You are here: Home / Visa Stuff / The New ‘O-X Long Stay’ Visa – Everything You Need to Know

The New ‘O-X Long Stay’ Visa – Everything You Need to Know

A new visa has been launched and is dividing opinion across the expat community. It's called the Non-Immigrant O-X (long stay).

Technically it is a “new” retirement visa because it shares very similar properties with the Non Immigrant O-A visa, commonly known as the ‘retirement visa'.

In this post I'll run you through all you need to know about the O-X visa and help you determine whether this is the right visa for you.

I also give you my opinion in the conclusion. Let's get into the details…

non-immigrant-o-x-visa

Who is the O-X visa for?

This visa is for applicants aged 50 years and over. This is exactly the same as the standard retirement visa.

How long does it let me stay in Thailand for?

The visa lasts for 10 years, with a maximum stay of 5 years. So potentially you could do two stays of 5 years each. Confused? Okay: so you stay 5 years, leave the country, come back again and activate the next 5 years, Simple.

Do I have to do 90-day reporting?

Yes. Like the standard retirement visa, you have to report to immigration every 90 days.

What if I want to leave the country and come back in again, within the 5-year period?

The visa is multiple entry, so you can leave and re-enter at any time.

Can I work on an O-X visa?

No. Employment of any kind is strictly prohibited.

What countries are eligible?

You must be a national and passport holder of one of the following countries:

  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Denmark
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Netherland
  • Norway
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • United Kingdom
  • Canada
  • United States

What financial conditions are there?

You must have a bank deposit of no less than 3M Baht in a Thai bank account, or a bank deposit of no less than 1.8M Baht and an annual income of no less than 1.2M Baht. You must have this bank deposit in full for at least one year, and keep at no less than 1.5M Baht in the bank account thereafter.

Any other conditions?

Yes. You must have Thai health insurance for the entire duration of your stay. Your coverage must include outpatient treatment of no less than 40,000 Baht, and inpatient treatment of no less than 400,000 Baht.

✓ Your Next Read: The Big Thai Visa Post (includes O-A visa)

Who is not eligible for the O-X visa?

You must not have a criminal record in Thailand or in your native country, or have a prohibited disease such as Leprosy, Tuberculosis, Elephantiasis or the third phase of Syphilis. Further stipulations can be found in the Ministerial Regulation No. 14 B.E. 2535. Drug addicts are also non-eligible.

How much does the O-X visa cost?

$400 (USD) per application. Applications are non-refundable.

How long does it take to apply?

The processing times are as follows:

  • In person : 5 business days
  • By mail: minimum 15 business days

What documents are required?

Submit 3 sets of each document: 1 original and 2 copies

1. Your Passport: Passport must have 6 months + validity and contain at least one blank visa page.

2. Visa application form completely filled out (can be downloaded here)

3. Three passport-size photographs (2″ x2) Photocopies are not accepted. Photographs must have a light colored background with a full- face view and without a hat or dark glasses. Photos must be no more than 6 months old.

4. A copy of your bank statement from the Thai bank where your deposit is held, and a letter of guarantee from the bank — with the bank’s contact information — showing a deposit of the amount equal to and not less than 3m Baht. Or, a copy of your bank statement from the Thai bank where your deposit is held, and a letter of guarantee from the bank — with the bank’s contact information — showing a deposit of the amount equal to and not less than 1.8m Baht, and proof of annual income of not less than 1.2m Baht.

5. A letter of verification stating that you have no criminal record. The verification must not be more than 3 months old.

6. A medical certificate showing no prohibitive diseases as indicated in the Ministerial Regulation No.14 (B.E. 2535). The certificate must not be more than 3 months old.  (can be downloaded here)

7. Evidence of your health insurance plan. Please choose from the providers listed at here.

8. Visa processing Fee of $400USD

9. In the case of an accompanying spouse, a marriage certificate must be provided as evidence. The spouse must also apply and include items number 1-8 on this list.

