Volunteering in Thailand can be a rich and rewarding experience—especially with the right organization. O-VISA allows you work legally with a government-approved NGO here in Thailand.
Even though you’ll be acting in a volunteer capacity, a non-immigrant visa and work permit are mandatory for working legally with any officially-registered NGO in Thailand.
Holders of this visa should be residing in Thailand. Although a re-entry permit can be attached, frequent travel in and out of Thailand may be problematic with Immigration expectations of dedicated time to the foundation.
- Eligible Applicants for O Volunteer Visa
- This category of visa is issued to applicants who wish to visit Thailand for a volunteer to work in a non-government organization in Thailand;
- O Volunteer Visa Conditions
- The O Volunteer Visa is valid for a single entry
- The O Volunteer Visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. Travelers must enter Thailand within the said 90-day period. They will be allowed to stay in Thailand for a period of up to 90 days, counting from the date of entry. During the 90-day period of stay, if they wish to leave and re-enter Thailand, they are required to apply for a re-entry permit (single or multiple) before departure. If they leave Thailand without a re-entry permit, the current stay permit shall be considered void.
- The extension of stay is at the discretion of the immigration officer. Extension application can be made at the Office of Immigration Bureau (visit www.immigration.go.th for more information)
- If the O Volunteer Visa holder breaches the entry conditions, the stay permit will be revoked and he/she will be prohibited from entering Thailand in the future.
- O Volunteer Visa Application Procedures
- Each applicant must submit a complete application form together with the required documents* to the Royal Thai Embassy by post or in person. Prepare required documents as follows:
- 3.1 Completed Visa Application Form
- 3.2 One (1) passport-sized photograph affixed to the Visa Application Form
- Size 3.5 x 4.5 cm.
- White background and no older than 6 months
- 3.3 Passport
- An actual passport with minimum validity of six months from the date of planned entry into Thailand
- Must have at least two empty pages
- A copy of passport (bio data page)
- 3.5 Invitation letter
- An invitation or acceptance letter from the concerned organization in Thailand indicating position, responsibilities, and length of stay in Thailand
- 3.6 A copy of passport or I.D. card of a person who signs an invitation or acceptance letter
- 3.7 Organization’s registration or license
- A copy of the concerned organization’s registration or license in Thailand as a non-profit organization
- 3.8 Evidence of adequate finance
- Copy of updated bank statement with a minimum balance of THB 20,000 per person, or THB 40,000 per family
- 3.9 Additional Supporting Documents
- Proof of residence
- Proof of accommodation in Thailand under the applicant’s name.
- 3.10 Visa fee
- O Volunteer Visa processing times
- Visa processing time is up to 5 business days
- Certain applications which require special consideration may take longer to process.
- Remarks
- The Royal Thai Embassy reserves the right to request additional documents as deemed necessary as well as reject any application without prejudice.
- The applicants must provide genuine documents and information. If the applicants are found to provide false documents or give false information, their applications will be rejected and be reported for further determination of appropriate action and future prohibition to enter the Kingdom of Thailand.
- Visa processing fees are non-refundable regardless outcome.
- Visa processing fee is subject to change without prior notice.