Hi everyone, after spending quite a bit of time reading this forum and doing my own research, I have decided that the non-immigrant O marriage visa is probably the best route for me. I feel reasonably confident that I understand the application process and what is required.

I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has direct experience of applying for this visa through the Royal Thai Embassy in London.

I am a British national but have not lived in the UK for several years. However, I will be back in the UK for about five weeks over the summer and plan to apply for the visa during that time.

My assumption is that this should be fairly straightforward given that I am applying in my home country, but I am wondering whether my lack of recent UK residency could create any complications.

I am also hoping that five weeks is enough time to submit the application and receive the visa before travelling to Thailand. Has anyone done this on a similar timeline?

Any advice, practical tips, or things you wish you had known beforehand would be hugely appreciated. Equally, if there are potential issues I have not considered, I would be very grateful to hear about them.

Thanks in advance for any guidance.

https://aseannow.com/topic/1351717-visa-application-single-entry-spousal-visa-from-uk-embassy-london/

This link may provide some advice.

10 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

https://aseannow.com/topic/1351717-visa-application-single-entry-spousal-visa-from-uk-embassy-london/

This link may provide some advice.

Thank you 🙏

Hopefully some first hand experiences will post.

A common question regards return/onward flight.

Think that field can be blank for Non O application

Pictures required: You and your spouse in front of your residence, in front of your mailbox, in your bedroom/kitchen. Mailbox must be clearly legible. No self taken photos. accepted, full body in all frames. All passport pages 1 on each A4 paper. Copies signed and dated.

15 minutes ago, Rumpelstilskin said:

Pictures required: You and your spouse in front of your residence, in front of your mailbox, in your bedroom/kitchen. Mailbox must be clearly legible. No self taken photos. accepted, full body in all frames. All passport pages 1 on each A4 paper. Copies signed and dated.

Maybe needed for an extension, but not for a non-O e-visa.

13 hours ago, PaulBoing said:

I am also hoping that five weeks is enough time to submit the application and receive the visa before travelling to Thailand. Has anyone done this on a similar timeline?

Five weeks is plenty of time. My 2024 non-O (over 50) e-Visa was processed in 5 days, including a weekend and a supplementary request for travel proof (ticket) from the UK to Thailand (nobody else seems to have had this request but worth bearing in mind if you apply before making travel plans).

13 hours ago, PaulBoing said:

Hi everyone, after spending quite a bit of time reading this forum and doing my own research, I have decided that the non-immigrant O marriage visa is probably the best route for me. I feel reasonably confident that I understand the application process and what is required.

I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has direct experience of applying for this visa through the Royal Thai Embassy in London.

I am a British national but have not lived in the UK for several years. However, I will be back in the UK for about five weeks over the summer and plan to apply for the visa during that time.

My assumption is that this should be fairly straightforward given that I am applying in my home country, but I am wondering whether my lack of recent UK residency could create any complications.

I am also hoping that five weeks is enough time to submit the application and receive the visa before travelling to Thailand. Has anyone done this on a similar timeline?

Any advice, practical tips, or things you wish you had known beforehand would be hugely appreciated. Equally, if there are potential issues I have not considered, I would be very grateful to hear about them.

Thanks in advance for any guidance.

It is a fairly straightforward process, just think about what is being asked. As far as residency is concerned, shouldn't be a problem. For the question concerned I have only ever submitted a copy of passport, not an indication of address.

London is fairly quick, I have had one within 48 hours but 3-5 days is more usual.

Unless the questions have changed recently there are 2 regarding financials, Q4 & Q10, income/balance, only one need be addressed with a cross reference from one to the other. If I remember right Q10 asks for a balance of £10K but this is a left over from the ME visa and many have been succesful with a good bit less.

You will need something from your wife to acknowledge the visit. Easiest way is she writes a note with name, address, tel no, saying she expects you to arrive on such and such a day and signs. She can then take a screenshot which you can upload. It says all documents are to be in English but they mean English or Thai.

You need to answer every question with an upload. If you think a question is not applicable, write that on a piece of paper, take a photo and upload that. If you have more than one document to upload, you need to merge into one document for upload.

Good luck.

