Answered4 years ago
Can I extend a visa exemption stamp for a second time in Thailand due to passport issues?
Hello all!
Does anyone know if it is possible to extend a visa exemption stamp for a second time? (My first extension runs out on monday).
I am still waiting for my new UK passport to be sent to BKK and I cannot leave the country and re enter due to my passport being less than 6 months valid.
Any advice welcome thanks.
Does anyone know if it is possible to extend a visa exemption stamp for a second time? (My first extension runs out on monday).
I am still waiting for my new UK passport to be sent to BKK and I cannot leave the country and re enter due to my passport being less than 6 months valid.
Any advice welcome thanks.
Answer summary
The original poster inquires about the possibility of extending a visa exemption stamp for a second time due to issues with their UK passport. Responses clarify that typically, a visa exemption can only be extended once, and while some immigration offices may allow a second extension, it is usually denied. The discussion suggests that despite the risks, the poster might consider a 'border run' to re-enter Thailand, as waiting for the passport could take several weeks. There are mentions of contacting the British Embassy for assistance and obtaining emergency passports, which ultimately led to a resolution as the poster was able to travel to Vietnam and return to Thailand with proper documentation.
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Craig **********
OPFixed! Got an emergency passport and flown to Vietnam for a few days then return to Thailand. Immigration will give me a new entry stamp into my emergency document. British Embassy Bangkok gave me an assistance letter. Thanks for your help everyone 👏
Craig **********
OPUpdate: contacted multiple border run companies and all said its impossible with less than 6 months. Looks like my only option is overstaying until new passport arrives or going back to the UK (but my passport is in the process of being delivered to thailand) 🤦♂️
Phil ********
@Craig *********
Ive just sent a passport to the UK from Thailand with DHL and it took 4 days. I hope your not using the UK Post Office to send your passport are you? Do you know about the postal strikes and the back log of post.
Alistair **********
@Craig *********
is there tracking available? As in do you know how long you may have to be on an overstay for
Karim ****
@Craig *********
did you speak to your embassy and asked to provide a letter of proof? that might help with immigrationOtto *********
Immigration should accept the reason of the late replacement passport.
Craig **********
OP@Otto ********
to extend my current extension?Otto *********
@Craig *********
If your country can't supply the new passport in due time, they should issue a written statement to that extent, which you could then show at Immigration, I guess.Craig **********
OPThe passport is still valid until my new one arrives. They take the old one and exchange it for the new one at collection
Rc *******
I never knew you could do a new passport without having to surrender your old or existing passport of which they would cut off a piece or a corner of your passport... 🤔
Alan *********
When you apply for a new passport they cut the corner off your passport making it invalid for travelling !
Stephen *******
Thailand doesn't enforce the 6 month validity rule.
John-Paul ******
@Stephen ******
well... not always. Especially at land crossings.
Braulio *********
respect the law
David *********
Go see a Visa agent.
Mitchell *******
I personally would try a border run, not a bounce. Stay somewhere for a week. When you re-enter, make sure you have a departure flight. You will get more scrutiny for an almost expired passport. But they may let you in if they assume you are leaving within the 45 days.
Still trying to piece together how you got yourself in this mess.
Still trying to piece together how you got yourself in this mess.
Craig **********
OP@Mitchell ******
i really thought my new passport would not take full 11 weeks they said. Many people told me they got theirs back in 3-4 weeks so I was not worried about the stamp expiration. Bit of lack of due diligence on my part 🤦♂️Stuart *********
@Craig *********
pre covid I had my sons new one within 2 weeks. Covid and the lack of travel and then the “sudden” relaxation of rules meant that there was a huge rush on applications and they just can’t cope.Alistair **********
Try contacting a border run company and let them know your situation. They'll be able to advise if they can get you a new stamp without any issues.
Craig **********
OP@Alistair *********
cheers 👍Stuart *********
No. Visa exempt extension is one time only. Some offices may allow you to apply for another extension (for 1,900 baht) but it will be denied and a stamp in your passport saying so. You’ll be given 7 days to leave. Not a stamp you want to get.
The 6 months of validity of passport is often overlooked especially at land border crossings.
My guess is you’ll be better off doing a border hop rather than waiting for your new passport and being on overstay until it arrives. Current UK turnaround times can be 12-14 weeks from application.
The 6 months of validity of passport is often overlooked especially at land border crossings.
My guess is you’ll be better off doing a border hop rather than waiting for your new passport and being on overstay until it arrives. Current UK turnaround times can be 12-14 weeks from application.
Craig **********
OP@Stuart ********
Hi. So even if I took the letter from the consulate confirming I am awaiting a new passport and proof of my permanent address in Bangkok, they would not consider this as a special case to get a second extension?
John **********
@Craig *********
no, a letter will make no difference. Also not sure what you mean by permanent address when you're only here on visa exempt which is far from permanent. I suspect going on overstay and keeping well clear of trouble is your only option (you really don't want to be arrested when on overstay)
Steven ***************
@Mitchell ******
. Agree. Telling immigration you have a 1 year rental on a visa exemption is a huge red flag.And I could almost guarantee your landlord hasn't filed a tm30 with immigration stating you live there.
Mitchell *******
Craig McDougal, I wouldn't mention the 1 year rental...
John **********
@Craig *********
you may well have but given you can't currently stay in the country for that time it seems to me it would only raise more questions.Craig **********
OP@John *********
I have a rental contract for one year because I was planning to apply for an ED visa but was told I couldnt apply for it with less than 6 month on my passport.Stuart *********
@Craig *********
you can try. Have a plan B.Craig **********
OPItll have to be a leap of faith then. 🤦♂️😂
Stuart *********
@Craig *********
Sorry I can’t say for sure. Flying may well be an issue as the airline may have a policy of not allowing you to board if you don’t have 6 months left. Generally Laos has the most lenient land border controls. Whether they’d give you issues is just something I can’t say for sure. It’s up to the immigration officer you’d hand your passport to. Technically your old passport becomes null and void once you apply for a new one, however when applying for a new one here they don’t take the old passport or “clip” it on application so in theory it should work fine.
Craig **********
OP@Stuart ********
which country do you think would be the most lenient with my passport validity by land or air? (provided I have a flight/train booked out) Vietnam? Cambodia? Malaysia? Cheers!
Pascal *****
no only 1 time
Craig **********
OP@Pascal ****
even for special circumstances? I heard people could extend it multiple times due to covid etc.Pascal *****
@Craig *********
today no have covid circumstance, you have to respect the law
Darren *******
@Craig *********
the covid extensions are no more. You'll be on overstayActivity
17 joined17
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