Answered4 years ago

What are the steps for a UK passport holder to obtain a tourist visa and prepare for a Retirement Visa in Thailand?

Visa Rules Retirement Visa Covid Extensions Visa Runs Tourist Visa UK Passport Holders

Colin *********

asked Oct 8, 2022

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Hi. Uk passport holder ..

I have a few covid extension mixed in with non- b due to working during 2021/2022 Also 1 VOA by air during 2022, prior to this i have been on non b for multiple years. 

My Covid extension finishes on Nov 5th and in Feb I plan to move onto Retirement Visa. 

I believe I will need 2 visa or VOA to allow time to  process  Retirement visa in Feb.

From Pattaya what would be the easiest border to bounce or embassy to get tourist visa?

Would I be able to do this personally without re-entry issues?

Ideas and advice is much appreciated 

Thanks

Answer summary

The user, a UK passport holder, is currently on a Covid extension that ends on November 5th and plans to transition to a Retirement Visa in February. They are seeking advice on how to obtain two additional visas or a VOA to facilitate this process, while asking for the best border or embassy options from Pattaya for a tourist visa. Responses suggest bouncing out of Thailand to gain a new visa-exempt stamp and applying for a Non-O visa at the Jomtien immigration office, alongside recommendations for visa run services.

12 repliesnewest first

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Tod *********

and I think that Colin has more than enough info to make an educated decision OR to come completely off the rails 😛

Good luck we are done

4 years ago

Ellie *******

What is your current stamp (from the latest entry)? Visa-exempt, tourist visa, or Non-B?

4 years ago

Ellie *******

Ooops. I just saw you are not 50 yet...

I was asked this question because there might be a slim chance you can apply for an extension based on retirement directly if you are 50+

Sorry for mess

4 years ago

Colin *********

@Ellie ******

was a non b then onto a covid extension which ends on 5th Nov

4 years ago

Tod *********

You should be able to bounce out and back at a land border, get a new 45 day visa exempt entry stamp.

Then go to the Jomtien immigration office and for 2000baht apply for the 90 day Non-O visa (that gets reviewed for 2 weeks) get it inked in,

Then wait the 2 months to apply for the year extension for 1900baht (that you get approved one day and pick your passport back up the next)

Totally workable plan.. (y)

There are more than a few visa run/border bounce companies down there, post on a pattaya related group and ask for recommendations. You won't have ANY issue if you bounce out and back with a service that does it.

4 years ago

James ********

@Colin ********

yep... although select the Border crossing carefully. If going to Cambodia, avoid Poipet as they will require you stay one night in Cambodia if you are not with a border run service company.

4 years ago

Colin *********

@Tod ********

hi, thanks for reply.

I presume I can't apply for the non - 0 until feb as I'm not 50 yet?

Had some crazy prices quoted to bounce so I'm considering personall travel or flights so I don't get the full day mini van torture

4 years ago

Tod *********

@Colin ********

you are correct in order to get a Non-O visa or a year extension based on "retirement" you have to be 50.

As I said with your history, find a service in pattaya that will mini-van you to the border, (that has already greased the wheels) so that it's a smooth stamp out, stamp in and out of cambodia and then stamp back in to thailand.

Bouncing on your own is not near as easy post-covid shit show as people think it is.

4 years ago

James ********

@Colin ********

DON'T FLY... You are at great risk with your recent history of living in Thailand.

Do land border runs ONLY.

4 years ago

Colin *********

@James *******

yes I was concerned with this even my non b are legit for working . Been working here on non b for 10 + years prior to 2021. Also was working in 2022 but anyway Land trip it is.

Exit and re-enter by my own means would be simple enough?

4 years ago

James ********

@Colin ********

we have reports of folks who have a recent history of living in Thailand by using varied visas and COVID extensions being denied entry into Thailand upon arrival at both BKK Bangkok and Don Mueang Airport.

In one instance, 50% of a plane load of travelers were denied entry as they had done a border run to Cambodia and back.

AND individuals with similar situations have been denied.

BEST to do Land BORDER RUNS.

4 years ago

Colin *********

@James *******

ok will do. Thanks

4 years ago