Where can I obtain a NON-O visa in Southeast Asia if I'm not in my home country?

Aug 29, 2023
a year ago
Derek ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Where is the best place to obtain a

NON – O visa in SE Asia if you are not in your home country?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The best places to obtain a NON-O visa in Southeast Asia, when you are not in your home country, include Phnom Penh and Laos. The process can vary depending on the specific reason for the visa, such as retirement. Some individuals report successfully obtaining a NON-O visa in places like Seoul, underscoring the possibility of applying from various locations. Generally, having the requisite funds, such as 800,000 baht in the bank, is necessary for the application.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
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Geoffrey ******
I got my Non-O in Seoul 2015. Was a 90 day. Cost was
*****
won, which was about $65 USD. My Thai wife was with me. We went one day, filled out the paperwork and pick the visa up the next day. Retired, came to Thailand and got my retirement visa in January 2016. Piece of cake. No drama.
John **********
Depends on the reason for the Non-O

If it's for retirement you can just do it in Thailand.
John **********
I don't think there's much difference in whether a bank will deal with you on a tourist visa or a 90 day Non-O visa. You've just got to bang on doors and having more time to do so is surely a good thing
Derek ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
yes, I heard that it's easier to do it in Thailand versus from your home country.
Graham ******
@Derek **********
It's easier from your home country as you do not need the funds in a Thai bank account for the initial Non-O and, getting the 90 day entry stamp, gives you time to open a bank account (this can be problematic) and season the funds for the 12 month extension.
John **********
@Graham *****
but may require insurance for the validity of the visa. Given that your funds for an extension require to be seasoned for 2 months before you apply for it coming in on a 90 day Non-O visa gives you a lot less time to organise bank account. You have much more time if you come in on a tourist visa which you can extend for 30 days giving 90 days and only one immigration office I'm aware of (jomtien) requires seasoning of funds to apply for the Non-O visa inside Thailand
Graham ******
@John *********
Normal travel insurance will normally suffice for the Non-O with most Consulates/Embassies but getting the Non-O prior to travel rather than a Tourist Visa gets 90 days without having to get an extension and improves the chances of getting a Thai bank account.
John **********
@Graham *****
but it really doesn't due to the seasoning requirements.

Come in on a 90 day Non-O and you have less than 30 days to open and fund your bank account, probably more like 21 days in reality. This is due the requirement to have the money in your account for 2 full months (not 60 days) before the date you go to apply for the extension, I'd never recommend running this to the last possible day.

If you come in on a tourist visa, which you can extend for 30 days you have more like 75 days to fund your account. This is because in most places you need to have at least 15 days (a couple of places are 21) left on your current stamp before applying for an in country Non-O visa. There is no seasoning requirements for the funds for the initial 90 day Non-O visa (unless you're unfortunate enough to be in Jomtien which does require 2 months seasoning).

So in summary you get much more time to organise bank accounts and transfer money with a tourist visa
Graham ******
@John *********
but being on a Tourist Visa means you may need those 75 days which was part of my point
Derek ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
Very, very interesting - nothing like a Thail visa :)
Richard *********
You have a bank with 800,000 ( or equivalent) in it?

phnom Penh or laos
Derek ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Richard ********
I thought you did not need the 800K baht in a Thai bank in order to get the initial Non-O
Brown ********
@Derek **********
only if you go via a agent
Derek ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
gotcha
Derek ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brown *******
oh I see - so the agent handles that part for us
Brown ********
@Derek **********
yes for a decent fee
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