changing from retirement visa to tourist visa

[flossiebear]

Our retirement visa (extension of stay of non O visa) runs out in November. We are now looking at staying for another 9 months after that date, and also do some travelling during that time to other asian countries. Wondered if we can get tourist visa when our current visa runs out in November? We may travel to India in November and get tourist visa from consulate there? Does anyone see any problems with this? Don't want to transfer money again to qualify for retirement visa as would then need to get it out of the country at probably poor exchange rate.

[ubonjoe]

You will not have a problem getting tourist visas after having an extension of stay (it is not a visa).

If I recall correctly you will not be able to get them in India because the embassy there has a policy of not issuing visas to anybody that is not Indian.

[flossiebear]

Thanks that is useful to know.

[mahjongguy]

How about using an income declaration for your next extension? Could you? Then just buy a multiple Re-Entry Permit for each of you.

[flossiebear]

Thanks. Only possible for one of us unfortunately. Currently using 800k for my husband and me piggy backing on. Not sure if this would work again using the income route. I am also confused about where we would go to get tourist visa, do we have to go to another Thai consulate outside of thailand. If so, is there a list of countries which issue 60 day tourist visa

[ubonjoe]

It does not matter what financial proof is used to get the dependent extension. You can use any of the 3 options.

You can get a tourist visa in any of the neighboring countries. You can get a two entry in Laos.

[flossiebear]

Thank you. Any idea what information the consulate in Bangkok needs for proof of income. As most of income is not from pension but from rental money and other sources to make up the amount required, which is why didn't use this method to begin with, as more complicated.

[flossiebear]

Thanks. As don't have straightforward pension income, but income from other sources i.e. rental, etc. any idea what the UK consulate in Bangkok wants for proof. Is bank statements showing money going in, enough? Used the 800k first time round, as thought income route may be more complicated for us.

[ignis]

Remember reading on here a few months ago Bali issue a triple Visa valid for 6 months, so last entry with extensions = 9 months

Laos - Savanakhet issue a triple but is only valid for 3 months....

[ubonjoe]

Thanks. As don't have straightforward pension income, but income from other sources i.e. rental, etc. any idea what the UK consulate in Bangkok wants for proof. Is bank statements showing money going in, enough? Used the 800k first time round, as thought income route may be more complicated for us.

They will accept any proof of income. Info here: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/301359/Publication._Pension_2014._Master.pdf

[flossiebear]

Ok well Bali sounds a nice trip so will check about the visa. However trying to get extension on income maybe better course of action for us. Thanks everyone for your help. My husband wants to go home sooner than me as he is home sick. i could stay out here a few years more as love the lifeystyle.

[ubonjoe]

Ok well Bali sounds a nice trip so will check about the visa. However trying to get extension on income maybe better course of action for us. Thanks everyone for your help. My husband wants to go home sooner than me as he is home sick. i could stay out here a few years more as love the lifeystyle.

If you have the 65K income that is certainly the best way to get your extension. You can always get a re-entry permit if you want to travel.

You divide you time between the UK and here. You just have to be to renew your extension.

[ovenman]

Remember reading on here a few months ago Bali issue a triple Visa valid for 6 months, so last entry with extensions = 9 months

Laos - Savanakhet issue a triple but is only valid for 3 months....

From reports I have read, Bali consulate will indeed issue a triple-entry tourist visa but doing so will require proof of travel for all three entries.

[OJAS]

Thanks. As don't have straightforward pension income, but income from other sources i.e. rental, etc. any idea what the UK consulate in Bangkok wants for proof. Is bank statements showing money going in, enough? Used the 800k first time round, as thought income route may be more complicated for us.

They will accept any proof of income. Info here: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/301359/Publication._Pension_2014._Master.pdf

For my latest income confirmation letter issued a fortnight ago, the Embassy were prepared to accept the current tenancy agreement as sufficient evidence of my rental income. The advantage is that this shows gross income (upon which the 65,000 THB monthly requirement is calculated by Immigration), whereas bank statements, of course, only show net figures after the jolly old taxman at HMRC and/or managing agents back in the UK have taken their shares.