Can all retirement visas be multi entry?

[thailandsgreat]

Hi,

I am back in my home country and plan my next stay in Thailand and Southeast Asia. I like to make trips to neighboring countries.

My alternatives are repeated tourist visas or retirement visa. (I have never had retirement visa before.)

What I would like to know is if all retirement visas can be given multi entry?

I think the Non-O and the Non-O-A can be issued multi entry? But can also an extension of stay (of a tourist visa) be valid for trips abroad during the visa period?

Thanks.

[allane]

To the best of my knowledge, you can get a Re-entry Permit on any visa. In the case of a Tourist Visa, you may want to weigh the cost of getting a Re-entry Permit against simply letting the Tourist Visa expire, and getting a new one when you return to Thailand.

[thailandsgreat]

To the best of my knowledge, you can get a Re-entry Permit on any visa. In the case of a Tourist Visa, you may want to weigh the cost of getting a Re-entry Permit against simply letting the Tourist Visa expire, and getting a new one when you return to Thailand.

Thanks. Last time I had 5 tourist visas over a period of two years. All tourist visas were issued in Asia and when they gave me my last tourist visa I had to make an interview. They politely told me that to get more tourist visas I should go back to my home country (in Europe) once.

So I want to limit the number of tourist visas in my passport.

Thanks for hint on reentry permit.

If I decide to stay longer and find a "permanent address" it is good for me to know if the "extension of stay" for a tourist visa can be issued multi entry.

[dddave]

Yes, you can get a multi re-entry permit at the time you finalize your retirement extension. It is a separate process you initiate once you have the extension stamp. You will need to go to the info desk and get a new queue number, then to the proper section. You can usually get both done same day if you start early.

You also have the option of waiting and getting the Multi-entry permit at the airport when you are departing the country. You must have a boarding pass for that departure date. They have just opened a new office at Suvarnabhumi on the departures level behind Row-F to issue the permits, both single and multiple. There remains some confusion about their operating hours and weather or not an appointment is needed. Cost of the Multi is B3900, single re-entry permits are B1000.

[thailandsgreat]

Thanks. That's useful for me to know. It sounds like there can be some time pressure, getting the permit with the flight departing, if you choose that alternative.

Thanks for these replies and to everyone keeping information up to date in this forum.

[moe666]

The non- o-a visa can be issued as a multiply entry that is good for two years, the first year allows as many departures and re-entries as you like. The second year has to have a re-entry permit issued for coming and going. The O-A has to be issued in your home country.

[Suradit69]

Can all retirement visas be multi entry?

Technically there is no "retirement visa," but the only one that fits that description is a non-imm O-A, which is always a multi-entry visa during the first year from date of issue. The visa itself expires one year from the date of issue, but if you use it to enter Thailand just before it expires, you'll get an additional one year's permission to stay in Thailand. [Actually each time you exit and return during the first year you'll get a new one-year permission to stay, but the visa itself will still expire one year after it was issued].

During the 2nd year the visa will have expired, but you can purchase a multi-re-entry permit that will be valid for the same period as the permission to stay and which will allow you to exit and return as often as you like up to the point when both the permission to stay and re-entry permit expire.

Before they expire, if you want, you could apply for a full year extension of stay based on retirement at an immigration office in Thailand. That would give you another year's permission to stay and with a new multi-re-entry permit, you could continue to come and go as you pleased.

[cnx355]

Thanks. That's useful for me to know. It sounds like there can be some time pressure, getting the permit with the flight departing, if you choose that alternative.

Thanks for these replies and to everyone keeping information up to date in this forum.

Just get a single or multiple re-entry permit at you local Immigration office after you enter Thailand with a visa. ( single entry ).

This way you can go to visit countries around Thailand without getting nervous about getting the re-entry at the airport.

[ubonjoe]

Thanks. That's useful for me to know. It sounds like there can be some time pressure, getting the permit with the flight departing, if you choose that alternative.

Thanks for these replies and to everyone keeping information up to date in this forum.

Just get a single or multiple re-entry permit at you local Immigration office after you enter Thailand with a visa. ( single entry ).

