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When does the validity of a Thai visa begin: at issue date or upon arrival?

Oct 3, 2025
5 days ago
hi does the validity counts from the issue date (approval date) or from the date of entering Thailand; or maybe I should ask - when the visa is issued does it have the begging of validity as of the moment it was issued or is that date moved forward by the embassy to be closer to departure date? let's say I applied now but flying in 2 months, I would prefer the visa starts running either from arrival in Thailand or around that date rather than from next week, if approved next week
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The validity of a Thai visa, such as a NON-O visa, starts from the issue date provided by the embassy, not from the date of entry into Thailand. When you enter Thailand, you will receive an entry stamp valid for 180 days, but the five-year validity of the visa itself is calculated from the date it was issued.
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.
Henrik *****
Read the visa section ot the Thai Embassy.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
that's what I thought, thanks guys
John *******
Your visa is valid for 5 years from date issued by the embassy, regardless of when you plan to travel. When you arrive, you receive a 180 day entry stamp and have to leave within 180 days
Anonymous ******************
On my visa it says it is valid until 5 years from the issue date. So it doesn't matter if you arrive 2 months later from the issue date. Your 5 years are running from the issue date. Let's be honest 2 months out of 5 years is not so big deal to lose