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What steps should I take to get a visa from the Thai embassy in Savannakhet as an Indian citizen married to a Thai woman?
Visa on ArrivalNon-O VisaTR VisaThai Embassy in SavannakhetLaos Visa on ArrivalVisa extensionVisiting Thai spouseFinancial requirements for visaDocuments required for Thai visaTravel by bus to SavannakhetMarriage certificate requirements
Jul 15, 2023
3 years ago
Brijendra *****
ORIGINAL POSTER[Regarding getting a visa at Savannakhet]
Hi everyone, I came to Thailand a few days ago with my Thai wife to visit her family and I entered on a Visa On Arrival (Indian Citizen). I wanted to be here for around 30 days however I only have 15 days on the VoA. Tried to extend it for “visiting Thai spouse” but the local immigration office told me that we can only do it on a TR on non-Imm O visa.
Anyway, now I’m planning to drive to Savannakhet since it’s only 3 hours away from me and then get a visa from the Thai embassy there. Some questions I had:
1. Will I need to show a flight ticket back from Savannakhet to get a Lao Visa on Arrival? I’ll just be driving in and then back to Thailand so I won’t have it.
2. Is it better for me to apply for a visitor visa based on visiting Thai family or better to apply for a O visa. I can apply for either but wondering which one has better chances of being approved or which is faster to get.
3. It might be complicated to take a Thai car into Laos so I’m wondering if there’s a way to park the car in Mukhadan, Thailand and then take public transit or walk into Savannakhet or something of that sort?
4. Is there anyone who has been there recently and can share their experience regarding the wait times at the embassy or anything else I should know with regards to documents I should have. I’ll of course take all usual docs such as marriage certificate (issued in Canada), copy of house registration, my wife and her ID, Passport etc. Can I pay the visa fees in THB cash or will I need another way of paying?
Thanks a lot for your help!
Hi everyone, I came to Thailand a few days ago with my Thai wife to visit her family and I entered on a Visa On Arrival (Indian Citizen). I wanted to be here for around 30 days however I only have 15 days on the VoA. Tried to extend it for “visiting Thai spouse” but the local immigration office told me that we can only do it on a TR on non-Imm O visa.
Anyway, now I’m planning to drive to Savannakhet since it’s only 3 hours away from me and then get a visa from the Thai embassy there. Some questions I had:
1. Will I need to show a flight ticket back from Savannakhet to get a Lao Visa on Arrival? I’ll just be driving in and then back to Thailand so I won’t have it.
2. Is it better for me to apply for a visitor visa based on visiting Thai family or better to apply for a O visa. I can apply for either but wondering which one has better chances of being approved or which is faster to get.
3. It might be complicated to take a Thai car into Laos so I’m wondering if there’s a way to park the car in Mukhadan, Thailand and then take public transit or walk into Savannakhet or something of that sort?
4. Is there anyone who has been there recently and can share their experience regarding the wait times at the embassy or anything else I should know with regards to documents I should have. I’ll of course take all usual docs such as marriage certificate (issued in Canada), copy of house registration, my wife and her ID, Passport etc. Can I pay the visa fees in THB cash or will I need another way of paying?
Thanks a lot for your help!
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user seeks advice on obtaining a visa from the Thai embassy in Savannakhet, including whether they need to show a flight ticket for a Laos visa on arrival, which visa category (visitor or Non-O) to apply for, how to park their Thai car in Mukdahan, and the necessary documents to present at the embassy. The community responds with insights on visa types, required documentation such as a marriage certificate, potential parking solutions, and the importance of ensuring all documents are correctly prepared before the embassy visit.
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.
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John **********
I used to drive there myself when in roi et parked car there on thai side and bus over the bridge and back but I ve read on one thai visa site there is a ferry so check it out good luck
Paul *******
@John *********
Ferry is only for Thai and Lao nationals these days. Everyone else uses the bridge.Stephen *******************
@John *********
Ferry???The only way people can cross by boat is if they have a Laos passport/ID card it is not for foreigners.
Careful what you post as wrong information is Bad information 🙄
John **********
@Stephen ******************
I read it on a visa thread I used that bus and bridge crossing for years ste I had to push back the gamblers who nearly pushed my then82 year old mother to the floor 50-70 people on the bus taking no prisonersStephen *******************
@John *********
Sorry to hear that, but I thought we were discussing the ferry crossing?Ah well have a good day my friend
Reply to
Stephen *******************
Reply
Stephen *******************
Firstly you can park your car at a secure car park at the Thai Border Mukdahan.