8 hours ago, sandyf said:

It is a fairly straightforward process, just think about what is being asked. As far as residency is concerned, shouldn't be a problem. For the question concerned I have only ever submitted a copy of passport, not an indication of address.

London is fairly quick, I have had one within 48 hours but 3-5 days is more usual.

Unless the questions have changed recently there are 2 regarding financials, Q4 & Q10, income/balance, only one need be addressed with a cross reference from one to the other. If I remember right Q10 asks for a balance of £10K but this is a left over from the ME visa and many have been succesful with a good bit less.

You will need something from your wife to acknowledge the visit. Easiest way is she writes a note with name, address, tel no, saying she expects you to arrive on such and such a day and signs. She can then take a screenshot which you can upload. It says all documents are to be in English but they mean English or Thai.

You need to answer every question with an upload. If you think a question is not applicable, write that on a piece of paper, take a photo and upload that. If you have more than one document to upload, you need to merge into one document for upload.

Good luck.

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply, SandyF. Just so that I'm clear - does this mean the application can be submitted online, and then I just collect it from the Embassy? That means I could apply whilst out of the UK and then follow up when I get to London?

My wife will be with me, so I guess that should make potential speed bumps smoother. I assume our marriage certificate, her land registry etc will not need to be translated into English?

Thanks again.

Paul

1 hour ago, PaulBoing said:

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply, SandyF. Just so that I'm clear - does this mean the application can be submitted online, and then I just collect it from the Embassy? That means I could apply whilst out of the UK and then follow up when I get to London?

My wife will be with me, so I guess that should make potential speed bumps smoother. I assume our marriage certificate, her land registry etc will not need to be translated into English?

Thanks again.

Paul

You have to apply online here.....https://www.thaievisa.go.th/ You don't ever have to go to the Embassy. The visa will be sent by e-mail. You are supposed to be in the country where you apply. If you will be there 5 weeks there is no benefit to applying before you arrive.

From the Thai London embassy

Document indicating current location
- Applicant’s local utility bills (shows your name and address) e.g. electricity bill/ gas / mobile phone / rental agreement.

สถานเอกอัครราชทูต ณ กรุงลอนดอน

Spouse and Family Visa - สถานเอกอัครราชทูต ณ กรุงลอนดอน

1. Document indicating current location

I have just seen this on the e-visa application page. What if you do not live permanently in the UK anymore?. I too am only visiting for a few weeks and staying with relatives, I asked AI and it suggested submitting a brief letter from the house owner to state you were staying there?.

I applied for an O visa from London (retirement not marriage) late last year but still relevant.

My major mistake, which was entirely my fault, was to not check the information provided before I pressed submit. When I scanned my passport bio page the system picked up a few additional letters and added them to my name. I didn't check, application cancelled and fee lost.

Having said that I have applied for a few evisas over recent years and find the system to be fair. If they need additional info the just ask for it. I get the impression they are trying to issue visas not looking for excuses to deny them.

As stated above no need to visit embassy, all done on line. My second application took about 5 days.

Good luck

Hi everyone, and thanks again for all the thoughtful comments and insights on my previous post. It has genuinely helped.

I had not realised that an embassy visit is not necessarily required, so that was useful to learn.

At the time I apply, I will still officially be resident in Singapore. The only reason I was thinking about applying in London was because we will be travelling during that period, so visiting the Thai Embassy in Singapore in person would not be possible.

From what I am now understanding, it sounds like the sensible route is simply to apply online through the embassy that covers Singapore, even if I am not physically in Singapore at the time.

Does that sound right in practice? Has anyone applied online through their country of residence while temporarily elsewhere?

Just want to make sure I am not missing anything obvious.

Thanks again for all the help.

1 minute ago, PaulBoing said:

Hi everyone, and thanks again for all the thoughtful comments and insights on my previous post. It has genuinely helped.

I had not realised that an embassy visit is not necessarily required, so that was useful to learn.

At the time I apply, I will still officially be resident in Singapore. The only reason I was thinking about applying in London was because we will be travelling during that period, so visiting the Thai Embassy in Singapore in person would not be possible.

From what I am now understanding, it sounds like the sensible route is simply to apply online through the embassy that covers Singapore, even if I am not physically in Singapore at the time.

Does that sound right in practice? Has anyone applied online through their country of residence while temporarily elsewhere?

