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What is the best visa option for a retired U.S. citizen planning to stay in Chiang Mai, Thailand for three months?

Thailand Visa InformationVisa TypesRetirement VisaNon-O VisaMulti-entry Tourist VisaBorder RunsVisa ExtensionsExpat Life in ThailandImmigration Assistance
August 3, 2019
5 years ago
Bruce *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am retired, traveling on a U.S. Passport. I would like to go to Thailand, staying / basing myself in Chiang Mai. I would like to be there for this coming December, January and February. I would like to get the easiest Visa for my stay - meaning I would rather not have to do any "border runs" or get in lines to get visa extensions. I would like to arrive in Thailand with all this sorted out and the appropriate visa in hand. Also I would like the possibility of being able to leave Thailand and return during this period of time. Not sure if there is one visa that would accomplish all this - hopefully there is. I would rather pay more for the visa than try to save money by doing extensions, etc. I would rather have a visa which allows more options but the above as the minimum. Not sure if this request for info makes sense but I would appreciate any assistance. My thanks in advance.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A retired U.S. citizen seeking a visa to stay in Chiang Mai for three months has several options. The best recommended visa is the Non-O visa, specifically designed for those over 50, allowing a stay of 90 days without the need for extensions or border runs. Alternatively, the Multi-Entry Tourist Visa (METV) can be an option, enabling multiple entries into Thailand over a six-month period, each providing a 60-day stay plus a possible 30-day extension, although this requires leaving the country for re-entry. The Non-O visa provides a more straightforward approach, satisfying the desire for minimal hassle during the stay.
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  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
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Tod *********
I think
@Bruce ********
 has enough options now to make at least a semi-educated decision on what to do..
5 years ago
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Peter ****************
But with the METV he HAS to leave the country within this 60 days or ask an extension for 30 days (with re-entry permit then I guess ?? Or is this embedded by the original METV ?) should he want to leave and come back after these first 60 days..
5 years ago
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Peter ****************
Ahh, clear
@Tod ********
 👍 so nothing to do with that extension then. Nice to know. Thanks !!
5 years ago
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Tod *********
@Peter ***************
 a 6 month METV is a multi-entry tourist visa valid for unlimited entry into the country for the validity of the visa (6 months from the date of issue) you can come in and out every DAY of that 6 month period if you wanted to and you'd get stamped in for 60 days every time you entered the country
5 years ago
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Peter ****************
Ok Tod, also a bit for my knowledge, but what happens if he decides he wants to leave and come back after those first 60 days. First he has to make an extension ofcourse but then, when he leaves the country with that extension ? Then he comes back on the visa again ? So no re-entry permit necessary ? Thx !
5 years ago
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Tod *********
BUT they stated they might travel to another country and then back to thailand so the METV would give them the opportunity to do that and get stamped in for 60 days every entry.
5 years ago
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Tod *********
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Peter ****************
And I think James Miller likes the non imm o-a very much, ha ha. But, if I read initial question and money is not a big problem, then this visa is trouble free in those 3 months. No runs, free to go and come back, no extensions. I admit it's a bit 'shooting on a mouse with a canon' but it fulfills the needs. Should you want to stay some weeks longer, no problem again...
5 years ago
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Mal ********
I'm no expert but if you meet the requirements, I would think you could get a one year retirement visa as another option.
5 years ago
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Tod *********
Okay, seems like you have your choices;

-Do NOTHING and play the 30 day visa exempt entry stamp game

-Get a 6 month METV and use it as much as you want to enter/exit thailand getting stamped in for 60 days every entry for the validity of the visa

-Get a 90 day single entry Non-O visa (based on being over 50) then get a re-entry permit once you're here to keep the 90 day stamp alive.
5 years ago
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Ellie *******
If you are seeing only three months, maybe single entry non-o (being over 50/pensioner) is one of the choice. On this visa you would be stamped for 90 days upon your entry. No border run, no travel to immigration during 90days stay. Less requirement to apply before your travel.

