What is the best visa option for UK retirees planning to stay in Thailand for an extended period?

Jul 17, 2023
a year ago
Debbie ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi! We trying to do some research before travelling from the UK to Thailand later this year. We are looking to travel and explore Thailand and will be living off our savings. We are just over 50 ๐Ÿ˜ฌ but are not currently drawing down our pensions can someone please advise on the best kind of Visa to enable us to stay as long as possible please? Thanks in advance ๐Ÿ˜€
865
views
4
likes
28
all likes
15
replies
0
images
6
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking advice on visa options for traveling to Thailand from the UK while planning to live off savings. Community comments suggest several options, including the Non-Immigrant OA visa for retirees, which allows for a one-year stay and can be extended. Other recommendations include the Multi-Entry Tourist Visa (METV) that provides short-term stays with border runs, and the possibility of extending upon arrival. Users also share valuable tips on obtaining necessary documents and insurance.
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.
Sharon *******
The longest is an OA visa applied for in the uk is valid for 1year, as it's multi entry you can leave to a neighbouring country & return before the expiry date & will be stamped in for another 12 months assuming you have insurance for the length of your stay. With this method you get very nearly 2yrs & can keep your money in the uk if you want to.

The other option is a Multi Entry Tourist Visa which is valid for 6months for a 60day stay whuch can be extended by a further 30days once in Thailand after which you would need to leave & return. This would give you upto 270 days if timed right.

It is also possible to arrive visa exempt for 30days which can be extended by another 30. Again you can leave, reenter & repeat but only officially allowed 2 per year & I'd reccomend leaving for at least a few days inbetween.

Which is best for you depends on the funds you have availble & how long you want to come for. For a permanent move I'd reccomend either an O visa or METV then set up the bank requirements & do an extension based on retirement once you're here
Debbie ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sharon ******
Thankyou so much for detailed explanation its so hard to get an uncomplicated answer on Facebook! ๐Ÿคช. We want did not want to have all the hassle of leaving and re-entering so I am glad there are a few visa options out there! ๐Ÿ˜€
Sharon *******
@Debbie *******
have a look at the OA on the thai embassy website. It takes a while to get your ducks in a row as you need the police check & doctors note (which was the hardest thing for us to get) Don't apply too early as the click starts ticking once it's been issued.

Look at back packer insurance we used big cat as it's extendable if you stay more than 1 year, also don't forget to get an international drivers permit before you come, it'll only be valid here for your 1st 3months but it's a start.

Good luck, you'll love it. Feel free to pm me if you have any questions & no you don't need an agent!
Debbie ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sharon ******
your a star thanks so much, been reading lots of comments off different forums and was getting so confused by them all, you have been so helpful! Just waiting for the sale of our house to go through then hubby can hand his notice in at work then we will be free to start travelling and living life ๐Ÿคž๐Ÿ˜€
Steve *******
Non Imm OA. It's a 1year multiple-entry visa.
Jeremy ********
if short time (Under 1 year) purchase the 6 month METV visa for $200 or pounds i guess in the UK prior to your trip and with a strategic border bounce just days before it expires you can get 9 months out of this visa...each arrival stamp will be for 60 days which you can extend for 30 days at your local immigration office for 1,900THB to get 90 days at a time in country....

or..

you can purchase the 60 day SETV visa for $40 or pounds which with an extension for 30 days at a cost of 1,900THB at your local immigration office gives you 90 days in country

Seeing that you over 50 you can also get a retirement visa

Good luck
Bob **********
@Jeremy *******
youโ€™ll need to do two border bounces to get almost 9 months
Jeremy ********
@Bob *********
yes that is self explanatory if you only get stamped in for 60 days at a time then get a 30 day extension per stamp...do i have to Barnify everything for everybody or can i allow people to think on their own????
Bob **********
@Jeremy *******
I think you should clarify it as a strategic border bounce where I come from means one wake up and go back to sleep
Jeremy ********
@Bob *********
Plus you assume that they will stay in thailand the whole time...the beauty of a METV is that you can wake up and say hey i want some Pho in Vietnam, then come back, then a few days later say hey i want to go gamble in Singapore, then come back then say hey I want to shopping in HK then come back, then say hey i have never been to Japan lets go, then come back then say hey lets to Siem Rap...i don't know peoples travel schedule nor do i care...but if you want 9 months out of it you have to do a strategic border bounce days before it expires then get a 30 day extension...you think that everybody comes here and is sedentary in their travels
Bob **********
@Jeremy *******
I lived here quite awhile I know about most visas
Jeremy ********
@Bob *********
they why are you talking to me?
Bob **********
@Jeremy *******
Iโ€™m trying to avoid you
Jeremy ********
@Bob *********
i dont have time to write novels to appease everybody's wish list...next time don't comment on my thread
Gordon *********
Retirement
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members ยท 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