My First Time O-A

[RickSee]

Apologies as I'm sure this has been well and truly answered many times, but I did try searching the forum first. I will be returning to Thailand within about 6 weeks, hopefully with a new (first time issue) O-A. Question is: will I lose any validity time if I apply well before the travel date?

thanks, RS

[InterestedObserver]

Validity of a non-immigrant "O-A" visa is 1 year from date of issue.

[Jimi007]

Validity of a non-immigrant "O-A" visa is 1 year from date of issue.

That's true for a multi-entry. I re read the OP and since it's six weeks until he leaves it is good for a year from the issue date as stated above. But just in case someone else is reading this:

If it is a single entry it's good for three months. Unless they've changed the rule since I got mine. You must enter the Kingdom within 90 of issue. You don't want to do it too early as it expires a year from the issue date. From the Los Angeles California Consulate:

To stay in Thailand for a retirement purpose.(Category "O-A")

Validity of visa

The validity of visa is 3 months.

See the link here: http://www.thai-la.net/visa/visa-non-im-oa.htm

[BWPattaya]

Whilst it is valid for one year there is a date stamped on the visa which says that it must be used by.

[Jimi007]

Whilst it is valid for one year there is a date stamped on the visa which says that it must be used by.

If it is a one year multi entry is valid for one year from the date of issue. If it's a single entry it is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. This is from the Royal Thai Embassy Washington DC:

Validity of a visa:-

multiple entries : Validity of a visa is 1 year.

Period of stay:-

Travelers with this type of visa will be permitted to stay in Thailand for a period of 1 year.

Recommendations for foreigners with Non-Immigrant Visa “O-A” (Long Stay) while staying in the Kingdom

· Upon arrival, holder of this type of visa will be permitted to stay in Thailand for 1 year from the date of first entry. During the one-year period, if he or she wishes to leave and re-enter the country, he or she is required to apply at the Immigration office for re-entry permit (single or multiple) before departure. In the case of leaving the country without a re-entry permit, the permit to stay for 1 year shall be considered void.

· At the end of the 90-day stay , the foreigner must report to the immigration officer in his or her residence area and report again every 90 days during his or her stay in Thailand . The foreigner may report to the police station if there is no immigration office in his or her residence area.

[lopburi3]

If single entry it makes no difference when it is issued as long as you arrive during the validity period - so a month or two early would be fine - you would still receive a one year permitted to stay on arrival.

If a multi entry visa and you intend to use for maximum time you will lose if issued early as last entry to receive a new one year stay will be based on issue date of the visa.