Answered5 years ago

What is the difference between Non-O Visa and Non-OA Visa for Thailand?

Non-Immigrant O Visa Non-Immigrant O-A Visa Visa Types Thai Visa Regulations Expats in Thailand

Piero ************

asked Sep 12, 2021

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This might be a newbie question, but I will throw it out there anyways.   I want to make sure that I am understanding the terminology correctly regarding Thai Visas.

I see lots of posts where people are referring to "Non O Visa" or  "Non O-A Visa".     I am assuming that these are just shorthands for the full name of these Visas "Non-Immigrant O Visa" and "Non-Immigrant O-A Visa".      

Am I understanding this correctly?   I want to make sure, because on the official Thai sites I don't see any mention of "Non O Visa" and "Non O-A" Visa. 

Thanks for your help.

For additional context, I'm moving to Thailand next summer and I'm starting to research the best Visa strategy which applies to my context.

Answer summary

The post clarifies the terminology related to Thai Visas, specifically the Non-O and Non-OA Visas. Users confirm that Non-O refers to Non-Immigrant O Visa and Non-OA to Non-Immigrant O-A Visa. They discuss the specific conditions associated with each visa type, including their validity, entry rules, and reasons for issuance.

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Benjamin ******

> I want to make sure, because on the official Thai sites I don't see any mention of "Non O Visa" and "Non O-A" Visa.

Technically, Non-O visa is shorthand for Non-Immigrant Visa. HOWEVER, lots of people call different things a "visa".

A Non-O visa can be issued for a lot of different reasons, including:

- Retirement/ over 50

- Raising half-Thai child

- Marriage to a Thai wife

- Being a trailing spouse to a foreigner.

- Volunteering

- etc.

A visa only allows a person to stay in Thailand, generally, for 90 days.

People can get an "extension of stay" for this type of visa. SOME people call an extension of stay a visa. An extension of stay is NOT a visa.

For the Non-OA visas, the only valid extension of stay is a One Year Extension of Stay based on Being Retired for a Non-OA visa (since it's the only visa that requires health insurance).

5 years ago

Danny ********

Welcome to Thailand...Bienvenue en Thailande

5 years ago

Piero ************

@Danny *******

: Merci. C'est bien apprécié!

5 years ago

Danny ********

Si vous avez des questions genez vous pas, je ferait de mon mieux d'y repondre.

5 years ago

Danny ********

@Piero ***********

pres de 5 ans maintenant

5 years ago

Piero ************

@Danny *******

: Merci! Vous habitez là déjà?

5 years ago

Stuart *********

A non immigrant O visa is issued for numerous reasons- some being marriage, retirement (over 50) , family etc. Normally it is single entry, valid for 90 days and will give you 90 days on entry.

A Non OA visa is normally only issued in your home country for being over 50 and is valid for a year, it’s multiple entry and will give you 365 days on entry providing you have mandatory health insurance for that length. Any extension off that visa will require you to have health insurance too. If timed right you can get an additional year off of that visa - but it means leaving Thailand and re-entering just before the visa expires- not too easy these days.

5 years ago