60 Day Or 90 Day Visa Or !2 Month Visa

[dsfbrit]

I have two friends coming from South Africa later in the year. They are both UK citizens, married, the husband is 50 this year and they are currently resident in the UK.

They are coming straight here from South Africa - they will not return to the UK.

They would like the option to come and go from Thailand for up to a year. In fact, if they like it they may try to stay the whole year and as the husband is 50 this year, they may even try to stay long term.

I have read about the various visas they can apply for, but cannot decide if they have to return to the UK to get the visa issued.

Could someone please tell me what the latest info is for where the following visas can be issued. Could they get these outside the UK - possibly in South Africa?

Thanks very much for you help.

If they apply for :-

1. A 3 month validity, single entry tourist visa: pre-obtained at a Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate and will result in the holder obtaining a 60 day 'permission to stay' stamp upon entry. If required, this type of visa may be extended by 30 days at an immigration office, but after that time the holder must leave the country. After one entry, the visa is “used”.

2. A 6 month validity, 2 to 4 entry tourist visa: pre-obtained at a Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate and will result in the holder obtaining a 60 day 'permission to stay' stamp upon entry if from a 30 day visa exempt entry country (listed below) or 30 days if not. If required, this type of visa may normally be extended by 30 days at an immigration office, but after that time the holder must leave the country. The holder may then return to the Kingdom and will obtain a second 60 day 'permission to stay' stamp which can also be extended as previous and then the holder must leave. After the stipulated number of entries the visa is “used”.

3. A 3 month validity, single entry non-immigrant visa: pre-obtained at a Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate and will result in the holder obtaining a 90 day 'permission to stay' stamp. This visa can be extended up to one year for specific reasons and with the required documentation (see 12 month extensions).

4. A 12 month validity, multi entry non-immigrant visa: pre-obtained at a Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate (usually) in your home country and will result in the holder obtaining a 90 day 'permission to stay' stamp upon entry. Each time the holder enters the Kingdom whilst the visa is valid, he/she will obtain a further 90 day 'permission to stay stamp'. Such visas can be issued for students/work/family etc. but normally require supporting documentation. This visa can also be extended up to one year for specific reasons and with the required documentation (see 12 month extensions).

[Mario2008]

Their best shot is option 3 or 4.

All these visa's can be gotten in South Africa or any other embassy/consulate. There is no need to apply for them in your home country, although regarding mutiple entries some embassies/consulates are stricter than others. Only for a O-A visa need one to apply in ones home country (or countru of residence).

For a 12 month extension of stay one needs to show an income of 65,000 baht a month OR 800,000 in the ban in Thailand for 2 months OR a combination of yearly income and money in the bank totaling 800,000.

[thaiphoon]

From reports suspect will be restricted to single entry tourist visa if applying through the embassy in Pretoria. But, as said, can then extend permission to stay at Thai immigration if meet the requirements.

An alternative, depending upon travel plans/timings, could be to obtain multiple entry Non-O visa on the basis of visiting friends from the consulate in Hull before departing for South Africa. No supporting paperwork is currently required. That would give 90 day permission to stay on each entry, and a final border run before visa expiry would give a further 90 day stay stretching the visa to 15 months. During the last 30 days of each permission to stay period can apply for extension of stay based on retirement (if meet the requirements).

[dsfbrit]

Thaipoon and Mario2008 thanks very much for your help.

They are already in South Africa so thats why I was a little bit unsure what they could do from outside the UK. I will pass this information onto them now.

Thanks again for your help

[dsfbrit]

I have passed this information onto my friends. One question they asked that I was not sure about was the issue of his wife. She is under 50 years old, so does she have to leave the country and do a 'visa run' every 90 days or just do a report to the immigration office the same as her husband?

Thanks for your help.

[lopburi3]

When/if husband obtains a one year extension of stay for retirement wife can obtain a matching dependent extension of stay for the same period and only have to make normal 90 day address reports.

[dsfbrit]

Thanks for that Lopburi3 - much appreciated. I will pass that info on...

[dsfbrit]

My friends are heading back to the UK before coming to Thailand. Lopburi3, you advised on another thread that my original suggestion to them to get a Tourist visa is a poor idea and a Non-imm visa would be a better idea.

