Answered2 years ago

Will a one-week visit to Thailand affect my non-immigrant visa status?

Thailand visa rules Non-immigrant visa Visa exemptions Single entry visa Re-entry permits UK expats in Thailand

asked Jun 11, 2024

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Hi, I am moving to Thailand in July and have a non immigrant visa (single entry). I planned on visiting in a couple of weeks for 1 week. I am from the UK so do not require a visa for 1 week. I am wondering will visiting for 1 week impact my non immigrant visa?

Answer summary

The user is moving to Thailand with a non-immigrant visa (single entry) and is planning a one-week visit soon. They inquired whether this short trip would impact their non-immigrant visa. Responses indicated that if they leave Thailand after one week, they need to purchase a re-entry permit to maintain the validity of their non-immigrant visa, as it will be stamped for 90 days upon entry. It was also clarified that they can enter Thailand using the 30-day visa exemption for their brief visit before utilizing their non-immigrant visa later.

6 repliesnewest first

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Rob *******

Just make it clear you want a 30 visa exempt stamp when you enter and use the 90 day visa when you come back. I know of no rule that says you must use a visa just because you have it. Just be sure to enter within the validity period of the non O.

2 years ago

Brandon ************

@Rob ******

Haven't heard of anyone successful with this in a long time. The exact opposite in-fact with many reports of people forced to use their visa when they didn't want to.

You can always ask and the worst they can do is say no, but don't make plans expecting it.

2 years ago

Rob *******

@Brandon ***********

... AFAIK, there is no rule on this and it really is in the hands of the individual IO who stamps you in. In fact I have seen many posts regarding the opposite, where the IO stamped the person in for 30 days on visa exempt when they had the visa but the IO didn't see it. In those cases the visa holder had to exit and re-enter on their 90 day non O. My guess if you ask the IO will say cannot but if you don't ask the IO may not see the visa and give a 30 day stamp. Unfortunately TiT where rules are very often made up to suit the mood of the official you're dealing with. 🤷‍♂️

2 years ago

James ********

Hmmmmm 🤔🤔

You say that you have a Non O Visa in your passport... single entry.

It's only good for a 90 day stamp on arrival.

Do you now have a reentry permit also in your passport?

Trying to understand what is your question ❓

If you enter Thailand for One week and you NOW have a single entry NON O VISA visa in your passport...

You will be stamped in for 90 days.

If you leave after staying one week...

Be sure to buy a re-entry permit

To keep the validity of the Non O Visa remaining time valid.

With a Non O Thai Visa in your passport, you cannot just enter Visa Exempt Entry... you will use the Non O Thai Visa to enter Thailand.

2 years ago

James ********

Brandon Thurkettlethank you for your helpful update. He will use the Non B to enter and with a re-entry permit can leave and re-enter during the 90 day stamp he will get on his first arrival into Thailand.

2 years ago

Brandon ************

@James *******

Just to give you context James, as he posted in another group. He has a non-B visa. He's going to Thailand and his job will start the work permit process when he's there. I did give him the information about the re-entry permit as well as it's critical.

2 years ago