Demystifying Thailand Visa Terminologies

The use of a Thai Visa application to generallyfor example can be extended for one month at
refer to visiting the immigration office or Thaithe at the immigration office for a fee of 1900
embassy/consulate overseas to obtain, renew orBaht.
extend an entry permit is a common misnomerThai Visa Conversion refers to the switching from
among baffled neophyte expats in Thailand. Whileone visa type to another. Say a business to a
the difference doesn't really matter to theretirement visa. There are certain travel
common Thai visa applicant whose main concerndocuments that can be switched without the
is to successfully obtain his pass, it certainly helpsnecessity to leave Thailand. If you have a
to be familiar with these different terms especiallycompetent visa agent then you may need to go
for future reference in relation to theout of the country anymore when switching the
maintenance of your long term visa in Thailand.said travel document into another type.
Moreover, it also facilitates a more efficientThai Visa renewal is another term you may need
communication with your visa agent who may beto wont yourself to especially if you are not a
well-versed with these common terms and mayThai PR holder in Thailand. Most long term entry
be using it to explain the procedures to you.permits are good for one year however they are
Below are the common terminologies that aresubject to renewal with the proper requirements.
used in applying for a Thailand Visa:A retirement visa for example is renewed for
Thai visa application as the word implies generallyanother year as long as you have the required
refers to obtaining an entry permit from the Thaifunds. A marriage visa can be renewed as long as
embassy or consulate abroad. Depending on youryou are still married and you have the required
circumstances and the type of entry permit beingfunds. The good thing about this type of renewal
applied for it can also be done inside Thailand. Thaiis that it's simple and straightforward as long as
Visa application is the initial procedure prior to Thaiyou have the requirements.
visa extension as current entry permits areThai Visa Validity refers to the entire period the
subject to extensions when needed. For example,visa is valid. This is normally stamped in your
the usual retirement visa application procedurepassport when you enter to Thailand so you have
starts with a NON O Visa application from theto be wary with this date to avoid overstay fine
Thai embassy applicant's home country. This islater on. This should not be confused with the
usually a 90-day pass. The same process goesvalidity of the visa (or the grace period) prior to
with the Non B application. An initial 90-day B visaentering Thailand once the visa is obtained from
is given to the applicant during the application.the Thai embassy abroad. This is normally
These initial visas are then extended into oneindicated with the phrase "ENTER BEFORE
year retirement or one year or another 90 day B(DATE)" in the visa itself.
visas as long as the requirements are met.Thai visa terminologies are best understood as
Thai Visa extension, therefore, is carried out toyou do them or experience them in context. The
lengthen or extend current entry permits whosenext time you apply, extend, convert or renew
validity is due for extension. The extension isyour visa you should be able to know these
granted as long as requirements are met.differences already. Having yourself informed with
Extensions are normally done at any immigrationthese basic terms would make you feel at ease
office across the kingdom. A 60-day tourist visaand confident in your next Thai visa application.