Answered5 years ago
How can I extend my visa in Thailand if I'm unable to travel due to COVID?
# Options to extend my visa, due to getting COVID?
I'm in Thailand on a visa exemption (from US), which I then extended by 30-days. It now expires March 13. I just got a positive COVID ATK test today (with mild symptoms). I took the test at home myself, so the result is not reported anywhere official (yet).
I need to isolate now... but I still wanted to get more things done in Thailand before leaving. I have a dentist appointment on Monday that I will need to postpone until after I recover from COVID. I also wanted to see a friend in Phuket. So it'd be nice if I could stay until late March now.
My question: Is my best bet just to go into immigration after I'm recovered (hopefully that's before my visa expires), and try for the "unable to travel due to COVID" extension? My main concern with that extension, is that I already did that extension last November, and then I flew home to the US for Christmas, and came back in January (demonstrating, in effect, that I *could* actually travel). Also I've been in Thailand for ~6 of the last 7 months already, if that matters.
Any other ideas? Or should that work just fine?
Thanks so much!
I'm in Thailand on a visa exemption (from US), which I then extended by 30-days. It now expires March 13. I just got a positive COVID ATK test today (with mild symptoms). I took the test at home myself, so the result is not reported anywhere official (yet).
I need to isolate now... but I still wanted to get more things done in Thailand before leaving. I have a dentist appointment on Monday that I will need to postpone until after I recover from COVID. I also wanted to see a friend in Phuket. So it'd be nice if I could stay until late March now.
My question: Is my best bet just to go into immigration after I'm recovered (hopefully that's before my visa expires), and try for the "unable to travel due to COVID" extension? My main concern with that extension, is that I already did that extension last November, and then I flew home to the US for Christmas, and came back in January (demonstrating, in effect, that I *could* actually travel). Also I've been in Thailand for ~6 of the last 7 months already, if that matters.
Any other ideas? Or should that work just fine?
Thanks so much!
Answer summary
The individual is seeking advice on visa extensions in Thailand due to contracting COVID-19 while on a visa exemption from the US. They have already extended their visa once and are now concerned about applying for another extension under the claim of being unable to travel due to COVID. Comments discuss previous experiences with COVID extensions and advise obtaining a lab test for official documentation, considering potential issues with travel after recovery, and the importance of reporting the infection.
29 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Mike ******
You can extend 30 more days, a total of 90 days on the Visa on arrival. Contact a visa agent to process it for you while you are recovering.
Bobby ********
Mike Gumm. He doesn't have Visa On Arrival - he's visa exempt
Mike ******
Bobby Howard it's the same thing. Means he got a stamp on arrival
Monika *******
I did my covid extension and there is a new form where you can tick "REASON FOR STAY DUE TO COVID SITUATION IN MY COUNTRY " That worked fine. No problems
Monika *******
Ok, it was my first covid extention
Bobby ********
Monika Riley. The form is not new. It's been around since covid extensions started
Monika *******
UK does not want pcr test now before flying
Steven ******
OP@Monika ******
The country I'll be going to next is the Philippines, so they require PCR test before flyingMonika *******
Kool *******
You actually have a much bigger concern, that could drastically alter your plans. By not reporting your infection to the health authorities, when you try to get your RT-PCR test to fly, you seriously run the risk of testing positive even though you recovered, and without that recovery document you will be quarantined and miss your flight, and the quarantine will be at your expense. This is why the recovery document is issued, and the authorities will not believe you that you recovered on your own. This is the biggest problem you will face, as you've got about an 80% chance for 3-4 months after you recover of testing positive.
Kevin ***********
@Kool ******
Where did you get that 80% number from?Kool *******
@Kevin **********
*******************************************************************************************************************************************************************
*****
191.cmsKevin ***********
@Kool ******
That's antibodies. PCR tests are not for antibodies.Steven ******
OP@Kool ******
This doesn't say anything about testing positive via PCR after you recover? Just about still having antibodiesSteven ******
OP@Kevin **********
My mom is a nurse and she says she doesn't think it's very common for people to get the persistent positive test results.. So I'm also still interested in a source for that 80% figureKevin ***********
@Steven *****
Smells like bullshit to me too."One study retested 203 people who had recovered from COVID-19. Of the 203 people, 29 people had positive PCR tests weeks to months after they had recovered, including five people who were tested 85-105 days after recovery. Another study in Wuhan, China, found that of 378 people hospitalized with COVID-19, 36 still had detectable levels of SARS-CoV-2 genetic material more than 30 days after they were diagnosed with the virus – the longest being 83 days."
