Answered8 years ago
What is the best visa option for an Australian retiree wishing to spend long periods in Thailand?
I have Australian passport, will retire soon (>60yo), would like advice about the best visa solution for frequent long visits/stays in TL (~ 6 months/year). Visa runs to KL (from Surat Thani) seem OK to me, but maybe there are limits? Is the retirement visa trouble free? Thanks
Answer summary
An Australian retiree looking for solutions to spend approximately 6 months a year in Thailand should consider applying for the Non-Immigrant O-A visa, which is valid for one year with multiple entries. This visa allows for longer stays, with minimal requirements for income proof rather than maintaining a local bank balance. Visa runs to neighboring countries like KL or Vientiane can be effective for refreshing stays but are limited in duration. It is important to apply for the visa through a Thai consulate in Australia before departure to avoid complications.
25 repliesnewest first
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Tod *********
It appears we're going round and round on the answers.
I think the O/P has their options spelled out.
Pro Tip; Factor in enough time to get the visa you want from the thai consulate in your country BEFORE you wing your way here. ;)
I'd say we're done.
I think the O/P has their options spelled out.
Pro Tip; Factor in enough time to get the visa you want from the thai consulate in your country BEFORE you wing your way here. ;)
I'd say we're done.
Jim *******
Extension of stay Retirement. Is very simple and easy. Proof of income so you don’t need to keep money in Thai bank if you don’t want. Still must do 90 Day. If you plan on staying in BKK there is no need to report to Immigration on arrival.
Tod *********
@Eric *******
as people have pointed out the BEST visa for your situation would be the year-long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant Type O-A visa from a thai consulate in Australia BEFORE you wing your way here. That would buy you almost 2 years in country and then you could worry about other options.
Robert *********
@Michael *******
as I said before, I had run out of time because of other travel plans.
Michael ********
So send the application and passport to the embassy in Canberra along with an express envelope to get it back. It is not really that difficult to do, just takes a bit of planning and getting the required documents together.
Robert *********
Tod Daniels as I have said from my experience it has to go thru the Embassy in Canberra, not a consulate.
Robert *******
The Non Immigrant O-A visa is valid for 1 year and Multiple Entry. On each entry you get 1 year of stay, your landlord (or you) have to report your address within 24 hours after arriving when staying on private address. Every 90 days if you stay inside Thailand you report at Immigration. If you leave just before or on the Enter Before date on the visa you still get another year of stay but as the visa is not valid anymore you need a re-entry permit to keep this second year of stay valid if travel abroad.
Terry ******
I have been in Thailand for two and a bit years on mostly TVs, you will have no problem with 6 months, a visit to Vientiane, a visit to Savannakhet, a visit to KL, that's 180 days and you could get extensions of 30 days at your local imm office.
Tod *********
you're only going to be able to play the 'live here on tourist visa' game so long before a consulate red stamps your passport meaning you can't use them for tourist visas any more
Al *******
We split our time between Thailand and the US - six months in each and each year I get a non imm o-a multi entry visa in my home country. It does keep my visits to local immigration to a minimum - 24 hour and 90 day reporting only, and I can keep my money in my home country.
Robert *********
@Tod ********
and when you live in Cairns Tod, Canberra is a long way away. I didn't have time to use the mail due to other travel plans.Robert *********
@Bob *******
no Bob, I am saying that when I rang the Consulate in Brisbane, they told me they didn't handle visas and I had to deal with the Embassy in Canberra. Maybe the staff member was having a bad day, but thats what I was told. About 2 years ago.Tod *********
@Robert ********
Brisbane doesn't issue the Non-Immigrant Type O-A visa that you get from Canberra
Bob ********
@Robert ********
I think your post is inaccurate. Do you mean that the O-A long stay etc etc Visa can to be issued only from Canberra? Other Visas are available from Thai Consulate Brisbane.Robert *********
@Eric *******
the Thai consulate in Brisbane told me they didn't handle visas, I had to go to Canberra. Fixed it all here with an agency, multi entry retirement. Works very well for me.Robert *******
The Multi Entry Tourist Visa will give you stays of 60 days inside Thailand. Than a border run for another 60 days or Extension of Stay for 30 days. If you do the border run just before or on the enter before date on the visa you can get 270 days of stay out if it.
Eric ********
OPDoes anyone have experience with this type of visa? Multiple entry tourist..
Al *******
Visit their website. It will offer specific, precise requirements.
Eric ********
OPI have visited TL many times, but always had my PP stamped on entry
Eric ********
OPAh, sorry, I am Australian and it might be different, I need to talk with the Thai officials in Australia.
Al *******
Eric Matson I am not sure what your point is. The US has several consulates as well as a Thai Embassy. We deal with the one that is in our geographical region.
Eric ********
OPHehe, I hadn't thought of talking to the Thai embassy/consulate 🙄
Al *******
Eric Matson actually I apply via postal mail to the Los Angeles, CA Thai Consulate.
Eric ********
OPI assume you apply directly to the Thai embassy in the US?
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