You can get re-entry permit. Or you ca use visa exempt scheme for later entry to Thailand.
5 years ago
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Ellie *******
@Bruce ********
 because I thought you would prefer valid and appropriate visa in hand always upon your entry from your original post... and I also think it’s great of you going to do in that way. 🙂
5 years ago
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Bruce *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ellie ******
 that sounds like a possibility. I did visa exempt stay 2 years ago without problem. Why do you say that might not be preferable if at the later part of my stay?
5 years ago
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Dominic *****
Bruce W Bean The Re-Entry Permit that Ellie Takei mentioned allows you to leave and return, getting the same permitted to stay date as your original entry using the visa. Available in single and multiple types (
*********
Baht) depending how many time you want to exit and return within those 89 days.
5 years ago
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Ellie *******
Bruce, you get re-entry permit then you can keep your original 90 days alive - you will stamped in until same date.

Single entry re-entry permit is 1,000 thb, you can get at major aipport before your fly.

Or if the exit/enter Thailand would be on later part of your travel, you also can just enter on visa exempt scheme for 30 days stamp... (maybe not preferable option for you though - because it means re-entering Thailand without visa)
5 years ago
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Bruce *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ellie ******
 thanks. What would happen if I decided to leave Thailand for a visit elsewhere and the return to Thailand?
5 years ago
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Bruce *********
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James ********
Where are you located in the USA ?
5 years ago
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James ********
Easy to obtain. Look at Thai Consulate/Embassy websites for visa requirements.
5 years ago
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James ********
The SETV is available from any Thai Honorary or Thai Consulate/Embassy in the USA.

The METV in only available from one of the 5 Thai Consulates/Embassy in the USA...Los Angeles...Chicago ...New York City and Washington DC.
5 years ago
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James ********
The METV Multi entry tourist visa gives you up to 9 months with planning in Thailaand.
5 years ago
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James ********
Feel free to ask questions. We are happy to help.
5 years ago
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James ********
And search TOPICS for O-A
5 years ago
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James ********
Use search box top of forum...enter O-A Visa USA...
5 years ago
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James ********
Available by mail...usually 10+ days issue time.

Walk in service...

Submit application morning day one...

Pick up afternoon day two.
5 years ago
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James ********
*******************************************************************************
5 years ago
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James ********
**************************************************
5 years ago
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James ********
Here is the Los Angeles Thai Consulate requirements..
5 years ago
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James ********
OR...if age 50+...apply for the O-A non immigrant multientry visa for retirement. Gives you ONE full year stay in Thailand...can leave and reenter as you wish. If you leave and reenter just before end of first year, you get ONE added year ...No added fee...in this second year you purchase a single reentry permit 1,000 Thb...or Multi-entry permit 3,800 Thai baht. Its the BEST visa available IMHO. Available from the 5 Thai Consulates/Embassy listed above.

Just meet the simple requirements and have up to two years access to Thailand.
5 years ago
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James ********
@Bruce ********
 the METV gives you 60 days on arrival plus 30 days extension 1,900 Thai baht. At or before end of the 90days...depart and reenter Thailand. Given another 60 day plus 30 days extension 1,900 Thb. Prior to end of 6th month...depart and reenter Thailand...given 60 days once again and 30 days extension for 1,900 Thai baht. During the first six months it is Multi-entry. Before end of six months...buy a reentry permit 1,000 Thai baht. Depart and reenter before six months end...get two months on arrival...plus one last 30 days extension available 1,900 Thb.
5 years ago
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Bruce *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks for responding. Does this METV mean multi entry tourist visa? Guess so. Would that allow me to stay up to 9 months in Thailand without need to extend or do anything further? Would this also allow me to leave Thailand and return to Thailand during this 9 month period without need to obtain any further visa or extension? I could arrange to get it through an agency perhaps in D.C.? Any idea of the cost?
5 years ago
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Reply to
Bruce *********
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James ********
The Single entry Tourist Visa SETV gives you 60 days on arrival plus added 30 days extension available at Thai Immigration for 1,900 Thai baht.
5 years ago
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Reply to
James ********
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