Thai Visas from China (Guangzhou)

[ChouDoufu]

recent updates on the guangzhou consulate website:

https://guangzhou.thaiembassy.org/

 

 

special tourist visa effective 7 oct 2020 to 30 sep 2021

https://image.mfa.go.th/mfa/0/zi6KMuVvaY/Special_Tourist_Visa_Requirement.pdf

 

tourist visa effective 9 oct 2020

https://image.mfa.go.th/mfa/0/zi6KMuVvaY/Tourist_Visa_Requirement.pdf

 

non immigrant business visa effective 9 oct 2020

https://image.mfa.go.th/mfa/0/zi6KMuVvaY/Non-B_Visa_Requirement.pdf

 

• above visas available for chinese and foreigners residing in china.
• stv is single-entry only, not transferable to other visa types.
• the tourist visa insurance requirement reads "proof of health insurance covering all medical expenses in thailand with a minimum coverage of usd 100,000 that includes coverage for coronavirus 2019 (covid-19) treatment." 

[ubonjoe]

4 hours ago, ChouDoufu said:

stv is single-entry only, not transferable to other visa types.

Not sure that is correct. Immigration decides who qualifies for a change of visa status not embassies and consulates.

[jackdd]

1 hour ago, ubonjoe said:

Not sure that is correct. Immigration decides who qualifies for a change of visa status not embassies and consulates.

There has not been an announcement by immigration yet, but other sources say the same, for example:

https://www.tatnews.org/2020/10/thailand-officially-launches-special-tourist-visa-for-long-staying-visitors-3/

https://canberra.thaiembassy.org/special-tourist-visa-stv/

So i think the chance to convert this is low, and for sure it won't be possible without a bribe.

[ubonjoe]

18 minutes ago, jackdd said:

There has not been an announcement by immigration yet, but other sources say the same, for example:

https://www.tatnews.org/2020/10/thailand-officially-launches-special-tourist-visa-for-long-staying-visitors-3/

https://canberra.thaiembassy.org/special-tourist-visa-stv/

So i think the chance to convert this is low, and for sure it won't be possible without a bribe.

That is for the STV that allows a 90 day entry and two 90 day extensions.

There is also a single entry tourist visa available that allows the normal 60 day entry and 30 day extension. That is the visa I was writing about.

[ChouDoufu]

5 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

Not sure that is correct. Immigration decides who qualifies for a change of visa status not embassies and consulates.

 

i'm only reporting the contents of the consulate-issued pdf.  (item 4.3) 

the no-conversion clause applies to the stv, not the 60-day tourist visa.

 

appears from the wording the stv is intended as a temporary measure only, as they state towards the end of the program period, it may not be possible to use the two extensions in-country.

if they want the stv to have a hard cut-off date, i can see (but not agree with!) not allowing conversions to visas that allow annual extensions.

 

i have not contacted the consulate yet, as i don't plan on returning until next summer.

 

the guangzhou consulate is responsible for guangdong and hainan provinces, but the nanning consulate (guangxi province) has indicated they will accept applications from hainan.  before the troubles, they also told me i could apply for either non-o or non-o-a if i had a china residence permit.  we'll see what happens next spring.

 

 

Edited November 1, 2020 by ChouDoufu

[Polaky]

4 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

That is for the STV that allows a 90 day entry and two 90 day extensions.

There is also a single entry tourist visa available that allows the normal 60 day entry and 30 day extension. That is the visa I was writing about.

Joe on the Canberra site re Tourist 60 day visa the following is observed.......

2.4 TR cannot be changed to any other type of visa during the duration of stay in Thailand.

So it doesn't look like you can come in on it and then apply for an Non O, unless there is a work around?, It now appears that clause is applied to all visa types, curious to know why they would adapt this rule.

[ubonjoe]

33 minutes ago, Polaky said:

So it doesn't look like you can come in on it and then apply for an Non O, unless there is a work around?, It now appears that clause is applied to all visa types, curious to know why they would adapt this rule.

As I wrote before I am not sure that is correct info on a embassy website. Immigration decides what type of visa can apply for a change of visa status.

I think that only applies to the STV that is not a standard tourist visa.

[Bvor]

20 hours ago, Polaky said:

Joe on the Canberra site re Tourist 60 day visa the following is observed.......

2.4 TR cannot be changed to any other type of visa during the duration of stay in Thailand.

So it doesn't look like you can come in on it and then apply for an Non O, unless there is a work around?, It now appears that clause is applied to all visa types, curious to know why they would adapt this rule.

re TR 60 - the canberra site indicates general insurance is not required but the guangzhou site indicates all medical insurance is required (attn over 75 year olds) -  of course covid 19 insurance is compulsory for all