What should I know about using the Non O-A visa and reentry permits in Thailand?

Aug 22, 2019
5 years ago
Eddie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I would like to get some clarification on a few issues. One is about a Non O-V visa and the other about in the reentry permit I currently have on my Tourist Visa.

I will be returning the the USA to apply for my non O-A. Understand i can provide proof of funds in my USA account (฿800k equivalent).

It is a multiple entry 1 year visa.

1. Can i come and go at will for the year (i understand i need to get a multiple entry re entry permit).

2. Will i need to provide proof of the ฿800k every time i reenter?

3. If i stay long enough to do a 90 reporting at immigration will i need to show proof of funds?

4. After 1 year can i ask for an extension and get another year out of the visa?

4a. If yes, do i apply for the extension a year from when the visa was issued, or 1 year from my 1st entry?

I enjoy riding in thailand and the neighboring countries and i would like to be able to base out of thailand and make multiple forays to various countries.

Last question. I am on a 60 day tourist visa. I have a reentry permit.

5. Do i just fill in my current visa number and let the immigration officer sort it out? Will they know/see the reentry permit?

I ask because when i am working with govt agents/agencies i usually on speak when spoken to. I do not want to miss speak. But i also want to be sure it goes as planned.

How does it usually work ?

Thanks
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TLDR : Answer Summary
This post discusses various aspects of the Non O-A visa in Thailand, including multiple entries and reentry permits. Key points include: 1. Holders of the Non O-A visa can enter and exit Thailand repeatedly during the validity of the visa without needing to show proof of funds upon reentry after the initial visa application. 2. A reentry permit must be purchased if leaving Thailand during the visa's validity. 3. After one year, holders can border bounce to renew their stay without an extension process. 4. Proof of funds is only required at the consulate when applying for the visa and not at every entry or during 90-day reporting. 5. Immigration procedures are clarified, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and patience with officials.
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Eddie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Too bad i did not fully understand this visa from the start. This is perfect.
James ********
it sure is PERFECT and if you use the search tool at top of page...enter O-A visa USA. Other posts will appear. As well as click on the the TOPIC O-A Visa. Good Luck and I close commenting.
Tony *********
I'll be going back to LA in October to get an O-A as well. Planning to use the monthly non-employment method (pension letter and Social Security letter) to qualify. They haven't changed that, have they? Also, can/should I just get a police check here before I leave?

I think that dipping back in to the US for a couple of weeks every two years is a great way to live here, if you can. Maybe next year, I'll leave again, go to Burning Man for a couple of weeks, then return to Thailand. Best of both worlds!
Eddie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Tod Daniels ah. The medical cert. i will look for that on the website. The consulate web site? This sounds like a plan.

Thanks
Tony *********
Thanks!
Tod *********
you can use year end paperwork showing monthly income to meet the proof of funds back there no problem.
Tod *********
you can't use a police check from thailand at any of the thai consulates that sell O-A visas in the US. It has to be a check from the US. You CAN download the medical certificate from the website have a thai doc sign it and use it though.
Tod *********
Go to the thai consulate you're going to use in the US and remember ONLY 4 consulates offer the O-A, (Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Washington DC)

Look at the requirements, MEET the requirements get the visa.

You're getting the cart WAY before the horse on this one.

The visa is good for unlimited entries during the year it's valid for. Every entry gets you stamped in for a whole new year. Exiting and re-entering the country just before the VISA expires gets you stamped in for a whole new year, giving you two years of stay out of a visa that is valid for one year.

Once you show proof of funds to GET the visa you're done showing proof of funds until you go to either BUY a new visa back at a thai consulate in the USA or to get an extension of stay from the immigration office (two years later).
Joe ***********
With an O-A the one year clock starts with the issuance. Advised to time getting the O-A Visa close to date of departure - don't get the O-A Visa then wait two months to leave for Thailand - = time lost in the 1st year
Charles ***********
You will have an "enter before date" on your visa. That will be the late date you can enter to get a further 1 year permission to stay. When you return simply write the visa number on the arrival card.
Eddie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thx so far. Help my thick head to get around when the expiry date will be on the 1st year. Issue days or use by date or date of 1st entry.

