Entering Thailand 'overland' usually allows a 15 day 'free' stay - unless you have obtained a longer stay Visa before arrival. You may be required to show proof of onward travel within that same 15 days. (This system is limited to a 'few' entries and cannot be repeated continuously)
Entering Thailand 'by air' usually allows a 30 day 'free' stay - unless you have obtained a longer stay Visa before arrival. You are required to show proof of onward travel within that same 30 days.
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-Visas available OUTSIDE Thailand, for visits TO Thailand.-
(Thai Consulates and Embassies worldwide)
Tourist Visas allow a stay up to 60 days, and may be 'extended' (once) for a further 30 days at an Immigration Office inside Thailand - extension cost 1900 baht.
A 'double-entry' version allows this to happen 2 times, but requires a trip over a Thai border to separate the two. Tourist visas are available almost everywhere outside Thailand, to almost everyone.
Non-Immigrant Visas allow a stay up to 90 days (NOT extendable).
A 'multiple-entry' version allows an unlimited number of entries in a full year, but each entry requires a trip over a Thai border to separate them. (Fairly easy to obtain in your OWN country)
IMPORTANT. A multi-entry visa does NOT allow you to stay in Thailand for 1 year (a very common misunderstanding). It only allows you to VISIT Thailand multiple times WITHIN a 1 year period. Only a 'retirement extension', or a 'spousal support extension', allows you to STAY in Thailand for 1 year, and is available in Thailand as an ADD-ON to a visa.
A MULTI-ENTRY visa simply allows you to VISIT Thailand, for up to 90 days, AS MANY TIMES AS YOU WISH in 1 year. VERY DIFFERENT!
'Retirement Visas O-A' (not it's official name) allow a stay up to 365 days, extendable within Thailand. Specific qualifications apply. (Only available in your OWN country)
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-Available inside Thailand.-
Almost all visas listed above may be extended to become a 'Long-Term' visa similar to a 'Retirement Visa', and will be extendable inside Thailand thereafter. But there are stringent requirements and qualifications involving age and finance.
To stay beyond the date granted by Immigration is a very serious CRIMINAL offence. You become an 'illegal Alien', and the penalties include fines, jail and deportation. Anyone found not to have a 'current permission to stay stamp' is arrested.
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The visa you acquire in your passport (outside Thailand) contains three quite different elements:
1. It's 'useable life' (Use By Date) (the limited period during which you may use it to enter Thailand).
2. How many times you may use it, during it's 'life' (e.g. single-entry - - double-entry - - multi-entry).
3. Visa type - indicating how long you should be permitted to 'stay' in Thailand upon arrival. ('T' = 60-days, 'O' = 90-days, 'B' = 90-days)
You can ONLY get NEW visas OUTSIDE Thailand. You cannot get another visa inside Thailand (unless there are special circumstances).
ALL visas are 'temporary', they do not allow you to 'live' in Thailand forever. Do not think you can come to Thailand without a visa and stay forever - you simply cannot! Equally foreigners cannot stay in your country without permission.
Leaving Thailand for a short visit to a neighbouring country will cancel any remaining time on your visa. But this can be overcome by obtaining an 'Exit Re-entry' permit from an Immigration Office inside Thailand BEFORE you leave. Cost 1000 baht for 1 time. (This preserves your original 'permission-to-stay' date)
DO NOT SEND YOUR PASSPORT UNACCOMPANIED TO ANOTHER COUNTRY FOR A NEW VISA, IT IS ILLEGAL AND EASILY EXPOSED - THE CONSEQUENCES ARE DIRE
Trips from Pattaya to the nearest border currently cost around 2300 baht for an 'all-in visa run'. This will cancel your current stay.
Re-entering Thailand will activate any pre-arranged visa already in your passport - or - if you do not have such a visa you will receive a 'free' 15 day stamp.
All visas are for visits to Thailand, and specifically exclude WORKING in Thailand without a 'work-permit'. There is no exception to this rule. A 'work-permit' is required to WORK in Thailand and may be available if you qualify. A 'work-permit' is available only from a 'Labour Office' in Thailand - not from an Embassy or Consulate abroad.
Since June 2006 it is possible to upgrade a 'short-stay' visa into a full 1 year extension for qualifying nationals at certain Immigration offices inside Thailand. This would (for example) allow you to get a 1-year extension for 'retirement' purposes, provided you qualify for all the steps. Currently only major Offices can achieve this in-house, Pattaya's local office at Soi 5 Jomtien can do this.
You must have at least 7 days remaining on your current entry stamp, and it may take a while to finalise. If you wish to leave the country during the process tell Immigration and obtain a special permit. Your qualifying financial requirements must be maintained during the whole process otherwise your application will fail.
