Answered3 months ago

When does the 12-month validity period of a non O-A visa begin: upon issuance or upon entering Thailand?

Non O-A Visa Thai Visa Rules Retirement Visa Visa Validity Entry Stamp Visa Issuance

Nick ******

asked Aug 4, 2026

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Hi, just received my non O-A 12 month retirement visa, the question I have is does it start from the date listed on the visa or is it 12 months from the date I am stamped in to the country?

Thanks

Answer summary

The 12-month validity of the non O-A visa begins from the date of issuance. However, each time the holder enters Thailand within that 12-month period, they will receive a stamp in their passport that allows them to stay for another year, accounting for their insurance validity if applicable. Therefore, while the visa itself is valid for 12 months from issuance, the permission to stay can extend based on entries into the country.

12 repliesnewest first

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Denis ********

Tout est mentionné dans votre passeport 😂

3 months ago

Jean-yves **********

N'oubliez pas le contrôle des 90 jours.

3 months ago

Ron *****

Look at the stamp in passport. It shows your expiration date.

3 months ago

Phil ******

Stamped in mate

3 months ago

Wannikea *********

The Visa is valid for 12 months from the days of issue, every time you enter within that 12 months you will be stamped in for a year. If you reenter Thailand just before the Visa expires you will effectively get another year out of it, but the multiple entry benefit is gone after the visa validity. You can buy a reentry permit during that second year.

3 months ago

Graham ******

Wannikea Wanblee insurance covering the 12 months is required to get 12 months on entry or the insurance validity date determines the permitted to stay date ;)

3 months ago

Wannikea *********

Graham Seal totally forgot about extending the insurance, thx

3 months ago

Ian **********

I believe the 12-month permission to stay starts when you actually arrive in Thailand

3 months ago

Lynnette *******

Ian Morrison no. It's from date of issue of the non-OA

3 months ago

Ian **********

Lynnette Munoz the visa starts as soon as it is issued, but the 12 months start when the user is stamped in, and that was the poster's question.

3 months ago

Marianne ********

Lynnette Munoz no.

The validity of the visa starts when the visa is issued.

And any arrival during that validity, you will receive a stamp for 1 year.

3 months ago

John **********

The 12 months starts the day the visa is issued in common with all other multiple entry thai visas, but every time you enter during that 12 months you get stamped in for 12 months or however long your insurance is valid for, whichever comes first.

3 months ago