Buy a ticket at the border straight into Savanakhet bus station then get a Tuk Tuk to the embassy
At the Embassy you will find many agents who can complete the relevant documentation quickly and correctly and get a 90 day Non O visa because you are married to a Thai citizen take the original marriage certificate and as much as you can to support your visa application
👍
Buy a ticket at the border straight into Savanakhet bus station then get a Tuk Tuk to the embassy
At the Embassy you will find many agents who can complete the relevant documentation quickly and correctly and get a 90 day Non O visa because you are married to a Thai citizen take the original marriage certificate and as much as you can to support your visa application
👍
Steve *******
@Stephen ******************
You can also get the 1 year multi-entry Non Imm O based on marriage at SavannakhetStephen *******************
@Steve ******
Interested.Have you experienced getting this visa if so what documentation do you need.
Thank you 🙏
Steve *******
@Stephen ******************
Yes, I've had that visa about 6 or 7 times from Savannakhet, it's exactly the same documentation as the single entry Non Imm O but you just tick the multiple entry box on the application form and pay the extra 3000bt.Reply to
Steve *******
Reply
Jo **********
they can make there own rule but in MFA page it states you can get a 60 day family extension if your here as a tourist. I did this 2 years ago first they said I could not but when I showed the page they said ok.
Brijendra *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jo *********
did you come here on a Visa on Arrival or on Visa Exempt? What’s your nationality?Jo **********
@Brijendra ****
Visa Exempt EuropeanReply to
Jo **********
Reply
Michael ********
Make sure take original marriage certificate.
I would park car near bus station and take bus
I would park car near bus station and take bus
Brijendra *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Michael *******
yes, will do! A foreign marriage certificate is okay right?Michael ********
Reply to
Michael ********
Reply
Riaan **********
Big difference between NonO and tourist visa will be the financial requirements in a Thai bank account
Steve *******
@Riaan *********
There are NO financial requirements for a Non Imm O visa based on marriage/Thai child at SavannakhetRoy *********
@Steve ******
Yes only for retirementReply to
Roy *********
Reply
Michael ********
@Riaan *********
non o dont need to see any financial requirements. Tourist visa you need to show and it can be from any bank not a thai bank account. As a tourist you in theory shouldnt have need for a Thai bank accountRoy *********
Savannakhet. I found it very easy and nice compared to Vientiane.
I went here on a tuesday as many said mondays are very busy with long kews.
I went here on a tuesday as many said mondays are very busy with long kews.
Brijendra *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Roy ********
that’s good to hear! How long did you have to wait, what time you went and how was the border crossing experience?Roy *********
@Brijendra ****
I went past 9 am and there was a little kew outside so I drove around had a coffee and came back about 10. Then most of the kew gone and it took me 20 minutes to give my application.Next day to pick up they had opened earlier than announced so I could go straight to the window.
I went on my own motorbike so nice to have that freedom, went straight to the border and no problems.
BTW the only accept thai baht 2000,-
Brijendra *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Roy ********
thanks a lot for all the detailed information!Did you have to do any paperwork for taking a Thai vehicle (bike) to Laos? I was planning to take our car too
Roy *********
@Brijendra ****
It is complicated with bike, I did it in Vientiane and rode by the Mekong to Savannakhet, apparantly its easier with a car but there are some paperwork. You have to own the vehicle, cannot be on downpayment.Reply to
Roy *********
Reply
Roy *********
@Michael *******
I had to show the affidavit on income from my embassy and rental contract there for my non o a month ago.Michael ********
@Roy ********
For marriage ? I was there June didnt ask for any of that in SavanakhetRoy *********
@Michael *******
I see on their page now this is a reqirement for retirement but not for marriage.Michael ********
@Roy ********
yes different visa different requirementsRoy *********
@Michael *******
I did based on retirement.Brijendra *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Roy ********
where did you apply for your non-o?Reply to
Brijendra *****
Reply
Brijendra *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Riaan *********
I don’t think the initial Non O visa has financial requirements in Thai bank account. The extensions or work permit do haveReply to
Brijendra *****
Reply
Randy ********
Check the website and make sure you have everything you need for the Non-O. One thing they don’t mention is the letter from you wife. I just had her state she wanted them to issue me the one year multiple entry non-o. It doesn’t have to be a long letter, just something they states she wants you here in Thailand.
Make sure you have copies of everything. If she took your last name, make sure you have those documents too. It’s a one day turn around for the visa. Drop off everything one day, pick up the next afternoon.
