Yes, through an agent, but it’s better if you get a Tourist Visa. You could convert that to a Non O ‘for Retirement’ yourself, and agents prefer if you have one rather than a Visa Exempt as well. For the other 2 visas yes if you pay an agent enough. Around 50k

@Frédéric ****************

That’s how I read the announcement as well.

@Steve ******

but the last part of the announcement says people can apply for an extension up to 30 September. The language isn’t clear but it does indicate it’s possible to stay on an STV after that.

@Jim ********

we probably won’t know until it come to that time. It looks to me as if no-one will be in the country on an STV extension after the end of December (90 days from 30 September)

I read it as if you ENTER on a STV after 3 July you get 90 days but no extension.

The bit about 30 September seems to suggest no new extensions after that regardless of when you enter.

Covid numbers in Abu Dhabi are very high, despite having vaccinated most people with Sinopharm. South African variant widespread. They are talking about giving a booster vaccine already. I’d imagine Dubai is similar.

Difficult to see UAE coming off red list soon, but changes happen without warning so impossible to be sure.

It would have been better if she had got a visa before travelling to Thailand but, if she is prepared to pay and take the (small) risk, an agent should be able to get some sort of visa for her. I know agents in Pattaya were charging - baht for a Volunteer Visa which would give her a year.

@Barry *******

If you enter on a Tourist Visa you can convert to a Non O. Easy through an agent but still possible if you do it yourself. It’s not possible to change a STV to a Non O in Thailand.

You use your U.K. bank account for a visa application. You only need a Thai account for subsequent Extensions of Stay.

The summer is a way off yet and rules could change BUT it is extremely likely you will still need to quarantine for 15 nights.

In terms of visa, it depends how long you want to stay and what the Thai Embassy/Consulate where you are will give you.

If you’re British you can enter on Visa Exempt and stay up to 75 days. A tourist visa will give you up to 90 days. Any longer and you’ll need a Non O for marriage.

In any case, you’ll need a CofE and insurance, test etc.