Latest From Savannakhet For O Visas

[kurtmartens]

Morning. Writing this while still in Laos and fresh in my mind. Instead of staying at the Savaan Casino we opted to try the Daosavan Hotel. Much better choice in my opinion having now stayed at both. I think the rooms and food are better at the Daosavan. Downside is there is no "VIP" shuttle bus from Friendship Bridge 2, but making your way across on your own is easy enough.

Went to the Thai Consulate this morning. Paid 120 Baht to have the little store directly across from the Consulate fill out my application, make a copy of my passport and snap a couple visa pictures.

9AM follow the masses inside the Consulate. Waited in line maybe 15 minutes (worst part of the whole experience since even at 9AM the humidity is high).

Got to the counter. Presented my application and photocopy of our wedding certificate and showed the original, wife's ID card and the housebook. Paid the 5,000 Baht and pickup the passport tomorrow at 2PM.

Don't forget if you are dong the O visa based on marriage to bring your original wedding certificate. All in all easy peasy. Costs:

Hotel - $72 per night deluxe room. Am sure there are cheaper options.

Application and copies/pictures - 120 Baht

Visa fee - 5,000 Baht

[onionluke]

Nice one .

Did you have to show any bank details and did you get a multiple entry Non Immigrant O ?

tnx.

[ignis]

there is no "VIP" shuttle bus from Friendship Bridge 2, but making your way across on your own is easy enough.

Yes easy BUT....... made an error 2 weeks ago, been there a few times to Savannakhet Thai Consulate, as normal stayed 2 nights, go via VIP Bus, back to BKK at 0830..... before have always used a Mini bus of some sort, Hotel to Thailand across the borders, so had a shock and panic this trip.

Arrived at Laos border at 06:30 via Tuk Tuk......... Border opens at 08:00 for foot passengers !! 1st Bus across the bridge is 08:30.!!......... So be warned...

Managed to get passport stamped in Laos going via the truck/mini bus border, managed to hitch hike a lift over bridge and get stamped into Thailand.. in Thailand NO taxi or Tuk Tuk [1st foot passengers do not arrive till 09:00].. 30 mins in the rain a border guard took pity on me, had already spoken to him some time before, he got his truck and drove me to the bus station. bus was just pulling out...

Now understand why people stay the 2nd night in Thailand..

[kurtmartens]

Nice one .

Did you have to show any bank details and did you get a multiple entry Non Immigrant O ?

tnx.

Hi. 5,000 Baht and 12 month multi entry based on marriage. Did not ask for the bank statement.

[kurtmartens]

@ignis. Good point. We travel in the afternoons so are normally okay, thankfully!

[Rooo]

Off topic post removed.

[seajae]

Thanks for the update mate, got to do mine in October so I just hope it goes as smooth.

[Paulbod]

Doing mine next week thanks for the posting. Will try the hotel also

[Yarinda]

thank for useful detail, seems like this way is much easier than report to immigration every 3 month.

[sirchai]

Pretty good news. Guess you'll pick up a Non-O multiple entry visa, where you'll have to leave Thailand every 90 days and extendable up to 15 months?

Edited June 3, 2013 by sirchai

[Yarinda]

yep, will take my first tour in Lao too.

[lopburi3]

thank for useful detail, seems like this way is much easier than report to immigration every 3 month.

Leaving the country every 90 days is easier than making a TM.47 address report to immigration? Which can be delivered by someone else or mailed?

[MJCM]

thank for useful detail, seems like this way is much easier than report to immigration every 3 month.

Sorry Yarinda,

I think you are mistaken on this

It takes for me from leaving home, going to immigration, doing my 90 day reports and getting back home around 45mins - 1 hours.

But on a Visa Run, I leave home around 6am and will be back around 3-4pm.

So for me the 90 day report is way faster.

