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Can I get a one-week extension on my visa at Thai Immigration if it expires soon?

Thailand Visa Extensions COVID Visa Extensions Thai Immigration Visa Rules Visa Runs

October 24, 2022

2 years ago

Lauren ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi! My 2nd covid extension visa ends on Friday. My e-visa for Vietnam may not be available as I am having trouble getting it. Is it possible to go to Immigration and get a one-week extension? Or are they strict, and I would have to leave country on Friday?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The query concerns the possibility of obtaining a one-week extension for a visa expiring soon due to issues with acquiring a visa for Vietnam. Responses indicate that some immigration offices may allow an extension if you can show an air ticket out of the country within 7 days; however, others may deny the extension and require an immediate departure. It is suggested that a visa run to neighboring countries like Malaysia, Laos, or Cambodia could be a better solution.

John **********

Better to do a visa run than to try for a 7 day extension.

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Steve ********

@John *********

Not with the Laos border. With Cambodia most definitely. Nong Khai is fine

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Steve ********

@John *********

Even better just do a border bounce

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John **********

although she does have a couple of Covid stamps so a visa is safer.

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John **********

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Lauren ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

I agree, and I do not enjoy trips to immigration offices but it is a rush to make Laos as I am in CM with ticket to Bangkok tomorrow, and then take a train to Laos! I did not know trains would be so packed, and do not like buses.

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John **********

@Lauren *******

you're closer to Laos where you are than Bangkok

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Lauren ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

Yes, I thought about it but bought a train ticket already so doubt I can get refund? I know there is a bus to Nong Khai from here. I have not travelled/lived in Thailand for a long time!

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Lauren ********

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Stuart *********

Some offices will allow you to apply for another extension if you have an air ticket out within 7 days - except the application will be denied and they’ll give a stamp in your passport saying so and 7 days to leave.

Not all offices will do this.

Perhaps a trip to Malaysia or Laos or Cambodia may be options whilst you’re waiting.

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Lauren ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

I am thinking about going to Laos but may overstay a day. Is that a big problem for them?

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Brandon ************

@Lauren *******

I think you'll have very little chance of getting back into Thailand with both covid extensions and an overstay stamp in your passport.

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Lauren ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

Really? Why would they give covid extensions and then give you trouble? I thought I could explain situation to officer coming back.

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Jo **********

@Lauren *******

i don’t think they will but it’s combination of covid extensions with an overstay. I have 6 covid extensions and came back 5 times after. but some have not been admitted because they were originally in some type of ED or volunteer visa and then got covid extensions rather than get the right visa.

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Lauren ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

thanks for info! I always worked in Vietnam and just visited Thailand for less than 30 days. It has all gotten quite complicated right? I think officials like people who travel by air to another country and then return rather than doing land crossings or border bounces often. They want to know if people are working, paying taxes, etc.

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Stuart *********

@Lauren *******

Laos is probably the “safest bet” to do a border bounce with Covid extensions. No reports of issues re-entering there.

Many reports of trying to re-enter via other borders or airports.

Why would they give you hassle? Well because the covid extensions were just basically “tourist visa extensions” open to everyone. Some people have lived here for 2 years plus on them. They’re not tourists. Immigration will likely see them as trying to stay long term on the wrong visa type and almost certainly working illegally.

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Lauren ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

Oh I see. I am not one of those who used them for that purpose, nor did I work illegally. You are saying I would be put into that category? Looks like a border bounce may be in order, but I have usually stayed 2 nights in Vientiane when I did it in past.

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Stuart *********

@Lauren *******

Sorry if my answer implied that you were one of those. I’m just saying that the immigration officer may well cast you in that light.

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Stuart *********

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Stuart *********

@Lauren *******

Overstaying in Laos? Sorry absolutely no idea.

If you mean overstaying in Thailand then it’ll be a 500 baht a day fine (usually waived if it’s under 24 hours). That’s if you make it to the airport or land border crossing. You do not want to be caught on overstay at a police checkpoint on your way. Whole different ballgame.

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Lauren ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

Thanks. Did not know that! I had a plan to fly to Hanoi, but am having trouble with e-visa. If I took train to Laos border, do you know what time it closes? Have never been in this situation before!

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Lauren ********

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