The experience of many who obtain visas for Thailand is that a Thai Consulate is easier to deal with than a Thai Embassy. Indeed a Consulate will often operate by phone/mail in your home country. BUT, do not try to send your passport overseas for a new visa whilst you stay in Thailand. It is illegal and you will fail.
Individual questions should be addressed by email to:-
contact@pattayaexpatsclub.info with ‘Visa Query’ in the subject line.
The last type of visa available outside Thailand that I will attempt to cover here is designed for those who want to stay for long periods without the need for frequent 'border runs'. Currently this visa is available in UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, UAE, but may be available elsewhere. (please let us know if you get one of these in another Country)
O-A (Long Stay/Retirement) Visas - obtained in your 'home' country before coming to Thailand. (this category should not be confused with the previous ‘O’ visa type)
You must apply for this type of visa only through the Royal Thai Embassy in your country. (Canada, USA, Europe, Australia may issue O-A visas from certain large Consulates as well - UK currently does not)
If you are unable to satisfy the requirements of the 'O-A' visa in your 'home' country, the only other option available to you is the non-immigrant category 'O' visa (maybe multiple entry) - see earlier - which may be extendable for up to a year, when in Thailand. The end result is very similar, but not quite the same.
[Reports from our members say that obtaining an O-A in your home country is complex & expensive. Most say they would choose to upgrade a Non-Imm 'O' in Thailand as a much simpler & cheaper option. The only real advantage is that the financial requirement applies to the country of application, not Thailand, so your money can stay in your country for at least one more year - probably at higher rates of interest. But this may well be overtaken by the added cost of preparation of paperwork.]
[If you choose the 'O' visa route upgradeable in Thailand - see above]
Basically an O-A is a 'full retirement visa' obtained in your home country, without the need to upgrade it in Thailand. You do need to show financial standing, medical status, and a criminal activity report - all in your home country!
An advantage is that you will better understand the requirements for such a visa as the instructions will be written locally, and the financial requirements relate to a bank account in the country of application in the first instance. Make enquiries. Be ready to receive conflicting information from different offices, as a certain amount of variation exists in the interpretation of the rules. Be patient & 'go with the flow'. Look upon it as 'good training' for living in Thailand.
Sometimes this visa is available as a 'Multiple Entry' type - at added cost. This means it has the same advantage as a 'Multi-entry O visa' (except that the 90 day stay becomes a 365 day stay) and if you have this you will NOT need to purchase an 'exit re-entry permit' when going 'in & out' of Thailand. Not every Embassy is issuing this 'extra' type.
Folk who go this route often comment on the 'hassle factor' in their own country, rather than arriving with an 'O visa' and upgrading in Thailand. e.g. you don't need a Police report in Thailand. You don't need to have any documents 'notarised' in Thailand (except income/pension verification). The medical document is usually not required - a lot less than a full medical check in (say) USA. If you stay in Pattaya it's all done locally - no long distance travel. Therefore the extra cost involved in doing this in your own country may well be more than the extra bank interest earned over a two year period by keeping your money back home, and you do have to bring money here to 'live on' anyway. The only real advantage to applying in your home country is the 'multiple-entry' aspect (if you can get it!).
Some of the many visas mentioned above are available in Thai Embassies in countries adjacent to Thailand. This availability is becoming less as time passes due to International Security reasons.
By-the-way, it would not be helpful to state that you are leaving your country to 'live' in Thailand, either to the Thai authorities, or to the Embassy or Consulate, as in order to qualify for most of these visas you will be asked to state a 'permanent' home-address outside Thailand. After all, a 'T' or 'O' or 'O-A' visa is actually only a 'temporary' (renewable) visa. There is no such thing as a 'permanent emigrant' visa. You would need a 'Permanent Residency Permit' or 'Citizenship' in order to eliminate the need for a 'VISA' (not a simple procedure here).
Many people ask us "How can I come to Thailand for an extended time (permanently)". Thailand, in keeping with most other countries, does not allow foreigners to just come and 'live' here, unless permission is given by issuing a 'Residence Permit'. Under normal circumstances this takes a minimum of 3 qualifying years. Before obtaining this 'permit', you will be in Thailand only on a 'temporary visa'. This visa arrangement can be terminated at any time by the Immigration Police and should not be considered a 'right' or 'a way of life'. At best we are 'guests' in Thailand, and can be asked to leave at any time. Please behave as a 'Guest' would be expected to behave. Do not transgress the rules of your 'Host'. The laws apply to us all equally.
