Ask question

What steps should I follow to apply for a Non O Visa as an American retiree in Thailand, and what should I know about health insurance requirements?

Non O Visa Thailand Immigration Visa Requirements Health Insurance Retirement Visa Long Term Visa Extension of Stay Immigration Office Consulate Procedures

May 18, 2024

6 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello. I live near Nong Khai and am here on a TR visa. I am an American.￼my visa expires soon, although I could extend for 30 days.

I visited the immigration office several months ago to inquire about the steps to get a “retirement visa”, and was told it would be best to visit the consulate in Venteniane, Laos, to apply for the Non O.  They told me if I applied in Thailand I would require health insurance, but I avoid that  requirement if I apply in Laos.

I have read that the Non O does not ever require health insurance, even if obtained in Thailand, but this is obviously different than what I was told.  Any insight?  

I have my appointment in Laos and have gathered the required documents.  I expect the process to take 3 days. Anything I should be aware of?  Will I get 90 days initially, or will I get a full year?  Should I request multiple entry at the same time?

If I have the assets, social security, veterans benefits,  but am not employed, is the long term visa an option?

Thanks in advance for your help!!!

2,737

views

12

likes

70

all likes

19

replies

2

images

8

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The user, an American on a TR visa in Nong Khai, seeks clarification on applying for a Non O Visa for retirees in Vientiane, Laos, expressing concerns about health insurance requirements and the duration of the visa. Comments from the community confirm that health insurance is not required for the Non O Visa, contradicting the user's previous information from the Thai immigration office. They also clarify that upon approval, the user will receive a 90-day visa, and they can apply for a yearly extension based on retirement status after returning to Thailand.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

Les ***********

Read what Tod Daniels and James Miller have said.

They are correct.

Like

Reply

David ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I have the funds deposited and have the appointment, so I think I will go to the consulate in Laos to get the Non O. Then I will seek the extension for 1 year.

I think I am wrong about being told that I need insurance for the Non O. I think they said they could issue the Non OA, and that would require insurance, so they recommended that I go to Laos for the Non O. I must surmise that the office cannot do the Non O. At the time I visited the office I had plenty of time remaining on my TR and had months remaining to reenter for another 60 days.

Thank you!

Like

Reply

Tod *********

𝗜 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘀𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝗻 𝗢𝗔, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲, yep they didn't say that because you can't get an OA visa inside thailand. There had to be a lost in translation.

Take the appt, go to Vientiane, get the 90 day Non-O visa, come back then apply for the year extension when you have 30 days or less left on that 90 day entry stamp you will get from the O visa.

After you get that Non-O visa when you go to stamp back IN to thailand CHECK to make sure they stamped you in correctly (Non-O) and you got a 90 day entry stamp.

Sometimes they don't see the visa in your passport at the border and just give you a free 30 day entry stamp. 🙂

Like

Reply

David ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Oh , and one more. How about the Long Term, if I have the resources but am not employed?

Like

Reply

Jonathan *************

so many use the term "retirement visa" when they mean "extension of stay based on retirement". There are differences I believe. Beware

Like

Reply

Tod *********

when you come back to the country on the Non-O you will apply for a yearly extension based on being over 50 (retirement) by meeting the financial requirements and turning in the correct documents for 1900baht.

They'll stamp the year extension in right then (the day you apply)

Then every year you apply for a new yearly extension, one after another, over and over.

Each year is it's own extension so you need all new documentation, copies, bank letters, bank book update, etc.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Tod *********

Reply

David ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I feel “lost in translation” a good portion of every day. I’m working on that, but it will take more time than I anticipated.

One other question. I assume that I will have to prove my finances again when I seek the extension?

Thank you!

Like

Reply

Reply to

David ********

Reply

Tod *********

Not ALL immigration offices can issue in country 90 day Non-Immigrant type visas (there are several that can't).

They might be one that can't do it and that's why they're telling you to go get the 90 day Non-O visa from a consulate in Lao.

They are totally incorrect about you needing insurance to get an in country Non-O visa issued 😕

I would say take the 30 day extension,

get the 800K baht in a thai bank account in your name only

then go see if you can apply for the Non-O at the office that serves the area where you live.

IF you can't you will have to go to Vientiane (which requires you book an appt to get in the gate) or Savannakhet to get the 90 day Non-O visa

Like

Reply

Jakob *********

DearTod, can I say something about health insurance. I applied for a Non-O visa in Canberra, Australia, and was required to provide health insurance for 12 month. This was in Dezember 2022, also cover for Covid, just saying what my requirements were then

Like

Reply

Tod *********

@Jakob ********

and that was discontinued a good while ago.

There is no insurance required to get a Non-O visa issued inside thailand or at any of the thai consulates in the area

Like

Reply

Jakob *********

OK, thank you, I keep mine going anyway, better off on the long run, and would advise anyone to do so too, for their own good

Like

Reply

Tod *********

good idea

@Jakob ********

(y) having health insurance is a good thing,

it's just not required anymore on a Non-O visa

Like

Reply

Reply to

Tod *********

Reply

Wannikea *********

There is no requirement for insurance for a Non O, the officer is mistaken or yanking your chain. Ask for the supervisor to clarify and or show you the non existent law.