10. In the case of an accompanying legal child/adopted child (who is under 20 years old), a birth certificate/adoption order must be provided as evidence. The accompanying child must also submit items numbered 1-3, 7, 8 on this list.

In the case where a spouse and legal child/adopted child are not eligible to apply for the Category ‘O-X’ (Long Stay) visa, he or she would apply for Category ‘O’ or “O-A”(Long stay) or “ED” (for child) visa.

My Opinion – Is it Worth It?

My first impression, when I saw “5 years” was “wow”! My second, when I saw three obvious points of friction, wasn't so jubilant:

1. Still having to do 90-day reporting

If this is the case, why not just get a one-year extension based on retirement for 1,900 Baht? I'm talking about the standard O-A visa (retirement visa).

If you have to visit immigration every 90 days anyway, you might as well just extend your visa each year – as long as you meet the financial requirements for the retirement visa. That said; they have 90-day reporting online now, so maybe this is a moot point.

✓ Your Next Read: The Big Thai Visa Post (includes O-A visa)

2. A fairly big financial commitment

3M THB in a Thai bank account, tied up for 10 years at pretty much zero interest rate really isn't an attractive proposition. Most savvy expats would baulk at this idea. That sort of cash could be making 3-5% interest quite happily elsewhere!

Of course, you could always go for the 1.8m THB and 1.2m THB income (yearly) option. But even then, it's far more than the 800k you need for a standard 1-year retirement extension.

3. Taking out a health insurance policy with one of their “suggested providers”

It is unclear as to whether you have to choose one of the four they suggest, but being pushed towards a policy doesn't sit well with me.

I accept that every expat needs health insurance, but I don't recommend any of these for expats. Check out my recommendations here.

On a Positive Note

Most people don't really need a 5-year visa; they usually fly home at least once every 2 years. But this might suit those who aren't very mobile and for whom it is a hassle to extend each year.

And then there are those who have a ton of money, and for whom depositing 3 million THB in a Thai bank is a drop in the ocean, as long as they don't have to think about extending each year.

The 1.8 million THB and 1.2 million THB income combination is less of a commitment, and if you just want to get a visa one time (for 10 years) and have done with it — and then report online every 90 days — it's a little bit of a time saver, at least it is once a year when you'd otherwise have to extend on a O-A retirement visa.

What do you think?

More Tips for a Better Life in Thailand

Improve Your Thai Skills:

Learning Thai makes life here easier and more fun. I use Thaipod101. It is free to get started & easy to use.

Send Money to Thailand:

Use Transferwise. It is fast, cheap, and gives you the market exchange rate. Me and the majority of my readers are using it.

Protect Your Online Privacy:

A VPN protects you against hackers and government snooping. I always use one. You should too. Read why here.



Last Updated on

Comments Sort by : newest | oldest

  1. Daniel says

    Hi there, I am currently living in Australia (with a passport from Europe) and will be moving to Thailand with my family towards the end of 2021 on a retirement visa.
    I have a question regarding the annual O-A visa extension and in particular the requirement to be insured with a Thai health insurance.
    Many foreigners remain insured in their home country where insurers often offer better coverage than Thai insurers. Moreover, Thai insurers generally do not cover pre-existing conditions and premiums increase exponentially with the age of the insured.
    My question: is the Thai health insurance policy strictly followed by the immigration authorities? Are there any possibilities to "circumvent" this rule? Thank you very much for your comments and suggestions on this subject. Greetings from Sydney ! Daniel
    Reply

    • Mike Baker says

      As I understand it they are particular and even the renewal dates have to coincide....... consider entering on a 90 day tourist visa and extending by way of retirement.... less paperwork and no insurance requirement.... you can then choose your own insurance arrangements.
      Reply

    • John Croker says

      hi Daniel. I applied from Australia. The requirements on the Thai consulate site are at https://image.mfa.go.th/mfa/0/mEsUwBHzx5/visa_checklist_-_COVID_19.pdf
      It does state
      An original copy of the health insurance policy from an Australian insurance company OR an original or a
      copy of the health insurance company from one of the participating Thai insurance companies listed in
      https://longstay.tgia.org which covers the whole period of stay in Thailand with a minimum coverage of THB
      400,000 (in-patient) and THB 40,000 (out-patient).
      Better to check with the Consulate...I found them very helpful
      Reply

    • Darrel Vaught says

      Although a Thai Embassy/Consulate (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) will accept a non-Thai health insurance company to provide the required insurance cover for obtaining the OA Visa, this is not the case for obtaining an Extension of Stay from Thai Immigration (Ministry of Interior) in Thailand.

