Answered5 years ago

What do O and OA mean in relation to Thai visas?

Thai visas NON-O visa NON-OA visa Retirement visa Visa requirements Immigration in Thailand

Tod *********

asked Jul 22, 2021

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Ken Dunlop

Asked in another thread;

What does O and A mean in relation to visas?

Answer summary

The terms "O" and "OA" refer to different categories of Thai visas. The "O" visa, known as "Other," can be issued for purposes like marriage, raising half-Thai children, and retirement. It includes single and multiple entry options, particularly for those over 50, with the Single Entry Non-O granting a stay of 90 days and the Multiple Entry Non-O allowing multiple entries with 90-day stamps before requiring a border exit. The "OA" visa allows for a one-year stay with multiple entries and is subject to specific requirements. As of now, multiple entry Non-O visas are not being issued due to COVID-19, complicating options for expats seeking to stay in Thailand long-term.

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Benjamin ******

I think Ken knows the answer, so I'm closing comments. If anyone wants commenting reopened, send a mod a message. If anyone has any related questions, please make your own post. Thank you

5 years ago

Brian ********

From the US if none wants to travel once in the coming year, does one get a multiple entry 90 day O visa then get the one year extension in Thailand or get single entry and get a multiple entry one year extension? I surely will travel within 12 months. So do I pay more for the 90 day multiple entry O? Many thanks.

5 years ago

Benjamin ******

@Brian *******

The answer to your question is, (ASSUMING EVERYTHING RETURNS THE SAME BEFORE COVID-19), yes!

A multiple entry Non-O visa will cost about 5K THB in local currency at the local Thai embassy or consulate. This visa is valid for one year. However, when you enter Thailand, you will be stamped in for 89 days. At the end of 89 days, you'll have to leave Thailand (generally to Laos, Cambodia, etc) and return. BECAUSE OF COVID-19, THESE VISAS ARE NOT BEING SOLD!

On a multiple entry Non-O visa, if you meet the financial qualifications, you can get a one year extension of stay based on retirement. This requires seasoning 800K THB in a Thai bank account for 2 months. A one year extension of stay based on retirement can be renewed forever.

IF the multiple entry Non-O visa is not being sold, you can get a single entry Non-O visa. This visa is good for 90 days, and on entry lets you stay for 89 days. If you meet the financial qualifications, you can get a one year extension of stay based on retirement. This requires seasoning 800K THB in a Thai bank account for 2 months. A one year extension of stay based on retirement can be renewed forever.

On an extension of stay based on retirement, if you want to leave Thailand and return, you will need to get a re-entry permit. This permit keeps your existing extension of stay alive and can be purchased at any immigration office.

If you're planning on entering next year, I highly recommend waiting until we see what happens after COVID-19. Things are changing weekly here now.

5 years ago

Ken ********

I didn't realize they were not issuing multi entry Non-O visa for retirement. Can you extent the Single entry Non-O every 90 days?

5 years ago

Benjamin ******

@Ken *******

>Can you extent the Single entry Non-O every 90 days?

No you can not. On a single entry Non-O visa based on being over 50, you can get EITHER a 60 day extension of stay based on unable to travel due to COVID-19, OR a one year extension based on retirement.

The Multiple Entry Non-O Visa based on being over 50 are not being issued because a person would need to bounce in and out every 90 days, which is impossible because the borders are closed. This visa is different then the Non-OA visa, which is good for a year and a person is stamped for a year on entry.

5 years ago

Ken ********

@Benjamin *****

I didn't realize you had to leave of the multi entry. It's good to know that an option remains that will allow you to stay. Thanks for the explaining.

5 years ago

Benjamin ******

@Ken *******

Different categories of visas exist. One category is "O", which means "other". These visas can be issued for multiple purposes, including marriage, raising half-Thai children, and retirement.

There is not a single classification of "retirement" visas. Retirement visas are commonly sold as:

Single Entry Non-O visa based on being over 50. This visa is valid for three months, allows a person to enter Thailand once, and when they enter are stamped in for 90 days.

Multiple Entry Non-O visa based on being over 50. This visa is valid for a year, allows a person to enter Thailand multiple times, and on each entry are stamped in for 90 days. They have not been sold since COVID-19 started in early 2020.

Multiple Entry Non-OA visa. This visa is valid for a year, allow a person to enterThailand multiple times, and on each entry is stamped in for a year.

Multiple Entry Non-OX visa. This visa is valid for ten years, allows a person to enter Thailand multiple times, and on entry is stamped for five years (I think). There's a lot of hoops to jump through to get this visa and not too many people have them.

Different visas have different requirements, and not all Thai consulates sell all visas.

5 years ago

Benjamin ******

Michel Rossini I don't think it really matters what the "A" stands for, or the "X" in "Non-OX". Remember, English isn't Thailand's native language.

5 years ago