Like

Reply

John **********

I don't understand why you need to go to Laos for the 90 day non-o visa rather than getting it at your local immigration office. Neither should require insurance, the only difference should be that to get it inside Thailand you need sufficient time left on your stamp. You don't mention money but you will need sufficient funds in a Thai bank account in your name and a letter from the bank confirming this. Vientiane also requires an appointment

Like

Reply

Robert *******

@John *********

As not every of the over 80 local Immigration Offices has the authority and clearance to perform conversion of stay into a Non Immigrant visa

Like

Reply

Reply to

Robert *******

Reply

James ********

It's good to hear that you are going to get the Non O Visa as a retiree in the Thai Consulate in Vientiane Laos.

There's NO requirement to have a health insurance policy to get the Non O Visa as a retiree in Thailand or in Laos.

IF you following the requirements for the Non O Visa as retiree as posted on the website of the Vientiane Thai Consulate in Laos, you will be issued it.

There is NO one year Non O Visa as retiree.

If you are age 50+ you are eligible for the retirement Non O Thai Visa and one Year extension of stay as retired in Thailand.

On arrival into Thailand you will be stamped in for 90 days.

Visit your local Thai Immigration office and ask for their list of requirements for the one year extension of stay as retired.

Be sure to file a TM30 address registration with your Thai immigration office when you return to Thailand.

Like

Reply

Tod *********

when did you get a year-long multi-entry Non-O from Vientiane based on marriage?

Like

Reply

John *******

sorry my mistake I will getting a non 0 multiple entry visa based on marriage from savannakhet laos 90 days at a time renew at border no insurances required

Like

Reply

John *******

Sorry IAM married To a Thai with

*****

0

Had The visa from UK before this Time I will get it in savannakhet Laos

Just wondering about Vientiane

There The same visa but issued one inside Thailand and one outside

Little confusing

Like

Reply

Reply to

John *******

Reply

Thai Visa Advice

... members · 40% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.

Thai Visa Advice

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice

What are the pros and cons of 90-day O vs 1-year OA visa for a US retiree planning to stay in Thailand?

55 comments

6 months ago

Can I use my US health insurance to meet the requirements for my Non-O retirement visa in Thailand?

9 comments

9 months ago

What are some recommendations for obtaining health insurance for a Non-O retirement visa application in Thailand?

8 comments

9 months ago

What are the requirements and process for obtaining an O visa for retirees in Thailand if you don't meet financial criteria?

103 comments

a year ago

What do I need to know about applying for a NON-O retirement visa in Thailand?

4 comments

a year ago

Can I apply for a Non-O Retirement Visa in Thailand, and what are the financial and health insurance requirements?

11 comments

a year ago

What are the requirements and rules for obtaining a Non-O retirement visa in Thailand without marriage?

14 comments

2 years ago

What are the steps and requirements for converting a Non-OA visa to a Non-O visa for expats in Thailand over 50?

3 comments

2 years ago

What are the steps and requirements to apply for a Non-O retirement visa in Thailand?

19 comments

2 years ago

What documents do I need to apply for a 90-day Non-O visa in Laos as a Canadian retiree, and is insurance required for my wife?

9 comments

2 years ago

What are the steps and potential challenges for a US citizen planning to retire in Thailand with a Non-Immigrant OA Visa?

24 comments

3 years ago

Can I exit Thailand and apply for a Non-Immigrant O retirement visa after dropping my OA visa?

15 comments

3 years ago

Can I apply for a retirement visa in Thailand with a non-immigrant O visa and what are the requirements?

27 comments

3 years ago

What are the key requirements and options for obtaining a Non-immigrant O-A retirement visa in Thailand for Australian citizens?

8 comments

3 years ago

Can I apply for a Non-Imm O visa for retirement in Thailand instead of an O-A?

28 comments

3 years ago

What are the requirements and processes for renewing a Non-O visa in Thailand?

14 comments

5 years ago

What documents do I need to prepare for applying for a Non-O retirement visa in Vientiane?

21 comments

5 years ago

What Are the Requirements for Applying for a Non-O Retirement Visa in Thailand?

14 comments

5 years ago

Can I Apply for a 90-Day Non-Immigrant O Visa at Chonburi Immigration Office After My 30-Day Visa Exempt Expires?

18 comments

5 years ago

Can I Change My O-A Visa to a Non-Immigrant O Visa Outside Thailand?

5 comments

5 years ago

What are my options and requirements for switching to a non-O visa in Thailand, especially regarding extensions and health insurance?

28 comments

5 years ago

What are the current requirements for Non-Immigrant O and O-A visas in Thailand regarding medical insurance?

15 comments

5 years ago

What is the procedure for applying for and managing a Non-Immigrant 'O' visa based on retirement in Thailand?

15 comments

6 years ago

Can I apply for a retirement visa while on a 60-day TR visa in Thailand?

7 comments

6 years ago

What are the requirements for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand if I am already in the country?

35 comments

6 years ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.