The only two different visas are the tourist and non-o. They both take the same anoint of time to receive. I’m pretty sure the non-o is easier for you as you’re married to a Thai. The tourist visa requires bank statements if I remember correctly.
If you’re using a marriage certificate form Canada, it’s going to have to be translated into Thai. You’re able to pay in Thai baht. If you’re looking for the multiple entry, you have to write that in at the top as it’s not listed but they do give it. I was there a couple of months ago and did all this.
Make sure you have copies of everything. If she took your last name, make sure you have those documents too. It’s a one day turn around for the visa. Drop off everything one day, pick up the next afternoon.
The only two different visas are the tourist and non-o. They both take the same anoint of time to receive. I’m pretty sure the non-o is easier for you as you’re married to a Thai. The tourist visa requires bank statements if I remember correctly.
If you’re using a marriage certificate form Canada, it’s going to have to be translated into Thai. You’re able to pay in Thai baht. If you’re looking for the multiple entry, you have to write that in at the top as it’s not listed but they do give it. I was there a couple of months ago and did all this.
Brijendra *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Randy *******
I’ve a Canadian Marriage Certificate so will I need a Thai translation of it or will I need to get a Thai version (Kor Ror 22) of it at local Amphur office in Thailand? Did you have a foreign marriage certificate as well?Randy ********
@Brijendra ****
it will need to be translated to Thai. Or a Thai marriage certificate. I was married in Thailand, so I have a Thai marriage certificate.Reply to
Randy ********
Reply
Steve *******
@Randy *******
You dont need a letter from your wife for a non imm O visa at SavannakhetSteve *******
Again, the 'hand written' letter from your wife ISN'T needed at Savannakhet. I just block people who continue to post information that ISN'T correct!
Randy ********
@Steve ******
you mean you block people who have have an opinion which differs from yours. Better yet, people who prove you’re wrong. Sounds a bit childish if you ask me. Grow up!!Reply to
Randy ********
Reply
Randy ********
@Steve ******
needed or not. When I went, they took everything I had, including the letter. I didn’t have my wife with me. He will have his wife with him. Chances are, he won’t need it. Having one ready doesn’t hurt either.Steve *******
@Randy *******
Doesn't hurt but like I said it's not needed so why bother!Randy ********
@Steve ******
it’s not needed until they ask for it. It was a requirement at one point. So why not be prepared. For the one minute it would take to write it, does it really matter if they ask for it or not? Or do you just want to argue for the sake of arguing over it? If it wasn’t needed, why did they look through all my documents, letter and all, and then take everything?
Steve *******
@Randy *******
I've had about 7 or 8 of the multi-entry non imm O visas from Savannakhet and never taken the wife with me or had an invitation letter from her. It's never been a requirement there. It's not an argument it's a fact!Randy ********
@Steve ******
I’d take his advice over anyone out there. One of, if not the most knowledgeable person when it comes to Thai visas.Randy ********
@Steve ******
oh wise one, how wrong you are. But I’ll let you think what you want. Just because you weren’t asked for it doesn’t mean it wasn’t a requirement. Your facts are wrong. It’s ok, you can’t always be right. I’m sure it’s just an ego thing. You’ll be fine!!Reply to
Randy ********
Reply
Brijendra *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Randy *******
yes I looked over it and all looks pretty straightforward. I’ll get the letter from her as well stating that she wants me in Thailand, thanks for that!My wife will be in Savannakhet with me, should she or will she be permitted to accompany me into the embassy?
Did you go through the same process recently as well?
Randy ********
@Brijendra ****
that’s great, she’ll be there with you. She’ll be able to wait in line with you. Be prepared to stand in a lineup, in the heat. There is a coffee shop and a print shop across the street. But I will warn you, be careful crossing that road. I saw a woman get hit by a motorcycle when I was there. It’s a busy road.Yes, I’ve done it a couple of months ago.
I would bring all original documents as well. I had all original and a copy of everything. They didn’t ask to see the originals though. I have read, in the past where some were asked to show all originals as well. Better to be over prepared.
Reply to
Randy ********
Reply
Brandon ************
2) a visiting family visa IS a non-O visa also. You're either going to apply for non-O or tourist visa.
Brijendra *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
is there a preference to apply for one or the another? I assume that I’m eligible to apply for both but just wondering which is easier/fasterBrandon ************
@Brijendra ****
I don't really know the difference. It's likely different based on each embassy's rules and requirements.Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
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