What is the process and experience for applying for a Thai Elite Visa?

Aug 3, 2020
4 years ago
Dominique **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Question: As anyone applied or hold an Elite visa? Been told phase 6 will allow holders of this visa very soon. Personally looking to do it so I can go back and reunite with my Thai family. I was about to get married when COVID unfolded and had to return to 🇺🇸 stuck since March. Any people who are holders and experienced with the process welcome to comment. I am not posting for opinions on this visa but rather experience for elite visa holders. At this point, I don’t care about the money my family and their well being and life are more important than cash. Thx 🙏
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TLDR : Answer Summary
This post details the experiences of various individuals who are either applying for or already hold a Thai Elite Visa. Many users share personal stories about their applications and the associated timeline, which generally suggests a period of about 4 weeks for approval, with some noting it could take longer due to current restrictions. There are discussions around the costs of the visa, experiences during the approval process, and the importance of maintaining contact with loved ones during the pandemic. Additionally, concerns about quarantine requirements upon entry to Thailand are addressed.
Dominique **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Got mine today! 🙏
Lung *****
As I understand it you Will still need to be in a 14 days quarantine upon Arrival
Ben ******
but now can fly in ?
Dominique **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lung ****
that’s correct I ll stay 30 days in quarantine if I have too better doing it in Thailand home than here. I have been putting myself in quarantine in USA nyc since March to be and stay safe and i have myself tested every 2 weeks - staying clear and safe.
Lung *****
@Dominique *********
I Will need to stay in quarantine approved hotel I guess , Not in your own home. Best wishes, hope your reunited with your loveones soon. I have also considered an elite card
David **********
Just the fact that holders of this expensive "elite" visa have still been denied entry is enough to concern me and put me off.
Dominique **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David *********
, yes, and patience, but for sure, it will be prioritized, so I instead get the option since no tourist standard visa at all will be authorized to entry for many many months to come. At least it gives an opportunity, and from the Thai source, I know the elite visa is on the table for entry discussion in phase 6. I can only be positive and patient, and I support what Thailand is doing against COVID even if my family is impacted. It the right thing and the right approach. Money is a tool; nothing is too expensive for love and happiness.
David **********
@Dominique *********
I see, yes it may be only option. Good luck.
Zzyzx *******
Problem with the Elite Visa is there is a 90 to 120 day wait to get it. If it only took a month I would buy it gladly, but having to wait 3 to 4 months I might be able to get in on my retirement visa by then
Ivan ************
You'll get the visa/membership a lot quicker than that but that might be an accurate estimate for entry if you are outside Thailand, Elite aren't allowed in yet (agreed in principle but they are working out the details) and I suspect when they are they will be in the queue with everyone else for a repatriation flight and ASQ booking. It's not likely that's going to be substantially different any time soon with a retirement visa though, I would guess you'll get in quite a bit sooner on Elite.
Zzyzx *******
good luck
Zzyzx *******
Kaija Sandt thank you. May I ask if you’ve already received your certificate at entry
Zzyzx *******
Kaija Sandt thank you I was only going by the website.
Dominique **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve ******
apparently the turn around is supersonic lately. I am taking advantage even if phase 6 is not yet officially approved by the kingdom but knowing the Thai government they walk the talk. Patience And staying positive. 🙏
Rich ********
@Dominique *********
I applied about 3 weeks ago. I haven't heard anything yet.. I was thinking about 3 more weeks
Dominique **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Rich *******
mine is fresh from today! The timing is perfect I believe by October this visa category will be authorized. 🙏
Rich ********
@Dominique *********
I am already in Thailand.. so I hope I have it before mid September
Dominique **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Rich *******
Good for you! I wish I could be there! Left on March 12 and planned to return get married early May and boom, yet that's ok we are patient and We are in contact daily for hours, so only the body is separated, not the soul. We can suffer a little when I see what our ancestors went through!
Wayne ********
i have had mine and when i applied 3 yrs ago took 60 mins a mate just applied and received his in one month about 2 months ago but i heard similar things from others can take a few months to process but don’t know why immigration got nothing to do they are not busy as TE need to go to them for final approval and sign off x
Ian ***********
I’m on my 7th year with Thai Elite. System works very well. They respond quickly. Meet and greet, transfers and fast tracking all good. Was originally on retirement visa and wouldn’t go back

