Questioner: Ton
Subject: Thailand Visa question No. 273/21 My comment: the questioner wants to arrange it in NL. But could the person asking the question also go on Visa Exemption (30 days + extendable) and apply for a Non-Immigrant O at Immigration in good time?
Perhaps easier (and cheaper than help from the visa office NL).
Kind regards and strength with the extra work due to all those changing entry rules
Reaction RonnyLatYa
Yes, that's possible. But as I have often said, a Visa Exemption is actually intended for travelers who intend to stay in Thailand for no longer than 30 days. However, you can extend it for 30 days.
However, they want 90 days. This will also become clear on their ticket when they apply for the Thailand Pass. Or they have to buy Flexi tickets again with which they can move the date. That is also more expensive. If not, the ThailandPass may be refused because the return date of their ticket is incorrect, or they may be refused by the airline.
But let's assume that all this is not a problem, then it still depends on the IO whether the conversion is allowed. Don't forget that there are also financial requirements.
Before converting, they will first have to open 2 bank accounts with 800 Baht each in order to meet the financial requirements of the Retired. If he can prove an income, maybe 000 x 2 Baht per month will suffice for both of them. The combination scheme can also be a solution, of course, but then one must also see that one is going to transfer enough money or has income.
I don't know if they are married and if the Dependent might be able to offer a solution and will be accepted, but if married he will also have to provide the necessary proof. Perhaps a legalized translation of their marriage.
So everything is possible, but whether it is all worth it for those 30 days extra or even cheaper?
Converting also costs 1900 Baht per person. Translation and/or legalization is also not free.
Converting from Visa Exemption to Non-immigrant is not the best and cheapest solution for everyone. I expect that setting up an online system in the future will also solve many problems.
– Do you have a visa question for Ronny? Use it contact form.! -