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Can I switch to a 90-day Non-O visa and then apply for a one-year extension in Thailand while on a visa-exempt entry?

Thai Visa Non-O Visa Visa Extension Visa Exempt Entry Marriage Visa Immigration Procedures Long-term Stay in Thailand TM30 Registration

Feb 17, 2025

4 days ago

Brendon ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi - having spent the last 14 years travelling between Thailand and New Zealand on 12 month Non O (Thai Spouse) visas I now need to take a different approach as one year is not an option through the E-Visa and the 90 day Non O costs more than 16,000 Baht from the NZ Thai Embassy. As I have the requisite 400K Baht seasoned in my Thai bank account can I arrive on a visa exempt 60 days, apply for a 90 day Non O and then the 12 month extension all within a three to four month period before I have to return to NZ?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

After 14 years of using a 12-month Non-O visa for travel between Thailand and New Zealand, the user is exploring a new approach due to the cost and limitations of current visa options. They inquire if it's feasible to arrive in Thailand on a visa-exempt 60-day entry, then apply for a 90-day Non-O visa and subsequently for a 12-month extension, considering they have 400K Baht in their Thai bank account. Input from the community confirms this approach is possible, outlining the necessary steps and requirements for each visa application.

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Tod *********

Correct the year-long, multi-entry Non-O visa choice was discontinued once all the consulates switched to the eVisa online web-portal.

You're also correct that the thai consulate in Wellington New Zealand is the most expensive consulate in the WORLD for thai visas. 😮 😡

You should have no problem coming in on a free stamp (visa exempt) 60 day entry. Filing a TM30 showing you're registered at the address where you're staying (you will need that for 90 day the Non-O visa/year extension)

You can go to your immigration office get the hand out listing the document requirements for the 90 day Non-O visa based on marriage.

When you have 30 days or less left on your 60 day entry stamp go and apply for it for 2000baht, wait the under review period, go back get the Non-O visa and new 90 day stamped inked in,

Then

wait until you have 30 days left on 90 day stamp and apply for the year extension for 1900baht

you'll get a 30 day under consideration stamp,

wait until that runs down

go back get the year inked in

BUY a re-entry permit

4 days ago

Brendon ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

great, thanks for that - so I'm probably looking at a minimum four months to process the above and not being able to leave Thailand during that time?

4 days ago

Tod *********

@Brendon *****

you could leave after you got the 90 day Non-O visa (you'd buy a re-entry permit and have to be back BEFORE that 90 days ran out) AND you could leave during the 30 day under consideration stamp you'll get when you apply for the year extension (again you'd need a re-entry permit and have to be back before that month ran out AND coordinate with the immigration office if they do a home visit too)

4 days ago

Brendon ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

ok, thanks again. That gives me options and I may even bite the bullet and get the 90 day visa here in NZ and the 12 month extension in Thailand.

4 days ago

Stuart *********

@Brendon *****

just a heads up, I don't think you can get a 90 day Non O visa in NZ, you have to do it the way

@Tod ********

set out, you can get a Non OA in NZ but that means police checks, health insurance etc, not sure.you want to travel that path, from I Kiwi to another, you are in great hands with Tod Daniels.

4 days ago

Tod *********

@Stuart ********

Non-O 90 day visa based on marriage (or retirement) is available in Wellington

Sadly If I'm reading right the 90 day Non-O in Wellington is NZ$800 which is

*****

baht 😮 where as in thailand, and in Lao it's a 2000baht visa

***************************

4 days ago

Michael ********

@Stuart ********

You think wrong. NZ citizens can definitely apply for a NON O for Thailand, and I would recommend that this is by far the best option in this situation.

4 days ago

Reply to

Michael ********

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What are the steps for obtaining a Non-O visa in Thailand and getting a one-year extension?

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