Multi Entry O Visa

[KhaoYai]

I have held a multi entry O visa based on marriage to a Thai national for the bulk of the last 10 years or so.  I normally enter Thailand every 2 months staying for 2 to 3 weeks using my visa but in 2016 I decided it wasn't worth the cost of the visa as I never stayed longer than the 30 days I would get on a visa exempt entry. However, after 5 or 6 entries I was pulled over at Suvarnabhumi and told I should get a visa for my next trip or I would be refused entry. OK fair enough so I applied for a new 12 month Multi Entry O visa back in the UK which was duly granted in April 2017 - expring in April this year.  I have not renewed it yet as I am not allowed to travel for a while due to just having a major operation.

 

I have just looked at several UK consulate's websites and they are all stating that 12 month Multi Entry O Visas are no longer available. The Thai Embassy's website doesn't state this but they are no longer listed as being available - just a 3 month single entry.  I can't get through to them on the phone to confirm if this is correct or not but if it is, I'm going to have to buy 4 visas per year.

 

Has anyone any RECENT experience of obtaining a multi entry O from the RTE in London?

[ubonjoe]

The embassy in London still issues a multiple entry non-o visas based upon marriage.

There have been recent reports of people people getting them in London.

[KhaoYai]

3 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

The embassy in London still issues a multiple entry non-o visas based upon marriage.

There have been recent reports of people people getting them in London.

Thanks for that Joe, I'm not doubting you but I think I'll try emailing them for confirmation - there is some worrying wording on their website regarding other types of multi entry visas stating that if the correct information is not supplied, they will simply send a single entry and no refund will be given. I wouldn't want them applying the same 'punishement' to me if I apply for a multi and they have indeed stopped them.

[elviajero]

The consulates haven’t been able to grant ME non immigrant visas for some time. They are only, and definitely still available, from the London embassy.

[KhaoYai]

I finally got through to the Thai Embassy and can clear this up. Yes, correct they are still issuing multi entry visas.  I was aware that the consulates have not been issuing multi entries for a while - what threw me was the wording of the latest advice. Where the previous advice stated that THEY were no longer able to issue multi entry visas the new version states:

 

'This visa is available with single entry only, it is no longer possible to be granted a multiple entry visa. If wishing to stay longer it will be necessary to visit a Thai Immigration Office near to where you will be staying and enquire about the procedure for extending your stay. The single entry visa is valid for three months from date of issue and allows a single stay in Thailand of up to 90 days.'

 

The implications of the above are clear - apply for an extension within Thailand. In fact they sent me a document telling me that was the only way to do it, where to apply and what documents I would need - much the same as an O extension within Thailand that I guess most of you use to live there.

 

Anyway, it is not correct and London are still issuing multi entry O's based on marriage.

 

One interesting thing, there has been debate on this subject before, if not here, ceratinly on another forum.The RTE website states that you need to supply a copy of your marriage certificate, a  copy of your wife's ID card OR passport and  copies of your last 3 bank statements showing an income of at least £1400 per month.  Some people have stated that the proof of income requirement is a mistake and is not actually required.  I asked about this and was told that although it is in fact a requirement, they "do not focus on bank statements, we concentrate on the marriage certificate".  I don't have a problem sending copies of my bank statements but it seems they are not too bothered about them. Hopefully that's also cleared up.

[RAZZELL]

Got a multi "O" from London just over a week ago.

 

Just photocopies of marriage certificate, her passport/ID card etc. No financial proof asked for.

 

Paperwork submitted one day picked up the next (btw they were giving them back before 11am - just go in and check. I  was waiting outside at about 10.30 when someone came out with Passport and Visa in hand). 

 

RAZZ