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Can I apply for a Long Stay OA visa in Thailand without a chest X-ray?

Feb 16, 2025
6 days ago
Jason *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi All

Aussie here , going to apply for a Long Stay OA visa , all requirements including medical no issue , except I’m time poor (long story) and to get a chest X-ray will be a bit of a hassle (anyone in Australia knows this 😉) , my question is , has anyone received an OA visa recently without a X-ray? Is it worth the risk to submit without the X-ray ? Or do I just did to make the time and get it done ?

Thanks for the advice
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user, an Australian expat, is seeking advice on whether it's necessary to submit a chest X-ray when applying for a Long Stay OA visa. They mention having all other requirements in order but find it difficult to schedule an X-ray. Comments from the community suggest that a general medical certificate may suffice, and some users report not having needed a chest X-ray in the past. There is some discussion regarding the requirement’s validity, as well as alternative paths such as applying for a Non-O visa. Confirming the requirements directly with the embassy or relevant authorities is advised to avoid potential rejections.
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Sam *****
Oh no, I wasn’t counting on needing blood tests for this medical. Can anyone who has done one in Australia recently confirm if blood tests need to be done before the dr completes your form for your visa application?
Wannikea *********
Just get a Non O, lots of people on OA end up shaking their heads and switching to a Non O. Do you really need an OA to delay/avoid sending the 800K to Thailand?
Dylan ******************
The chest x ray may be for the TB test....?

It may be up to the doctor who signs the medical form they may rather a chest x ray for TB.

I did a blood test when I went for one however that was pre co vid and the blood test takes more than a week as it has to go to a hospital to incubate for several days.
Andy ********
@Dylan *****************
I think you are correct. For some, like myself, the doctor signed the certificate after a few basic checks. Other doctors will order a whole set of tests.

My memory of going to the doctor to get my certificate was around elephantitus. He said "I have been in general practice for 40 years and never seen a single case. I am going to assume you don't have it." 😂😂
Graham ***********
@Andy *******
ditto. All my doctor did was chuckle and signed it off.🙂
Dylan ******************
@Andy *******
yes the tb test was a requirement as was STDs

Maybe each countries consulates have or make different requirements....???

I've never heard of anyone in Australia or any other country having tb......the doctor said that you can have it....carry it but not suffer from it.....bollocks? I cannot say...
Zoe ***********
I was on OA for few years befor I change to DTV ,and never required a chest X-ray. Just needed a general medical certificate which is a form and GP sign it for me. Unless it's a new thing that I don't know about it.
Jason *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Zoe **********
that’s what I thought , just a general medical from my GP should be more than enough , it covers bloods ..
Zoe ***********
@Jason ******
you can print out the form from the website. Good luck.
Brandon ************
I searched the site for both Canberra and Sydney and can't find any mention of an x-ray. In fact I can't even find their medical exam form which is generally the same across all embassies.

Here is the form the Washington DC embassy links to which is hosted on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website:

***************************************************************************************************************************
****
fPdh6NtO/VISA_Information/Medical-Certificate-Form-For-Non-Immigrant-O-A-Long-Stay-Only.pdf

There's only a few things in there and you shouldn't need a chest x-ray to rule out tuberculosis. In fact there are doctors in Thailand that will do a video call with you and then sign this paper and return it to you for use in visa applications.

Many people have reported seeing their family doctor and showing them this form which they laugh at and sign without a thought.

(You might need to copy and paste the text of the link as Facebook tries to add tracking to links which sometimes breaks Thai government agency links if you click on them in Facebook)
Tod *********
@Brandon ***********
i looked for the medical form too at Sydney and Canberra and couldn't find it 🙁 good thinking to post another consulate's form as they are all the same
Jim ********
Why do you need a chest x-ray? Is this a new requirement?
Jason *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jim *******
it mentions it on the website as part of the medical , but I’m wondering how struck they are on the X-ray part
Jim ********
@Jason ******
Must have changed since I did it a few years ago. I just had to get this medical certificate completed
Sam *****
@Jim *******
did you need to do blood tests? I am freaking out. Won’t have enough time to get my visa if I have to wait for bloods.
Jim ********
@Sam ****
I didn't. I just took the form to my regular GP who has all my medical history and he signed it off.
Sam *****
@Jim *******
Thanks for your info Jim.
Jason *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jim *******
maybe it’s one of those “Thai things” were it is listed by no one really does … that’s what I’m trying to get clarity on 😉
Peter *******
Well if you don’t do the chest X-ray and they knock you back your time management is even poorer. So may I suggest if they say a chest X-ray is required you give them what they want. Or just come to Thailand and apply for the O Visa here.
Graham ******
@Peter ******
or get the Non-O in Australia ;)
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