I'm returning to the UK next month, and will apply, as i did last year, through the Birmingham Consul, for a B visa.

 

 Last year they sent my application was sent to the Thai Embassy for approval, and i got my passport back, through the post, in 48 hours. Has anything changed?

 

 The timing is critical for my flight back to Thailand, as I only want to make a short visit. If its much longer than 48 hours i'll have to re-think my schedule.

Why don't you phone them on +44 121 643 9481 if the timing is that critical. Think they stop answering the phone around 11:00.

I applied for a non-imm 'O' in October last year at the consulate in Birmingham and they said it had to be approved by the Embassy in London, and that they couldn't issue it.

 

I told them I couldn't wait for the passport to be posted back and that I would collect it (with or without visa) the next day.  So I don't think that they actually send the passport to London, they just fax the details.  Sure enough, when the passport came back, there was the visa stuck in the passport and it said it had been issued by Birmingham.

 

To me, there doesn't seem any logical reason why they couldn't do this for your 'B' visa but I suppose that Thai logic can always win!

UK consulates can no longer issue B or O visas, you must apply direct to the London Embassy!

UK consulates can no longer issue B or O visas, you must apply direct to the London Embassy!

 

Not true, check first hand report of few days ago about Non-imm 'O' viam for retirement obtained when younger than 65 at an UK consulate.

 

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/746535-retirement-long-stay-questions/?p=8221251

Why don't you phone them on +44 121 643 9481 if the timing is that critical. Think they stop answering the phone around 11:00.

 

 Thanks for that number, Steve. I rang Birmingham and it seems as long as i have the necessary paperwork and work permit (I do), they'll issue the B Visa on the day !

 

UK consulates can no longer issue B or O visas, you must apply direct to the London Embassy!

 

Not true, check first hand report of few days ago about Non-imm 'O' viam for retirement obtained when younger than 65 at an UK consulate.

 

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/746535-retirement-long-stay-questions/?p=8221251

 

 

Ok if you say so. Tried to get one from Glasgow Consulate last week . . . . not possibel London only!

Good luck!

Naidraaw66 said:  Ok if you say so. Tried to get one from Glasgow Consulate last week . . . . not possibel London only!

 

You're believing what they tell you which is only the same as what they do in Thailand - It's burnt down, sold up, gone away, Grand Palace closed today etc.

 

Insist that since you're dealing with a mere functionary, they should send the passport to London,  It's just buck passing as nobody knows what tomorrow's rules will be, so ask for the man's name - they don't like that.

Hi guys sorry missed some of this but whats a B & O visa?

See list of visa types here:  http://www.thaivisa.com/non-immigrant-visa.html

Thanks DiDiChok