My Friend wants to come to Thailand for 7 Months-What Visa

[geejay]

Hi everyone

I have a friend who would like to come to Thailand later in the year, just basically to relax and do some sightseeing trips within Thailand and wants to stay about 7 months.

He will initially stay at my condo and then look for suitable accommodation, he will have ample funds to support his stay and will have a return ticket from Thailand back to the UK.

What would be the best visa for him to apply for and can he get a 90 day duration or does it have to be 60 days.

He is happy to apply for a multiple entry visa.

My next question is, whatever visa he gets, can he then do a border run and re-enter Thailand on the same day or might that cause some problems under the new rules, or would he have to make a trip of it and have a short holiday in Cambodia or Vietnam.

He has been to Thailand each year for the last three years and has only stayed within the 30 day period and he has never done a border run before.

Your advise would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

[ubonjoe]

He could get a 3 entry tourist visa that would be more than enough for a 7 month stay. He would get three 60 day entries that can be extended for 30 days at immigration.

The visa would be valid for 6 months from the date of issue. He would have to sure he did his last entry before the enter before date on the visa sticker.

As far as I know at this moment he should be able to leave and then re-enter without a problem to use another entry.

[geejay]

He could get a 3 entry tourist visa that would be more than enough for a 7 month stay. He would get three 60 day entries that can be extended for 30 days at immigration.

The visa would be valid for 6 months from the date of issue. He would have to sure he did his last entry before the enter before date on the visa sticker.

As far as I know at this moment he should be able to leave and then re-enter without a problem to use another entry.

Thank you for your reply

I now have a retirement visa but before I used to get a Multiple entry Non-Imm "O" Visa which gave 90 days, would this be possible for my friend or has that changed,Thank you again in advance.

[ubonjoe]

It has gotten real hard to get multiple entry non-o visas in the UK. There are a lot of over 50's that cannot get them any more and are getting tourist visas or applying for extensions here.

[geejay]

It has gotten real hard to get multiple entry non-o visas in the UK. There are a lot of over 50's that cannot get them any more and are getting tourist visas or applying for extensions here.

Thank you once again

[Bullie]

Ubonjoe: Do you know why it has gotten hard to get multiple-entro o visa's? Provided, ofcourse that one has the obligatory amount of money in the bank?

[SunSeek01]

I have done two times, get the 30 day arrival extension, then go to Lao (Cambo does not do double any longer I've been told), get a double, enter back using 1st enter for 60 days, go to Jombtien or other immigration and extend 30 days for 1900 baht, then visa run to Cambo or Loa for 2nd entry giving 60 days, then extend again for 30 days for 1900 baht = 7 months total.

[ubonjoe]

Ubonjoe: Do you know why it has gotten hard to get multiple-entro o visa's? Provided, ofcourse that one has the obligatory amount of money in the bank?

My post was specific for the UK and getting multiple entry non-o visa for being 50 or over. I don't know why the embassy in London did what they did other than to possibly push people to get the OA visa from them. Money does not help for getting one there now. You need to be 65 for over to get one now in the UK and on an old age pension.

In other places in the world it is still possible.

If you have the money you can get OA visas at an embassy or official consulates or extensions of stay.here.

[sandyf]

Ubonjoe: Do you know why it has gotten hard to get multiple-entro o visa's? Provided, ofcourse that one has the obligatory amount of money in the bank?

My post was specific for the UK and getting multiple entry non-o visa for being 50 or over. I don't know why the embassy in London did what they did other than to possibly push people to get the OA visa from them. Money does not help for getting one there now. You need to be 65 for over to get one now in the UK and on an old age pension.

In other places in the world it is still possible.

If you have the money you can get OA visas at an embassy or official consulates or extensions of stay.here.

UK Embassy does an OA for over 50's and an O for over 65's with state pension.