Ps: I am only comparing 90 Day Reporting with 90 Day visa runs

PsPs: Don't forget, a lot of Immigration Office also accept Mail in 90 Day Reports. (so it is only a trip to the Post Office)

[Yarinda]

yeh, you are right! my bad, I just read thru the visa progress and see that it going quite smooth! forgot to consider the leaving.

Thanks again! I will think about these 2 options again.

[MJCM]

yeh, you are right! my bad, I just read thru the visa progress and see that it going quite smooth! forgot to consider the leaving.

Thanks again! I will think about these 2 options again.

The Visa is easier to do as your not required to have a lump sum tied up in a Bank Account and don't have to go to immigration with a 6" (exaggerated) stack of paperwork.

[lopburi3]

So you have to obtain a visa for another country and buy a 5,000 baht visa using almost the same paperwork you would require for an extension of stay at 1.900 baht fee total for the year? And then make new trips out every 90 days regardless of how you may feel?

I understand this when finances require but expect most people try to keep a sizable account balance available for emergencies anyhow so using this for extensions would seem to make sense if available.

[rmacee]

Quick point ..

Guess you have to 'buy' a Laos visa when you cross over .. $30 or something similar??

and another 'PAIN' is a whole page of your passport gone .. with their one page visa / sticker ..

Is this correct?

[sirchai]

Quick point ..

Guess you have to 'buy' a Laos visa when you cross over .. $30 or something similar??

and another 'PAIN' is a whole page of your passport gone .. with their one page visa / sticker ..

Is this correct?

That's correct. A whole page for one sticker. Then the visa fee, which depends on your original country. Paying in baht around 1,500 for Laos, as you'll also have to pay to get stamped out. Only free for Swiss guys and many Asian nationals, as the Philippines.-

[PEP]

Kurtmartens,

Thanks for your valuabe information. It has certainly answered my previous post enquiring if Mllti O, 12month was available as claimed on Savanna Vagus Site.

Regards from PEP

[millwall_fan]

So you have to obtain a visa for another country and buy a 5,000 baht visa using almost the same paperwork you would require for an extension of stay at 1.900 baht fee total for the year? And then make new trips out every 90 days regardless of how you may feel?

I understand this when finances require but expect most people try to keep a sizable account balance available for emergencies anyhow so using this for extensions would seem to make sense if available.

There are several scenarios, Lopburi3 in which the OP's method is best. The first as you rightly state is if you don't have much money in your bank account and with exchange rates at the moment, a lot of people are holding back on transferring funds. Secondly, a number of people are finding that immigration offices around the country (I gather Chiang Mai isn't the only one) are demanding the full amount of money in a bank - no income statements were accepted. My understanding is that Immigration don't like doing non imm o's as they have to refer them to Bangkok which causes them extra work. They prefer the over 50's to get a retirement visa which they can issue without reference to any higher authority.

There is also the issue of time and attitude. Chiang Mai Immigration can take a day whilst ignorant, rude personnel decide whether you can stay in their country. I get my new non imm B in Hull, UK. I'm in and out in 15 minutes after a helpful smiling lady who speaks fluent English (albeit with a Hull accent!) has dealt efficiently with my paperwork (A caveat to this last year was that when I phoned to get my appointment, a Thai answered the phone and said they needed my wife's restaurant licence-which I hadn't brought with me as they'd never asked for it before. I called the consulate in Liverpool and a nice Scouse lady said Liverpool consulate didn't require the restaurant licence. In they end Hull accepted a faxed copy, but the message is clear - go to a consulate that doesn't have a Thai working there unless you want rules to be invented on the hoof.

As to the border runs during the year, it depends where you live and the border you use. I go to Mae Sai/Tachilek and its like a mini break for the wife and I. We taste the forbidden fruit of a casino, do a bit of shopping for cheap Chinese goods in the market and buy a couple of bottles of hooch on the bridge on the way back (Bombay Sapphire gin 400 baht compared to 960 in Chiang Mai, single malt whiskies that are unavailable in Chiang Mai, some interesting beers also unavailable in Chiang Mai (Faxe from Denmark, Boliarka from Bulgaria) have a meal and a bottle of duty free wine in a restaurant in Mae Sai and home the next day. Happy Days!!! ...especially as I dont have to go near immigration in Chiang Mai!

