Ask question

What is the best way for an Australian expat to get a marriage visa in Thailand?

Marriage Visa Thailand Visa Tourist Visa Special Tourist Visa Non-O Visa Visa Extension Aussie Expat Immigration Advice Visa Procedures

Jul 21, 2021

3 years ago

Justin *****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Re marriage visa-my plan pending exemption, is to enter Thailand on a STV from AUS. (Via Sandbox). which I understand is 45.60 or 90 days. Open a 400k thb.bank account then after 60 days, marry my fiance, apply for marriage visa. Having trouble contacting embassy,any advice appreciated.

3,926

views

10

likes

110

all likes

45

replies

3

images

19

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The original poster (OP) plans to enter Thailand on a Special Tourist Visa (STV) from Australia, intending to marry their fiancé and then apply for a marriage visa. However, multiple comments advise against using the STV as it is no longer a viable option, suggesting instead to enter Thailand via a 45-day visa exemption or a 60-day tourist visa, both of which can be extended. The process for marrying in Thailand includes obtaining documents from the Australian embassy, translating them, and then applying for the marriage certificate. After marriage, the OP can apply for a Non-O visa. There are mentions of difficulties with the Australian government regarding travel exemptions, emphasizing the importance of having proper documentation to marry and adjust the visa status.

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.

John *********

The main problem you will have is with the Australian government. They will not give you an exemption to travel to Thailand. I am married to a Thai national and applied twice for an exemption to travel out of Australia permanently and was knocked back. I have a Thai marriage visa already and despite this am not allowed to leave. Without the travel exemption from Australian gov you will not get into Thailand.

Like

Reply

Justin *****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

I am very sorry to hear your news. I feel alot of empathy for your situation (as you say similar to mine and thousands of others) so frustrating, excruciating.

I am very aware of the travel restrictions relating to the situation. But very appreciate your sentiments.

What perplexes me is the vast numbers of Aussies that are being granted an exemption.

I have to have a crack at doing everything possible to reunite with my fiance,I believe my circumstances are extenuating.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Justin *****************

Reply

Ole ****

Not sure if it´s an option for you but its possible to legally marry online in the US (in Utah) even if partners are physically in different countries. The marriage will be acknowlegded instantly by all "apostille countries" but to get it acknowledged in Thailand you need to do a few extra steps and apply for Khor 22. It could safe you some time and paperwork.

Like

Reply

Steve ***********

I understand. The Australian Government is very sensitive to people immigrating to Australia through marriage, especially from countries such as Thailand. Mainly because this process has been abused in the past. The Australian Government needs to be satifisfied beyond doubt that the relationship is legitimate. Getting married online would create doubt in Australia as to how legitimate the marriage is. Not to mention, it's currently not an approved way for Australians to marry.

Like

Reply

Ole ****

@Steve **********

my country does the shame shit that´s why we married abroad and it got acknowlegded instantly without further question because legal documents issued in the US are valid in all countries that signed the apostille convention. But as I said, if you don´t trust the process, get legal advise or do it the traditional way.

Like

Reply

Steve ***********

are you Australian? They will be interviewed as part of their application in Australia. The Government representative will ask you about your marriage and relationship to determine if the marriage is legitimate. They will find out the marriage occurred online in a third country. You do not want to give the government any reason to decline your application.

Like

Reply

Ole ****

@Steve **********

I doubt Australia would question it at all. Every country has very different prerequirements and rules but what counts in the end is the legal marriage certificate. A Las Vegas marriage would also not be possible in Australia because you just show up with your passport and nothing else but therefore it would not be "unlawful". It´s just a different process. The only thing they really care for is that you are single or have been divorced before you marry. But anyone who has doubts about it should seek legal advice, why not

Like

Reply

Steve ***********

like I said, I'd get legal advice. Should they seek residency in Australia for his wife, the application will show that they were never in the US. This would then beg the question as to how they have a US marriage certificate if they've never been to the US. Then if it's unlawful to be married online in Australia (which it is), it could invalidate their marriage in Australia and undermine their residency application. Having worked for the Australian Government and having also been through this process, I know they go through applications with a fine tooth comb, especially considering Thailand is a high risk country for Australian immigration. Not sure how Thai authorities would view this though.