      The OA Visa is multiple entry, valid for one year, and allows a one year Permission to Stay upon each entry during its validity period. Thus, leaving and re-entering Thailand just before the Visa expires will get another one year Permission to Stay; postponing the need to visit Thai Immigration in Thailand to obtain an Extension of Stay.

      However, when the latest Permission to Stay period is about to expire and it is past the Enter by Date on the Visa, in order to remain in Thailand the holder will have to apply to Thai Immigration in Thailand to extend their stay for another year. Thai Immigration will require you have health insurance from one of the Thai companies on the TGIA list - they will not accept a foreign policy.

      If one cannot or does not want to obtain one of those Thai policies, they can return to their home country and apply for a new OA Visa still using a foreign health insurance policy.

      In answer to the question, "Are there any possibilities to "circumvent" this rule?", perhaps. I have seen reports that some "agents" can obtain the extension without the need for having Thai health insurance. Agents can be expensive and their use is technically not legal, But they exist and they do apparently succeed.

      In normal times, I would suggest obtaining a Tourist Visa and receiving a 60 day Permission to Stay upon arrival (it can be extended once for another 30 days if needed). With at least 15 days validity remaining on the Permission to Stay, the holder can apply for a Non-Immigrant O Visa at Thai Immigration (fee is 2,000 baht and there is no health insurance requirement). When the Visa is issued, it will have a 90 day permission to stay. After 60 days have elapsed, the holder can then apply for a one year retirement extension; again no health insurance required.

      I say normal times, because of the COVID restrictions requiring a Certificate for Entry in addition to a Visa to enter Thailand. Thai Embassies/Consulates have recently began issuing the Single Entry Tourist Visa (SETV), so the above may be possible - BUT a caveat. I did read an article that mentioned these SETVs could not be used to obtain a Non-Immigrant Visa in Thailand. However, it did not cite a source and may not be correct. I have not seen any other articles or reports that would confirm the comment.
      Reply

    • Daniel says

      Hi John and Mike,
      Thank you very much for your feeback.

      My concern is not really the initial entry visa because I know that a thai insurance is not necessary when applying for the visa abroad.
      My main worry is the renewal of the retirement visa in Thailand, as immigration authortities require now to have obligatorily a thai health insurance (new rule implemented in October 2019 I believe) when applying for retirement visa extension.
      I wouldn't like to have to pay a double insurance premium in my home country and in Thailand. All suggestions and advices are welcome ...
      Reply

  2. welcome j says

    I've just been granted Non Imm O-X in Australia, and awaiting to be allocated a flight to BKK. I have some queries about the financial proof when I do my first 12 month visit to IO.

    Others state that

    "applicants for the Non Imm O-X Visa MUST have money deposited in Thai bank located in Thailand with the amount of not less than 1.8 million Baht and have income with the amount of not less than 1.2 million Baht per year. Once the applicants enter Thailand, they must have accumulated money deposited in Thai bank located in Thailand not less than 3 million Baht within 1 year.

    The money in (a) and (b) must be kept in bank account at least 1 year before withdrawing and, within another next year, the money must be left in the account with the amount of not less than 1.5 million Baht and can only be spent in Thailand"



    1. Does this mean that I must have 3 Million Baht actually in my account after 12 months, or 1.8 million and 1.2 million worth of deposits over that period that I can withdraw to live on ?