[Mario2008]

Based on marriage you only have two options:

- 400,000 in the bank

OR

- showing an income of 40,000 baht a month

Only for retirement is it possible to use a combination of income and money in the bank.

[IMA_FARANG]

A multi entry Non O is fine in Savannakhet based on marriage ... but I do NOT believe you will get one anywhere in S,E, Asia based on RETIREMENT.

Including Savannakhet.

Just be aware of that.

[MickGC]

there is no "VIP" shuttle bus from Friendship Bridge 2, but making your way across on your own is easy enough.

Yes easy BUT....... made an error 2 weeks ago, been there a few times to Savannakhet Thai Consulate, as normal stayed 2 nights, go via VIP Bus, back to BKK at 0830..... before have always used a Mini bus of some sort, Hotel to Thailand across the borders, so had a shock and panic this trip.

Arrived at Laos border at 06:30 via Tuk Tuk......... Border opens at 08:00 for foot passengers !! 1st Bus across the bridge is 08:30.!!......... So be warned...

Managed to get passport stamped in Laos going via the truck/mini bus border, managed to hitch hike a lift over bridge and get stamped into Thailand.. in Thailand NO taxi or Tuk Tuk [1st foot passengers do not arrive till 09:00].. 30 mins in the rain a border guard took pity on me, had already spoken to him some time before, he got his truck and drove me to the bus station. bus was just pulling out...

Now understand why people stay the 2nd night in Thailand..

Mukdahan now has a number of air-conditioned, metered taxis operating. Can ring on 042613666.

[ignis]

Savannakhet side also has Mini Buses, asked 2 of them cost 2,000 baht !!

there is no "VIP" shuttle bus from Friendship Bridge 2, but making your way across on your own is easy enough.

Yes easy BUT....... made an error 2 weeks ago, been there a few times to Savannakhet Thai Consulate, as normal stayed 2 nights, go via VIP Bus, back to BKK at 0830..... before have always used a Mini bus of some sort, Hotel to Thailand across the borders, so had a shock and panic this trip.

Arrived at Laos border at 06:30 via Tuk Tuk......... Border opens at 08:00 for foot passengers !! 1st Bus across the bridge is 08:30.!!......... So be warned...

Managed to get passport stamped in Laos going via the truck/mini bus border, managed to hitch hike a lift over bridge and get stamped into Thailand.. in Thailand NO taxi or Tuk Tuk [1st foot passengers do not arrive till 09:00].. 30 mins in the rain a border guard took pity on me, had already spoken to him some time before, he got his truck and drove me to the bus station. bus was just pulling out...

Now understand why people stay the 2nd night in Thailand..

Mukdahan now has a number of air-conditioned, metered taxis operating. Can ring on 042613666.

[domu]

Quick point ..

Guess you have to 'buy' a Laos visa when you cross over .. $30 or something similar??

and another 'PAIN' is a whole page of your passport gone .. with their one page visa / sticker ..

Is this correct?

That's correct. A whole page for one sticker. Then the visa fee, which depends on your original country. Paying in baht around 1,500 for Laos, as you'll also have to pay to get stamped out. Only free for Swiss guys and many Asian nationals, as the Philippines.-

I'm Swiss, so I did chek a bit further and as I couldn't find any official lao web site, I got this:

Visas for Laos are needed for

all passports except

Japan, Republic of

Korea, Russia,

Luxembourg and Switzerland. According to agreements made since 2005,

ASEAN country citizens should be given free entry for 15 days. However,

visitors from

Indonesia and other ASEAN countries are being charged for entry into Laos.

This may also apply at other ASEAN country border control where the free

entry agreement has not been implemented or is being ignored.

