Answered2 months ago
When should I apply for a Non-O visa to ensure I receive it before traveling to Thailand on January 24th?
Good morning, i am going to Thailand Jan 24th and want to apply for the non o visa so I can open bank account, driving licence etc in preparation to retire in a few years time. My question is when would I need to apply for the said visa to have it back for 24 Jan please? Thanks.
Answer summary
To ensure your Non-O visa is processed by the time you travel to Thailand on January 24th, it's advisable to apply for the visa approximately 60 days before your travel date. Visa processing may take around 10 working days, so applying towards the beginning of December would give sufficient time, taking into account possible holiday closures and the validity period of the visa.
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Mick *********
Why don’t you wait until you retire. Bank accounts and driving licenses are easy once you’re here. For example, you need a residency certificate for a driving license and if you’re not a resident the bank can close the account.
Sam *******
Mick Aynsley really? I'm constantly reading about people having hassle trying to open a bank account
Mick *********
Sam Lewis if you have the correct paperwork it’s easy. I retired here a year ago and nothing much has changed in terms of banking since. There was a change just before that to stop people opening bank accounts without all of the criteria being met. Of the OP tries to open an account now he’ll probably have trouble. You just need the correct visa. I had a 90 day non O based on retirement. Also needed passport, rental agreement, a TM30 and a Thai registered contract phone number. Went to K-Bank and that was it. It took a bit of time in the branch and a lot of signatures but basically hassle free.
Most people claiming issues don’t have all of that in place and in date.
Most people claiming issues don’t have all of that in place and in date.
Jules ********
So you cant apply for a retirement visa thats long term?
Dave ************
OPJules Donkin who me?
Jules ********
Dave P Tyreman I'm curious for myself as considering retirement there🙂
Dave ************
OPJules Donkin oh ok sorry
Dave ************
OPThanks for all the info guys, plenty of great input
Wannikea *********
The beginning of December should be a good time to apply. Plenty of time before the Christmas holidays and closures, and even if you get it earlier you still have 90 days from the date it's issued to enter
Marianne ********
Depends on the Embassy you belong to when applying.
But most don't want you to apply more than 3 months away from estimated travel, and may reject your application if you try to do that.
But most don't want you to apply more than 3 months away from estimated travel, and may reject your application if you try to do that.
Doc ********
I was advised to apply about 45 to 30 days min before your departure date.
I applied on the Thai online E visa site 45 days before my departure date.
I got my approval about two weeks before I left Australia
I applied on the Thai online E visa site 45 days before my departure date.
I got my approval about two weeks before I left Australia
Ralph *******
It’s valid for three months so if you are certain about your travel dates then towards the end of October would work.
Neil ***********
Apply about 5 weeks before you travel
Jakob *********
@Neil **********
I had my flight booked for early February, got told by the Thai embassy not to apply before end of December early January, as I may could run out of time, as it is only valid for 90 days of approval nonO visaJohn **********
@Jakob ********
the visa is valid for 90 days and if you enter during those 90 days you also get stamped in for 90 daysDave ************
OP@John *********
hahaha thanks JohnJohn **********
@Dave ***********
correctJakob *********
@John *********
exactly 💯, when you enter Thailand, you have 90-day visa, non O, or non OA, then you ask for the extension in the last monthDave ************
OP@John *********
oh I got it wrong then, so my visa activates the 90 days when I get to immigration in bkk?Dave ************
OPJakob Raschle that makes sense, my return is end of February so need visa start date no earlier than start of December
Greg ***********
@Neil **********
November thru January is high season, he is better advised to apply 8 weeks before he intends to flyDave ************
OPGreg Alexander thanks for that Greg
Neil ***********
Yes I forgot about that and you have 90 days to use it
Jørgen ********
@Neil **********
they usealy make the Visa short time before you trawel, regardless of when it is applyed
Gary ***********
UK took about 10 working days for me
John **********
The visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue so 60 days out is probably a good time.
Are you aware that your 1st Thai driving licence is only valid for 2 years so may have expired by the time you plan to retire?
Are you aware that your 1st Thai driving licence is only valid for 2 years so may have expired by the time you plan to retire?
Dave ************
OP@John *********
thanks John, I wasnt aware no, can I renew?John **********
@Dave ***********
yes of course you can renew as long as you are here to do so. You can renew up to 6 months before or 1 year after expiryDave ************
OP@John *********
nice one, i will be over regularly. Many thanksActivity
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