Like

Reply

Ole ****

@Steve **********

you'll get a regular US marriage certificate, exactly the same one as if you married regularly in the States, no difference at all. I'm pretty sure Australia recognizes US marriage certificates

Like

Reply

Steve ***********

not necessarily. Read the second bullet point. As you cannot get married online in Australia, it is likely an online marriage in another country would not be recognised in Australia. I'd be seeking legal advice.

Like

Reply

Ole ****

@Steve **********

True, thats only possible in the US. But you can be in Australian in Australia and marry online in the US and Australia will acknowledge it.

Like

Reply

Steve ***********

you cannot marry online in Australia. He's in Australia.

***********************************************************

Like

Reply

Ole ****

@Steve **********

what do you mean? Of course you can marry online in the US as an Australian and Australia would acknowledge it instantly because Australia has signed the Apostille Convention

Like

Reply

Steve ***********

can't in Australia

Like

Reply

Reply to

Steve ***********

Reply

Steve *******

Get the Non Imm O in Aus. Easiest option.

Like

Reply

Stuart *********

their plan was to get married according to the OP

Like

Reply

Steve *******

@Stuart ********

I thought he was married, that's why he's asking about a 'marriage visa'

Like

Reply

Stuart *********

if he’s not married he can’t.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Stuart *********

Reply

Frédéric ******************

STV doesn't exist anymore since 1st of July.

Like

Reply

John ******

Hi justin....i am in the very same space as you right now ,just waiting for my for the border patrol in Australia to get back to me then i am off home

Like

Reply

Justin *****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

very best wishes to you John.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Justin *****************

Reply

Hataikarn *******

No more STV

-Apply for 60days tourist visa, you can extend it 30days (or you can change type of visa later (non o married)after get married certificate)

-Then quarantine 15days 14nights

-Go to Australia embassy in bkk or phuket for Statutory Declaration and certified passport copy. I am not sure that you have to make appointment or not pls ask

*******************************

Both doc. you need it for register married certificate.

- Translate Statutory Declaration, Passport copy

- Get attested translation by thai consular (it will takes around 3-5days)

- Then you can apply for married certificate.

After that you can Change type of visa to non-o married before visa expired 15 days.

*******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

*******

/06-edit_NON-O.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjhtpDSm_PxAhWCxTgGHeSfCFcQFjABegQIIxAC&usg=AOvVaw2Is0RBINFgxskg-xc7NFSu

Like

Reply

Justin *****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Hataikarn ******

very appreciate this information

Like

Reply

Vivek ********

@Justin ********

Yes you will need both the documents and need to get them certified by your embassy here in Bangkok.

Like

Reply

Hataikarn *******

@Justin ********

Like

Reply

Justin *****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Hataikarn ******

I so appreciate your and the groups helpful advice and replies thankyou.

Like

Reply

Hataikarn *******

From my experience, my husband didn't apply for police clearance certificate.

To know more about marry in thailand pls read here

*********************************************************************

And for Thai immigration you can check the link from previous post.

Like

Reply

Justin *****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Hataikarn ******

thankyou, is my understanding correct I will also require a police clearance from Australia ?and another offical document from Australia declaring that I'm single and legally free to marry?

Like

Reply

Reply to

Justin *****************

Reply

Debra ********

Lots of people want to marry Thai

Like

Reply

Nigel *********

one day you too will find love. Never give up ❤️

Like

Reply

Jack ******

true, but actually, I think it's because "they're better wives" than western women

Like

Reply

Paul *******

That’s because there better wife’s than western women 😊

Like

Reply

Barry ********

Like

Reply

Justin *****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

with respect, what is your point?

Like

Reply

Reply to

Justin *****************

Reply

James ********

Forget the STV... It's all over September 30th.

Like

Reply

Lisa ********************

I don't think they are even issuing STV anymore. Definately, don't bother with that one.

