O-A Visa Renewal

[jagi00]

My O-A visa is due for renewal/extension in Feb 2013 and I have booked an appointment for 31st Jan. However, it now looks like I may be out of the country at that time. Is it possible to get a visa extension overseas or must I be in Thailand? Aso, I'm on my last free page in my passport so can I get the new visa extension in a new passport without having to transfer the old one over assuming that the new passport issue and visa extension will only be one or two weeks apart?

[Lite Beer]

Moved to the Visa Forum.

[lopburi3]

No you can not obtain anywhere except where you live in Thailand. But you could obtain a new O-A visa from home country and if you have a multi entry it is valid for a new one year stay on each entry during the one year it is valid (providing almost 2 years). If you are actually talking about a one year extension of stay from immigration office you will either have to do before you leave or start again after you return. Entry must be made in current passport and then transferred into new passport.

[jagi00]

No you can not obtain anywhere except where you live in Thailand. But you could obtain a new O-A visa from home country and if you have a multi entry it is valid for a new one year stay on each entry during the one year it is valid (providing almost 2 years). If you are actually talking about a one year extension of stay from immigration office you will either have to do before you leave or start again after you return. Entry must be made in current passport and then transferred into new passport.

Many thanks for your response - unfortunately it confirms my thoughts.

Apologies for posting in the wrong forum

[mahjongguy]

Jagi00 - If you are still in Thailand 30 days before the end of your current permission to stay, you can get a new extension just before you depart. There are some Immigration offices (e.g. Jomtien) that may allow extension even earlier than 30 days, especially if you show them your itinerary.

[quiuvo]

I would not leave the country without filing an extension. Just do it early. I would also get a new passport now.

[Kaoboi Bebobp]

I would not leave the country without filing an extension. Just do it early. I would also get a new passport now.

Definitely. Get the new passport ASAP, then in January, as early as possible, get the Extension and multi-re-entry permit in the new one. You will have to carry two passports because in different situations, you will have to photocopy the visa in the old one (+ extension and re-entry permit in the new one) for presentation in such things as licence applications and certificates of address. Remember, with Christmas coming up, many western authorities will be shut down for many days. That may be cutting it too close to the Feb deadline.

[lopburi3]

You do not have to "carry" two passports. For passport usage all the information will be transferred into the new passport, including full notation of original visa information. As it is not required for immigration it should not be required for any other usage but have no experience with licence since 1970 so can not speak on what some official might like.