CRITERIA FOR RETIREMENT EXTENSION (obtained in Thailand)
Initially you should apply for a Non-Immigrant ('O') visa before you enter the country from a Thai Embassy or Consulate abroad. Permission will be for 90 days for the first permit (single entry), but you can apply for a multiple type giving a maximum of a one year stay in Thailand (interrupted each 90 days by a 'visa run' to the border).
NOTE: If you get a 1yr 'extension' (to any kind of Non-Immigrant Visa) you MUST report your address to an Immigration Office every 90 days or face a fine of 5000 baht + 200 baht a day. (you may be asked for some 'proof' to support your address)
Requirements for a 1 year extension to an original 'O' visa at an Immigration Office in Thailand:
Completed application form T.M.7
Passport + Copies of passport or substitute document. (Passport must have validity in excess of 12 months)
Two 4 x 6 cm photos (just one in Pattaya / Jomtien).
1900 baht fee.
Proof of financial status or regular income (such as a pension).
[Letter from your embassy saying you wish to retire in Thailand, and confirming your overseas income if appropriate. For an applicant who is over 50 years old, proof of a sum of at least 800,000 baht in a Thai bank for the previous 3 months (bank letter) OR an income of not less than 65,000 baht per month must be presented (a combination of the two is often permitted). (Remember these are 'minimum' amounts.) From Dec 2007 a pension confirmation letter obtained from your Embassy in Thailand must be accompanied by the original, notarised documents proving the income - each year.] Embassy costs are in excess of 2000 baht.
The approved extension will ADD 12 months to your 90-day-stay stamp (not replace it, as before).
(For a foreigner married to a Thai national, the financial requirements are different. See below)
With all the required documents in hand, and the bank certification dated within a day or two the applicant goes to the Immigration office, the one year Retirement Visa is sometimes issued speedily, or may take up to 3 months for the first time application. This delay is for verification of your claim for qualification.
NOTE: The bank certificate of account balance (for minimum 800,000 baht) must show that the money came into the bank from another country at least 3 months prior to application. (The bank will need to be able to follow the paper trail, or transfer) (It's a great idea to ask the bank for a copy of the Telegraphic Transfer document to keep as proof of an International transfer, which would be required in order to re-transfer the money out of Thailand, later)
800,000 baht is the minimum for a man (or woman) over 50 years.
40,000 baht family income per month is required for a man married to a Thai. A Thai bank account showing a reasonable amount is also required. OR 400,000 baht in a Thai Bank.
The overriding criteria is to satisfy the Immigration Officer that you have 'sufficient' money to live in Thailand comfortably, without the need to rely on Thailand for support in the event of a big problem. Being able to demonstrate more than the minimum amount goes a long way. If you have the bare minimum and no other income, they may refuse. But if you can show the minimum + even a small regular pension, this will often suffice. They are aware that an 'age pension', or 'company pension' is ongoing. You will need to confirm an income/pension through your Embassy - remember to bring proof. The Embassy will notarise the documents. The Embassy proof letter must be issued each year (no copies allowed now).
PLEASE REMEMBER, if you have permission to stay for a 'long' period (e.g. a 'Retirement Visa' or 'Work Permit'), you must report to an Immigration Office every 90 days to confirm and maybe prove your address - or pay a 5000 baht fine + 200 baht a day!
There are other Visa 'types' available, but they are mostly specialised (e.g. Work, Education, Investment, Religious, etc.). You would normally only need one of these after becoming familiar with Thailand for some time.
All this may sound horribly complex! But remember, you only need (and can only have) ONE visa at a time. Decide which type you need, then learn the rules for THAT visa type. It's not really as bad as it sounds.
Some people even write to complain we don't give enough detail - WOW!
In the UK the London Thai Embassy issues the O-A visa to qualifying applicants by personal attendance. The UK Consulates will give application details, but refer you to the Embassy for application.
The Consulates in Hull & Birmingham (UK) have recently updated their websites with very helpful information on obtaining various visas. Those applicants in UK can download forms for application by mail. (http://www.thaiconsul-uk.com) & (http://www.thailand-visa.com)
See links for Consulate addresses in the United Kingdom, USA, Australia and Europe.
Also remember - 'Murphy's Law' applies! (not sure if Murphy ever came to Thailand, but I'm sure he would have loved it!) I sure do!
For individual advice, contact: Darren
o-o-o
A typical experience of extending a Non-O single entry visa, to a Retirement 1 year renewable in Pattaya for the first time.
Arrived in Thailand with a 'single entry Non-O visa' obtained from a Consulate in the UK. About 77 days later:-
Day-1. I visited my Thai bank, and arranged to pick up the letter the following day - 200 baht. I visited Soi 5 Jomtien, picked up an application form TM7 (they insisted I didn't need two), and asked if anything had changed in the rules in the last month (it hadn't). NOTE: the medical certificate is no longer required for the retirement extension renewal - August 2007.
