Non-immigrant 3 month visa based on retirement in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City

[paulbj2]

Hi Everyone

I'm a UK passport holder, 66 YOA and retired.

Has anyone tried to get a non-immigrant 3 month visa based on retirement in either Hanoi or HCM city recently?

I have to go there for other reasons but I have been advised to try to get a Non-Immigrant visa whilst I am there.

Has anyone in similar circumstances done this...do you know what paperwork they will ask for?

Anyone have any idea which consulate is likely to be less "demanding"?

Cheers

Paul BJ

[beano2274]

a Non O Visa is the option, documents should be listed on the website.

Edited July 19, 2016 by beano2274

[ubonjoe]

I don't recall any reports of anybody getting a single entry non-o visa for being 50 or over in Vietnam.

You can be sure that it will require the same financial proof as needed for an extension of stay. Bank book showing 800k baht in the bank or proof of 65k baht income or a combination of the 2.

Their websites do not mention getting a non-o based upon being over 50. I suggest you contact them for info.

Embassy contact info here. http://www.thaiembassy.org/hanoi/th/organize/25985-%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%B5%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%B1%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%87Location.html

Consulate: http://www.thaiembassy.org/hochiminh/en/organize/29143-Contact-us.html

[BritTim]

I don't recall any reports of anybody getting a single entry non-o visa for being 50 or over in Vietnam.

You can be sure that it will require the same financial proof as needed for an extension of stay. Bank book showing 800k baht in the bank or proof of 65k baht income or a combination of the 2.

Their websites do not mention getting a non-o based upon being over 50. I suggest you contact them for info.

Embassy contact info here. http://www.thaiembassy.org/hanoi/th/organize/25985-%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%B5%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%B1%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%87Location.html

Consulate: http://www.thaiembassy.org/hochiminh/en/organize/29143-Contact-us.html

This page does mention Non Imm O "to stay after retirement for the elderly": http://www.thaiembassy.org/hanoi/th/services/1761/26646-ISSUANCE-OF-VISA.html. However, the lack of any information on required supporting documents makes it likely they do not issue visas for over 50 in practice.

[ubonjoe]

I don't recall any reports of anybody getting a single entry non-o visa for being 50 or over in Vietnam.

You can be sure that it will require the same financial proof as needed for an extension of stay. Bank book showing 800k baht in the bank or proof of 65k baht income or a combination of the 2.

Their websites do not mention getting a non-o based upon being over 50. I suggest you contact them for info.

Embassy contact info here. http://www.thaiembassy.org/hanoi/th/organize/25985-%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%B5%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%B1%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%87Location.html

Consulate: http://www.thaiembassy.org/hochiminh/en/organize/29143-Contact-us.html

This page does mention Non Imm O "to stay after retirement for the elderly": http://www.thaiembassy.org/hanoi/th/services/1761/26646-ISSUANCE-OF-VISA.html. However, the lack of any information on required supporting documents makes it likely they do not issue visas for over 50 in practice.

That page is the same as this one on MFA website. http://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/services/4908/15398-Issuance-of-Visa.html Just general info and not much help.

[IMA_FARANG]

I doubt very much that they will allow you to get one.

Both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh are quite strict in their making you follow their conception of Thai immigration rules.

I have never tried for a retirement visa there, but I did get a 60 day single entry tourist visa.

Although Ho Chi Minh is friendly, they will make you follow their Thai visa rules quite closely.

They "cut no slack" for applicants.

That probably means they ant to see the "money in the bank" first.

Note: It is just my opinion that Ho Chi Minh is NOT friendly to backpackers.

Perhaps not relevant, but are you aware that in 1975 on "liberation" the Thai consulate in Ho Chi Minh was seized by the communists and relations were not established until it r-0pened in 1982.

I didn't know that until I was there for a visa this year (2016).

.

Edited July 20, 2016 by IMA_FARANG

[Jonmarleesco]

I can't speak for Hanoi but HCMC is fine. Docs depend on which Non-immigrant you want.

Their website is: http://www.thaiembassy.org/hochiminh/en/home

You can also email at: [email protected]