thailand
Ask question

What is the best visa option for UK citizens planning to stay in Thailand for 6 months?

Thai visaED visaNon-O visaTourist visaVisa application processEducation visaVisa regulations for UK citizensThai language schoolVisa extensionMultiple entry visa
Sep 13, 2023
a year ago
Nadeem ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi. I seem to have got myself confused and need someone to help clarify if I am going to be ok applying for a 6 month ED visa (for me and my wife) in this way. Please note that we are UK citizens but currently not in the UK. We plan to arrive into Thailand from Sri Lanka on 8th Nov.

1. Apply to Thai Language school and pay their tuition fee. They need completed forms, scans of passport pages and photos and fee paid in advance.

2. Wait for their approval via the Thai ministry of education. Normally takes about 10 days. Approval letter email to me.

3. Use school approval letter and apply online for Thai E Visa. The school has advised me to select number 4 ‘Non Immigrant (single entry)’ . There are fees to pay on the Thai E Visa website too.

4. Wait for Thai Visa approval email and use this when entering Thailand.

Is the above correct and in the right order? Have I missed anything? Does it matter that I’m applying for a Thai E visa online whilst not in the UK?

Thanks in advance for your helpful advice
2,057
views
7
likes
61
all likes
31
replies
2
images
9
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user inquires about applying for a 6-month ED visa for themselves and their wife, detailing their plan to attend a Thai language school. They seek clarification on the sequence of steps and whether it's valid to apply online while currently not in the UK. Responses indicate that applying for the ED visa is complex and not recommended, as education visas are generally limited to 90 days with extensions available. It's suggested to consider a 60-day tourist visa which can be extended or a multiple-entry tourist visa for extended stays, emphasizing the need for applications to be made from the user's current location.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Terary **********
I think many people choose a language school that will handle the paperwork for them. In that case, you would contact the school and ask which visa type you need. When I was doing a working visa they could convert some visa types but not others. I would contact the school and ask them.

If all you want to do is stay in Thailand for 6 months a multiple entry tourist visa, or even single entry tourist visa. Taking the day to do a border run is preferable to taking a couple of days to get the paperwork for non-o visa.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Nadeem ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
All.

My objective is simply to stay in Thailand for 6 months at minimal cost and inconvenience if possible. It would be nice to learn Thai language and culture whilst I’m there but the ED visa application seems to be quite complex for my current situation.

Maybe there is an easier way? What about the 60 day tourist visa? With 30 day extension? And then repeat until we get to 6 months? Is the 6 months multiple entry visa a better option as I only need one border run? I assume I still need to apply for the 60 day or 6 month tourist visa at my local embassy or can I get these online? I have 4 kids under 12.

I can still learn Thai language privately whilst on a tourist visa.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
@Nadeem *******
 You dont need an ED visa to study at any language school, you can arrive on a tourist visa(60 days) then extend it(30 days), rinse and repeat with another tourist visa from a neighbouring country. This gives you 180 days in Thailand.
a year ago
Like
Reply
เตเต้ ******
@Nadeem *******
 get the 60 day TV and do 1 visa run or enter visa exempt (if applicable) and do 2 runs.

With 4 kids and a wife in tow there’s no way I’d opt for an extra visa run vs getting the 60 day TV as it saves you way more money.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Ron *******
@Nadeem *******
 you cannot get a Multiple entry tourist visa ANYWHERE you don't have residency.

In your case, that's the UK and NO unless you're in the UK, you cannot apply.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Ron *******
Reply
Henrik *****
thaievisa.go.th
a year ago
Like
Reply
Nadeem ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Oli ***
@Charlie ****
@Jessica *******
@Dionne *******
a year ago
Like
Reply
Nadeem ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Let’s talk on the phone tomorrow. I’m calling Jon at some point.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Jessica ********
@Nadeem *******
 well, we are now in Turkey and haven't yet applied for our Thai visa...so no chance we are going to the embassy in London...what a palava!!!!
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Jessica ********
Reply
Ron *******
Royal Thai Embassy, Colombo, Sri Lanka

สถานเอกอัครราชทูต ณ กรุงโคลัมโบ

26, Sir Marcus Fernando road, Colombo 07, Sri Lanka

(+9411) 752 9500-3

(+9411) 752 9504

***********************************
a year ago
Like
Reply
Ron *******
Sri Lanka doesn't look too good either.

Not sure as you can even apply there.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Alistair **********
If you're looking at ED visas just to stay in Thailand for an extended period then maybe consider getting a METV. You'll need to go back to the UK to apply though. But you can get up to 9months if you time things perfectly.

