Worry-Free Non-O-Visa Savannakhet

[gzu88bv]

This is to inform you folks that I myself (without my wife present) did apply successfully for a Multiple Non-O-Visa at the Royal Thai Consulate General in Savannakhet/ Lao. My passport comprises several Multiple Thai Non-O-Visas that I acquired from different countries over the last 8 years and one re-enty permit stamp as a precautionary measure in case my first-time Savannakhet application would have failed.

With a smile and well dressed (long trousers) I handed in the following paperwork, waied the officer and the only words exchanged with him were: „sawadee khrap, please give me a Multiple Non-O-Visa for 1 year, kop khun khrap„ and nothing else. The officer did not say a single word, quickly glanced through my paperwork and after literally 10 seconds I left the window again.

I handed in the following:

- visa application (see Application.jpg)

- 2 pictures attached to the application

- original marriage certificate

- 1 copy of marriage certificate, i.e. front and back page copied back to back on a single sheet with no date and signature on it (see Marriage Certificate Front and Back Page.jpg)

- 1 copy of my passport front page dated 15.01.2013 and signed by me

- 1 copy of my wife’s ID card, front and back page copied on a single front sheet, dated 15.1.2013 and signed by my wife only

- 1 copy of my wife’s Blue Book (Tabian Ban) copied on a single front sheet dated 15.01.2013 and signed by my wife only

- 5000 Baht visa fee

So in essence the only thing I really had to show was the original marriage certificate which I got back again. No other questions were asked and no proof of financials was needed nor asked.

Enclosed you will find the shuttle bus time table departing from Friendship Bridge (not Mukda Han) on the left hand side. The one-way bus fare just over the bridge is THB 50, also payable with Thai Baht at the Lao side.

Tuk-tuks on the Lao side bring you for approx. THB 150-200 one way directly to the Thai Consulate. Opening hours respectively to hand in your application has to take place from 09.00 to 11.00 in the morning and you will be able to pick up your visa from 14.00-14.30 the next day. When you pick up your visa, be there in time.

And if you are still not sure what to do, there are people just in front of the gate at the consulate who will happily fill out your application and take a picture from you if you forgot them at home. And all this for a few Thai Baht. Especially in Savannakhet keep in mind that you have small Thai Baht bills with you and I am pretty sure that almost everywhere your Thai Baht is welcome and on rare occasions you will get back their currency, which is Kip.

Always check in your passport your entry and exit stamps that you get from Thailand as well as from Lao and each time fill out an arrival and departure card for Thailand and for Lao as well. Just take notice that only the departure card of the Thais will get a stamp on it, whereas you will not find such on the Lao departure card.

While in Savannakhet and if you look for a nice cup of coffee, a great sandwich and other nice food go to Café Chez Boune (see picture). And in some places ask for the dark Lao beer if you have a chance and believe me you won’t regret it.

I also recommend that you to go the Chinese market place. Show your tuk-tuk driver the picture „Chinese Market Savannakhet.jpg„ as enclosed. I am sure you will find something worthwile there, i.e I bought for my wife a hand bag and if that bag lasts for a year only it was worthwile the deal, because things there are so dirt cheap. Don’t be irritated by some aggressiveness of the vendors at the market, but you have to negotiate a Little bit with these People and it is great fun and you will have to do so with the tuk-tuk drivers.

And when you drive back to the Savannakhet border you will see the new Thai Consulate on your left which will open in about a month time as the tuk-tuk driver told me.

I also attach a brand new visa application form for download that I picked up from the window at the consulate. And I know if the back of the form is missing in your application the officer will quite likely ask you to re-write your application.

Last but not least, if you drive with your car to Mukda Han you can park it in the parking lot just on your left before the bridge and happily leave it there over night. But be quite sure that a customs official will welcome and watch you there on your return. Therefore do not pick up especially too many cigarettes or alcohol in the tax free shop at the border in Lao or be prepared to just lose them all.

