Ask question

Is it possible to wait at the airport for 6 hours after my visa has expired until check-in opens?

Airport Procedures Visa Overstay Immigration Check-in Timing Thai Visa Regulations

May 6, 2023

2 years ago

Andrea ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello, does anyone know if it's possible to wait for 6 hours at the airport after your visa has expired until they open the flight for check-in?

1,397

views

2

likes

36

all likes

16

replies

0

images

10

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

It is possible to wait at the airport for 6 hours after your visa has expired, but you cannot cross passport control until after you have checked in. If your overstay is less than 24 hours, fines may be waived, and an overstay stamp might not be issued. It is advisable to complete online check-in to save time and proceed through immigration before your visa expires. Consider purchasing a lounge pass for comfort during your wait.

Lisa ****

If you check in online and don't have to drop bags you should be ok, otherwise most airlines won't let you check in at the airport until 2 hours before, which means you won't be able to go through customs.

Like

Reply

Craig *******

I had an 8hr overstay and did not get an overstay stamp nor was I fined. But you could also do on-line check-in and avoid check-in queue altogether, then you could clear immigration just prior to expiry, then find a lounge to kill 6 hrs.

Like

Reply

Nick ***********

Yeah, I saw a YouTube vid of a girl doing this in noi bai

Like

Reply

Brook ********

It’s ok to arrive 6 hours early for a international flight. Just be sure you clear immigration (not just security) before 11:59 pm.

I recommend you buy a lounge pass (if a first class lounge is open) after you clear customs so you can spend the 6 hours in relative comfort.

Like

Reply

Graham ******

Most check-ins for international flights don't open until 4 hours prior to departure

Like

Reply

Brook ********

e-check in or gate check your bags, I guess.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Brook ********

Reply

Garrett ***********

The fine for overstays less than 24 hours is waved, and the stamp in your passport says "overstay less than 24 hours" if they put it in there at all. I wouldn't worry about it personally.

Like

Reply

Chris *******

@Garrett **********

this not true.

I have paid for 12 hours over.

It depends on who you are in front of.

Like

Reply

Paul *******

@Garrett **********

I would. Best not to have such a stamp in your passport.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Paul *******

Reply

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

You can wait at the airport as long as you want. It won't change your situation though because you cannot cross passport control until after you've checked in.

Like

Reply

Andrea ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks, so, it means it's not a good idea, right? The ticket for the next day is half the price, so I'm just checking if it's a good idea to buy it or not

Like

Reply

Kool *******

@Andrea *******

the fine for overstay is just bt500 a day, and you're at the airport to fly out so no big deal. Get the cheaper flight

Like

Reply

Micha ***********

first day overstaying is free of charge… was for me Suvarnabhumi

Like

Reply

Carsten ************

@Micha **********

you still get it stamped into your pp

Like

Reply

Andrea ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

thanks!!

Like

Reply

Bob **********

@Andrea *******

but you will get an overstay stamp you cannot check in online??

Like

Reply

Reply to

Bob **********

Reply

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

Can I go to the airport on my visa's expiration date and fly out the next day without facing penalties?

22 comments

9 months ago

Can I extend my visa by one day if my flight leaves the day after my visa expiration?

32 comments

10 months ago

Does checking in before midnight at Suvarnabhumi Airport prevent overstay penalties if my visa expires the same day?

19 comments

10 months ago

Will I face a fine for overstaying my visa by less than 24 hours when leaving Thailand?

10 comments

a year ago

Is it possible to leave Thailand on a flight scheduled after midnight without incurring an overstay fine?

9 comments

a year ago

Will I face issues exiting Thailand if my tourist visa expires on the 15th and my flight is at 1 am on the 16th?

12 comments

a year ago

Will I incur an overstay fine if my flight departs shortly after midnight?

12 comments

2 years ago

Will I incur an overstay if my visa expires on May 13 and I fly out on May 14?

13 comments

2 years ago

What should I do if my visa expires one day before my flight out of Thailand?

33 comments

2 years ago

What happens if I fly on June 4th after my visa expired on June 3rd?

12 comments

3 years ago

What are the options for my daughter whose visa expires the day before her flight from Thailand?

9 comments

3 years ago

What should I do about my visa expiration before my flight?

8 comments

3 years ago

Is there still a 24-hour tolerance for overstaying a visa at the airport in Thailand?

7 comments

3 years ago

Will I face any issues if my flight departs after my visa expires but before I leave Thailand?

22 comments

3 years ago

What should I do if my flight is postponed and my visa expires in Thailand?

36 comments

3 years ago

Will I Be Charged an Overstay Fee if My Flight Leaves After My Visa Exempt Stamp Expires?

7 comments

5 years ago

Is my Thailand visa still valid if I leave at 13:30 on December 30th, or will I incur an overstay fine?

5 comments

5 years ago

What should I do if I overstay my visa by a few hours in Thailand before my flight?

19 comments

5 years ago

If my visa expires today and I fly out just after midnight, will I be safe from overstaying?

12 comments

6 years ago

Will I be charged an overstay fee if my flight is after my visa extension ends?

10 comments

6 years ago

Is it possible to avoid overstaying a Thai visa if I have a flight right after its expiration?

13 comments

6 years ago

Will a 1.5-hour overstay after my tourist visa expires cause problems at Thai immigration?

9 comments

6 years ago

Is it possible to depart Thailand on the same day your visa expires if you have a layover?

21 comments

6 years ago

What should I do if I am flying out just after my visa expires in Thailand?

3 comments

7 years ago

Can I leave Thailand with an expiring visa if I pass through Immigration on the last day?

6 comments

7 years ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.