Just want to make sure I am not missing anything obvious.

Thanks again for all the help.

No. You have to be physically in the country in which you are applying at the time you submit the application. Singapore would very likely require actual proof of that.

19 minutes ago, PaulBoing said:

From what I am now understanding, it sounds like the sensible route is simply to apply online through the embassy that covers Singapore, even if I am not physically in Singapore at the time.

Does that sound right in practice? Has anyone applied online through their country of residence while temporarily elsewhere?

How long from the time you depart Singapore until you plan to enter Thailand?

Last time I applied for a NON-O (long time ago) it was valid for 90 days, meaning you had 90 days to enter after it is issued. Think it still true.

Depending on your schedule why not obtain your NON-O in Singapore before you depart for the UK, time permitting?

OP, apply where you are located exactly as @Upnotover outlined

Hi everyone. Thanks again for bearing with me. I hope my novice questions are not causing frustration. I really appreciate all the advice so far.

I have been mapping out my timeline and thought I had everything nicely lined up, but I may have spotted a potential issue.

Current plan looks like this:

• Mid May. Apply for Non-Immigrant O marriage visa in Singapore where I am resident. Hopefully visa issued.

• Mid June to end July. Travelling (still legally resident in Singapore).

• Early August. Enter Thailand and start the proper process.

However, during that June and July travel period I will likely make a short trip into Thailand.

So here is my concern;

If my Non-O visa has already been issued but I enter Thailand briefly during that period, does that cause any problems with the visa? For example, does it automatically activate it, or in any way complicate things if I then leave again before doing the extension process?

I am guessing I cannot simply say "I have a Non-O visa but I am entering this time as a tourist and will use the visa later" but I am not sure how this works in practice.

Very grateful for any real world experience.

Thanks again,
Paul

7 minutes ago, PaulBoing said:

I am guessing I cannot simply say "I have a Non-O visa but I am entering this time as a tourist and will use the visa later" but I am not sure how this works in practice.

This has been asked a few times and IMO a risky option.

Assume that for the short trip to thailand you were hoping to enter visa exempt and "save" the Non O for later entry.

That would be up to the io at Thai airport.

Do you have a Thai bank account.

Depending on your dates it might be possible to enter with the Non O and obtain a reentry permit to protect the 90 day stamp

6 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

This has been asked a few times and IMO a risky option.

Assume that for the short trip to thailand you were hoping to enter visa exempt.

That would be up to the io at Thai airport.

Do you have a Thai bank account.

Depending on your dates it might be possible to enter with the Non O and obtain a reentry permit to protect the 90 day stamp

Yes - hoping to enter on the short trip visa exempt.
I don't have a Thai Bank Account (my wife does).

Possible variation:
I apply for the visa in Singapore the day before I leave. I'll arrive in Thailand before it's issued - but it will probably be issued whilst I'm in the country. Is that better - or also fraught with complications and risks?

43 minutes ago, PaulBoing said:

I apply for the visa in Singapore the day before I leave.

What would be the dates of the two entries to Thailand. Short trip and second trip to enter Thailand.

You cannot open Thai bank a/c on visa exempt.

Can you enter on the Non O open Thai bank account obtain reentry permit for trip back to Singapore and reenter Thailand with the reentry permit and s

till have sufficient time to obtain the 12 month extension

On 2/12/2026 at 7:48 PM, PaulBoing said:

Equally, if there are potential issues I have not considered, I would be very grateful to hear about them.

Where did you marry you're Thai spouse?
An important question often overlooked when you intend to stay long term in Thailand.

1 hour ago, PaulBoing said:

Yes - hoping to enter on the short trip visa exempt.
I don't have a Thai Bank Account (my wife does).

Possible variation:
I apply for the visa in Singapore the day before I leave. I'll arrive in Thailand before it's issued - but it will probably be issued whilst I'm in the country. Is that better - or also fraught with complications and risks?

You should first check the document requirements for both Embassies to confirm you can comply.
London: https://london.thaiembassy.org/en/page/spouse-and-family-visa

Singapore; https://singapore.thaiembassy.org/en/page/non-immigrant-visa-o-thai-spouse

All visas are now applied for online; https://www.thaievisa.go.th/

The Non Imm O visa is valid to enter Thailand for 90 days from the date of issue.
On entry you are granted permission of stay for 90 days.