Visa Application Savannakhet.pdf

[pinkpanther99]

Great report, very informative. Thanks for posting

[asiaexpat]

Very detailed and helpful I am sure. A question: why do you not apply for an extension of stay based on Thai Wife and save the trip to Laos (although it may be enjoyable?)

[floriamo]

thank you compatriot from schaffhusä, your detailed description is really a good hope and help to make this for a long stay in this country. now have to check out the travel from isaans khon kaen.

[gzu88bv]

Very detailed and helpful I am sure. A question: why do you not apply for an extension of stay based on Thai Wife and save the trip to Laos (although it may be enjoyable?)

Good question, I don’t have to season money in a Thai savings bank account or get an income letter from my embassy in Bangkok that also costs me some twelve hundred baht.

Then the way I travel (multiple entries and exits) not only within Asia but also from and to Europe the Multiple Non-O-Visa comes very handy and is moreover cost effective, or not?

And I live in deep Issan where Farang food stores are not to be found within vicinity and where a food trip to Lao is much more convenient and shorter than going to Bankok or Pattaya, etc. etc.

[Sceptict11]

Very detailed and helpful I am sure. A question: why do you not apply for an extension of stay based on Thai Wife and save the trip to Laos (although it may be enjoyable?)

Good question, I don’t have to season money in a Thai savings bank account or get an income letter from my embassy in Bangkok that also costs me some twelve hundred baht.

Then the way I travel (multiple entries and exits) not only within Asia but also from and to Europe the Multiple Non-O-Visa comes very handy and is moreover cost effective, or not?

And I live in deep Issan where Farang food stores are not to be found within vicinity and where a food trip to Lao is much more convenient and shorter than going to Bankok or Pattaya, etc. etc.

Where are the "Farang Food" supermarkets to be found in Laos ?

[zeichen]

I am slightly confused as having your wife with you has never been a requirement for the Non O visa in any country. It is a requirement for the extension at the immigration office in Chiang Mai.

I also have never had to show the original marriage license.

But just to clarify that you didn"t need proof of money in the bank for the non o multiple entry?

[ubonjoe]

Having his wife along is not a requirement.

Original may not be a requirement but it is always advisable to have original's of all documents in case they are asked for.

He did not need financial proof because it is not required.

[NanLaew]

The OP mentioned that he had a Thai re-entry permit 'just in case'. That re-entry permit must have been issued against a valid, unexpired visa or extension. Does that mean the OP obtained a new visa despite still having a valid, unexpired visa or extension in his passport?

[ubonjoe]

He probably had a re-entry permit for a 90 day entry he did just before his visa expired.

[gzu88bv]

@sceptict11

No need for a supermarket, go to French-biased Vientiane for instance and see what is available there in the shops. I love the Issan, but I also love Lao for its Farang restaurants/food and its very friendly people indeed.

@ubonjoe

I was in my last 15 permitted days to stay of my already expired previous Non-O-Visa and I secured those til their very end by a re-entry permit (done just after the Non-O had expired) in order to return to Thailand and extend that previous Non-O-Visa by a further 60 days based on my wife and in company of her to be done at any immigration office in Thailand.

If Savannakhet would not have worked, my plan was to extend as above, then switch to an extension based on retirement by an income letter that I had to get first.

I prefer however my present situation with the Non-O-Visa for reasons already mentioned.

[isawasnake]

What a great post!

One thing I don't understand, forgive the digression, is why in the hell do we have to go out of the country to get this visa? Anyway, whatever, I'll accept it, but I just don't quite get it. Our most intimate family member is a Thai, and we can't go to an office in Thailand. Maybe they do have their reasons.

Thanks for the info!!

[Pattaya Pat]

What a great post!

One thing I don't understand, forgive the digression, is why in the hell do we have to go out of the country to get this visa? Anyway, whatever, I'll accept it, but I just don't quite get it. Our most intimate family member is a Thai, and we can't go to an office in Thailand. Maybe they do have their reasons.

Thanks for the info!!

You don't have to! Read above and get your facts right.

The reason is it's a lot less hassle to go to this place. If you got to the Immigration here to apply they want to know your life strory and more..