Also, if i do a border bounce after the 1st year they know to give me another year? Do i need to do anything to be sure i get the year?

Getting back on my bike now. (In laos). I will check back here in a couple of hours.

Thanks
Robert *******
There are things to help, just to avoid you call everything the same like expiry date, issue days or use by date or date of 1st entry. You can use the visa as long as you use it before the Valid until date mentioned on the visa and on each entry before that date you get 365 days of stay.
Joe ***********
With an O-A Multi-Entry Visa (1st Year) you can go out and back in as often as you wish. Thus the reason it is called Multi- Entry
Joe ***********
I will let some one else answer the rest of your questions. Except to point out a Reentry Permit does not pause the time remaining on your tourist visa.
Bobby ********
@Joe **********
has got it down pat. Read all that he's said, you can't go wrong. Also keep in mind that any time you leave the country, when you come back in your 90 days resets, so if you travel a lot you may never need to do a 90 day report, but you cannot escape the dreaded TM30 unless you spend the whole two years in hotels
Joe ***********
4a. Answer same as 4
Robert *******
if you use the re-entry permit you write down the number of the re-entry permit. And do not be afraid, Immigration Officers are human beings, a little help to open up your passport to show where the stamps are, a smile and a friendly word does not get you shot.
Bob *******
@Robert ******
and smile talk slow never talk back in loud tone say hi and thank you in thai
Eddie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
ha ha ha. Thx. Just trying not to be an over bearing american traveler.

I did almost get shot one time......but it wasnt by immigration! But that is another story....🙂
Joe ***********
In effect the O-A Visa is a two year visa
Eddie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Joe **********
please see my question above i asked Al. Thanks
Joe ***********
4. At near Expiry of the first year of the O-A you do a border bounce - Reenter get stamped in for 12 more month. Free - this is not classed as an Extension
Joe ***********
3. Must do 90 day reports - easy peasy. Do not show any money at 90 day reports - None
Joe ***********
2. NO. Show the 800k only one time at Thai consulate. Never show again in 2 years
Joe ***********
@Bob ******
okay 3-4 week to get an O-A for a Visa valid for 2 years. Sounds like a good time bargain to me.
Bob *******
I may just apply for Thai elite visa
Bob *******
@Joe **********
takes longer two weeks for criminal check
Joe ***********
BOB Kelly - getting another O-A Visa in USA means only a few weeks back home. About 2 weeks to apply by mail and get passport with O-A Visa in it
Bob *******
@Joe **********
after 67 years living in nyc i am done lol
Joe ***********
@Bob ******
- yes - your option... One of Two good options
Bob *******
@Joe **********
yes I am planning to stay here for good
Joe ***********
@Bob ******
- after two years on the O-A you can Extend for one year at Thai Immigration or return to home country get another O-A Visa - all over again
Joe ***********
@Bob ******
- yes as I pointed out - Great Visa this O-A
Bob *******
@Joe **********
I have OA non immigrant mulitlple good for two years after that OA retirement need funds and n Thai bank they don’t accept us bank
Al *******
@Joe **********
an advantage of purchasing a non imm o-a multi entry visa is the ability to leave your money in your home country.
Joe ***********
Bob Kelly O-A funds are in Home Country bank account... USA if American.. Must apply at Thai consulate in hone country
Bob *******
@Joe **********
USA or Thai account?
Al *******
1. Yes

2. No

3. No

4. If you leave and return prior to your enter before date that is stamped on your visa, you are given another one year extension. If you leave during that extension you will need to purchase a re-entry permit.
Al *******
@Eddie ******
It is actually an enter before date and is one year after the valid from date (which is the issue date of the visa).
Eddie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Al ******
just to be clear, i have never seen this visa.

One date muat be an issue date. The second is the date i need to use this visa by. (Is that 90 days. Or 1 year from the issue date)

So it does not matter what date i enter for the 1st time , after the 1st year ,i need to apply for the next year extension based on the enter before date (not my actual 1st entry using the visa).

Thanks.
Joe ***********
1. Come and go out in Thailand on Multi-Entry aspect of the O-A Visa in the First Year... No Reentry Permit needed in the first year
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