Steven ******
OP@Michael *******
Thanks for that extra link. It sounds like I'd still need to get a test at a lab with my full information, but then I could isolate at home, no need for a hospitel/hospital stay necessarily (unless that's required through some other mechanism). But is this sketchy at all? Do you know the company to be reputable, legal, and their certificates are accepted? Thanks again.Steven ******
OPAh ok, thank you for the tip. Where would I need to report, in order to get the recovery document in the end? I should just go to a clinic that does RT-PCR tests, take one, and then they will guide me through the process? And I will probably need to go to a hospitel/hotel designated for COVID patients or something? If you know of any resources/guides you can link to, please let me know. Also the 80% figure sounds surprisingly high, are you sure that is from a credible source? Thanks again!!
Michael ********
@Steven *****
medconsult do recovery certificates and they speak English and can be done remotelySteven ******
OP@Bobby *******
Yes that makes senseBobby ********
Steven Paul. You won't get a recovery certificate unless you've got a certified PCR positive test.
Michael ********
@Steven *****
*******************************************************************************
**********
**********
*****
*****
*****
5&id=*****
*****
*****
Steven ******
OP@Michael *******
Interesting, I'll look into it. Thank youBobby ********
A self-test means nothing. You should be getting a lab test done which you can use to extend your stay on medical grounds
Steven ******
OP@Bobby *******
Thanks for the tip. Is there a name for how to extend on medical grounds, after you already have the 30-day extension? Like which extension would it be?Bobby ********
Steven Paul. The hospital you deal with will be able to organise the extension on your behalf, as you will be isolated.
Steven ******
OP@Bobby *******
Ok thank you
Jared **********
I had a Covid extension last spring, went home, came back in November and got a Covid extension last month with no issue.
You might do some searching about where to go as it seems some immigration offices are a lot easier then others, in that case you would go stay a night or two in a hotel and apply there. Also be aware if they have you an “under consideration” stamp you would have to go back to that office when they say.
You might do some searching about where to go as it seems some immigration offices are a lot easier then others, in that case you would go stay a night or two in a hotel and apply there. Also be aware if they have you an “under consideration” stamp you would have to go back to that office when they say.
Steven ******
OP@Jared *********
Alright, it seems I might have some other issues, and I should maybe try to get an official recovery document for my COVID case... But I appreciate your input on this aspect! Thanks!Activity
8 joined8
people
Related
25What should I consider when re-entering Thailand after my ED visa expires?
4k40272mo
Will returning to Thailand on a visa exemption after a work visa cancellation cause immigration issues?
1.3k1194mo
Can I return to Thailand for Songkran in April 2026 after staying in 2025-2026?
1.4k11119mo
Is it wise to use a visa exemption for multiple visits to Thailand or should I apply for a tourist visa?
1.9k16111y
Do I need an e-visa if I have a US passport and have been to Thailand frequently?
5.1k46422y
How many times can you enter Thailand using the visa-exempt stamp without being questioned?
13k1091432y
Can South Korean citizens cross into Thailand multiple times by land without visa restrictions?
4.6k33482y
What are the visa options for a German passport holder staying in Thailand for multiple shorter visits?
1.1k693y
Will I face immigration issues in Thailand with my planned visa strategy?
1.5k1263y
Is it safer to apply for a tourist visa rather than entering Thailand on a visa-exempt stamp?
4.1k37254y
What should I expect when returning to Thailand with a history of short-term entries and covid extensions?
782274y
Do I need a return ticket within 45 days to enter Thailand without a visa?
9372134y
Can I get a COVID extension at a different immigration office in Thailand without an embassy letter?
2.1k14244y
What are my options for extending my stay in Thailand after a 60-day visa extension?
1.3k6144y
Can I extend my stay in Thailand if I entered under Visa Exemption?
1.4k8134y
Can I get a COVID-related travel extension on my ED visa that expires on March 17th while I need to stay in Thailand until April 9th?
862485y
What reasons can I provide to justify my Covid visa extension in Thailand?
2.2k2165y
Do I need a TM.30 to apply for the COVID-19 visa extension in Thailand?
1.2k885y
Can I obtain a COVID extension for my visa exemption in Thailand?
558235y
Is the COVID-19 visa extension in Thailand extended until January 25, 2022?
10.8k422425y
Can I convert an ED visa to a normal tourist visa while in Thailand?
1.4k996y
What are the requirements and implications of using a Visa Exemption while on a NON B Visa and Work Permit in Thailand?
563227y
What are the official rules for US citizens regarding the number of entries into Thailand without a visa?
39817y
How can I extend my stay in Thailand on a tourist visa after receiving an 'in+out' stamp?
3.3k30208y
Can I re-enter Thailand for a new 30-day visa exemption after crossing the border at Mae Sai?
2.1k18139y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served