I have read the requirements for this and it looks like they can just fill in a form saying they are coming to visit me in Pattaya, send their passports to Hull, and they can get a multi-entry non-o visa.

Is that correct? Sorry to be such a 'pain' with this. But advising friends on this sort of thing is a 'frightening' experience - I want to make sure I get it right!!!!!

Thanks again

[Lite Beer]

Yes. They can get a Multi Entry Non Imm O Visa from Hull. This would give up to 15 months.

If applying for a 12 month extension at Immigration in Thailand only a single is needed.

There is a form to download on the Hull website where they enter their friend in Thailand's address.

[lopburi3]

As it appears retirement extension is only a possibility (from OP) after a time here the multi entry non immigrant O visa for each is the best option and if they decide to remain they can extend during the last 30 days of any entry.

[dsfbrit]

Thanks Lite Beer for the quick response..

[dsfbrit]

Lopburi3, thanks for the feedback.

Since I first posted, they have been told they cannot live in South Africa and as Thailand was their next choice then they are definitely coming here to retire. They will return to the UK first then arrive in Thailand in November.

So whereas I was just advising them thinking they would probably never come here to retire - I now have the 'pressure' of making sure what I tell them is 'spot on'.

Its a massive pressure!!!!!

So I very much appreciate your help!!!

Am I right now when I say:-

- they both should fill in a separate visa form whilst in the UK for a non-imm-O visa - saying they will come and visit me in Pattaya - and send to Hull - and they should expect to receive that within a few days without any problems.

- then when in Thailand and after their funds have been 'seeded' for 60 days - they can go to immigration and the husband who is 50 - can do the retirement visa with his wife as the dependant spouse. Assuming of course there is time remaining on the non-o imm visa.

Edit:

I have just been on the Hull website. Is this what I need to do - ie: write a letter. I thought I read somewhere they did not need this nowadays???

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Royal Thai Consulate

Priory Court Saxon Way Priory Park West

Hessle Hull HU13 9PB

Tel: 01482 581668 Fax 01482 628877

Email: [email protected] Website: www.thaiconsul-uk.com

Additional Pack for “O” Visa

Any person wishing to stay with family/friends who live in Thailand, who will be participating in volunteer work in Thailand or who wish to stay in Thailand as a UK pensioner for extended periods should apply to this office for a Non-Immigrant Category “O” Visa before leaving the UK. This category of visa prohibits any paid employment.

Please use our Standard Visa Application Pack and include with it one of the following:-

Letter confirming staying with family/friend living in Thailand (see page 2/4)[/b]

UK Pensioner (see page 3/4)

Volunteer Worker Sponsor Letter (see page 4/4)

[lopburi3]

Can not speak for Hull. Be sure money is in the applicants name here in Thailand (not a joint account) and after 60 days he can do the retirement extension and spouse can do the dependent. They should make sure they have the paperwork to prove the marriage (have not done but believe it involves the UK Embassy).

[dsfbrit]

Can not speak for Hull. Be sure money is in the applicants name here in Thailand (not a joint account) and after 60 days he can do the retirement extension and spouse can do the dependent. They should make sure they have the paperwork to prove the marriage (have not done but believe it involves the UK Embassy).

Thanks... I have taken on one heck of a task - the responsibility is KILLING ME!!!!!

[loong]

Can not speak for Hull. Be sure money is in the applicants name here in Thailand (not a joint account) and after 60 days he can do the retirement extension and spouse can do the dependent. They should make sure they have the paperwork to prove the marriage (have not done but believe it involves the UK Embassy).

Thanks... I have taken on one heck of a task - the responsibility is KILLING ME!!!!!

Don't worry about the responsibility.

Tell them to telephone Hull before posting in their application to clarify exactly what they need to provide.

Last week, I obtained a 1 year Non O multi entry from Cardiff. If they are closer to Cardiff, it may be an option for them to make an appointment and go to the Consulate there. In my case I needed to show bank statements with sufficient funds (they considered 8,000 Pounds enough), but I also needed a letter from someone to state that they would pay repatriation costs should I be stranded in Thailand with no funds. I telephoned Cardiff first and they would have sent out all necessary forms to me if I had wanted to apply by post.