If you wish to depart and re-enter during that 90 day period of stay, you need to purchase a re-entry permit.

29 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

Where did you marry you're Thai spouse?
An important question often overlooked when you intend to stay long term in Thailand.

In Thailand, 24 years ago.

19 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

You should first check the document requirements for both Embassies to confirm you can comply.
London: https://london.thaiembassy.org/en/page/spouse-and-family-visa

Singapore; https://singapore.thaiembassy.org/en/page/non-immigrant-visa-o-thai-spouse

All visas are now applied for online; https://www.thaievisa.go.th/

The Non Imm O visa is valid to enter Thailand for 90 days from the date of issue.
On entry you are granted permission of stay for 90 days.

If you wish to depart and re-enter during that 90 day period of stay, you need to purchase a re-entry permit.

OK - so this seems crucial.

If my visa is granted before I leave Singapore, and I enter Thailand for my short break (10 days). I can then purchase a re-entry permit to return in 4 weeks without that impacting my 90 day period? Is that correct?

2 minutes ago, PaulBoing said:

OK - so this seems crucial.

If my visa is granted before I leave Singapore, and I enter Thailand for my short break (10 days). I can then purchase a re-entry permit to return in 4 weeks without that impacting my 90 day period? Is that correct?

Yes. Then you'll have 50 days or so to sort out your bank account and apply for the annual extension. You can get the re-entry permit at the airport, 1000 baht (or 1200 and they do all the paperwork/photo for you).

7 minutes ago, PaulBoing said:

In Thailand, 24 years ago.

Thanks, that eliminates one potential issue.

19 minutes ago, PaulBoing said:

If my visa is granted before I leave Singapore, and I enter Thailand for my short break (10 days). I can then purchase a re-entry permit to return in 4 weeks without that impacting my 90 day period? Is that correct?

That is correct.

While you most likely very busy in the 10 day trip to Thailand it would be very useful to obtain the Thai bank account in that trip.

You would then transfer 400k to that account.

It needs to be seasoned for 2 months prior to applying for the extension.

Be aware that if more time is required you can obtain 60 day extension "to visit wife"

Be also aware that current threads indicating added requirements for opening bank account.

This attached thread link concerns Kasikorn.

BTW: avoid BBL.

https://aseannow.com/topic/1387149-kasikorn-bank-account/page/2/#findComment-20374192

7 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

That is correct.

While you most likely very busy in the 10 day trip to Thailand it would be very useful to obtain the Thai bank account in that trip.

You would then transfer 400k to that account.

It needs to be seasoned for 2 months prior to applying for the extension.

Be aware that if more time is required you can obtain 60 day extension "to visit wife"

Really appreciate the advice 🙏

5 minutes ago, PaulBoing said:

OK - so this seems crucial.

If my visa is granted before I leave Singapore, and I enter Thailand for my short break (10 days). I can then purchase a re-entry permit to return in 4 weeks without that impacting my 90 day period? Is that correct?

The re-entry permit protects any period of stay already granted, so if the Non O was issued say 1st June, it would be valid to enter Thailand until 29th August.
If you entered 1st July, you would be granted permission of stay until 28th September.

If you departed 10th July, returning 20th July (with a re-entry permit) you would be granted permission of stay again until 28th September.

2 hours ago, PaulBoing said:

Current plan looks like this:

• Mid May. Apply for Non-Immigrant O marriage visa in Singapore where I am resident. Hopefully visa issued.

• Mid June to end July. Travelling (still legally resident in Singapore).

• Early August. Enter Thailand and start the proper process.

However, during that June and July travel period I will likely make a short trip into Thailand.

From your posted travel itinerary plan, personally I would apply for the Non O just before the proposed 10 day trip to Thailand (mid June) and enter VE in the month of June.

To apply for the 1 year extension, you must have a Thai bank account in your sole name, and the financial requirement of 400K THB must have been deposit for a minimum period of 2 months before you can submit the application. So, in effect you have less than 30 days from the date of entry on a Non O to open a bank account and transfer said funds.

There is an option to apply for a 60 day extension if more time was required to season the funds.