in Thailand amid travel bans. It is noted that retirees are currently not among the demographics allowed entry, and any unused time on the visa will not be added. However, since the visa was issued, the holder has until March 2021 to make their first entry, provided their health insurance policy is still active.

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Mike ******

Since your OA was issued on March 3, 2020 then you have up to one year from this date to make your first entry. But keep this in mind, the IO at the airport will look at your health insurance policy dates as well. Make sure the policy is still active. I made entry at BKK in February 2020 and the IO did look over the dates on my TGIA health insurance policy documents.

6 years ago

Clifford ********

Yes, I also came in on my O-A in Feb 2020. My health insurance was naturally issued before my visa so that I could demonstrate that I had it. The result when entering thru BKK was that they set my must exit date to be the expiration date of my insurance as opposed to being one year from date of entry. So they effectively shortened my first year to less than a year.

6 years ago

Robert *******

@Clifford *******

That is according the rules, for the period of the health insurance with a maximum of 1 year.

The Immigration Officer did not shorten your stay.

6 years ago

Clifford ********

@Robert ******

Didn't mean to imply that this wasn't according to rules or was an issue with immigration. What happened makes sense. Just sharing my experience for the expectations of others.

6 years ago

Tod *********

Nope, sadly at this time retirees are not on the list of the 11 demographics of people who are allowed to apply for permission to enter thailand.

AND

Unfortunately there is nothing to be done about the visa, it burns the time down whether you're in or out of the country. At least if/when you can get in and your visa is still valid you would get stamped in for a whole year's stamp.

6 years ago