Non-Immigrant Visa Category "F" To perform official duties. Category "B" To conduct business, to work, to study teaching course, to work as an English teacher, to take scuba diving or boxing lessons, to work as a sport coach, to do an internship, to work as a film-producer, journalist or reporter for a short period. Category "IM" To invest with the concurrence of the Thai Ministries and Government Departments concerned. Category "IB" To invest or perform other activities relating to investment, subject to the provision of the established laws on investment promotion. Category "ED" To study, to come on a work study tour or observation tour, to participate in projects or seminars, to attend a conference or training course, to study as a foreign Buddhist monk. Category "M" To work as a film-producer, journalist or reporter. Category "R To perform missionary work or other religious activities with the concurrence of the Thai Ministries or Government Departments concerned. Category "RS" To conduct scientific research or training or teaching in a research institute. Category "EX" To undertake skilled work or to work as an expert or specialist. Category "O" To visit Thai spouse, children, parents, voluntary job, Retirement (with State Pension)

Category

"O-A"

To applicants aged 50 and over who wish to stay in Thailand for an entended period without the intention of working.

[alanrchase]

I was under the impression that part of the reason for the crackdown was to stop back to back entries on visa exempt and tourist visas. What is the difference beyween back to backing 3 single entry tourist visas or back to backing a triple entry tourist visa? Seems to me if there is an issue with one it could apply to both.

Sent from my GT-I9500 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[sandyf]

It has gotten real hard to get multiple entry non-o visas in the UK. There are a lot of over 50's that cannot get them any more and are getting tourist visas or applying for extensions here.

When the OA was handled by the consulate, well Hull for certain, there was no medical or police requirement. I suspect that is what people see as being harder.

[ubonjoe]

The will also do the OA if over 65 also.

What you posted just confirms what I wrote. No non-o visas unless over 65 with pension.

[ubonjoe]

It has gotten real hard to get multiple entry non-o visas in the UK. There are a lot of over 50's that cannot get them any more and are getting tourist visas or applying for extensions here.

When the OA was handled by the consulate, well Hull for certain, there was no medical or police requirement. I suspect that is what people see as being harder.

Hull has never done an OA visa. Only the embassy has ever been able to do them.

They would do a multiple entry non-o visa for being 50 or over.which never has required a medical or police certificate.

[sandyf]

The will also do the OA if over 65 also.

What you posted just confirms what I wrote. No non-o visas unless over 65 with pension.

For an OA you need to be between 50 and 64 with a minimum income, medical and police checks.

For an O you need a state pension of no specified amount. State pension means you are over 65, over 65 does not mean you have a state pension.

[sandyf]

It has gotten real hard to get multiple entry non-o visas in the UK. There are a lot of over 50's that cannot get them any more and are getting tourist visas or applying for extensions here.

When the OA was handled by the consulate, well Hull for certain, there was no medical or police requirement. I suspect that is what people see as being harder.

Hull has never done an OA visa. Only the embassy has ever been able to do them.

They would do a multiple entry non-o visa for being 50 or over.which never has required a medical or police certificate.

Academic really, I am only going on what I was told by the staff.

[ubonjoe]

The will also do the OA if over 65 also.

What you posted just confirms what I wrote. No non-o visas unless over 65 with pension.

For an OA you need to be between 50 and 64 with a minimum income, medical and police checks.

For an O you need a state pension of no specified amount. State pension means you are over 65, over 65 does not mean you have a state pension.

You are misreading what it says on the website.

They will do the OA visa for anybody 50 or over with the funds, medical, police check and etc.

It is only the non-o visa that is for 65 or over with an old age pension but the embassy will not do them they will only do the OA visa. Check Hull's website to confirm the 65 or over requirements.

[sandyf]

The will also do the OA if over 65 also.

What you posted just confirms what I wrote. No non-o visas unless over 65 with pension.

For an OA you need to be between 50 and 64 with a minimum income, medical and police checks.

For an O you need a state pension of no specified amount. State pension means you are over 65, over 65 does not mean you have a state pension.

You are misreading what it says on the website.

They will do the OA visa for anybody 50 or over with the funds, medical, police check and etc.

It is only the non-o visa that is for 65 or over with an old age pension but the embassy will not do them they will only do the OA visa. Check Hull's website to confirm the 65 or over requirements.

This is from the embassy website, there is nothing to say that the pension visa is only available at a consulate.

