What are the requirements and processes for converting a tourist visa to a Non-B visa in Chiang Mai, particularly for a Namibian passport holder?

Thai visa NON-B visa tourist visa conversion Chiang Mai immigration visa extension process Namibian passport holders visa application timeline

Jun 12, 2018

7 years ago

Tanga *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi guys! 2 quick questions when converting a tourist visa to a non b inside the country. Does the 15 days you need have to be on your original tourist visa or can they be on an extension? And are any countries barred from doing it at an immigration office like the Laos and Malaysian embassies? (Chiang Mai specifically, and I'm a Namibian passport holder). Thanks guys!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

To convert a tourist visa to a Non-B visa in Chiang Mai, you typically need to have 22 days left on your current visa, and this requirement may apply to the initial tourist visa or its extension. Applicants should account for additional time needed for the application process, including making an appointment, as the process is slower in Chiang Mai compared to Bangkok. The nationality of the applicant may affect the process, but it's unclear if specific countries are barred. It's advised to visit the immigration office early to start the extension and application process.

Tod *********

I believe that Chiang Mai requires 22 days left on your current stamp. BUT I'd say swing by there and see what's what.

I don't know about it being nationality specific but I know that if you don't have the time they require they won't do it.

7 years ago

Tanga *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you Christine and Tod! Really appreciate the advice. My current tourist visa expires on the 26th so I'm thinking of doing an extension before the end of the week, and then attempting a non b straight after that (fingers crossed)!

7 years ago

Tod *********

Thanx for the update

@Chri*****

, good luck (y) Slowly but surely you'll get there :)

7 years ago

Christine ***********

Just an update to our visit. Quick, less than an hour for our extension (my sons visit last week took 6.5hrs) and everyone in both offices were super friendly. Also wanted to add that we have assured that funds in our joint US$ account will be accepted for both of our retirement visas as long as we have a certificate issued for each of us from our Thai bank (and enough to cover 2 x 800k).

7 years ago

Christine ***********

We are queuing now for a 30 day extension having arrived on the 8th and visited the immi office in CM for changing to a non O for retirement visas. There would be enough time but all the appointments have been taken. Don't assume you have enough days to be able to get things sorted and weekends are not counted. You also have to go between 9 and 10am just to make an appointment to apply for your change of visa. Hope this helps others.

7 years ago

Reply to

Christine ***********

Ashley ***************

Chiang mai u will need to do an extension first as u need much more time then see the folks upstairs about doing a change of visa application. Chiang mai specifically it cannot be done and handed in in 1 day like it can be in bankok. In CM u need 22 days remaining on passport ( 21 not including day of hand in.) But u will prob need an extra 10 - 20 days extra to make appt date to hand in ur applocation as u wont be able jat to walk in and hand in the application same day ( this is not a normal visa hand in process for them.so they are very backed up ) so plan to need prob approx 50 days or as much time possible as you can get on ur current stamo + extension. As in go in asap to start. as far as ur nationality im not sure.

7 years ago

Tanga *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Ashley thank you for the advice! I'll get started right away, hopefully I'm not out of time

7 years ago

Reply to

Tanga *********

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