    2. I've read that if I use Transferwise to send money to my Thai Account, it may not show up as an overseas transfer. What do people recommend to avoid this problem?



    thanks for your assistance
    Reply

    • John Croker says

      I'm very similar to you J. O-x from Australia and now in BKK quarantine hotel. The advice I'd been given on forums regarding transferwise is to use Bangkok Bank as the transfers actually show on the records as overseas transfers.
      I, too, have been interested in the 3M Baht stuff.
      would be good to keep in touch to compare notes.
      Reply

    • John Herd says

      Hi J, can I confirm. You were issued a o-x visa without having the proof of 3M THB in a Thai bank account before you were issued the VISA?

      I was told by my embassy that I could not apply for this VISA unless, I already have 3M BHT in a Thai Bank. After calling the bank directly, they cannot open up an account unless I go there in person.

      It's a bit of a catch 22 situation. But the embassy will not budge on this and it did not make sense to me.
      Reply

      • John Croker says

        Hi John
        I applied for my first Non Immigrant O-X visa in Sydney Australia. The visa was granted by Thai Embassy based on my financial records of deposits and income in Australian Banks.
        Never had a Thai Bank account until I arrived here this month on my new OX.
        As you said, Thai Banks won't give you an account if you are not already living in Thailand.
        Which country are you applying from?
        Good luck with the (somewhat daunting) process.
        Happy to give you any insights I can.
        Reply

        • John says

          Thanks John, I'm Australian but applying from Switzerland as I've been living over here.

          Sorry another quick question. The medical certificate is also quite daunting, as the embassy requires full tests on Leprosy, Tuberculosis, Elephantiasis, and third stage of Syphilis. My doctor told me he's never had to undertake a medical certificate of this complexity and couldn't believe they wanted all this and suggested I query this.

          How did you go with medical certificate?

          Cheers and thanks,
          John
          Reply

          • John Croker says

            Hi John.
            I struggled with this piece of paper myself. Still, it's just as necessary as everything else. I was hoping that I could just go along to my regular clinic and any doctor there would be able to see from my file that I wasn't suffering from any of these....but, no such luck. This doctor says....well, you'll have to get blood tests to show that all is clear...bloody hell. Ok, had the blood test, but it was expensive, the TB in particular...and was going to take weeks to be done. Eventually, I just went back and saw my regular doctor,and he just signed the form for me without the test results.
            Yippee!! At least I had the form. Suppose the only insight I can give you is that it might just come down to how obliging the doctor is. The same with the "fit to fly"..it's just something they'll sign without checking you.
            Good luck with the whole process.
            Let me know if I can help
            John
            Reply

          • Mike Baker says

            With respect guys, you must have very particular and strong reasons for putting yourselves through this pain...... have you not considered a simpler and cheaper method.... like a retirement extension of a 90 day O visa? .........It really is not a serious time consumer to renew annually and has no medical reports/criminality checks or medical insurance requirements (meaning you are free to choose your own cover and arrange your own without the complications of coinciding renewals to the visa to satisfy pedantic IOs) and the money comitted is tiny by comparison. Even using an agent for renewals will work out far cheaper. Just curious as to how this type of visa can be of benefit to anyone over 50 when another option is available?
            Reply

  3. Frank Schneidereit says

    All that above I do understand, at the moment I'm on an O-A which will be expire November 2020.
    I like to know can I change it in Thailand at any Immigration or must I go back to Germany.

    Thank you very much
    Reply

    • James E says

      If you're thinking of an O-X you should also consider an Elite Visa. The money is a throwaway on the Elite but you don't have deposit/maintenance requirements nor the annual spend for health insurance. Check out TTL's post at https://www.thethailandlife.com/thailand-elite-visa, Also, I'm sure Max will weigh in on this as he favors switching in-country to an O visa by reason of retirement. He's the wizard with the details but you'll still have the deposit/maintenance requirement but not the insurance/police check/health certificate. It's a one-year visa like the O-A.
      Reply