In my experience, it has always been simpler to get the visa from Hull compared to Cardiff, but the staff at Cardiff are extremely helpful and will definitely do all they can for those who are unsure of the procedure.

Nb. Cardiff consulate will be moving office later this year but they anticipate staying in Mount Stuart Square (the last move was from number 9 to number 7). Check that any address on the website is up to date when contacting them.

Hull Consulate website

http://www.thaiconsul-uk.com/

Cardiff Consulate

http://freespace.virgin.net/royalthai.consulate/

[dsfbrit]

Can not speak for Hull. Be sure money is in the applicants name here in Thailand (not a joint account) and after 60 days he can do the retirement extension and spouse can do the dependent. They should make sure they have the paperwork to prove the marriage (have not done but believe it involves the UK Embassy).

Thanks... I have taken on one heck of a task - the responsibility is KILLING ME!!!!!

Don't worry about the responsibility.

Tell them to telephone Hull before posting in their application to clarify exactly what they need to provide.

Last week, I obtained a 1 year Non O multi entry from Cardiff. If they are closer to Cardiff, it may be an option for them to make an appointment and go to the Consulate there. In my case I needed to show bank statements with sufficient funds (they considered 8,000 Pounds enough), but I also needed a letter from someone to state that they would pay repatriation costs should I be stranded in Thailand with no funds. I telephoned Cardiff first and they would have sent out all necessary forms to me if I had wanted to apply by post.

In my experience, it has always been simpler to get the visa from Hull compared to Cardiff, but the staff at Cardiff are extremely helpful and will definitely do all they can for those who are unsure of the procedure.

Nb. Cardiff consulate will be moving office later this year but they anticipate staying in Mount Stuart Square (the last move was from number 9 to number 7). Check that any address on the website is up to date when contacting them.

Hull Consulate website

http://www.thaiconsul-uk.com/

Cardiff Consulate

http://freespace.virgin.net/royalthai.consulate/

Thanks for that Loong. They are good friends so I know we will muddle through. As the tourist visa is free they may even just do a multi-entry tourist visa for now. The 'non Imm O' visa will cost 200 pounds for the two of them, so they could get the tourist visas for free and then pay any extra money to convert to the 'Non Imm O' then the retirement visa when they get here.

I have told them that if they get a one way ticket, then with the tourist visa they may need to have a ticket showing they will exit Thailand before the Tourist visa runs out. They like the idea of popping over to Malaysia for a short trip anyway - its not expensive.

Mind you- I have now been told by the Mods here, that they can actually come here on a one way ticket without the need to prove they will leave Thailand within the validity of the Tourist visa. I believe what Mods tell me, but its very difficult knowing what to do when the Hull Consulate web site says this, it is not as straight forward as I would like. Lets face it - all it needs is a balshy check-in staff member at Heathrow and yuk...

---------------------------------------------------------------

Royal Thai Consulate

Priory Court Saxon Way Priory Park West

Hessle Hull HU13 9PB

Tel: 01482 581668 Fax 01482 628877

Email: [email protected]

One-way flight ticket to Thailand

Please note that under Thailand’s immigration rules it is allowed for a foreigner to fly to Thailand on a one-way ticket only if they are in possession of a valid visa which they can present when they check-in for their flight to Thailand.

Without such a visa the traveller will not be allowed to board their flight to Thailand with a one-way ticket.

Please also note that some flight operators may be reluctant to accept a traveller to Thailand with a one-way ticket even if they are in possession of a valid visa. This may be something to do with rules or regulations imposed by the flight operator. Accordingly, we advise all travellers to check this with their airway carrier (not travel agent) well in advance of travelling to avoid last minute complications.

For information about obtaining a visa for Thailand please contact the Royal Thai Consulate in Hull – www.thaiconsul-uk.com

[dsfbrit]

My friends have said they have a 'certified copy' of their Marriage Certificate. The husband is 50 in November and his wife is 46 when they apply for the Retirement Visa. She is applying as his married independent so the Marriage Certificate is very important. I believe they have to go to the British Embassy to get this 'certified' and they also need it translated. So will a certified copy be OK - or does it need the original???

Does this also have to be registered at the MFA???

Thanks for the help...

