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Is it okay to return to immigration on September 15 after my tourist visa expires?

Sep 10, 2025
5 days ago
Natasha *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello. On August 22, I went to immigration with all the required documents to apply for a retirement visa. They stapled a note in my passport stating *“In the process of changing visa type”* with a date stamp of August 22, 2025.

My current tourist visa expires on Sunday, September 14. I went back to immigration today to ask whether I needed an extension in the meantime. Both agents I spoke with told me it was fine to return on Monday, September 15, even though my visa expires the day before. One agent simply pointed to the note in my passport and said there was no problem and nothing further to do.

Even so, I left feeling uneasy about the situation. I would greatly appreciate any advice or clarification. Thank you.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is in the process of applying for a retirement visa but is concerned about their tourist visa expiring before their appointment to finalize the new visa. They have received advice indicating it is acceptable to return to immigration the day after their visa expires, as their application is under review and they have been assured by immigration officials that there is no issue. Other users share similar experiences and confirm that following immigration officer guidance typically resolves any concerns about overstaying.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Lee **********
This also happened to me before. So when I returned the day after my permission to stay expired , in accordance with immigration instructions, they still did not have my passport back to give to me ( it was for a marriage 1 year extension and they had to send it out of province for the approval). They said come back in yet another week to get my passport back and told me not to worry re an overstay. When I returned in a week they had my passport with the one year permission to stay marriage extension approved. .. Still I was uneasy for the entire week with no passport and knowing my old permission to stay had expired. But they told me not to worry. What can I say other than this is Thailand.
Natasha *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you all for your comments. I appreciate all the feedback. I feel relieved knowing I won’t be considered an ‘overstay’ when I return to immigration here in Krabi on Monday.
Ray ************
I had similar issues that were exacerbated when the earthquake slowed down the BKK office for a few days. All good from the Hua Hin immigration office.
Tariq **********
Had this exact situation previously and all was well. However, made sure not to go far from Hua Hin in the interim just in case another jurisdiction takes another view.
Tod *********
Although you don't mention the office you clearly used one of the offices that gives you "under review" for the Non-Imm visa that is as long as your current stamp, no matter when you applied for it.. 😮

Most offices (Bangkok for instance) give you a receipt that tells you when you return, which is 2 weeks after you've paid for the Non-Imm visa.

When you go back and they ink the Non-Imm visa in along with a new 90 day stamp you lose any time you have left on your free stamp/tourist visa entry.

SOME offices have you come back the day your current free stamp/tourist visa stamp expires and then ink in the Non-Imm visa along with the new 90 day stamp (I've see that at the offices in the south mostly)

Seeing as your stamp runs out Sunday (a day the office is closed) they just will have you come in Monday which is fine.

As long as you applied, turned in your documents, paid the 2000baht your application is under review and you just show up Monday the 15th to get the Non-Imm visa/90 day stamp inked in
John **********
You can't go on overstay in this situation, nothing to worry about. Just return on the date you were given
James ********
Follow the Advice given you by the Thai Immigration Officer.
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