But..... whilst it has been approved in principal as qualifying for entry as part of 6th phase no details are currently in place and rumour is only 200 per month. Key problem is limited quarantine facilities so the gates won’t be opened once all the details are sorted. My sense it will take another 2-3 weeks before Thai elite.gets sign off. Only way in currently is repatriation flights and Thai nationals are getting priority.
Dominique **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you so much! 😊 It is what I did this morning. Got an immediate response. My application is in the pipeline finger crossed 🤞🙏 I never did run in and out and no overstay - been one thailand many times last 10’years - thx for the input ! Be safe
Thomas ********************
As you probably know by now, the application phase will take a few weeks. After that comes the payment phase. You will have three months complete that. I think I would take some time to be sure that you'll be able to enter. Combine talks with the Elite office and your Thai embassy/consulate.
Richard ******
Youve had a lucky escape
Brian ********
Ive read it can take up to 4 months for your visa to be approved
Ivan ************
It's faster than that now, I think they have it under a month.
Gordy *****
Does anyone know if I can get into Thailand, to help a seriously ill friend get home ?
Roy ***********
@Gordy ****
Check with Lanna Care Net. They may be able to assist or provide guidance how to help the person in need of a repatriation - but maybe not to get someone into Thailand to assist.

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


And they may also have a FB page
Gordy *****
@Roy **********
Thank you !
Geoff **********
@Gordy ****
Your situation does not meet any of the current criteria for entering into Thailand. I think you would need to petition your local Thai embassy for compassionate permission to enter. Not sure if this is likely to be approved but it cant hurt to ask (other than tbe time it takes you). I would expect you would still have to do quarentine after arriving i BKK though.
Gordy *****
@Geoff *********
Think your right ! Im trying to get someone already there to assess the situation with him . Thanks .
Dominique **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Gordy ****
I don’t know if there are special arrangement for illness but you may want to look at medical repatriations..
Gordy *****
@Dominique *********
Thank you Dominique .
Dominique **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Doing tomorrow ! Thank you all. Be patient strong 💪🙏 Thank you to the people of Thailand 🇹🇭 I am blessed to be engaged with a Thai and humble as I have so much to learn in respect and the beautiful culture!
Kenan ********
Looks like the governments plan is working, and they are selling these elite visas for 15k. The embassy were talking to me about it, almost like an upsell.
Simon *******
@Kenan *******
15k sterling??
Azharuddin **********
@Simon ******
500,000THB
Serge *********
Je compatis ! Je suis exactement dans le même cas. Nous nous sommes fiancés le 21 décembre et devions nous marier en avril ! L’attente est longue...
Kevin ********
Have just applied for my elite visa today
Ivan ************
Just on the timeline- as
@Ja***
said, it takes around 4 weeks to get approval.

You pay nothing before this process- so you can start it now and you'll likely be approved in four weeks. You get a letter of approval at that point.

That letter is then valid for three months. You can put off actually paying for those three months, but basically as soon as you pay (within a few days) your membership will be activated and you can get the visa.

This is just to say- you can start the process now, you don't have to pay right now, you won't need to hand over money for at least a month and you can string out your approval letter for even a further three months after you get that, if you are not sure about it.

Personally, I think I'd want to be 100% sure it was getting me in before actually paying.
Dominique **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you!😊
Jason ***************
@Dominique *********
I’m in exactly the same predicament as you .

Been thinking the same thing
Dominique **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jason **************
so many of us have separated from

Our Thai family. I hope you will find a solution. I am going for the Elite just to get there. Love and health is priceless
Bobby ********
@Dominique *********
. Be careful, because no policy is in place yet as to allowing Thai Elite back into the country. Various proposals have included a 200 limit due to the usual restrictions, and keep in mind the largest percentage of Elite Visa holders are Chinese
Jason ***************
@Dominique *********
totally , good luck mate 👍
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