Thai Embassy London - Visa Application
During a visit to the UK I decided to apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa Category “O-A” (Long Stay). Previously I have used the Hull Consulate.
The London Embassy web site makes it look a little daunting but being of an age and inclination where it was possible, and after reading the benefits on the Terry/Todd thread I had a bash.
The Embassy web site lists the requirements, albeit slightly in error (ACPO). All the documents are downloadable from there.
Two items took the longest time, the Police certificate (PC) and the Medical Certificate (MC) . The Embassy web site states the PC must be obtained from Scotland Yard, the Scotland Yard web sites points you to ACPO web sites. I clarified this with the Embassy and they agreed that the ACPO site was the one.
The PC form was downloaded from the ACPO web site and, other than trying to remember where I had lived for the past ten years, was easy to complete. One aspect was the requirement for a signee for the photograph, which was similar to a UK passport. Knowing a professional for at least 3 years but not a family member. It seems an ex wife was not acceptable. It took a week or so to arrive but you do get a very professional certificate to hang on your wall.:)
The MC certificate asks for your local doctor (GP) to certify you are free from some exotic illnesses, Elephantiasis and Leprosy along with a couple of others. A TB test was called for which was done, with a good result, also a Stage 3 Syphilis, always handy to show your girlfriend/wife :), blood test again clear result.
Photographs were taken and visa applications forms downloaded from the embassy web site and filled in. A bank statement, only a single one showing 1 months of credits and debits, was required, to indicate your income exceeded the required minimum.
The PC, MC and bank statement were required to be signed and sealed by a Notary Public (NP). A quick search revealed many locally and quotes for the three documents ranged from £30 to £180, so shopping around may be useful. After receiving every thing in hand and visiting the NP I set off to the London Embassy.
They accept applications between 9am and 12am, not a minute after, very un-Thai. I waited maybe 15 minutes after taking a pink numbered ticket. Whilst waiting I noticed that she made it obvious to some applicants, that she wasn't there to "discuss" anything and pointed to a pile of explanatory leaflets on a table.
The officer checks the PC, the MC, the applications and the bank statement if OK she copies them for free!!. She even adds up all the bank deposits to ensure your monthly income exceeds the required amount. She does however include cash deposits, if you confirm verbally they are deposited every month.
I asked if everything was OK and she replied "Your visa will be ready tomorrow after 11am and until 12 am." A very pretty, efficient, Thai lady but somewhat brusque. Remember to accept the receipt she offers you and bring it back with you when picking up your passport and visa.
The next day at 10:30 I pitched up and took a blue ticket and noticed the 3 person queue at the "Visa collection" table and another cute lady handing out passports. I joined the queue and within 3 minutes had my visa.
All painless except for a few medical jabs. Simple and efficient.
Costs,
ACPO Certificate
£45
Medical Certificate
£45 GP fees,
£75 TB test,
£30 blood test.
Notary Public 10 minutes, 3 red seals and his signature
£30
Thai Visa
£125
Time, allow three weeks.
Next year for my extension I'll give Terry a call. :)
Now off to Heathrow, Terminal 2.
