Can I convert my visa amnesty or visa exemption to a Non-B or tourist visa while in Thailand?

Visa Exemption Visa Amnesty Non-B Visa Tourist Visa Visa Application Process Expat Visa Regulations Job in Thailand American Nationality COVID-19 Visa Guidelines

Jun 16, 2020

5 years ago

Nicholas **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I entered on a visa exemption. That has now expired, but I am here on visa amnesty until July 31. My question is: can I transfer my visa exemption/visa amnesty into a non-B in country? Or, can I transfer it to a tourist visa (in country), which can then be transferred to a non-B? 

I don’t think a visa run is a valid possibility at the moment, but correct me if I’m wrong. I have been offered and accepted a job with a school here. Also if it matters, I am of American nationality. Thanks.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is seeking information about converting their expired visa exemption and current visa amnesty (valid until July 31) into a Non-B visa or tourist visa while remaining in Thailand. The discussion reveals that transitioning from a visa amnesty to an in-country tourist visa or Non-B visa is generally not possible, as applicants need to have legitimate visa days remaining. It is suggested that the user may need to leave the country to apply for the required visa types once borders reopen, and they should consult with their employer for assistance.

Brahim ******

A very reliable source of mine told me that the visa amnesty meaning is you got until july 31st to leave. There are flights out of thailand. Dont wait until july 31 to sort your affairs and surely dont think u can just hop over the border and back that wont happen in a while.

5 years ago

Stan *******

In both cases, no. You'd normally have to leave the country to get either, but who knows at the present time what will happen after 31 July?

5 years ago

Andy *****

If you have been offered a job, shouldnt they assist you in taking care of your visa? Companies have to do some paperwork for you to be able to get a non b, but I heard it is pretty difficult now because of the pandemic and Thailand strict guidelines at the moment (looking like the near future will be strict as well so if u get out it will be hard to come back in unless you are prioritized). You could circumvent and try to get a visa through a language school but you will have to attend classes. Either that or get a volunteer visa. This is only my perspective and experience.

5 years ago

Nicholas **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Yes, they are trying to help me, but due to government regulations there is only so much they can do. It's a mess now.

5 years ago

Ashton ********

@Nicholas *********

can I ask what regulations are making it difficult?

5 years ago

Tod *********

@Ashton *******

as a rule people can go from a 30 day visa exempt entry, a 60 day tourist visa entry or an extension from one of those to an in country Non-B visa, IF they have xx days left on their current stamp.

BUT

because of the covid-19 shit storm where people couldn't get out, couldn't get new visas etc, they gave people amnesty on April 8th until the 31st of July and that amnesty has NO stamp and immigration offices aren't issuing in country Non-Immigrant type visas to people who have gone on amnesty.

5 years ago

Nicholas **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ashton *******

The rule/regulation/policy that says I cannot transfer my visa amnesty into a non-B visa in country.

5 years ago

Reply to

Nicholas **********

Tod *********

Can you go from the visa amnesty to an in country 90 day Non-B visa (doubtful :( ) and if I had to guess I'd say nope you can't do that either

That's because to apply for any in country Non-Immigrant Type visa you need "real days" left on your stamp in the passport and this amnesty is a 'no stamp' sort of thing, <- meaning it looks like you're on overstay because you're here on a stamp that has expired (BUT you're on the amnesty).

All you can do is ask your employer IF they can go from the amnesty to a 90 day Non-B visa inside the country and if they can't you wait on the amnesty until the borders, nearby countries and thai consulates in those countries open back up and then go get a 90 day Non-B visa at one of them..

5 years ago

Nicholas **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks so much. This seems like a no-win situation. To the best of my knowledge IF I leave the country in order to get my non-b; upon re-entering I would be subject to the new (and expensive) requirements such as covid-19 insurance and a 2 week quarantine. Correct?

5 years ago

Tod *********

@Nicholas *********

No one has no idea what the entry requirements will be once the amnesty runs out and once the borders get opened officially.

AT this time I'd say you'd be foolish to leave to go get a Non-B visa and I doubht you'd find a country you could get in to OR a thai consulate that would sell it to you in S/E Asia

5 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

Can you go from the free amnesty to to a tourist visa NO

You BUY a tourist visa to thailand at a thai consulate in another country, you can't get them IN thailand

5 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

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Can I convert my Visa Exemption to a Non-Immigrant B Visa while in Thailand?

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