More info on http://www.retire-asia.com/lao-visa-on-arrival-30-days.shtml

[kurtmartens]

Just to "conclude" ... I just got back to Thailand after picking up the multi O at 2PM at the Consulate in Savannakhet. Got there a bit later than 2PM and my number had already been called. Not sure what happens if they call your number and you get there later to be honest; I lucked out as I had my 8 month old daughter with me and the guy at the window just called me over and took my number and handed my passport to me (I had #36 and they were on #73 when I showed up at 210PM).

Payed 80 Baht at Laos immigration for exit stamp. Got on the very overcrowded bus (with some interesting people) .... crossed over the Bridge, went through Thai immigration (had my family with me so used the Thai line), walked to the car and started the travel back to Chiang Mai.

For me personally the trip to Savannakhet is easier then going through CNX immigration. My work schedule has me in Thailand for 8 weeks of vacation and then working 8 weeks on rotation. When I need to redo the visa, we just make a trip out of it.

Anyhow. Point is ... the Consultate is still issuing multi O visas for marriage. No bank info needed, just make sure you have your orignal certifiate with you. Note: this time they noted on the visa the date of our marriage. I assume next time I'll need certiicate stating we are still married.

[notbkk]

Thanks everyone for the invaluable info on the Non-immigrant "O" visa based on marriage for Savannakhet. I am a South African who moved to Bangkok with my Thai fiance of 5 years (we stayed in SA), 3 years ago. I have a work permit here and have been working all the time with a fixed income, for the same company. We have now decided to get married, and my question is:

1. Can I get a work permit based on my marriage status, once we get married? I might change jobs soon.

2. Will the same procedures be valid as for my current work permit, i.e. go to Savannakhet and get the "O" visa instead of the "B" visa I got in SA before we left for Thailand, then obtain the work permit, leave the country (or go to Bangkok Immigration?) and come back with a one year visa based on the work permit? Not sure how it works.

I am over 50, but need to keep on working for a while yet, so a retirement visa is not an option right now. If someone can be so kind as to set the info out step-by-step for me, I will be very grateful! Many thanks.

[Mario2008]

You do not need to go abroad. When the time comes you simply apply for an extension of stay at immigration based on your marriage instead of based on employment. You can get a work permit on that as well.

Of course the paperwork for an extension is different. Requirement is that you have an income of at least 40,000 a month OR have 400,000 in a bankaccount in Thailand in your name, for 2 months.

If not, you can apply for a non-O visa abroad, in savanakhet Laos you will get a multiple.

[kenny1916]

You do not need to go abroad. When the time comes you simply apply for an extension of stay at immigration based on your marriage instead of based on employment. You can get a work permit on that as well.

Of course the paperwork for an extension is different. Requirement is that you have an income of at least 40,000 a month OR have 400,000 in a bankaccount in Thailand in your name, for 2 months.

If not, you can apply for a non-O visa abroad, in savanakhet Laos you will get a multiple.

hi i'm from the UK and I presently want to get married to my long term g/f from Thailand I want to travel there on a tourist visa and afterwards apply for my non immigrant O visa id like to know what would be the best way of going about this as i'm very new to all this and have heard a few ways I don't have the 400,000 baht in the bank but i;m presently looking for employment id like to know the easy way to go about this

thanks

[lopburi3]

To marry consult your Embassy as you will have to fill out paper there of your employment (last job or student) /family/two references/bio data that will be notarized by them and you then have translated into Thai and legalized at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok for presentation to the District Office that you register your marriage. This is not expensive but may require about 5,000 baht or so. If you do not know wedding conditions that is another story and you should ask questions in the marriage forum. After marriage you can apply for a non immigrant O visa from a Thai Consulate in another country (currently Savannakhet would be best choice without financial paperwork - you would need marriage certificate/copy and copy of wife ID card and home register).

You should have a tourist visa issued in UK for travel here if intending to stay longer than 30 days (no onward ticket).