If it's only 6 months you're after then a TV before arrival, with a couple of border runs and 30 day extensions should get you 6 months.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Nadeem ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you everyone for all your helpful advice. I’ve learned more in the last couple of hours than I have in the last couple of months! 🤣
a year ago
Like
Reply
Nadeem ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Alistair *********
 definitely not going back to the UK.

Only need 6 months. So your suggestion is a tourist visa with a couple of border runs? I have a wife and 4 kids (kids all under 12). Could we do this where the kids don’t have to come with us on the visa extensions or border runs as when we leave after 6 months, they can’t be detained, fined, imprisoned?

So it plays out like:

1. Enter Thailand all 6 of us get visa on arrival for 30 days.

2. Only my wife and I get 30 day extension at an immigration centre.

3. Only my wife and I go on a border run at 60 days.

4. Come back in on 30 days free visa on arrival. We can now stay up to 90 days.

5. Only my wife and I get 30 day extension at an immigration centre taking us to 120 days.

6. Only my wife and I go on a border run at 120 days.

7. Come back in on 30 days free visa on arrival. We can now stay up to 150 days.

8. Only my wife and I get 30 day extension at an immigration centre taking us to 180 days (6 mths)

9. We all leave the country at 180 days.

Have I got that right? What about a 6 mth multiple entry visa? Wouldn’t that be easier for all of us? Less border runs but maybe a bit more cost?
a year ago
Like
Reply
Yva ************
Also the childrens' pasports.. okay if they cannot be fined or whatever, but won't it be registered somewhere that they might have problems re entering at some point later-on in life?
a year ago
Like
Reply
Alistair **********
@Yva ***********
 the issue is being banned, being under
*****
they can't be banned. If you're not banned then you can enter Thailand.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Alistair **********
Reply
Yva ************
Wait... are you guys really considering a visa run whilst leaving all the children in Thailand? What if they'll deny you to re-enter? I'm already worried for any visaruns without all of our suitcases 😮
a year ago
Like
Reply
Alistair **********
@Yva ***********
 there's two people, just don't both leave the country at the same time. Ie. Person one stamps out and back in, then next person does it.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Alistair **********
Reply
Nadeem ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ron ******
@Alistair *********
I can apply for a 60 day visa at the Thai Embassy in KL but it’s the same 2 appointment application process and scrutiny as a 90 day ED visa?
a year ago
Like
Reply
Alistair **********
@Nadeem *******
 no idea, embassies can be all over the place. Laos is where people often go for Thai TVs. It's not required, you can enter visa exempt, but if you can get one it might be worthwhile.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Ron *******
@Nadeem *******
 yes. Exactly the same procedure
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Ron *******
Reply
Alistair **********
@Nadeem *******
 yep, since they're under
*****
they can't be fined or banned.

That should work though. I'm not sure where you're staying but I'd recommend using a border run company so you don't encounter any issues. Also given the time of year right now, you could do two land border runs this year, then two next year. So an extra 120 days if you wanted. (limit of 2 land crossing visa exempt entries per calendar year).

Yep METV would be less hassle and less border runs, but you'd need to go back to the UK to apply.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Nadeem ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Alistair *********
 so METV is out of the question. You and
@Ron ******
 have confirmed that.

What about the 60 day visa?
a year ago
Like
Reply
Alistair **********
@Nadeem *******
 if you can apply for a 60 day TV before arrival I probably would. Means you don't need to do a border run till 90 days
a year ago
Like
Reply
Ron *******
@Nadeem *******
 apply in KL. Same as what I said before though. Hotels, banking etc
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Ron *******
Reply
Ron *******
Kuala Lumpur does issue ED visas but good luck with them issuing one.

You also need to make 2 appointments.

One to lodge the application and another once they have dealt with the application and contacted you, to collect your passport.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Nadeem ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ron ******
 why is it I get the feeling your “good luck” message suggests it will be painful and time consuming…?
a year ago
Like
Reply
Ron *******
@Nadeem *******
 Kuala Lumpur is just about the worst place to apply.

They are strict and the list of paperwork is long.

For a start, you'll need to supply a paid for tax invoice for your complete stay in Thailand.

In your case, that will be 90 days.

No point in supplying something that you think you can cancel because they won't accept it.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Ron *******
Reply
Brandon ************
Yes, it matters. You must apply through the Thai embassy or consulate where you physically are. If you're not in the UK then you cannot apply through the London embassy. They will require you to upload your plane ticket from the UK to Thailand as part of your application and without that your application will be denied.

