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How can I obtain a tourist visa when my non-B visa is expiring before my flight to the USA?

non-B visa tourist visa visa extension Thailand immigration COVID-19 visa policies ED visa

Mar 7, 2022

3 years ago

Richard *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I hit a snag. My teacher non-B visa runs out March 31. My flight to USA is June 3rd. How can I get a tourist visa? Immigration in Nan won’t transition my work visa to a tourist visa.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

User is facing an issue as their non-B visa expires March 31, but their flight to the USA is on June 3. They need to know how to obtain a tourist visa since immigration in Nan won't convert their work visa. Community members clarify that obtaining a tourist visa while in Thailand is not possible, suggesting the user travel to Cambodia and back. They discuss alternative options like extending the work visa, but highlight that only COVID extensions are available for tourist visas, and a departure is necessary to avoid penalties.

Kool *******

You'll have to leave Thailand. Unless the school gives you all the paperwork to extend your visa and work permit, you are out of luck. The immigration is only giving covid extensions to those with tourist visas, not type B visas. I you go to immigration to try and get a covid extension you will be given a stamp giving you 7 days to leave the country when your visa expires. Your best bet is to either change your flight, or leave the country. You might try for an ED visa, but that will cost you much more than a trip to Cambodia and back.

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Richard *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

How about somehow getting an extension of my work visa?

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Kool *******

@Richard ******

the only extension you will qualify for is the seven day stamp to leave Thailand instead of having to leave immediately when your visa expires, which technically is on the day you quit working.

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Osama ************

@Richard ******

you can ask immigration if you qualify for COVID 60 day extension.

The Government Complex Building B

02 142 2233

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Stuart *********

@Osama *************

not if they’ve had a non immigrant visa/extension.

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Osama ************

@Stuart ********

I wasn't sure. Thank you!

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Richard *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Osama *************

thanks though

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Richard *******

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Stuart *********

You cannot get a tourist visa within Thailand. Look for the announcement at the top of the page and you’ll see what’s needed to go to Cambodia and back.

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Richard *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

thanks! Wow I would really love not to have to go to Cambodia… What about quarantine requirements? I am bummed.

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Stuart *********

@Richard ******

I believe if you are vaccinated there are no quarantine requirements entering Cambodia. To get back you’d need to do the test and go and ThailandPass stuff.

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Richard *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

thanks, how about when I come back to Thailand? Sorry I am so clueless

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Stuart *********

@Richard ******

if vaccinated you only need to do one night test and go. You will need the stuff for a ThailandPass. Confirmed flight and hotel booking, transport to hotel and insurance for at least 20,000 usd cover.

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Kati *********

@Stuart ********

Hi, I’m sorry I’ll jump in you seem to know more than I do. I am in the same situation as Richards and I’m considering going to Cambodia by land rather. Do you know how would that work when it comes to booking flights for a Thai pass or how to return ? I’ve been looking everywhere but it’s not clear to me. Thank you

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Richard *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

This pops up for Thailand Pass -

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Kati *********

@Richard ******

thanks Richard. Good luck 🙂🙃

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Richard *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

good luck to you, too! 🍀

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Stuart *********

@Richard ******

where would you be flying back to Bangkok or Phuket?

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Richard *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

I can go either way. It seems like Phuket is an easier quarantine?

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Stuart *********

@Richard ******

not really. Both use the test and go system now. Difference is that for Bangkok the SHA+Extra hotel package includes transport and cost of the PCR test.

The PCR test for Phuket is done at the airport so hotel prices do not include it, nor transport, but most will arrange the latter.

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Stuart *********

For Phuket airport tests, book and pay here.

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Richard *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

thanks! So no quarantine either place! I just read that’s what test and go means.

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Stuart *********

@Richard ******

well you stay for one night in a hotel room until your test results come back negative. If you were to fly in early and got the results in time in theory you wouldn’t even need to sleep at the hotel, but you’d have still had to have paid for it so why not.

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Richard *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

can I ask the immigration agent if there is some way to pay for an extension? Or would I risk being reprimanded?

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Stuart *********

@Richard ******

I’m not sure what you’re asking, but if you mean to ask an immigration officer about possibilities of getting an extension, then go for it. They’ll either tell you no or suggest “ways” that you could possibly do so. The latter invariably would involve an agent and “tea money”.

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Richard *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

yeah that’s what I was asking. I have “tea money” if it can save me a detour. Thanks. Worth a try.

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Richard *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Or maybe there is none/ I am triple vaccinated in Thailand

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Stuart *********

@Richard ******

yep. That’s the one

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Stuart *********

I don’t believe Cambodia is open to tourists to anything but air entry. I’m not up on what land borders are open, but I see zero posts about them so I guess they’re only for locals on either side to use.

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Kati *********

@Stuart ********

I thought so. Thank you 😊

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Kati *********

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