Can I Extend My Tourist Visa in Thailand if I Already Extended Once Due to the Pandemic?

Mar 19, 2020

5 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi we are a Canadian family living in China who came to Thailand for Chinese New Year in January and are still here. Our daughters school is still closed and Chinese government is recommending no foreigners return until officially invited back by school. Right now we are planning to stay until end of April. Question is we renewed our tourist visa on March 15th at immigration office for 30 days (1900baht), will we have trouble to extend it again on April 14th for 30 more days?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A Canadian family currently in Thailand has a tourist visa that they extended for 30 days on March 15 and are unsure if they can extend it again on April 14. Commenters explain that typically a tourist visa can only be extended once, suggesting they might need to apply for a new visa. Some mention that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, extensions might be more flexible, and they recommend checking with the Canadian embassy for advice and assistance. Others suggest alternative options such as getting an affidavit or possibly flying to a nearby country for a new visa application.

Lea ******

Maybe you can get a declaration from your Chinese employer that you can not return for another month. I know some of my friends who work in China are mot allowed yet back in while others are asked to return in about 1 week. I think China is about to go back to normal in about 1 month time, it seems

5 years ago

Allan *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

If we can't extend we will return to China (or Canada) on the 14th. For my work and the family it has been better to be here so far....but that is changing day by day. Thanks everyone and stay safe!

5 years ago

Benjamin ******

We don't know what would happen by April 14, that's a VERY long time away.

5 years ago

Michael ********

You may have to fly home to Canada.

5 years ago

Darren *********

From Samui group:

This is the reply I just received from the Embassy of Canada in BKK RE request for a letter to stay in the country. Sharing here for the convenience of other Canadians concerned about their visa.

Dear Andrew,

Thank you for contacting the Embassy of Canada.

Issuing a letter to allow you to stay in the country is not one of the service we provide. We are unable to issue such letter because we can not prove whether your reason to stay is genuine. What we can provide is an affidavit letter where you need to apply for it in person at the Embassy in Bangkok. It’s a free of charge. You will need to bring your passport with you when you come to apply. The Embassy can not guarantee if the letter will be accepted. It is up to the Thai Immigration whether they will consider accepting the issued letter or not.

Sincerely,

Consular Section/ section consulaire

Embassy of Canada to Thailand

5 years ago

Sugar **************

@Darren ********

I called them today and she said that three affidavits have been refused..

5 years ago

Reply to

Sugar **************

Clarisa ********

Many folks under normal circumstances would fly out to a nearby country to apply for another 60 day tourist visa which can then be extended 30 days...giving you up to another 90 days in Thailand. But you should check and see what the situation is like at nearby embassies right now.

5 years ago

Darren *********

You get assistance from your consulate only if you genuinely cannot return to your origin (due to COVID-19) So if there are flights you are expected to go home. I did however see a report that the Canadian embassy aren’t saying ‘no’ but a personal visit to their embassy would be required?

5 years ago

Paul **********

Because of Corona alot of people get a second extension......but need to talk with your embassy first

5 years ago

Benjamin ******

No, very few people get second extensions. ONLY those holding passports from Italy, Korea, or China can get an extension because they can not fly back home. A Canadian can return to Canada.

5 years ago

Robert *******

NO, a lot of people hope for second extension.

Most Embassies do not see the emergency as you can fly back home.

5 years ago

Reply to

Robert *******

you can only extend once, you have to get a new visa

5 years ago

Reply to

Robert *******

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