[Pattaya Pat]

@sceptict11

No need for a supermarket, go to French-biased Vientiane for instance and see what is available there in the shops. I love the Issan, but I also love Lao for its Farang restaurants/food and its very friendly people indeed.

@ubonjoe

I was in my last 15 permitted days to stay of my already expired previous Non-O-Visa and I secured those til their very end by a re-entry permit (done just after the Non-O had expired) in order to return to Thailand and extend that previous Non-O-Visa by a further 60 days based on my wife and in company of her to be done at any immigration office in Thailand.

If Savannakhet would not have worked, my plan was to extend as above, then switch to an extension based on retirement by an income letter that I had to get first.

I prefer however my present situation with the Non-O-Visa for reasons already mentioned.

My head is spinning.

You have to go through all this grief every year for the rest of your life?

[ubonjoe]

A off topic post removed.

[ubonjoe]

What a great post!

One thing I don't understand, forgive the digression, is why in the hell do we have to go out of the country to get this visa? Anyway, whatever, I'll accept it, but I just don't quite get it. Our most intimate family member is a Thai, and we can't go to an office in Thailand. Maybe they do have their reasons.

Thanks for the info!!

No need to leave the country.

You can do extensions of stay based upon marriage at immigration. You need 400K baht in a Thai bank for 60 days or proof of 40k baht income.

I have not left the country in almost 6 years because I have done the same extension 6 times.

[Pattaya Pat]

What a great post!

One thing I don't understand, forgive the digression, is why in the hell do we have to go out of the country to get this visa? Anyway, whatever, I'll accept it, but I just don't quite get it. Our most intimate family member is a Thai, and we can't go to an office in Thailand. Maybe they do have their reasons.

Thanks for the info!!

No need to leave the country.

You can do extensions of stay based upon marriage at immigration. You need 400K baht in a Thai bank for 60 days or proof of 40k baht income.

I have not left the country in almost 6 years because I have done the same extension 6 times.

Do you not ever fancy a trip?

[ubonjoe]

Not in the least.

I got tired of travelling years ago.

[ajarnmarc]

Thanks for the shared info.

Great appreciated, and well done.

Cheers

[nev]

Got back yesterday from getting a non O immigrant based on marry to thai, i was on the 30 day voa, so needed to get a non imm visa.

I received a 1 year multi entry as stated above, very easy to do it is the 2nd one i have received from there.

I will at the end of this visa put the funds in the bank so not have to leave again.

Can recommend Leena GH, staff are very friendly only 360bt air con room 200bt fan.

tuk tuk should be 60bt to the border and back, or if in a van 100bt, just ask for share with someone.

[Shaunduhpostman]

Good to know it's still happening in Savannakhet.

[thailandbeachisland]

You WAI these people that are just here to work for us ?

[thailandbeachisland]

@sceptict11

No need for a supermarket, go to French-biased Vientiane for instance and see what is available there in the shops. I love the Issan, but I also love Lao for its Farang restaurants/food and its very friendly people indeed.

@ubonjoe

I was in my last 15 permitted days to stay of my already expired previous Non-O-Visa and I secured those til their very end by a re-entry permit (done just after the Non-O had expired) in order to return to Thailand and extend that previous Non-O-Visa by a further 60 days based on my wife and in company of her to be done at any immigration office in Thailand.

If Savannakhet would not have worked, my plan was to extend as above, then switch to an extension based on retirement by an income letter that I had to get first.

I prefer however my present situation with the Non-O-Visa for reasons already mentioned.

My head is spinning.

You have to go through all this grief every year for the rest of your life?

No,but the other option is WORST: tell all your life, be victim of a police interview and show the photos of your room, bed and dirty sheets after crazy night.

Which option do you prefer ?

For me I will enjoy a trip abroad until the rest of my life if necessary instead of giving any private information to people who should be grateful that I stay and spend millions in their country every year !

