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What visa options are available for a UK tourist wishing to stay in Thailand for over 4 months?
Tourist VisaThailand Visa RequirementsNon-O VisaSpecial Tourist Visa (STV)Visa ExtensionsImmigration RegulationsUK Embassy Visa Services
Oct 7, 2021
5 years ago
Beth ****
ORIGINAL POSTERMy mum (UK) is planning to come out to Thailand December this year and was hoping to stay for 4 + months. In normal times she could have applied for the multiple entry tourist visa giving a total of 6 months (2 extensions + leaving and returning to the country after 90 days)
Obviously it’s hard to plan with the ever changing requirements but does anybody know at this time..
- is the UK even issuing the multiple entry tourist visa right now?
- is there any word on bordering (or close by) countries re-opening for the possibility to make border runs by early next year?
- is there another way to stay 4 or more months (as a tourist) that we aren’t aware of?
If she can only stay 90 days with the single entry tourist visa then she will, but just looking for any other options that are currently or will very soon become available, as she’s tried contacting the embassy and consulates with no luck
Thank you 🙏
Obviously it’s hard to plan with the ever changing requirements but does anybody know at this time..
- is the UK even issuing the multiple entry tourist visa right now?
- is there any word on bordering (or close by) countries re-opening for the possibility to make border runs by early next year?
- is there another way to stay 4 or more months (as a tourist) that we aren’t aware of?
If she can only stay 90 days with the single entry tourist visa then she will, but just looking for any other options that are currently or will very soon become available, as she’s tried contacting the embassy and consulates with no luck
Thank you 🙏
TLDR : Answer Summary
A UK citizen's mother wishes to stay in Thailand for over 4 months, but due to current visa restrictions, the multiple entry tourist visa is unavailable. The current options include the STV, which can allow a stay of 5-6 months, or applying for a Non-O visa for retirees over 50. Concerns about border runs are prevalent, as neighboring countries may not reopen soon. The discussion also highlights challenges contacting embassies and immigration offices for updated visa information.
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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James ********
Forget about doing border runs ...not going to open up anytime soon and if one did would require new CoE to enter and ASQ quarantine or sandbox stays.
The STV visa is only one she can get to stay 5-6 months
The STV visa is only one she can get to stay 5-6 months
David *******
Is she over 50?
Beth ****
ORIGINAL POSTER@David ******
she is David *******
@Beth ***
Then she can get a Non O visa ‘for Retirement’. Pretty easy from London. It would give her 90 days that she extend for another 30 days at Thai Immigration. She could even stay 15 months, though that needs money in thai bank (unless you pay an agent) and use Extensions to visit each year without getting another visa. (It would mean paying an agent 12-15k or so each year).
Beth ****
ORIGINAL POSTER@David ******
yes we looked into it but heard from someone doing that, that they had decided to stick with tourist visas as it was less headache 😅It’s possible to do 90 days + 30 days extension without the 800k Baht in the bank though?
David *******
@Beth ***
Yes. The 800k is just for the annual Extension of Stay if you want to be able to live in Thailand, or visit for long periods each year.Reply to
David *******
Reply
Bernie ********
Can you apply for an STV visa?
Beth ****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bernie *******
trying to work that out! Can’t seem to find up to date information on the STV Reply to
Beth ****
Reply
Beth ****
ORIGINAL POSTERBobby ********
You could look at the STV
Jaren ******
I was literally going to ask this same thing. I'm looking to travel there for about 4-5 months. The special tourist visa is confusing me with all the requirements. Is there any way to stay there? Normally I'd just hop out after my 30 days were up and come back.
Jared **********
@Jaren *****
TR 60 + 30 day extension + 60 covid extension (assuming they keep extending it)Jaren ******
@Jared *********
Thanks Jared. Just want to clarify as I was unaware of this covid extension. Currently you can arrive on a 60 day TV then extend 30 days, then extend 60 more days at immigration under the current covid extension. That is if they choose to extend that policy beyond November 26? Jared **********
@Jaren *****
yes, and while it’s thailand so who knows it’s likely to stay in effect until quarantine is lifted or some method for border runs is reinstated. I’m planning on going for 5 months next month and this is my plan as well. Reply to
Jared **********
Reply
Beth ****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jaren *****
I was also wondering about the special tourist visa but wasn’t sure if that’s something they still issue Michael ********
@Beth ***
they have just extended it for one year. The cons are you have to prove accomadation and insurance for first 90 days and then every extension after that.Check on embassy website for more info and any questions after that can ask here.
Beth ****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Michael *******
good to know they have extended it but I’m having trouble finding up to date info on that! The articles I’ve managed to find on the STV are outdated and still talk about the mandatory 14 day hotel quarantine and that the visa is ending 30th September 2021. Will keep on with trying to contact the embassy anyway because as far as I can see you need to to apply for that visa anyway, if you have any further links though or up to date articles that would be great 🙏Michael ********
@Beth ***
***********************************************************************************************
*******
/thailand-extends-special-tourist-visa-scheme-for-one-more-year/Reply to
Michael ********
Reply
Jaren ******
@Beth ***
It seems like it but the requirements are super confusing, at least int he States. Background check, weird medical certificate required to prove you don't have elephantitis. Reply to
Jaren ******
Reply
Stuart *********
The UK embassy isn’t issuing multiple entry tourist visas. With a single entry tourist visa you could stretch that out to 90 days. Currently local immigration offices are selling the “unable to travel due to Covid” extension, but it finishes on November 26th. Whether that date will be extended is anyone’s guess.
Beth ****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart ********
thought so, thank you for clarifying that 🙏Reply to
Beth ****
Reply
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