Answered4 years ago
Can I extend my COVID visa in Thailand, or do I need to leave the country?
Hi advice needed!
We have a covid extension which is about to expire on the 9th November does this mean
a) we need to leave the country on the 9th November and come back in on a 45 visa exemption (U.K. passports)
OR
b) apply for a tourist 30 day extension at an immigration office as this was a covid extension
I’m a bit confused it’s not a huge deal as we can fly to a neighbour country for a few days but it of course is easier if we can get the 30 day tourist extension.
Thanks everyone!
We have a covid extension which is about to expire on the 9th November does this mean
a) we need to leave the country on the 9th November and come back in on a 45 visa exemption (U.K. passports)
OR
b) apply for a tourist 30 day extension at an immigration office as this was a covid extension
I’m a bit confused it’s not a huge deal as we can fly to a neighbour country for a few days but it of course is easier if we can get the 30 day tourist extension.
Thanks everyone!
Answer summary
The individual is seeking clarification on their options regarding the expiration of a COVID-related visa extension in Thailand. They are uncertain whether they need to leave Thailand by the expiration date and return on a visa exemption, or if they could apply for a 30-day tourist visa extension at an immigration office. Various community responses suggest that they cannot extend their COVID extension and need to leave the country. Some advise obtaining a long-term tourist visa from a neighboring country, while others mention potential scrutiny upon re-entry due to the COVID extension stamp. It is also noted that proper documentation, such as proof of onward travel and accommodation, may be required when re-entering Thailand.
26 repliesnewest first
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Nick ************
I have a long term Visa but one covid extension stamp and they questioned me so with 13 I think there might be a problem.
Reece *******
OP@Nick ***********
can I ask what they saidNick ************
@Reece ******
the main issue was that an agent got it for me as they had my passport for renewal. I needed it because my new passport took so long to arrive.John **********
I would avoid flying and instead cross a land border. Make sure you each have 20k baht in cash and tickets out of Thailand booked along with accommodation
Reece *******
OP@John *********
we’re not doing a visa run 🙂 we will go on traveling I wasn’t asking this I just wanted to know if I could get 30 days or would it have to be 45 on arrival when we do travel back to Thailand 🙂 thanks anyway John! 🙂Reece *******
OPI said ‘come back in’ but yes I see how that could look like a
*****
hour border run but I didn’t mean that… we will most probably in this case travel somewhere in Asia for a week or two and then come back to Thailand rather than this ‘border run’ everyone mentions to quickly get back in 🙊John **********
@Reece ******
my answers also applies to "a week or two".John **********
@Reece ******
that conflicts directly with what you posted. If you're going off traveling elsewhere without returning to Thailand fair enough. But you said you were planning to return after a few days which is why I responded as I did
Shayne **********
Where are you currently? It will help us provide suitable options and advice.
Alistair **********
You should've already gotten a 30 day extension before you got a covid extension. If you only have one covid extension and haven't been here to long, then it might be okay to fly back in. But no guarantee. Otherwise using a border run company will get you another 75 days here.
Reece *******
OP@Alistair *********
yes only have 1 🙂
Will ************
Ideally you should come back in on a proper longterm visa if you intend staying in Thailand. If you try to come back in on a 45 visa exempt they will want an exit ticket from Thailand within that 45 days the same with a 60 day tourist visa.
Reece *******
OP@Will ***********
yes that’s no problem anyway as we have plans for Xmas 🙂
Peter ****************
THINK
@Reece ******
, y'r best chance is to get a real Tourist visa (allowing 60 days in Thailand and one time extendable with 30 days) in e.g. Laos with a border run. So buying a tourist visa at the Thai embassy/consulate in vientiane or savannakhet. And then fingers crossed. Border bounce/hop (leaving Thailand, go into other country, and come back immediately) is asking for trouble with a 45 days visa exempt. Also take in account, 20,000฿ per person in cash, proof of hotel booking and onward travel out of Thailand. If this is not working, then it's time to go home for a while I guess. The covid extensions where there with reason "unable to travel home". Now almost every country is open. Good luck I would say 🤞Reece *******
OP@Peter ***************
there’s no problem regarding travel etc (we got 2 covid extension so only 4months) when it’s been going on over 2 years - like I said I just wasn’t sure if I could update it with a tourist 30 days at the immigration here or had to leave cheers anyway Peter! 🙂Reece *******
OPJust checked we actually only got 1 covid extension! 🙂
Bobby ********
@Peter ***************
Good solid advice
Russell *******
Didn't you get a tourist visa extension before your Covid19 extension ?
Bobby ********
How many covid extensions have you had, and how long have you actually been in Thailand?
Reece *******
OP@Bobby *******
just 1 🙂Todd *********
@Bobby *******
my gf has all 13 Covid extensions, 6 months amnesty and was on ‘visa on arrival’ after a border bounce. Will be fun to see what happens 😂Bobby ********
@Todd ********
I think it all depends on location and who you strike on the day. The silly border at Poiphet has been refusing 45-day exempts, and sending people to Siam Reap to get TR visa and to fly in. So a mini-van company in Pattaya has jumped in on the show and is now do border runs to Poiphet guaranteeing a new stamp. Now I wonder how that's working? 🤣Todd *********
@Bobby *******
that’s interesting too! AmaZing how different they all areBobby ********
@Todd ********
Laos is never a problem, although I've only ever used Chong Mek when kicking the OA out for its second year. They even let me without the silly health insurance. They're coolTodd *********
@Bobby *******
looks like Phuket companies having much success at Satun border. Not a big deal either way. Nice holiday in Malaysia is fine if TR visa is needed. I see lots of good results for Laos also 🤷♂️
Brandon ************
You cannot get a tourist extension from a covid extension. You would need to leave the country and attempt to re-enter on visa exempt. You are highly likely to have problems though as anyone with a covid extension in their passport is receiving a large amount of scrutiny and possibly being denied entry.
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