[Jonmarleesco]

Interesting. Two questions: any idea whether they also issue based on Thai children, as some consulates that did, now are not? And as the Lao visa fee is cheaper in USD than THB - their FX rates are generously in their favour - does the consulate take the Thai visa fee in USD?

[Sceptict11]

@sceptict11

No need for a supermarket, go to French-biased Vientiane for instance and see what is available there in the shops. I love the Issan, but I also love Lao for its Farang restaurants/food and its very friendly people indeed.

@ubonjoe

I was in my last 15 permitted days to stay of my already expired previous Non-O-Visa and I secured those til their very end by a re-entry permit (done just after the Non-O had expired) in order to return to Thailand and extend that previous Non-O-Visa by a further 60 days based on my wife and in company of her to be done at any immigration office in Thailand.

If Savannakhet would not have worked, my plan was to extend as above, then switch to an extension based on retirement by an income letter that I had to get first.

I prefer however my present situation with the Non-O-Visa for reasons already mentioned.

My head is spinning.

You have to go through all this grief every year for the rest of your life?

No,but the other option is WORST: tell all your life, be victim of a police interview and show the photos of your room, bed and dirty sheets after crazy night.

Which option do you prefer ?

For me I will enjoy a trip abroad until the rest of my life if necessary instead of giving any private information to people who should be grateful that I stay and spend millions in their country every year !

Spends Millions EVERY year ! ........... BUT --------------------

Runs to Savannakhet for a "no show money " visa which requires an exit from country every 90 days ?

Makes sense !

Edited January 17, 2014 by Sceptict11

[ubonjoe]

Interesting. Two questions: any idea whether they also issue based on Thai children, as some consulates that did, now are not? And as the Lao visa fee is cheaper in USD than THB - their FX rates are generously in their favour - does the consulate take the Thai visa fee in USD?

If you are the legal father by way of marriage or legitimization you can get the visa or extensions of stay.

The consulate only accepts Thai baht.

[IMA_FARANG]

Nice report but I just want to make it clear that your non O visa was based on marriage to a Thai.

That's fine but it is very unlikely that anyone will get a non O visa multi entry or otherwise visa based on retirement anywhere in Asia. including Savannakhet.

I only say this because I don't want over 50's going to Savannaket and assuming they will easily get a visa for retirement.

Almost all the non O visa (maybe all of them) are for those married to a Thai.

Right now, Savannakhet is the place to get a non O visa for those married to a Thai. That's fine, but no one should assume it will be like that forever.

In 2010 when I first got a non O retirement visa from Hull it was easy and one of the easiest places in the world to get such a visa.

Today, as evidenced by many posts on this forum, Hull is not so easy. The rules have been changed.

All I want those who look for visas in Savannakhet is that TODAY it is easy to get a visa there for someone married to a Thai.

But, just like Hull in 2010, things can change.

So always have a backup "plan B" if required.

Edited January 18, 2014 by IMA_FARANG

[sirchai]

Good to see that it's still possible to get a Non-O there. Thumbs up.-

[Jonmarleesco]

Interesting. Two questions: any idea whether they also issue based on Thai children, as some consulates that did, now are not? And as the Lao visa fee is cheaper in USD than THB - their FX rates are generously in their favour - does the consulate take the Thai visa fee in USD?

If you are the legal father by way of marriage or legitimization you can get the visa or extensions of stay.

The consulate only accepts Thai baht.

I've already done it twice, through Cardiff. Then their staff changed - and so did their 'rules'. Hence my question.

[ubonjoe]

Interesting. Two questions: any idea whether they also issue based on Thai children, as some consulates that did, now are not? And as the Lao visa fee is cheaper in USD than THB - their FX rates are generously in their favour - does the consulate take the Thai visa fee in USD?

If you are the legal father by way of marriage or legitimization you can get the visa or extensions of stay.

The consulate only accepts Thai baht.

I've already done it twice, through Cardiff. Then their staff changed - and so did their 'rules'. Hence my question.

I can only quote the official rules. There have been reports by others of getting them without being the legal father but I suspect that has changed for the UK since applications for multiple entry visas have to be approved by the embassy now.