You also cannot apply for a 6 month education visa. All education visas are for 90 days. You can then apply for an extension in Thailand with additional documentation from your school.

You might need to enter Thailand as a tourist and then apply to switch to education visa with the support of your school. Check with them and see what they suggest since applying online doesn't appear to be an option.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Nadeem ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 thanks for your comprehensive and precise response. Although it’s not what I wanted to hear, I’m happy that someone has been able to clarify this succinctly. The school I’ve been talking to has confirmed it’s possible to get the ED visa from outside of Thailand before we enter.

Based on what you have said, is this now what I should do?

1. Apply to Thai Language school and pay their tuition fee.

2. Wait for their approval via the Thai ministry of education. Normally takes about 10 days. Approval letter emailed to me.

3. Take school approval letter to Thailand embassy in Kuala Lumpur where I am now. Or do I need to go to the Thai embassy in Sri Lanka as that’s the country our Thai bound plane departs from?

4. Get 90 day Thai Ed Visa approval letter from embassy. Do I pay them visa immigration fees?

5. Travel to Thailand and enter with 90 day visa.

6. At 90 days, go to an immigration centre with school documentation and extend for a further 90 days at 1,900 Baht.

How does that sound?
a year ago
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
@Nadeem *******
 you'd need to check the requirements for the Kuala Lampur embassy to see if they even offer an ED visa for non-Malaysian residents. I believe that embassy also requires an appointment but I'm not sure. Yes you will pay for the visa, every visa requires you to pay the application fee.

The easiest method is probably entering Thailand as a tourist and then converting to ED visa. Coincidentally it will also give you a little more time if that's what you're looking for. There are no visa requirements for attending classes, you can do that on any visa type.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
Can I apply for an ED visa for language school in Thailand after entering on a tourist visa from the UK?
26 comments
4 months ago
What are the best visa options for an extended stay in Thailand while planning to travel to neighboring countries?
45 comments
5 months ago
Is the plan of using a tourist visa and then transitioning to an educational visa the best option for long-term stay in Thailand?
11 comments
6 months ago
Can I apply for an ED visa for a language school in Thailand while in the UK, or must I be in Thailand?
16 comments
8 months ago
Should I apply for a Thai ED visa before traveling or can I do it after entering on a tourist visa?
22 comments
8 months ago
What is the best advice for applying for a 60-day online visa to Thailand and extending my stay?
17 comments
9 months ago
What visa options are available for a British national moving to Thailand with a Chinese spouse?
31 comments
a year ago
Can I enter Thailand on a visa-free stamp and extend my stay while applying for an ED visa?
20 comments
a year ago
What are the best visa options for a family of six from the UK to stay in Thailand for one year?
21 comments
a year ago
What should I include in my e-visa application for Thailand as a UK citizen?
10 comments
2 years ago
What is the best visa option for a UK couple planning to stay in Thailand for 3-6 months?
11 comments
2 years ago
Can I apply for an ED visa in Thailand after my tourist visa, and is it possible to stay for 15 months in total?
9 comments
2 years ago
Is it better to obtain an Education Visa in Thailand after arriving or from the UK before traveling?
5 comments
3 years ago
Can I apply for an STV visa from the UK before returning to Thailand?
19 comments
3 years ago
What is the best visa option for a UK citizen visiting their Thai spouse for 6 weeks?
28 comments
4 years ago
What Should I Know About Applying for an ED Visa to Study Thai After Previous Visa Extensions?
7 comments
5 years ago
What is the Best Visa Option for a UK Citizen Planning a 60-Day Stay in Thailand?
15 comments
5 years ago
What is the best long-term visa option for moving to Thailand from the UK, a multiple entry tourist visa or an education visa for learning Thai?
0 comments
5 years ago
What are the best visa options for UK retirees planning to stay in Thailand for 6-9 months?
16 comments
5 years ago
Can I extend my tourist visa or apply for an ED visa in Thailand after facing entry issues?
12 comments
5 years ago
Is it advisable for a UK citizen with an ED visa history to apply for a Thai language visa or any other visa type before returning to Thailand?
0 comments
5 years ago
Should I apply for an ED Visa in Canada or from Thailand while choosing a Thai language school in Phuket?
15 comments
6 years ago
What are the options for extending my stay in Thailand after my ed visa ends, and how can I avoid complications?
0 comments
6 years ago
What are the best options for obtaining an ED visa from Thailand, and where should I go?
6 comments
6 years ago
What are the best visa options for a UK passport holder planning to stay in Thailand from October to May?
4 comments
6 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.