This way you can go to visit countries around Thailand without getting nervous about getting the re-entry at the airport.

Could you explain how getting a multiple re-entry permit for a 90 day entry from a non immigrant visa would be useful. The re-entry permit would add no additional days and all entries from it would need to made within 90 days.

[Eclipse]

Yes, you can get a multi re-entry permit at the time you finalize your retirement extension. It is a separate process you initiate once you have the extension stamp. You will need to go to the info desk and get a new queue number, then to the proper section. You can usually get both done same day if you start early.

You also have the option of waiting and getting the Multi-entry permit at the airport when you are departing the country. You must have a boarding pass for that departure date. They have just opened a new office at Suvarnabhumi on the departures level behind Row-F to issue the permits, both single and multiple. There remains some confusion about their operating hours and weather or not an appointment is needed. Cost of the Multi is B3900, single re-entry permits are B1000.

A Multi Re Entry Permit costs 3,800 Baht.

Get it when applying for the 12 month extension.

[Kabula]

Just a reminder on a retirement visa extension. If you forget to obtain an entry permit, and exit Thailand you lose the retirement visa and have to start all over. Immigration Officers over the years recommended to me to always obtain a multi entry visa after obtaining the retirement visa extension. Even if you don't plan to leave. An emergency might force you to leave without obtaining an entry permit.

As we say here...."up to you."

[ubonjoe]

Just a reminder on a retirement visa extension. If you forget to obtain an entry permit, and exit Thailand you lose the retirement visa and have to start all over. Immigration Officers over the years recommended to me to always obtain a multi entry visa after obtaining the retirement visa extension. Even if you don't plan to leave. An emergency might force you to leave without obtaining an entry permit.

As we say here...."up to you."

There is no reason to get a multiple re-entry (3800 baht) permit to to keep your extension of stay (it not a visa) valid in case of an emergency trip. A single re-entry permit that only costs 1000 baht would serve the same purpose since it would be valid for entry for the length of your extension. If you planned on making at least 3 trips out of the country then the multiple re-entry permit would be a good choice.

[Speedo1968]

Just a reminder on a retirement visa extension. If you forget to obtain an entry permit, and exit Thailand you lose the retirement visa and have to start all over. Immigration Officers over the years recommended to me to always obtain a multi entry visa after obtaining the retirement visa extension. Even if you don't plan to leave. An emergency might force you to leave without obtaining an entry permit.

As we say here...."up to you."

Thanks for this posting.

It happened to me once ( emergency exit ) and yes, it was a bit of a hassle coming back and having to re-apply.

[robpuff]

The VISA is one thing

The extension is another

and the third is the re-entry permit...

all three can be had just go through the process...

[12DrinkMore]

The non- o-a visa can be issued as a multiply entry that is good for two years, the first year allows as many departures and re-entries as you like. The second year has to have a re-entry permit issued for coming and going. The O-A has to be issued in your home country.

There will be a huge number of people perking up at "The non- o-a visa can be issued as a multiply entry that is good for two years",

I hope they are not going to be disappointed, and that you have actually got one of these personally?

[ubonjoe]

The non- o-a visa can be issued as a multiply entry that is good for two years, the first year allows as many departures and re-entries as you like. The second year has to have a re-entry permit issued for coming and going. The O-A has to be issued in your home country.

There will be a huge number of people perking up at "The non- o-a visa can be issued as a multiply entry that is good for two years",

I hope they are not going to be disappointed, and that you have actually got one of these personally?

The visa is valid for one year and can give a total say of 2 years which is what he wrote but not directly.

[sawadeeken]

Does anyone know if a 60 day tourist visa can be converted to a non O visa here in Thailand. I want to get a retirement visa even though I just stay a month or a bit more in Thailand then home to the US for a month. (Thai wife in the USA and Mia-Noi in Pattaya - 20 Years now.).....

For the past 20 years now I have been doing the 30 day stamp but nowdays I like to stay a bit over 30 days sometimes so it gets complicated. Plus that i want a Thai Driving licence as I have been getting International D/L for years and I understand obtaining a Thai DL is easy with retirement visa....