Day-2. I picked up the bank letter, noticed the wrong date & got it re-written (do check!) Got 2 photo-copies of almost everything - 20 baht. Visited Soi 5 Jomtien, and left 45mins later with a 1 year extension to my non-immigrant-O visa - 1900 baht.
I also registered for the '90-day reporting' stamp at the same time - next visit 90 days later.
I took all the 'house papers' + the owner, but was never asked for them. I was asked how long I had lived at my address. I was asked to name my parents, and state my previous occupation, and salary in baht. I showed my Thai drivers licence to prove my address, this was well received. A Bank Statement to the address will suffice.
The 'One-Stop' service system (at Soi 5) is certainly efficient, but busy most days. I visited 2 different desks as part of the process. Very efficient. The staff were relaxed, amiable, and chatty - but business-like.
Before I left I picked up form TM8 (re-entry permit), and form TM47 (90-day reporting) ready for later.
And before you ask, no professional help - just another old Farang.
I needed:-
1 TM7 application form.
1 photo 6x4cm.
1 passport + 1 copy of 'face', 'visa', 'entry card (TM6)', latest entry stamp.
1 bank book + 1 copy of 'name', 'deposits & withdrawals' pages.
1 bank letter dated within a few days showing amount in book (no copy needed) 200 baht. (Good idea to take an ATM slip showing the same amount, or more, dated same day as application)
It's a good idea to write down your parents names, and your profession + salary (needed 1st time only).
1900 baht.
o-o-o
Renewals for this extension have been easily completed at 1 year intervals - total time at office 1 hr, and (maybe) a return trip to pick-up passport later. (if you take the list of items stated above for the renewal, you will have everything required - renewals only need one photocopy for each original) (if you take exact money, there will be no problem with change!) NOTE - medical exams & certificates are no longer required - August 2007.
My last '90 day address confirmation' notification at the Immigration Office on Soi 5 Jomtien Beach Road took 9 minutes on a normal busy day (after 1400 hrs is a good time). (you may be asked for 'proof' of your stated address -- I used a Bank-Statement showing my accommodation address) They tell me, soon it may be possible to do the '90 day' notification by Internet, but don't hold your breath!
Enjoy Thailand!
o-o-o
These websites change often - if you find any link is broken please help us by reporting it to: contact@pattayaexpatsclub.info Subject: attention Brian.
For a list of all Thailand's Embassies worldwide - visit: http://www.thaiembassy.org/
For a list of Thailand's Consulates in UK, visit:
http://www.thailand-uk.com/thaiemb.html
The Office of the Immigration Bureau Bangkok: Address: Section 1, Sub-division1, Immigration 1, Office of the Immigration Bureau, Soi Suan Plu, off South Sathorn Road, Sathorn District, Bangkok 10120. Tele: 022874948 (direct line) or 022873101-10 ext.2236
The Royal Thai Consulate in Hull is now located out of town: Royal Thai Consulate, Priory Court, Saxon Way, Priory Park West, Hessle, HULL HU13 9PB. Tel: 01482 581668, email: (enquiries@thaiconsul-uk.com), website: (http://www.thaiconsul-uk.com)
The UK Consulate in Birmingham: Royal Thai Consulate. One Victoria Square, Birmingham B1 1BD. Tel: 0121 643 9481, Fax: 0121 643 9481, Out of office hours: 07870 673079 (emergencies only), website: (www.thailand-visa.com)
List of Thailand's Embassies World-wide
http://www.mfa.go.th/web/10.php
Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Visa information (in English)
http://www.mfa.go.th/web/12.php
Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs - All visa types
http://www.mfa.go.th/web/2482.php?id=2489
'O-A' Long-Stay Visa
http://www.mfa.go.th/web/2482.php?id=2493
'B' Business Visa
http://www.mfa.go.th/web/2482.php?id=2498
30-day Visa Waiver
http://www.mfa.go.th/web/2482.php?id=2490
Immigration (Royal Thai Police) Visa Rules (in English - pdf download)
http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/2notice/rtp606EN.pdf
Work Permit information -
http://www.doe.go.th/workpermit/index.html
Thai Customs website in English:
http://www.customs.go.th/Customs-Eng/indexEng.jsp
Pattaya Immigration website:-
http://www.pattayaimmigration.org (and switch to English)
Key Visa Thailand (A PEC Sponsor):-
http://www.keyvisathailand.com
Phuket Provincial Employment Office - for Work-Permit advice:-
http://www.phuketwork.org/english/index.html
An excellent place for Visa - descriptions, laws, answers, addresses, downloadable forms - Thaivisa:
http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=3139
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