      • Mike Baker says

        As it happens, I am extending my 90 day O visa for 12 months, based on retirement, having been forced to consider my best options in view of C19....... It seems very straightforward and fortunately I only need have my 800k in the bank for 60 days prior to the first extension, which fits in nicely with the automatic extension granted by the Govt...... no compulsory insurance so I am free to choose the type of policy suited to me not the visa scheme.
        Reply

  4. Robert says

    Upon placing the 3 million in the Thai bank can you start the application for O-X Visa?
    I am thinking there is no waiting period for how long your money has to be in the Thai bank before the start of the O-X Visa process.
    Reply

  5. Tashi says

    And in addition to the continued 90 day reporting requirement you still have to report in annual and provide all the documentation all over again to show evidence that you still qualify... THEY WANT TO KNOW YOU STILL GOT THE MONEY IN THE BANK.

    "Foreigners must report, in person, to the immigration officer every 1 year for the examination of the qualifications and supporting documents..."

    I don't think this is really worth it. Even if like Mitchell the pilot has indicated finding an investment vehicle for the money, it is still not worth doing.

    https://thaiconsulatela.org/en/visa/visa-type/non-immigration-visa-category-o-x/
    Reply

  6. Mitchell says

    Employed as a pilot based in Abu Dhabi, I’ve been living in Phuket for the past 20+ yrs when not away at work overseas. Holding a Canadian Passport, I’ve been renewing my Visas for T’land annually since 1999 at the Embassy in Abu Dhabi. Currently holding an O-A Visa, plans are to apply for the O-X Visa next week. Even though we still have to report every 3 months to Immigration, it’ll be a pleasure not having to renew the visa every year. As far as the financial requirements go, I’ve taken out an insurance policy with Prudential in BKK that yields a high rate of return, with UOB acting as the broker. Interest is deposited into my Account with UOB annually and pays for the operating costs of my home including Common Area Maint Fees, Electricity, Water, Internet, etc...
    Reply

    • Tashi says

      Mitchell, its always been a losing prospect to put that amount of money into a Thai bank account for the OX. Could you provide some more info on that "Insurance Policy?" What kind of insurance is it? What is the rate of return? This is definitely the way to go... btw, you shouldn't be doing any 90 day reporting if you are traveling in and out of BKK within that 90 days correct?
      Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      While the Visa permits a 5 year stay and the stay can be renewed for another 5 years, you will still have to report to Immigration once a year to prove you have maintained the minimum amount in a Thai bank and you have renewed the required health insurance.Personally, because of the very high amounts that must be kept in a Thai bank and still having to report once a year, the O-X Visa is a very bad deal. The O-A, even with the new health insurance requirement, is a better deal -- the O-X when it was first created a few years back required health insurance from a Thai insurance company - same coverage requirement as now being required for the O-A.
      Reply

      • Tashi says

        And with that one year "In Person" reporting requirement, it just isn't feasible for me, as I work frequently on international projects that can have me out of Thailand for several months at a time. I have this problem now with my "Thai Wife" VISA Extension. It only gives you a 45 day window at renewal time and if I am not here, then no renewal. Very frustrating.
        Reply

    • Mike Baker says

      Mitchell, OA has distinct advantages over the super duper premium visas......

      1) financial requirement far less.......

      2) if you do stay 90 days at a time you can appoint an agent at minimal cost to report for you......

      3) you can appoint an agent at minimal cost to renew annually.... no need for a personal appearance.

      Just get a good agent to do the leg work.

