Can an STV visa holder in Thailand secure a COVID extension after using the 90-day extensions?

STV Visa Extension COVID-19 Visa Extensions Thailand Immigration Regulations Special Tourist Visa (STV)Thai Visa Rules

Jul 28, 2021

3 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi all, I was wondering if anyone has came across any case of a person who entered Thailand on an STV, who subsequently secured a 60 day COVID extension (after utilising both the 90 day STV extensions)?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion revolves around whether a person, who entered Thailand on a Special Tourist Visa (STV), can obtain a COVID-related extension of stay after having utilized the maximum allowed stay of 270 days (90 days plus two extensions). Responses indicate that while a standard extension past this limit is typically not possible, immigration offices may grant a discretionary 60-day extension due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, provided adequate documentation is presented. However, individuals are advised to prepare for potential denial and the need to leave Thailand if the extension is not granted.

Benjamin ******

I'm going to shut this down:

1. Technically, you can not get another extension of stay on the STV, once you used up the 270 days.

2. The immigration office *MAY* (NOTE the "MAY") give you another 60 day extension of stay based on unable to travel due to COVID-19. I recommend bringing ONE (or more) of the following with you:

- A letter from your embassy saying you can not return, or you can return on date X OR;

- A cancelled airline ticket showing you are leaving Thailand and a rescheduled ticket past your "admitted to" date.

3. A " domestic flight ban." will have no influence. You're in Bangkok already, since you're using CW. BKK is still open as normal for departing flights.

4. There are very few STV visa holders, and the visa is no longer being sold.

PLEASE try and get a 60 day extension of stay based on unable to travel due to COVID-19, and let us know how it goes.

Thank you

3 years ago

James ********

I assume you have already used up your allowed 270 days in Thailand...

If that is true ...

Be prepared to leave Thailand if the Thai immigration office denies your application for the COVID extension.

In that case they will usually grant you 7 days to leave Thailand.

3 years ago

Adrian ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@James *******

Thanks James, yes I'm aware that the STV cannot be changed to any other visa. I was just wondering if the 60 day Covid extension is not considered "another visa" since it's an extension based on pandemic circumstances especially in light of the existing domestic flight ban.

3 years ago

Reply to

Adrian ******

James ********

From the Washington DC Thai Embassy

Special Tourist Visa (STV)

Please click here for the Special Tourist Visa (STV) announcement.

The following conditions are for applicants who wish to apply for a Special Tourist Visa (STV)

STV is valid for a single entry into Thailand for long-term tourism purposes only.

STV is valid for 3 months from the date of issuance. Travelers must enter Thailand within the said 3-month period. They will be allowed to stay in Thailand for a period of up to 90 days, counting from the date of entry. STV may be extended twice while the visitor is in Thailand for a period of up to 90 days per each extension.

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

If the STV holder breaches the entry conditions (for example, if he/she engages in work-related activities), the stay permit will be revoked and he/she will be prohibited from entering Thailand in the future.

For more information regarding Special Tourist Visa (STV) please click here

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/10/stv/

3 years ago

James ********

The STV visa by law cannot be changed into any other visa inside Thailand.

I have placed the TOPIC

STV VISA EXTENSION

On your post...

Click on it and all posts re it will pop up to read.

3 years ago

James ********

Have you asked your local Thai immigration office?

Which office do you use?

3 years ago

James ********

@Adrian *****

the differences appear to be with the extensions... Not with changing the STV visa into any other visa or extension of stay inside Thailand.

3 years ago

James ********

@Adrian *****

Good Luck 🙏🙏🙏

3 years ago

Adrian ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks James, I use CW. I called them up yesterday and was advised to come to the immigration office 3 days before my existing permit to stay expires. Not sure if that means they will process it (or not).

3 years ago

Adrian ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Teo ******

Thank you Shane for sharing your experience at Surat Thani immigration. This is good feedback to know. I'm just curious to see if anyone else has a similar/different experience since I've heard different immigration offices may have a dissimilar interpretation.

3 years ago

Adrian ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Teo ******

Thanks, I guess I will try and report back here. Did you apply way ahead of your STV expiry with Surat Thani immigration office for the 60 day covid extension? I'm wondering if they gave you an extra 7 days to leave, as I can only visit CW 3 days before my current permit to stay expires.

3 years ago

Reply to

Adrian ******

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