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What return date should I provide when applying for a non-OA retirement visa from the US?

Retirement Visa Non O-A Visa Non O Visa Visa Application Process Thailand Immigration Police Clearance Certificate Expats in Thailand

Mar 15, 2026

2 months ago

Angela *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Edited: Retirement non O-A visa application (online since we are in the US) asks for a return date.  Are we supposed to use an estimated date since we are planning on staying or are they wanting a date or a flight out of thialand within 180 days?  Also, if you request the 90 day visa instead and do non oa when in Thailand would you bting the police clearance with you from the US?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

When applying for a retirement non O-A visa online, you should enter a return date estimated within 90 days of your entry into Thailand, even if you plan to stay longer. For those considering applying for a non O visa first, you can later transition to the non O-A visa in Thailand but ensure you understand that the non O visa does not require health insurance for extensions, unlike the non O-A. It is confirmed that a return flight is not necessary for the application, and if you opt for the non O-A visa later in Thailand, bringing a police clearance from the US is advisable.

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Fred **********

I have a non OA recently. Not needed a returnflight

a month ago

David ******

Put 90 days even if you leave early or apply for extension.

2 months ago

Brandon ************

A non-O visa gives you 90 days permission to stay in Thailand. So put an exit date within 90 days of your arrival. It's only asking for a date, not for a ticket.

2 months ago

Angela *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

i was thinking of doing the non o-a.

2 months ago

Brandon ************

@Angela ********

make sure you understand the implications if you decide to try and extend the OA in Thailand, that you'll be required to purchase insurance every year from the approved list of companies. And you'll still need to have financial proof for your extensions.

2 months ago

Angela *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

what is the alternative? Is it better to just keep doing the non O, 90 day visa? Or are you saying do the non o in the US and when i get to Thailand then apply for the non OA? Especially because I already have insurance that covers me completely in Thailand (federal BCBS). I would hate to have to buy additional insurance I don't need.

2 months ago

Brandon ************

@Angela ********

you're not understanding the process.

Whether you start with the 90-day non-O or the 1-year non-OA, the process in Thailand is the same.

You'll be doing extensions every year from the immigration office. Each year you will apply for a 1-year extension based on retirement. There's no more non-O or non-OA once you're in Thailand, you're doing extensions.

The difference is that the non-O doesn't require insurance for extensions, but if you start with the non-OA, you'll be required to hold this mandatory insurance forever, as long as you continue doing extensions.

2 months ago

Angela *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

you are correct I do not understand the process, thats why Im asking questions 😀 thanks for the answers. Everything helps.

2 months ago

Reply to

Angela *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

thanks 😊

2 months ago