'Retirement Visa'

by **BobHelm** » January 22, 2011, 12:26 pm

douglas wrote:Just got a reply from Thai. Con. in U.K. about Visas.
Accord to them they DO NOT issue O-A visas. They issue only three typs of visa. "ED", "B" and "O".

Yes, that has always been true. It (the OA) is only available from the Embassy in London..

Procedure on the Issuance of Non-Immigrant Visa Category “O-A” (Long Stay)

On 11th September 2001 the Cabinet has approved the revision of the regulation on granting the authorities concerned to facilitate the issuance of visa to foreigners aged 50 or above wishing to take retreat in the Kingdom at least for the period of one (1) year. However, you need to apply in person at Royal Thai Embassy in London only. We do not accept any application by post.

Full requirements can be found here.....
http://www.thaiembassyuk.org.uk/visa_retirement.html

1. Qualification of an applicant

1.1 A foreign national whose age is over 50 years or above

1.2 Not being prohibited from entering the Kingdom under the Immigration Act B.E.2522 (A.D.1979)

1.3 No criminal record of the Kingdom of Thailand, the country of national and country of permanent residence as well.

1.4 Holding the nationality or permanent residence of the country of application

1.5 No medical record of contagious disease.

1.6 No permission of working in Thailand.

2. Required documents for visa application.

2.1 Validity of passport at least 1 year

2.2 Three (3) visa application forms and 3 passport size recent photographs

2.3 Additional application form for Non-Immigrant “O-A” (Long Stay)

2.4 Copy of bank statement having in possession of annually income equivalent to Thai currency at least 800,000 Baht or monthly income 65,000 Baht. (approximately GBP
14,000.00/annum)

2.5 In case attached copy of bank statement as stated in 2.4, the original reference letter from the banking concerned is necessary.

2.6 Criminal Record from own country and country of permanent residence with validity of at least 3 months. Applicants residing in the United Kingdom will need to have a police clearance issued only from the Scotland Yard.

2.7 Medical Record proving applicant has never been infected with contagious disease with validity at least 3 months (in accordance with Immigration Act B.E.2522)

2.8 In case wishing to be accompanied by spouse, the marriage certificate will be attached. But spouse will be granted Non-Immigrant “O” in stead of “O-A”
(Long Stay)

Note: Documents as stated in 2.4 - 2.8 must be certified by Notary Public or from the competent authority concerned of the country of application.

by **Tafia** » January 22, 2011, 12:34 pm

Douglas
That has always been the case.

You cannot get an O-A at a Consulate (Hull Birmingham etc) or in Thailand only the Embassy in London (if in the UK) The process takes 2-3 days depending how busy they are. Multi Entry OA is 100 UK Pounds. Application forms x3 with pics in triplicate. (Forms inc Medical Cert can be downloaded from their site).

To do so you DO need to show funds/income (in your own country) a medical certificate and a police report and be over 50yrs of age. All documents need to be verified by a Notary Solicitor, they will not proceed with application without this.

The Visa is issued for 1 year (Multi Entry) will gain a further year if you do a border run towards the end of 12 mths and return before the first 12 mths runs out. You are stamped into Thailand for 12 mths (not 90days) 90 reports to Immigration are necessary.

I did this in Oct 2008 I'm happy to verify it with my passport if you wish as this seems to have become an issue with you.

by **jimboLV** » January 22, 2011, 1:04 pm

Amazing how procedures can vary from one country to another. I got my O-A at the Thai consulate in Los Angeles. In fact I had initially contacted the Embassy in Washington DC to ask a few questions. The guy answered a couple questions but then when I mentioned that I lived in Nevada he got all huffy with me and said I should be dealing with the LA consulate saying "you're not in our district". Then he abruptly hung up on me! Thankfully when I called the LA Consulate they were extremely polite and gave me a lot of tips. They have a next day service. Get your application in by 2 PM and it's ready the next morning. The charge was USD 65. No cash, only credit cards or money orders!

by **jackspratt** » January 22, 2011, 1:09 pm

jimbo, for $65 I assume it was a single entry O-A?