Non-Immigrant Type O

• Birth Certificate (applicant's child)
• Certificate of Marriage or its equivalents (if married to Thai national)
• a copy of marriage certificate and passport or Thai ID of spouse and (3 months bank statement showing monthly income of more than £1,400 anuually.)
• An official recommendation letter from organization perform voluntary job in Thailand (for volunteer job)
• Pension statement if the applicant is a pension earner.

[ubonjoe]

They list it but it does not mean they will do a non-o visa for retirement. Call or email them and ask about it.

[sandyf]

The will also do the OA if over 65 also.

What you posted just confirms what I wrote. No non-o visas unless over 65 with pension.

For an OA you need to be between 50 and 64 with a minimum income, medical and police checks.

For an O you need a state pension of no specified amount. State pension means you are over 65, over 65 does not mean you have a state pension.

You are misreading what it says on the website.

They will do the OA visa for anybody 50 or over with the funds, medical, police check and etc.

It is only the non-o visa that is for 65 or over with an old age pension but the embassy will not do them they will only do the OA visa. Check Hull's website to confirm the 65 or over requirements.

For anyone that is not sure DWP means "State"

[sandyf]

They list it but it does not mean they will do a non-o visa for retirement. Call or email them and ask about it.

I will if I need to but it looks like it will not be necessary.

You should not be saying things that may not be true.

[Mario2008]

They list it but it does not mean they will do a non-o visa for retirement. Call or email them and ask about it.

I will if I need to but it looks like it will not be necessary.

You should not be saying things that may not be true.

The information on consulate websites is simply not always correct or up to date.

Advise is given with best available knowledge, based on reports from members.

[ubonjoe]

They list it but it does not mean they will do a non-o visa for retirement. Call or email them and ask about it.

I will if I need to but it looks like it will not be necessary.

You should not be saying things that may not be true.

I would not say it if I didn't know it to be fact. You have to apply for it through one of the consulates. The only person that might get one at the embassy would be one that is not a UK citizen or legal resident.

It is a world wide policy that embassies and official consulates can only do a OA visa. There may be one or two that do it but they are the exception.

[mercman24]

first i have heard of a different visa for the over 65 's, i am a fit 67 (look 50 he he), going to cardiff in 2 weeks to get a non o visa, have got £7,000 in a thai bank plus a good pension, have got 2 suitcases of my clothes there already, have hotel for 8 days to look for a condo ,a nd during those 90 days apply for the "yearly" ticket, so will i need/get this "o/a visa because of my age ? thanks in advance,

[sometimewoodworker]

first i have heard of a different visa for the over 65 's, i am a fit 67 (look 50 he he), going to cardiff in 2 weeks to get a non o visa, have got £7,000 in a thai bank plus a good pension, have got 2 suitcases of my clothes there already, have hotel for 8 days to look for a condo ,a nd during those 90 days apply for the "yearly" ticket, so will i need/get this "o/a visa because of my age ? thanks in advance,

No

You can get an extension for retirement from a normal Non-o

[Dogbarker]

It has gotten real hard to get multiple entry non-o visas in the UK. There are a lot of over 50's that cannot get them any more and are getting tourist visas or applying for extensions here.

sorry posted this yesterday in another forum but applicable here I think :

Posted 2014-07-24 11:11:10

Hello, interested in your comments ref UK. Consider other options first!!!!!!

- Please note I am a snow bird who usually obtains a Non Imm visa multi entry from Hull is No longer issued there.

Thai Embassy suggested the following at the end of my post . HOWEVER, Police check is £55, Doctor medical certificate is £100, the Visa inc. post back is £135 notarisation by notary public or solicitor has been quoted from £150 - 380 including bank statements. PLUS another train / coach fare to London .. say another £80. so £520++ or 3 x 60 days tourist visa @£75 and a few days in surrounding companies in nice hotels? or seeking a Visa when I get to Thailand ( thoughts on that appreciated ).

:

Dear Sir/Madam,

You and your wife may wish to apply Category "O-A" : To applicants aged 50 and over who wish to stay in Thailand for an entended period without the intention of working.

You both have to apply this visa in person at the embassy.