Over the past 2 trips I have gone to Pattaya Immigration each trip with 30 day stamp and was told by the 'Tomboy' Lady in Room 7 (counter 7).That she couldn't issue me a retirement visa on a 30 day entry-stamp------- but for 20,000 Baht she COULD DO IT...... TIT ???? lol

Anyway any helpful tips will be appreciated.

Also, I do take the advice that I have always seen here and am always polite and dress nice.

[12DrinkMore]

The non- o-a visa can be issued as a multiply entry that is good for two years, the first year allows as many departures and re-entries as you like. The second year has to have a re-entry permit issued for coming and going. The O-A has to be issued in your home country.

There will be a huge number of people perking up at "The non- o-a visa can be issued as a multiply entry that is good for two years",

I hope they are not going to be disappointed, and that you have actually got one of these personally?

The visa is valid for one year and can give a total say of 2 years which is what he wrote but not directly.

Hi Mr. Joe.

I can understand twelve months, plus another three if a border run is made just before expiry total 15 months.

How is it possible to obtain another twelve months unless an extension is applied for?

[ubonjoe]

The non- o-a visa can be issued as a multiply entry that is good for two years, the first year allows as many departures and re-entries as you like. The second year has to have a re-entry permit issued for coming and going. The O-A has to be issued in your home country.

There will be a huge number of people perking up at "The non- o-a visa can be issued as a multiply entry that is good for two years",

I hope they are not going to be disappointed, and that you have actually got one of these personally?

The visa is valid for one year and can give a total say of 2 years which is what he wrote but not directly.

Hi Mr. Joe.

I can understand twelve months, plus another three if a border run is made just before expiry total 15 months.

How is it possible to obtain another twelve months unless an extension is applied for?

A non-oa visa allows unlimited 1 year entries for one year from the date of of issue. You are confusing it with a standard non-o visa.

[12DrinkMore]

A non-oa visa allows unlimited 1 year entries for one year from the date of of issue. You are confusing it with a standard non-o visa.

Ah, I see.

Sorry for my confuddlement.

[cnx355]

Thanks. That's useful for me to know. It sounds like there can be some time pressure, getting the permit with the flight departing, if you choose that alternative.

Thanks for these replies and to everyone keeping information up to date in this forum.

Just get a single or multiple re-entry permit at you local Immigration office after you enter Thailand with a visa. ( single entry ).

This way you can go to visit countries around Thailand without getting nervous about getting the re-entry at the airport.

Could you explain how getting a multiple re-entry permit for a 90 day entry from a non immigrant visa would be useful. The re-entry permit would add no additional days and all entries from it would need to made within 90 days.

Sure UbonJoe, The poster mentioned his desire to visit countries around Thailand.. With his 90 days single-entry visa and a multi-re-entry permit , he can go as he wishes in all the countries around Thailand or SE-Asia for a short visit and come back during his 90 days stay.

Otherwise, if a person just want to go out one time, then it is not necessary to get a multiple re-entry as you say.

On the other hand, if I misunderstood the poster question, please cancel my reply. Thanks.

[ubonjoe]

A post that was improperly quoting a post out of context has been removed. Please use the quote button.

[stoli]

If you arrive on an O-A Visa, known as a Retirement Visa, you will note that it has an "enter before date" on it, which is a year from when it is issued. If you leave the country and re-enter Thailand on that day, you will have another year based on you entering Thailand on the enter by date. The original "multi-entry permits" however is only good for that first year when you used it, and not good for the 2nd year. You can easily buy re-entry permits for that 2nd year. Don't wait to try and buy one on your way back into Thailand, but purchase before you exit.

I notice there is always someone that states there is no such thing as a "retirement visa". All my 1 year "extension of stays" are marked with Retirement when I receive them. The speech police sometimes make this more confusing than it needs to be.

