What is the process for obtaining a non-immigrant O multiple-entry visa through the Thai consulate in HCMC?

Oct 26, 2019
5 years ago
Werner *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Report of successful non-immigrant O multiple-entry visa (marriage) in HCMC.

I just returned from HCMC with my brand new visa and it could not have been easier. I submitted a copy of my marriage certificate (with the rose border) signed by both of us, along with a copy of my wife's ID card and tabien baan, both signed by her. She also wrote a simple handwritten letter saying we were legally married and asking could they please give me the visa. She also signed this paper. I also filled out the form they have in the office, with 2 photos (blue background was OK), and 200 USD in cash. The woman behind the counter spent about 30 seconds looking over the docs, then gave me a receipt to use when retrieving my passport the next day. I was concerned that the handwritten letter from my wife should be a certain format, but it was no problem. I spent less than a minute submitting my paperwork, then less than another minute picking up my passport the next day.

We sat in an outdoor restaurant across the street waiting for the consulate to open, and I counted about 25-30 people waiting in line. When I eventually went inside to get my visa, two English-speaking guys were trying to understand why there were only given 30 days instead of 60 (for their tourist visas), but I didn't stick around long enough to hear the answer. Outside, an Englishman asked about my results, then showed me the warning stamp on his tourist visa saying (basically) "this person frequently comes into Thailand on tourist visas". I suspect he will not be able to get another visa at that consulate, and I was left with the distinct impression that this consulate is also starting to crack down.

Also, when going through Passport Control at Suvarnabhumi, I was able to go with my wife through the (much shorter) Thai Passport lanes, saving us lots of time.

Finally, VietJetAir is also starting to crack down on their 7kg per person baggage limit (at least when leaving HCMC), so we were charged and forced to check a bag (note that we did not have this trouble going into or out of Dalat, on the same airline). I highly recommend that you look closely at your baggage weight if you travel this airline through this airport, as they delayed the flight about 30 minutes while they tested everyone's bag and forced lots of people to pay extra.

Hope this helps someone.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The author successfully applied for a non-immigrant O multiple-entry visa at the Thai consulate in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) with a straightforward process. They submitted their marriage certificate, wife’s ID and tabien baan, a handwritten letter from their wife, two photos, and paid $200 USD in cash. The application was processed quickly, allowing them to pick up their passport the next day. The author noted an increase in scrutiny at the consulate, particularly towards those frequently entering Thailand on tourist visas. They also mentioned recent baggage weight enforcement by VietJetAir.
Jesse *********
@Werner ******
I had thought married visa must apply in your home country, is that not true?
Alessandro **********
@Jesse ********
certain countries only. List here

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Thomas ********************
I've never heard of consulates giving 30 days instead of 60 before. Wonder what the deal is here.
Ivan ************
They were possibly given transit visas, they are 30 days non extensible. Savannakhet was doing this for a while (stopped now) with people they refused for a tourist visa.
Werner *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Just to clarify: the two guys I referenced DID get visa stickers in their passport, but they were only for 30 days. Although I didn't mention this in the original post, I did hear one of them asking why he got the sticker if they were only giving him 30 days. This, unfortunately, is the last thing I heard before I walked out with my visa. Perhaps
@Thomas *******************
is correct and maybe one of them will see this and clarify.
Henrik **************
Consulate won't give any days just the Visa, it's the IO in Thailand that's stamp you in that give you the stamp that says how many days you have the right to stay in Thailand.
Steven ***************
That's the problem with 2nd and 3rd hand stories from people denied visas. Some of the info is always "left out" by the time it reaches the rest of us.
Thomas ********************
Right. And even if "they were given 30 days" wouldn't that be the validity of the visa? They'd be stamped in for 60. Damn, I wish one of those people would show up around here and offer some info :)
Steven ***************
Thomas Lindegaard Jensen . Yeah that's wierd. Unless they meant 30 day exempt which has nothing to do with consulates anyway.

There used to be a 182 day limit to tourist stay per year but that rule was reversed years ago.
Dan **********
Did you need proof of funds? Bank statement?
Werner *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
No, this was not necessary.
Brendon ******
Malaysian Airways have started enforcing the 7kg carry on limit also - about time..
Steven ***************
Sounds like a classic case of having the correct Visa for your reason to be in Thailand equals no hassles. High chance the other people were using multiple tourist entries to stay long term and wonder why they are having issues. Years of complacency and "tips" dont get it done anymore.
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