Timing of Initial Entry to Thailand on LTR Visa

[TurtleSF]

I am recently retired and applied for the LTR-WP visa. I have received my BOI endorsement letter and will now apply for the visa itself. I opted to get the visa in the US and will be applying via the E-Visa portal. 

 

I know that the endorsement letter is valid for 60 days, meaning that I need to apply for the LTR visa within that timeframe. My question: Once I receive the visa, do I need to make my initial entry into Thailand within that same 60 day window? I ask because the BOI process moved rather quickly and the date I was planning to go to Thailand is just outside the 60 days.

 

I assume that the LTR visa will be issued with a 5-year validity and it is multiple entry. I just wasn't sure if there were any timing constraints on the initial use or if I can enter at any time I want after it is issued. I appreciate any guidance.

 

 

[Tod Daniels]

Good question, I think you have to APPLY for the visa during that window and then once the consulate approves it and sends you the PDF (which IS your visa) you just print it and show it with your passport when you fly in (no matter when that is during the next 5 years) 

I would contact LTR on their f/b page because they usually are good about answering questions 

Dunno why you'd decide to get the LTR thru a thai consulate in the US (and pay more for it) AND then only get a PDF file <- which is your visa and re-entry permit for the next 10 years 😞 (meaning you print that out and present it every time you enter the country)  

You would be far better served to get the visa approved, come to thailand make the appt at the LTR office go and get the VISA, the 5 year entry stamp and the 5 year re-entry permit inked in to your passport 

Never the less, here's the f/b page of LTR 
https://www.facebook.com/LTRVisaThailand 

[Equatorial]

1 hour ago, Tod Daniels said:

You would be far better served to get the visa approved, come to thailand make the appt at the LTR office go and get the VISA, the 5 year entry stamp and the 5 year re-entry permit inked in to your passport 

 

I can see the advantages of decoupling the physical visa from the passport. Passports have to be renewed, they get lost, etc. Having a PDF gives you the ability to create the physical visa document at will. 

[frankstraube]

I am myself in the process of applying for the LTR-WP Visa, and it is easier to receive the visa in my country as a PDF with E-Visa.

 

Does the 5 years period begins the day the visa is issued at the embassy, or is it the first day you enter Thailand with your new visa (as for a Tourist visa) ?

 

Thx