by **Tafia** » January 22, 2011, 1:14 pm

Seems to be the case Jimbo, Ive read on other forums there are countries who wont issue an OA at all. But you can take it as read the info Jackspratt, Bobhelm and myself have given regarding OAs issued in the UK are correct. I did it exactly outlined by Jack and Bob just over 2yrs ago a bit more running around but 2 yrs for the price and no border runs, there are some doubters tho that still do not believe its possible.
It can of course all be verified by going to the correct website..Thai Embassy London and clicking on the visa link and then OA Retirement its clear for all to see including the forms you need to supply with all the information (as outlined in Bobs previous post)
http://www.thaiembassyuk.org.uk
http://www.thaiembassyuk.org.uk/newvers ... ement.html

by **jimboLV** » January 22, 2011, 1:23 pm

Yes it was a single entry O-A for $65. In fact they won't issue a multi-entry for an O-A, but a multi-entry for another kind of visa is $175. I guess the Embassies of each country have the latitude of setting their own ground rules?

by **Tafia** » January 22, 2011, 1:34 pm

I should point out as well that in the UK an OA from the Royal Thai Embassy London can only be applied for in person..
not by post.

Procedure on the Issuance of Non-Immigrant Visa Category “O-A” (Long Stay)

However, you need to apply in person at Royal Thai Embassy in London only. We do not accept any application by post.

by **Ray.Charles** » January 22, 2011, 8:23 pm

I have been issued Multiple Entry O-A (long stay) visa from the New York City consulate, twice in the last 3 years.

by **bamakmak** » January 22, 2011, 9:17 pm

With all the confusing information constantly posted regarding retirement Visas and extensions, I think it sometimes gets overlooked at just how easy it can be.

Six years ago, I walked into the Thai Consulate in Denver (U.S.), met with a very pleasant lady there and received a single entry "O" Visa. Told her I was considering retiring in Thailand and was in and out in 20 minutes. Other than my passport, no other documentation was required.

Arrived in Udon two days later. Opened my bank account with the necessary funds the folllowing day at Siam Commercial Bank. 2 1/2 months later, went to Immigration (Nong Khai in those days). Met with Mr. Happy. Gave him photocopies of my bank statement for the past 90 days, bank letter confirming balance, and was out of there in 35 minutes with a one year retirement extension. I've been in Udon ever since, spending roughly 1 hour in Immigration each year to get my annual extension.

Honest, that's all there is to it.

Jack's preferrred method is obtaining the "O-A", which can have it's advantages, but is a bit more involved in obtaining.

by **Tafia** » January 22, 2011, 10:01 pm

With all the confusing information constantly posted regarding retirement Visas and extensions, I think it sometimes gets overlooked at just how easy it can be.

I think you are spot on, I used the OA method (to get the 2yrs without moving cash to Thailand), read it up on the Thai Embassy (London) website, followed their guidelines and everything went without a hitch...It is as you say a simple process!

by **douglas** » January 23, 2011, 5:14 pm

Hi,
Bob. Thanks for that info. Proves i am not to old to learn. Sorry if i misled some people. My mistake.
It seems the main diff. to get a "O-A" visa is that it takes more hassle, you have to go to London, not my fav.place. and provide a lot mure info. This alone would cost me well over 200GBP's for the trip alone. I would stick to a multi "O" which can be got with no hassle, by post at a con., about, five or six in the U.K, if i remember right. and very easy. and about the same price. For the first year, the only diff. what i can see, is with a multi "O" you have to cross the border every 90 days, and a "O-A" you have to go to Imm. every 90 days. have a police report, a med, and have a certain income. These are not required for a "O" when i got mine. If i knew what i know now, hindsight is great. I would only get a single "O", about 26GBP's, and extend, in LOS, when that is nearly expired, for the reason of being retired. When i got mine imm. was at Nong Khai so the diff. in travel was min..
Thank god i now have a marriage visa now, and no more hassle, touch wood, for now.
I don't know why Hull Con. told me what they did. Waste of a phone call. and the papers they sent me.. I will e-mail and tell them what i think of their info. Two completely different beasts.
Cheers Doug.

'Retirement Visa'

Re: 'Retirement Visa'

Re: 'Retirement Visa'

Re: 'Retirement Visa'

Re: 'Retirement Visa'

Re: 'Retirement Visa'

Re: 'Retirement Visa'

Re: 'Retirement Visa'

Re: 'Retirement Visa'

Re: 'Retirement Visa'

Re: 'Retirement Visa'

Re: 'Retirement Visa'

Who is online