Like

Reply

Justin *****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Lisa *******************

okay .cheers.thanks

Like

Reply

Reply to

Justin *****************

Reply

Tod *********

@Justin ********

definitely HEED the advice from

and

(y)

DO NOT get a Special Tourist Visa.

Enter on a 45 day visa exempt or get a regular 60 day tourist visa before you wing your way here.

Like

Reply

Derek *********

@Justin ********

Good luck to you.

Like

Reply

Justin *****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

yes,im very glad I asked. Any other potential pitfalls ? I note the thread on opening a thai bank account. My fiance is a medical Dr. Based in Hatyai , obviously I will appreciate her assistance on the ground, if I ever get there!!

Like

Reply

Reply to

Justin *****************

Reply

Nigel *********

Don't use the STV. It's next to useless. Ienter with TV or visa exempt

Like

Reply

Stuart *********

Forget the STV. It’s a dead option that now can’t be extended or changed to any other visa. Come visa exempt for 45 days or buy a tourist visa to get 60 days. Both options allow for one extension for an extra 30 days.

Like

Reply

Frédéric ******************

@Stuart ********

No more STV are issued after 3rd July anyway.

Like

Reply

Justin *****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

thankyou.

Like

Reply

Nigel *********

@Stuart ********

what he said!

Like

Reply

Reply to

Nigel *********

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.

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

Can I apply for a marriage visa in Thailand after my retirement visa expires while traveling to the UK?

4 comments

3 months ago

What visa should I apply for to move to Thailand as a retired Australian with a Thai wife?

12 comments

4 months ago

Which Thai visa should I apply for before moving to Thailand if I plan to switch to a marriage visa?

13 comments

8 months ago

How do I apply for a marriage visa in Thailand using my Australian marriage certificate?

12 comments

10 months ago

What visa should I apply for to get married in Thailand and convert it to a marriage visa?

63 comments

10 months ago

What is the best visa process for returning to Thailand after marrying a Thai citizen and planning to buy a business?

3 comments

a year ago

What is the process for obtaining a Thai Marriage Visa for an Australian citizen living in Thailand?

17 comments

a year ago

What are the best visa options for traveling to Thailand as Australian passport holders?

34 comments

a year ago

What is the best visa option for spending 3 months in Thailand as an Australian married to a Thai citizen?

6 comments

2 years ago

Can I apply for a marriage visa in Thailand while on a tourist visa or do I need to return to Australia?

8 comments

2 years ago

What type of visa should I apply for as a foreigner married to a Thai citizen?

16 comments

2 years ago

What is the best visa option for someone frequently entering Thailand and planning to get married?

12 comments

2 years ago

What is the best way to transition from an STV visa to a Marriage visa while in Thailand?

8 comments

3 years ago

What visa should I apply for to enter Thailand before marrying a Thai citizen?

10 comments

3 years ago

Can I arrive in Thailand on an STV from Australia, get married to a Thai national, and then apply for an O visa?

6 comments

3 years ago

What do I need to know about obtaining a marriage visa in Thailand after arriving on a tourist visa from Australia?

16 comments

3 years ago

What steps should I take to obtain a marriage visa in Thailand after arriving on a 60-day visa?

70 comments

3 years ago

How can I obtain assistance from the Australian Embassy regarding my marriage visa process in Thailand?

14 comments

3 years ago

What visa options are available for an unmarried Australian couple relocating to Phuket, Thailand?

40 comments

4 years ago

How can I transition from a tourist visa to a marriage visa in Thailand?

2 comments

5 years ago

What type of visa should I apply for as an Australian married to a Thai citizen, and is my Australian marriage certificate valid in Thailand?

0 comments

5 years ago

What visa options are available for marrying a Thai national and living in Thailand after returning from the UK?

17 comments

6 years ago

What are the best visa options for expats in Thailand based on marriage?

2 comments

7 years ago

What are the best visa options for an Australian expat traveling weekly to Thailand after marriage?

15 comments

7 years ago

What steps should I follow to marry my Thai girlfriend and obtain a marriage-based visa in Thailand?

34 comments

7 years ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund 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.