      Why commit so much money to Thailand when there are no guarantees any visa will be renewed and getting money out of the country is not easy?
      Reply

      • Tashi says

        Hey Mike. I have a "Thai Wife" O visa. I am having trouble at my annual renewal time of it being a 45 day window of time. I work out of Thailand sometimes for many months at a time and if my renewal comes up, like it has this February 2020, I won't be able to be there to renew. Can you advise further on this and recommend an agency that can handle my annual renewals while I am away? Thanks for any advice.
        Reply

        • Mike Baker says

          I don't know about the marriage visa process but a friend has confirmed his OA retirement is handled entirely by an agent although he has to visit them to sign forms and give information.......Where this all falls down for you would be that the agent needs your passport to take to immigration to get the relevant stamps..... but you will be out of the country...... I would think you need to find an agent near to where you live to discuss this with because you will need to visit them at some point to sign renewal documents and provide some information..... I don't use an agent so have no personal experience.
          Reply

    • Mitchell says

      In anticipation of my upcoming retirement in the next few months, I just obtained my O-X visa at the Thai Embassy in Abu Dhabi where for the past 20 years, I’ve had to renew my O-A Visas annually.

      As for the financial requirements (1.8MTB on Deposit and 1.2MTB Salary) 5 years ago I took out a Whole Life Insurance Policy through Prudential Life Insurance in BKK with my bank, UOB acting as the broker. Interest is paid annually into my UOB Savings account, which in turn pays for my homes Common Area Maint Fees, Electricity, Water, Internet, Etc. My salary in Abu Dhabi more than covers the balance of the financial requirement of only 1.2MTB.

      Health Care Insurance was taken out through the CIGNA office in Dubai, as Health Care providers “Based” in T’land will only cover clients up to their 70th B’day, and not beyond.

      Will still have to report within 24Hrs of arrival in HKT and then every 3 months after I stop traveling to/from work overseas.
      Reply

        • Darrel says

          I would be interested in the answer. The O-A Visa even with the newly added health insurance requirement (as the O-X already had that) seems a much better deal without the huge financial requirements. While some may argue that the O-X being a 5-y3ar permission to stay avoids annual trips to Immigration, BUT it doesn't. The holder still has to go to Immigration once a year to prove they still meet the financial & health insurance requirements.
          Reply

  7. john says

    Thanks for all the info. What is the best way or what are acceptable methods to provide the following for a US citizen ?

    "A letter of verification stating that the applicant has no criminal record."

    In my mind that is quite ambiguous. A letter from who? what is accepted?

    thanks!
    Reply

    • James E says

      John, You have two choices: 1) the FBI which takes a while and 2) your state's investigative arm sometimes the State Police and sometimes your state's bureau of investigation (depends where you live). That's cheaper and faster. I think when I did mine (Washington State) it was like $25 and took a couple weeks. The state one won't be the same level as a criminal background check but it is an official piece of paper that the Thai Embassy said would work. You might also go through a private service but check with the embassy in DC to see if that's acceptable.
      Reply

  8. Daniel G. Zavela says

    In July, 2017, just before my current visit to Thailand, I inquired at the Los Angeles Thai Consulate and at the Washington, D.C. Thai Embassy about the O-X Long Stay’ Visa for Seniors for 5-10 year stay. Both locations said this visa was not yet available. The Los Angeles Thai Consulate as of today, October 27, 2017 still does not list the O-X visa type even though it was announced by the Thai Government in December, 2016. Does anyone know when the O-X visa application will available? I wrote to the Bangkok Post, but did not get a reply.
    Reply

      • jimjfox says

        Much action is reported in Thailand- but little actually happens. This is no surprise to me. Minister was to ban riding in back of pickups, then changed his mind- 'part of Thai culture'! Bangkok Post reported authorities were to remove all defunct public call boxes but again, no go- too expensive.
        Cleaning up [illegal?] power lines? Another joke.
        Proper driving instruction and on-road test? Don't even go there!

        "they have 90-day reporting online now"- no, it has not worked fully for 2 years. Choosing the obsolete Internet Explorer as the ONLY browser it works in was a typical Thai boob. I and thousands of others have wasted many hours trying it. Don't bother- T.I.T. !
        Reply

        • James E says

          George,

          That's an O-A (Retirement) Visa, not an O-X (Long-Stay).

          Per the Royal Thai Embassy's website for the O-X: "Applicant must have a bank deposit of no less than 3 million bahts in Thailand or a bank deposit of no less than 1.8 million bahts and annual income of no less than 1.2 million bahts. Such amount must be maintained in bank deposit in full for at least one year, and keep at no less than 1.5 million bahts thereafter."

