THAI ELITE VISA UPDATE

Entering Thailand with Thai Elite Visa

Over the last few months there have been a number of rumors online and announcements made by Thai agencies that Thai Elite was either delaying current applications or not accepting applications at all.  Despite the rumors Thai Elite Express, powered by Harvey Law Group, a licensed sales agent of the program since 2013, clarifies the rules and timeframes necessary for both existing and new members to enter Thailand with a Thai Elite visa.

Applying for Thai Elite visa

Thai Elite has not suspended the application process despite what others may have said, in fact, old, new and future prospects can apply for the program regardless of whether they are already in Thailand or currently living outside of Thailand. With the surge of applications since July 2020, (approaching 5 times higher than seen in the past), this has resulted in the average processing time slightly increasing to 6 to 8 weeks instead of the usual 4 weeks’ lead time.

Obtaining your Thai Elite Visa after approval

Upon the issuing of the approval letter, payment being made and the issuance of a membership member, those already in Thailand must request Thai Elite Member Contact Center to make an appointment with Bangkok Central Immigration Department at Chaengwattana Government Complex Building (a prior notice of 5 to 7 days is usually required). The appointment normally takes 15 minutes and given the booking is pre-registered at a certain day and time, members will not have to wait or queue to get their Visa.

For those who are in Thailand under a non-expired valid visa, you should cancel this visa first before booking your appointment at the Immigration Department, so it is recommended you check with your agent or Thai Elite of the process involved.

Given the surge of numbers for the Thai Elite visa in particular those from overseas, the procedure for new Thai Elite members is a little longer. From our experience the processing time is approximately 6 to 8 weeks

Step by Step Process

1. Check with your local Royal Thai Consulate that they agree in principle to issue the Thai Elite visa (most Consulates like London, Paris or Singapore now accept). Please check with us for other locations.
2. Request Thai Elite Member Contact Center to (i) make an appointment at the selected Royal Thai Consulate overseas (2-4 weeks) and (ii) obtain authorization from Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs to apply for Certificate of Entry (“COE”).
3. Once authorization is granted, make an appointment with local Royal Thai Consulate to get your Thai Elite visa sticker and submit your application for COE (2-4 weeks).
4. Get your COE, fly to Thailand and undergo the 14 days’ quarantine in Thailand at Thai Government Quarantine locations or Alternative State Quarantine locations (ASQ).

Any existing and new Thai Elite members who have already entered Thailand have completed the 14-day quarantine and are now enjoying the pleasures of Thailand. Other members are still under quarantine but are due to have completed the quarantine soon.

As you may already be aware, there are a few other categories of visa holders who are allowed to enter Thailand other than the Thai Elite Visa. However, this is where the Government allocates COEs to enter Thailand but it is subject to consideration of a number of different factors such as number of applicants, flights available and vacant quarantine rooms.

Given the ranging factors including limited number of flights and quarantine space, Thai Elite is aware that existing or new Thai Elite members may have to wait before flying to Thailand.

As a direct result, Thai Elite decided to grant an additional 6 months’ validity period for all visas paid before September 30 and furthermore, they have decided to grant an additional 3 months’ validity period for all visas paid before December 31, 2020. In addition, all new members will be entitled to specify the starting date of their visas (at the same time of when payment is made), in the event they do not wish to enter Thailand immediately.