[johnatong]

If you arrive on an O-A Visa, known as a Retirement Visa, you will note that it has an "enter before date" on it, which is a year from when it is issued. If you leave the country and re-enter Thailand on that day, you will have another year based on you entering Thailand on the enter by date. The original "multi-entry permits" however is only good for that first year when you used it, and not good for the 2nd year. You can easily buy re-entry permits for that 2nd year. Don't wait to try and buy one on your way back into Thailand, but purchase before you exit.

I notice there is always someone that states there is no such thing as a "retirement visa". All my 1 year "extension of stays" are marked with Retirement when I receive them. The speech police sometimes make this more confusing than it needs to be.

The word "retirement" is used in conjunction with the extension of stay stamp to indicate the reason for the extension being issued.

You will not find the word "VISA" used in conjunction with the extension stamp or the stamp indicating the reason for issue..

There is no reason for "confusion" because an extension of stay is not a visa. Those who think it is should try exiting the country (without a reentry permit which is not required if there is a valid "visa" in the passport) and returning using their "visa" to regain entry !

[Langsuan Man]

The closest you will get to a visa that says anything about retirement will be an Non Immigrant O-A Visa that uses the term "long stay", but they have even stopped using that term lately

[lamyai3]

The non- o-a visa can be issued as a multiply entry that is good for two years, the first year allows as many departures and re-entries as you like. The second year has to have a re-entry permit issued for coming and going. The O-A has to be issued in your home country.

There will be a huge number of people perking up at "The non- o-a visa can be issued as a multiply entry that is good for two years",

I hope they are not going to be disappointed, and that you have actually got one of these personally?

The visa is valid for one year and can give a total say of 2 years which is what he wrote but not directly.

Just to recap my understanding, the Non O/A on basis of retirement can only be issued within home country (UK) and not Laos or somewhere similar?

The list of requirements on the UK embassy website looks quite extensive, but in practice all I'd need to get one is proof of the 800,000 equivalent in my UK bank and savings accounts?

Finally, can this be applied for from within the UK by post?

[ubonjoe]

The non- o-a visa can be issued as a multiply entry that is good for two years, the first year allows as many departures and re-entries as you like. The second year has to have a re-entry permit issued for coming and going. The O-A has to be issued in your home country.

There will be a huge number of people perking up at "The non- o-a visa can be issued as a multiply entry that is good for two years",

I hope they are not going to be disappointed, and that you have actually got one of these personally?

The visa is valid for one year and can give a total say of 2 years which is what he wrote but not directly.

Just to recap my understanding, the Non O/A on basis of retirement can only be issued within home country (UK) and not Laos or somewhere similar?

The list of requirements on the UK embassy website looks quite extensive, but in practice all I'd need to get one is proof of the 800,000 equivalent in my UK bank and savings accounts?

Finally, can this be applied for from within the UK by post?

You will certainly need the medical certificate and police clearance along with the financial proof.

You have to apply for the OA visa in person at the embassy,

[lamyai3]

OK, thanks. Do these things typically take long to get? No health problems or criminal record.

I'm also assuming this type of visa can only be got in London, nowhere in the countries around here? If so, can it be done in a single visit and then posted, or is it required to go to London twice?

[ubonjoe]

You can only apply for it at the embassy in London. You apply for it the morning of one day and pick it up the next morning between 11 and 12.

You could ask them about returning it by post.

[lamyai3]

Sorry to be obtuse, got a few more questions (these requirements didn't apply when I used to get one year non o multiple entry visas in England a few years ago).

What is the police clearance certificate and the procedure for getting one?

Assuming they mean UK (and not Thai police) can it be done online or postally while I'm still in Thailand?

How long does it take to issue, and how recent does it need to be prior to the visa application? I won't need to apply until later in the year, but I'll only be in the UK for two weeks so hopefully I can arrange it in advance. It'd be a local station, not London Metropolitan police.

Is there a standard wording used and acceptable for the visa, say in pdf form?

Secondly, what is the medical certificate, and are there any standard wordings of what is expected there? Can it be done by the GP in my local surgery in England?

And are all three (bank statements, police clearance and medical certificate) required to be notarized?

Seems a heck of a runaround, so if anyone can shed light on the process I'd appreciate it.