Covid numbers in Abu Dhabi are very high, despite having vaccinated most people with Sinopharm. South African variant widespread. They are talking about giving a booster vaccine already. I’d imagine Dubai is similar.

Difficult to see UAE coming off red list soon, but changes happen without warning so impossible to be sure.

It would have been better if she had got a visa before travelling to Thailand but, if she is prepared to pay and take the (small) risk, an agent should be able to get some sort of visa for her. I know agents in Pattaya were charging - baht for a Volunteer Visa which would give her a year.

@Barry *******

If you enter on a Tourist Visa you can convert to a Non O. Easy through an agent but still possible if you do it yourself. It’s not possible to change a STV to a Non O in Thailand.

You use your U.K. bank account for a visa application. You only need a Thai account for subsequent Extensions of Stay.

The summer is a way off yet and rules could change BUT it is extremely likely you will still need to quarantine for 15 nights.

In terms of visa, it depends how long you want to stay and what the Thai Embassy/Consulate where you are will give you.

If you’re British you can enter on Visa Exempt and stay up to 75 days. A tourist visa will give you up to 90 days. Any longer and you’ll need a Non O for marriage.

In any case, you’ll need a CofE and insurance, test etc.

They say to allow a week but usually do it very quickly - often same day.

@Bobby *******

that isn’t the point. You must buy one of the approved Thai policies. They will not accept better policies with overseas companies. The Thai policies are generally more expensive for worse cover. People that already have excellent cover have been forced to buy another policy to get an Extension. Also, older people can’t actually buy a new Thai policy anyway.

Initially: Non O gives 90 days, Non O-A one year. At the moment, both require insurance if you get in the U.K. Both visas can then be used to get Annual Extensions of Stay. Both require 800k in Thai bank to get Extension of Stay. Both require 90 day reporting. O-A requires Thai Health insurance for Extension, Non O does not require insurance for Extension.

So, initially, the O-A gives you longer but if you plan to stay in Thailand long term then the Non O does not require you to buy a Thai Health Insurance policy.

@Michael *******

Thanks. Jomtien used to make it difficult so good to hear they’re processing it now.

A Tourist Visa is now available. It still requires insurance, test and quarantine hotel.