Monk Visa?

[OneMind]

Hi, I am interested in ordaining at a wat in north-east Thailand. I live in Australia and I was wondering what I need to do about my visa. Should I enter on a tourist visa, ordain then apply for an extension or is there another way?

Any info about this would be great.

Thanks

[lopburi3]

Visa Permit For Buddhist Education Or Buddhist Practice

1. Certified letter issued by the Religious Affairs Department of Ministry of Education

2. Certified Abbot letter

3. Copy of Passport

Section 5, Sub-Division 2, Immigration Division 1

Has responsibility for application for extension of following types of visa ;

- Transit Visa (TS)

- Visa on arrival (TR-15)

- Courtesy Visa (CY)

- Without Visa (Permit of stay for 30 days or 90 days)

- Other types of visa except non-immigrant Visa and Tourist Visa

The above is current page at Immigration Division 3 website. I would at least have a tourist visa and if possible non immigrant visa for arrival. Don't know if you can do anything prior to arrival so if anyone with experience knows please update us. Perhaps a local Wat in Oz would have the information you need?

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Can you get an email or letter from the Abbot to support your application ? Where in Australia do you reside ?

[OneMind]

Thanks, I live in Perth. Getting a letter from the abbot shouldn't be a problem.

[astral]

Once you arrive the monastery will take care of any visa extension that you need.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Thanks, I live in Perth. Getting a letter from the abbot shouldn't be a problem.

The Royal Thai Consulate-General in Perth are cooperative. Apply for a single entry Non-Immigrant O visa. The Temple can arrange the extensions when you get there.

[OneMind]

Thanks again guys

[lopburi3]

If you are going to be in the Northeast this is probably worth downloading and reading as they are probably the office you will use.

LINK