But there will be additional documents will be required: medical certificate, bank statement and criminal record check with an notarized by a solicitor.

Please check further information for documents and process in this website:

http://thaiembassyuk.org.uk/?q=node/49

Kind Regards,

Visa Officer

( .... the answer to my question seems get a visa in Thailand or 3 x 30 days tourist entry with extensions and hope some of the above is usefu.. ( I have the Bht 800,000 if necessary to show the UK but wonder if it is a false economy to pursue muti entry or retirement ).. ..

[ubonjoe]

It has gotten real hard to get multiple entry non-o visas in the UK. There are a lot of over 50's that cannot get them any more and are getting tourist visas or applying for extensions here.

<snip>

( .... the answer to my question seems get a visa in Thailand or 3 x 30 days tourist entry with extensions and hope some of the above is usefu.. ( I have the Bht 800,000 if necessary to show the UK but wonder if it is a false economy to pursue muti entry or retirement ).. ..

The 3 entry tourist visa may well be your best option.

The OA would be okay if both of you could get it. If only one gets it the other will get a multiple entry non-o visa and have to make border runs every 90 days.

The OA visa would give up to 2 years of stay total because each entry give a one year entry.by doing an entry just before visa you would get another year. Then you would need to get a re-entry permit to keep the one year permit to stay valid when you travel. I am not sure if the embassy would issue another non-o for your wife for the 2nd year.

The other option is to get an extension of stay here. Then your wife would be able to get an extension as your dependent.

[Arandora]

From the Thai Consulate website:

"Category O-A (Long Stay) - This Visa can be issued only by the Royal Thai Embassy in London."

and

"Please note that applications for certain Non Immigrant visas must be approved by the embassy in London before the Consulate can issue them. Therefore, to facilitate the issue of all Non Immigrant Visas by the Hull Consulate please submit scanned copies of the required documents by Email at least 5 working days in advance of the proposed issuance of the visa in your passport."

This included Non-Imm O Visiting Thailand as UK pensioner receiving a UK State Pension and is either this type multiple or triple Tourist Visa we intend to use for our return in November for 5 months. The Non-Imm would cost £125 each for self and wife or £75 each for three entry Tourist Visa both plus £10 admin. fee.

When the Consulate receives the information from you they fax it to the Embassy in London for approval. The Embassy confirms its approval and you can arrange with the Consulate to Email you when this has happened then you make an appointment to go to Hull for the visa entry into your passport or you can go by appointment for same day issuance of Tourist Visa. They are no longer allowed to deal with postal applications. The Embassy in London can deal with applications by post or appointment with or without notice.

If there are any changes to these requirements on the Consulates by the Embassy I hope they give more notice than they did last year which was one of the reasons there was a huge backlog for a time at Hull. As Consulates rely entirely on income from visa fees to support them with no subsidy or contribution from the Thai Embassy or Government and their income must have been reduced significantly by the changes imposed on them, it's no surprise that they have probably had to lay off staff. They are no longer allowed to accept payment by Debit Card, only cash, Postal Order (do they still have those?) or cheque payable in the name of the Consul.

[sandyf]

They list it but it does not mean they will do a non-o visa for retirement. Call or email them and ask about it.

I will if I need to but it looks like it will not be necessary.

You should not be saying things that may not be true.

I would not say it if I didn't know it to be fact. You have to apply for it through one of the consulates. The only person that might get one at the embassy would be one that is not a UK citizen or legal resident.

It is a world wide policy that embassies and official consulates can only do a OA visa. There may be one or two that do it but they are the exception.

Unless you have had a personal application rejected, you cannot know for a fact, only by hearsay.

I do not believe for a minute that the pension visa cannot be obtained by post.

[belg]

i think soon the max 180 days per year in the country will take effect (again)

[ubonjoe]

i think soon the max 180 days per year in the country will take effect (again)

There has never been 180 days in a year rule that I know of.

There was a rule that limited visa exempt entries to a total of 90 days in 6 months but it was scraped almost 6 year ago.

The new rules have nothing to do with tourist visa entries. They are only for out/in visa exempt entries. This has been stated in several announcements.