What are the rules for multiple entries on a Thailand O-A visa?

June 20, 2021
3 years ago
A.c. ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi group, I'm planning to set up an O-A from here (US) to come in October, but one thing that isn't clear to me yet is how exactly the multiple entries work. I definitely want to be able to leave Thailand and return several times within a year for quick trips to nearby countries. Will this be no problem? Thanks.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The O-A visa offers unlimited entries to Thailand during its validity of one year, allowing travelers to leave and re-enter multiple times. Each entry grants a new year stamp, provided the visa remains valid and health insurance requirements are met. The conversation also highlights current travel restrictions and considerations regarding COVID-19 affecting nearby countries.
Walter *******
O-A (abroad) extensions require medical insurance from a specific list of longstay insurance providers.

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However, type O, visas obtained locally from immigration do not. Research this before deciding
James ********
@Walter ******
there are several insurers in Thailand which are affordable for the OA visa. And if your current insurance meets the requirements for the OA visa it can be used too.

Coming soon...hopefully

Coming soon... Hopefully for the OA visa and extension holders...

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/20/insurance-rule-changes-for-retirement-visas/
Wannikea *********
If you plan your timing correctly you can get almost 2 years out of this visa by returning to Thailand just before it expires, upon entry you get stamped in for a year and then you can purchase a multiple or single entry stamp for the duration of the current permission to stay. then you can go in and out as you please. Of course you are subject to current entry requirements with each entry.
Ellie *******
Multiple entry visa works like that:

- unlimited times to enter Thailand during the validity of visa itself

- every entry to Thailand on the visa you will get a new entry stamp with whole days which the visa allows as long as you meet entry requirement (Non-OA it's 365days)

- the last day you can enter Thailand with the new whole period is the 'valid until' date on your visa itself.
Ed ********
It will be a problem with nearby countries riddled with covid19 and borders closed
Tod *********
I don't know how much more info people can give you

A multiple entry Non-O-A visa is just that. It allows unlimited entry/exit to thailand during the validity of the visa itself (a year from the date it's issued) with every entry getting you stamped in for a year (or as long as your 40k/400k mandatory health insurance is valid for [up to a year]).
A.c. ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
Believe me Tod, in this realm, every answer can easily lead to another question or five, and I think you know that. 😁 Okay, well "unlimited entry/exit" is more info on it than I had found, so I thank you for that. I was hoping that was the case. That was one main thing I wanted to know—whether by default it is limited to like only 3 entries a year, or means unlimited entries, or what. They don't spell out these details, which forces newbies to pick things apart and ask follow-up questions. For me it is a very important question because I'm not interested in any one-year arrangement that would lock me into staying in Thailand the whole year (again, this view presupposes a return to relative normalcy next year regarding international travel).
Bobby ********
A.c. Patterson. In good times, you could leave/re-enter every week if you wanted to, and each time getting stamped in for one year right up to the expiry date of the original visa. However, with the mandatory insurance you can be be stamped in only up to the expiry date of the insurance. If one of the OA insurance companies can provide you with a 24-month policy which runs concurrently with your visa dates, you wouldn't have to worry about this.
Len ******
From what I remember of normal times and you need to check that I am correct.

With a multiple entry visa you go and come as you wish.

With the single entry visa you need to apply for a permit of re-entry before you leave or you lose the visa.

Also - at the airports there is a desk where you pay 'heavily' to have a single entry visa stamped for re entry.

The 90 day thing starts on your re entry.
James ********
the single reentry permit is 1,000 Thai baht. 3,800 for the multi-entry reentry permit.
James ********
With all land borders closed its not possible to do border runs or visit other SE Asian neighbors.

Your first year of the OA visa is Multi-entry.
A.c. ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
Thanks. Sorry, I should have framed the question slightly differently and more specifically, like this: Assuming things "normalize" next year, will the multiple entry aspect of an OA allow me to easily fly to other countries and return to Thailand? What does the multiple entry aspect normally facilitate? I don't mean land borders, I mean I want to be able to fly to Bali, Vietnam, etc. (once those countries allow it, of course). Just trying to get an overview of the subject of multiple entries and how they work, at least during normal times.
Joe ***********
@A.c. **********
IF Normalizing happens in Thailand within 15,18 24 months - is a big IF. There are internal political considerations that are involved beyond covid issues. Other countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, etc. all have their outlook on timing for opening borders - allowing unregulated tourists entries, etc. Letting go of controlling people seems very hard.
Luis ***********
@James *******
All is still uncertain but you are correct in saying your multi-entry visa will be just that muti-entry. once borders open up, I think that you will need to deal with returning requirements like insurance and possibly vaccine proofs. All is still very fluid on what will happen and when it will happen. Just putting my two cents in. Sorry if I stepped on my toes.
A.c. ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Luis **********
I think maybe you were aiming that at me? Anyway, thanks for trying to answer. I realize how fluid things still are and will be for a while... I'm really just trying to get an overview of how the multiple entries with an OA work. The only information about it I've seen anywhere simply says "Multiple Entry." That's not enough info, I need to know how many of those I would get a year, how they work, etc.
Roy ***********
@A.c. **********
A multiple entry OA allows you to enter Thailand an unlimited number of times as long as the original visa is valid, which is one year from the date issued. Each time you enter you get stamped in for one year, which allows you to stay for one year from the date of that entry.
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