Answered6 years ago

Can I recover 8 months of stay on my O-A visa due to Covid-19 complications?

O-A Visa Covid-19 Impacts Visa Expiry Issues

Geoff *******

asked Jul 3, 2020

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I am presently in UK. I hold an O-A visa which expires on 29 August 2020 with a Thailand exit date of 16 January 2021, kept 'alive' by a single-entry, re-entry permit. Ordinarily, I would have re-entered just before my visa expiry date, 29 Aug 2020 and would have expected to be stamped into Thailand for almost a further year, until Aug 2021. However, due to Covid-19, this is looking increasing unlikely, although I may still be able to enter before my stamped in date, in which case, I would still have to leave by 16 Jan 21 and would potentially lose up to 8 months of stay. Is there any way I can recover those 8 months? Is there any special provision, amnesty or waiver for those who have passed their visa expiry dates due to Covid-19?

Answer summary

The user is currently in the UK with an O-A visa that expired on 29 August 2020, but due to a re-entry permit, they have a stay until 16 January 2021. They are concerned about losing potential stay time because of Covid-19 preventing their return to Thailand. Comments suggest that they won't lose any stay provided they can enter before their visa expiry, as the entry date will dictate their stay duration.

6 repliesnewest first

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Stuart *********

Sadly happened to me to. Hey ho, that’s life sometimes. My OA expires next Tuesday, but thankfully I’m stamped in till January next year. Luckily I didn’t leave Thailand since I last re entered this January.

6 years ago

Geoff *******

@Stuart ********

I also considered staying on for the duration but my insurance wouldn't have covered me.

6 years ago

Bobby ********

@Geoff ******

. You can buy insurance here

6 years ago

Geoff *******

@Bobby *******

Not if you're over 65 and only want it on a monthly basis.

6 years ago

Tod *********

you didn't "lose" any stay. :( The way the visa works is IF you enter before the visa expires you get a new year stamp.

AT this point it is highly unlikely you will be able to enter the country before the VISA itself expires on the 29th of Aug.

SO

That means when ever you can get back in you will be stamped in until the 16th of Jan 2021 <- the date your most recent entry stamp to thailand expires.

You didn't lose any time, you just couldn't get back in before the visa expires. It happens

6 years ago

Geoff *******

@Tod ********

Thanks. Just thought I'd ask, as many people will be in the same boat.

6 years ago