[Mario2008]

It does not have to be registered at the MFA, if in English Immigration will accept it without translation. Check with the immigration office to be sure.

A certified copy will be OK, but if in English showing the original and handing over a copy of the original might be enough. Again, check with the immigration office they will use.

[dsfbrit]

Thanks Mario2008,

I think I may have misunderstood what they told me. They say they only have a 'certified copy' of the Wedding Certificate. In fact I suspect they meant they have a certified copy as well as the original. I will check this out...

thanks again

edit: are you saying if they only have a certified copy and no original that would be OK as well??

[Mario2008]

A certified copy should be OK as well.

[dsfbrit]

Thanks...

[dsfbrit]

My friends will return to the UK in 5 weeks time. Their plan is as follows, could you please confirm this will work. I have looked on the London Embassy web-site where they plan to go and it requires all kinds of info NOT required by Hull or Cardiff. I suspect their website is simply out of date. Thanks.

We have decided on a non-Imm O-I visa (visiting friends).

What do we need to take? I looked on the website, but I'm not sure.

Passport plus copy of passport? - YES

The forms (2 copies each)- YES

Two recent photos each? - YES

Return or onward flight ticket? - NO

We have your address. - OK

Anything else apart from t he money? - WILL CHECK ON TV

What must we/must not say when applying? JUST SAY VISITING FRIENDS

We plan to go on the first Monday morning to London, and collect later in the week. I am asking these questions, cos we land Saturday and will need to have everything ready to go. WILL CHECK ON TV FOR YOU

[Mario2008]

They should apply at the consulate in Hull, which can be done by mail. Only takes about 3 days. Their website gives you the forms and all you need to send them. Others will not issue based on visiting friends.

http://www.thaiconsul-uk.com/downloads-and-visas.aspx

[dsfbrit]

Thanks for that Mario - I did not like the sound of them going to London at all.

Thanks again...

[dsfbrit]

If they are applying for a Multi-Entry Non-Imm-O based on visiting a friend - will the following be OK... ?? Thanks again for the feedback...

'We have a friend who has married a Thai lady and has invited us to go and stay with him for a while. He lives with his wife in Pattaya and has his own house. We expect to be with them from October 15th 2010 until after June 2011. It would be nice if we did not have to leave Thailand at all during this period and so a Multi Entry Non-Imm O visa would be useful.

We have sufficient funds to cover this stay'

[lopburi3]

A multi entry visa does not allow stay for more than 90 days. But as for wording don't believe that will be an issue for visa issue at the few locations that will provide.

[dsfbrit]

thanks for the quick reply.

Would this be better.

The trouble is they may be offered the FREE Tourist Visa if I get this wrong.

The truth is, and its no secret as such, is that he will apply for a retirement visa whilst in Thailand, but as he needs to convert to a Non-Imm-O anyway for this - he may as well get the Non-Imm-O visa now. I thought mentioning this on the visa application he sends to Hull that he will retire here, would just confuse the issue - perhaps I am wrong.

'We have a friend who has married a Thai lady and has invited us to go and stay with him for a while. He lives with his wife in Pattaya and has his own house. We expect to be with them from October 15th 2010 until after June 2011. It would be nice if we did not have to leave Thailand during this period more often than is necessary and so a Multi Entry Non-Imm O visa would be useful.

We have sufficient funds to cover this stay'

[lopburi3]

I suspect if you put an address on a piece of paper the visa will be issued so above should be fine if you include that.

[dsfbrit]

Thanks Lop for the reply.

I know I am being 'over-fussy' about this, but you know even better than I do - that providing information to a 3rd party is quite 'nerve-racking' and needs to be right...especially when they will be staying in my house for several months and will remind me often if I get it all wrong!!!!

I will tell them to write the above anyway.

Thanks again

[dsfbrit]

Just a quick thanks and a quick question. To start with thanks for the help from you who posted here. My friends applied for their multiple entry non-o visa to visit friends last Monday and received their visa by post from Hull by Wednesday Am - fantastic.

They arrived here in Thailand yesterday. Their visa is stamped until October 15th 2011. I know they have to leave every 90 days and when they return they get another 90 days stay. However can they leave and come back just 4 times or can they come and go as many times as they please and get the 90 days each time ?

Thanks again for all your help.