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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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

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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.

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Graham ******

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

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Brook ********

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

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Brook ********

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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.

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Chris *******

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

this not true.

I have paid for 12 hours over.

It depends on who you are in front of.

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Paul *******

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

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

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Paul *******

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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.

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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

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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

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

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

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

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

you still get it stamped into your pp

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Andrea ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

thanks!!

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Bob **********

@Andrea *******

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

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Bob **********

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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

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