Terminologies to Learn for a Thai Visa Application
Applying for a Thai visa is deemed to be a very easy thing to do. But it is not always the case. There are times when it becomes daunting and complicated, not because of the intricate procedure but because of the limited knowledge on the terminologies used in the process.
This is the common problem for people who are applying for a Thai visa on themselves. They tend to get lost on the whole procedure because they do not fully understand what they are instructed to do.
So in order to throw light on this usual issue, here are the simplest explanations to terms that are commonly encountered:
1. Thai Visa Application. This is a general term which refers to the whole process of the visa application – from the signing of the form to its approval. It may also include the extension, conversion or renewal of the visa.
2. Thai Visa Extension – Non-Immigration visas are subjected to visa extensions. This is for those who need more time to stay in Thailand in order to fulfill their purpose of travel. Usually, a visa may be extended for another 90 days, maximum. However, in some circumstances, a foreigner is allowed to extend his or her visa validity up to 1 year. It encompasses a procedure which the foreigner should go through before obtaining a permit to stay longer in the Kingdom.
3. Thai Visa Re-Entry Permit – This is often confused with the visa extension. A re-entry permit applies only to single-entry visas. In instances when a single-entry visa holder has to go out of Thailand during the effectivity of his or her visa, he or she should obtain a re-entry permit from the Immigration Office in Bangkok. If not, he or she would no longer be allowed to re-enter Thailand as the visa he or she is holding will be considered void.
4. Thai Visa Conversion – Some non-immigrant visas are convertible into immigrant visas, and some non-immigrant visas can be converted into other non-immigrant visas. This is what a Thai visa conversion refers to. It changes the status of a holder into something different and more appropriate for the purpose of stay in Thailand.
5. Thai Visa Renewal – a visa has its validity, and some have to be renewed in order for the holder to stay longer in Thailand. For some kinds of visa like the retirement visa, the visa may be renewed every year at the immigration office in Thailand. But for others, visa renewal means crossing the border, leaving Thailand and applying for a brand new visa to support the purpose of travel.
6. Thai Validity – each visa issued by the Thai immigrations has its expiration date. Its effectivity shall only last within that span of time, and going beyond means overstaying. For example, a tourist visa is valid for only 90 days. Therefore, the tourist is only allowed to stay in Thailand for 90 days.
Terms vary depending on the immigration office in which the visa application is lodged. It is important, therefore, to ask questions because it would be better than all the delays and hassles in the whole application procedure.
This is the common problem for people who are applying for a Thai visa on themselves. They tend to get lost on the whole procedure because they do not fully understand what they are instructed to do.
So in order to throw light on this usual issue, here are the simplest explanations to terms that are commonly encountered:
1. Thai Visa Application. This is a general term which refers to the whole process of the visa application – from the signing of the form to its approval. It may also include the extension, conversion or renewal of the visa.
2. Thai Visa Extension – Non-Immigration visas are subjected to visa extensions. This is for those who need more time to stay in Thailand in order to fulfill their purpose of travel. Usually, a visa may be extended for another 90 days, maximum. However, in some circumstances, a foreigner is allowed to extend his or her visa validity up to 1 year. It encompasses a procedure which the foreigner should go through before obtaining a permit to stay longer in the Kingdom.
3. Thai Visa Re-Entry Permit – This is often confused with the visa extension. A re-entry permit applies only to single-entry visas. In instances when a single-entry visa holder has to go out of Thailand during the effectivity of his or her visa, he or she should obtain a re-entry permit from the Immigration Office in Bangkok. If not, he or she would no longer be allowed to re-enter Thailand as the visa he or she is holding will be considered void.
4. Thai Visa Conversion – Some non-immigrant visas are convertible into immigrant visas, and some non-immigrant visas can be converted into other non-immigrant visas. This is what a Thai visa conversion refers to. It changes the status of a holder into something different and more appropriate for the purpose of stay in Thailand.
5. Thai Visa Renewal – a visa has its validity, and some have to be renewed in order for the holder to stay longer in Thailand. For some kinds of visa like the retirement visa, the visa may be renewed every year at the immigration office in Thailand. But for others, visa renewal means crossing the border, leaving Thailand and applying for a brand new visa to support the purpose of travel.
6. Thai Validity – each visa issued by the Thai immigrations has its expiration date. Its effectivity shall only last within that span of time, and going beyond means overstaying. For example, a tourist visa is valid for only 90 days. Therefore, the tourist is only allowed to stay in Thailand for 90 days.
Terms vary depending on the immigration office in which the visa application is lodged. It is important, therefore, to ask questions because it would be better than all the delays and hassles in the whole application procedure.