What is the best visa option for a UK retiree planning to stay in Thailand for about three months without extensions?

Tourist Visa Non-Immigrant O Visa Visa Extensions Thailand Visa Requirements Expat Visa Advice Retiree Visa Options

Oct 7, 2019

5 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi everyone

You have given me great advice in the past and before I ask this question iv tried to look through all the information available for an answer.

My  friend UK based with a UK passport has only visited for 4 weeks maximum holiday 3 times a year in the past. He is retired. 

He wishes to come Dec 1st to Feb 28th approximately for extended holidays. What is best for him visa wise without having to get extentions etc whilst here.

Thank you in advance

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A UK retiree planning to stay in Thailand from December 1st to February 28th, totaling around 90 days, has a couple of visa options. He can apply for a Single Entry Tourist Visa, which grants 60 days upon entry and can be extended for an additional 30 days at a local immigration office for about 1,900 Thai Baht. Alternatively, if over 50 years old, he might qualify for a Non-Immigrant O visa, typically aimed at retirees. There is also a suggestion to consider a multiple-entry Tourist Visa which would allow for re-entry into Thailand without an extension, though this may require leaving the country temporarily.

Andy ********

Question for mods, can this person not apply for a multiple entry Tourist Visa that lasts for 6 months. He wouldnt need to leave the country but could if he wanted to and also re-enter on same visa or am i missing something. Thanks.

5 years ago

Tod *********

@Andy *******

The 6 months is the validity of the visa starting from the date they stick it into your passport. you can get almost 9 months of stay out of a 6 month METV in 60 day increments IF you get the visa close to when you're coming, you time the bounces out and in correctly and you extend the last 60 day entry by 30 days at the immigration office.

5 years ago

Andy ********

@Tod ********

Yes Ive just seen that on the website :-O It also says that its for a 60 day visit but Im assuming you can extend for 30 days but then I guess you have to leave and come back in!! I think the 6 months is a little misleading.

5 years ago

Tod *********

A 6 month METV is kind of an expensive visa (£150) for just a 90 day trip here. :O

5 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

why does he not wanna get an in country extension? The easiest choice is to get a single entry tourist visa which will stamp him in for 60 days and which he can extend for another 30 days at the immigration office where he stays.

5 years ago

James ********

If only coming for 90 days...keep it simple. Get a Tourist Visa gives him 60 days on arrival plus can get a 30 days extension easy at a local Thai Immigration office for 1,900 Thai baht.

5 years ago

Robert *******

If he stays less than 90 days, the Non Immigrant O visa based on being over 50 years of age, if he is younger then there is only the Single Entry Tourist visa for 60 days and then he need the 30 day Extension of Stay.

5 years ago

Reply to

Robert *******

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What is the recommended way for UK passport holders to secure a 90-day stay in Thailand?

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