          If you did get an O-X for the requirements of an O-A, you lucked out!
          Reply

  10. John Stagg says

    Hi TTL, I find your posts extremely helpful,I am trying to move permanently to Thailand this year and need all the information I can get,is it still possible to do the monthly trip overseas to come back and renew your passport? John Stagg
    Reply

    • Mike Baker says

      As I understand it, if you leave and return to Thailand by land crossing, then the new entry visa can be restricted to 14 days depending upon the frequency you have done this before.

      If you leave and return by air then you automatically qualify for a 30 day visa which can be extended later for a fee by another 30 days and you could also do a visa run by land crossing to get up to 30 days more (but may only be 14).

      You can apply from outside Thailand for a 60 day visa, single entry, cheaply and easily. From UK this costs me about £45 including all extras like 2 x postage and postal order fee. The multi entry 60 day visa is £125 plus costs, so would amount to about £145.

      I am not aware of any restrictions on the number of times per year or the total number of days per year you can visit.
      Reply

      • Darrel says

        The limitation on days to 15 at border crossing has been changed. Now, the Visa Exempt permission to stay is 30 days for most (there are some exceptions such as Malaysians). BUT, the number of land border crossings has been limited to 2 in one calendar year. There is no limit for Airport entry, BUT if you have very many, expect to be questioned including showing you have 20,000 baht or its equivalent in funds on you. If they don't like the answers or you don't have the funds, you will likely be denied entry.
        Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Do you mean to leave and come back every 30 days? If so, yes, you can do this. You can only do in twice in a year over land, but via an airport you can do it a number of times. However, at some point you may be pulled up on it by an immigration officer. Why not get a 6-month multiple entry tourist visa? You can stay for 60 days straight, then leave and get stamped back in for another 60 days. Do this until the visa runs out.
      Reply

      • Darrel says

        The Multiple Entry Tourist Visa does give you a permission to stay upon entry into Thailand of 60 days as does the Single Entry. You can go to Thai Immigration before the 60 days expires and get a 30 day extension without having to leave the country - the fee is 1,900 baht.

        So, if using a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (generally can only be obtained from Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence), you can enter and with extension do not have to leave for 90 days - reenter and you can likewise stay another 90 days with the in country extension. If you enter just before the "enter by" date on the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa, you can still get the 60 + 30 day permission to stay. The enter by date is the expiration date for the Visa, thus the last day you can enter using it. For METVs, the enter by date is 6 months from when the visa was issued by the Embassy/Consulate.
        Reply

          • Darrel says

            Yes you can extend each period of permitted stay for another 30 days if you enter on a Tourist Visa - in the case of the multiple, it can be done for each entry using the visa.

            To my knowledge, there is no such thing as a 30 day extension of the 90 day permission to stay for a Non-Immigrant O Visa -- if you enter Thailand using a Non-Immigrant Visa (Category O, B, Ed, etc.), you receive a permission to stay of 90 days.

            With a Non Immigrant Visa you can apply for a one year extension if you meet the requirements, e.g., age/financial for purpose of retirement or work permit for purpose of business. In the case of an Ed Visa, it is now limited to extensions of 90 days at a time, but you do not have to leave Thailand.

            If married, Immigration can grant you a 60 day extension without having to meet the financial requirements for the one-year extension (400,000 baht in Thai bank or 40,000 monthly income), requirement).
            Reply

            • TheThailandLife says

              Yes, that's what I said, 60 days (not 30). I have a Non O based on marriage. I can extend the 90-day stay by 60 days, but this can only be done once during the period of the visa, which is 1 year.

              I once went back and tried to extend again later in the year, and even though I had been in and out of the country since the first extension, I was not allowed to do this.
              Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

 

FOLLOW ME

Search TTL

Copyright © TheThailandLife.com 2024
No content on this site may be copied without written consent.

Send this to a friend