Answered6 years ago
What are the current visa options for expats returning to Thailand during Covid-19?
Some advice please. Ive been coming to Thailand every year for 2 to 4 months for the last 14 years to visit my 13 year old son and his Mum before going back to work in the UK! Because of Covid, I’ve been here nearly a year now. Since the visa amnesty finished I’ve been going to my local Immigration office who happily gives me a 60 days extension, mainly because of my son and my long time partner (not married) has all the necessary paperwork (blue book etc etc). I’ve never once been asked to provide evidence of my financial situation or evidence of adequate funds etc
My dilemma is that I really need to get back to the UK to conclude some personal and business ‘stuff’. I’m terrified that if I go back to the UK I’m not going to be able to get back into Thailand (around September?) without it costing an arm and a leg. Things may change by then I know but I can’t see how I can get away with the 14 day quarantine (60k bhat?) and that’s ok, but what is all this about a really expensive insurance requirement and having to have 200k in a Thai bank? So many different versions of what’s needed it gets very confusing! Would applying for a Thai ID and driving licence and a yellow book be helpful?
My dilemma is that I really need to get back to the UK to conclude some personal and business ‘stuff’. I’m terrified that if I go back to the UK I’m not going to be able to get back into Thailand (around September?) without it costing an arm and a leg. Things may change by then I know but I can’t see how I can get away with the 14 day quarantine (60k bhat?) and that’s ok, but what is all this about a really expensive insurance requirement and having to have 200k in a Thai bank? So many different versions of what’s needed it gets very confusing! Would applying for a Thai ID and driving licence and a yellow book be helpful?
Answer summary
An expat is seeking advice on returning to Thailand after an extended stay due to Covid-19 travel restrictions. They are concerned about the possibility of re-entering Thailand after returning to the UK and the requirements that might be imposed, such as quarantine costs and insurance. The conversation includes suggestions about various visa options like applying for a dependent visa, considering marriage to facilitate easier re-entry, and obtaining necessary documentation for a return. There are also clarifications on the insurance requirements and potential financial proofs needed for different visa types.
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Kool *******
When you get ready to go back to the UK, take a copy of the boys birth certificate that lists you as the father. A copy of his, and his mother's ID card. As long as he is under 20 years old you can come back on a 90 day type O dependent visa. You could also get a visiting family 60 day visa with these same documents. The big difference is in getting a one year extension on the dependent visa. As for the insurance, to get the certificate of entry you must have an insurance policy that covers at least US$100,000 for covid-19 treatment if you become, or show up, infected. The only other thing is the covid-19 test within 72 hours before your flight. You do not need any money in the bank to do these two options, but, if you decide to extend the type O dependent visa you will need bt400,000 in a Thai bank account in your name at least two months before you apply.
Sammy ********
OP@Kool ******
that’s really great advice and makes total sense. Thankyou! Hopefully by September the consuls back in the U.K. will be open for business again and I can get a visa before I leave. Have no idea about the Covid test situation....unlikely to be offered on NHS but I’m sure there will be a private option available! Thanks againReiner *********
@Kool ******
... Yes after the boy is 13.. I thought he know exact that
Gabe ********
There are much cheaper options for quarantine
********************
Reiner *********
Well....if you leave without a tolerated reason to come back...the answer is NO..try the way because of a father .....but it will be the same....I would come back on a normal 60 days tourist visa and then change it to the one as a family 60 day .so,will,have ,may about 180 days ..or the new special tourist visa 3x90 days 270 ....
Sammy ********
OP@Reiner ********
the reason I want to come back and have been coming back for 13 years is I have a son that needs to see his Dad regularly Reiner! The 60 day tourist visa that I’ve always used to get from my country (the U.K.) is no longer an option as all the Thai Consuls are shut due to Covid. I can’t get married before I leave (see above) so there’s the dilemma! As far as I know you can not get a 60 day visa on arrival? Heard bad things about the new STV but maybe that is the way forward?Reiner *********
@Sammy *******
well as I told ...look for a proper solution ..yes you can not get a 60 days tourist visa , but in a consulate , and no they are not closed ...but not easy to get on the list .....what have heard ....is may be tepid gossip....look for the rules ...and have 270 days Reiner *********
@Sammy *******
well NO......but to late already..... and now you want to go .....Sammy ********
OP@Reiner ********
I called the Consul back in the U.K. this afternoon and the answering machine said they were closed until further notice. Are you aware that little Britain is currently in full lockdown? Thanks for your comments but I am none the wiser 😁
Ray *****
I think you are looking at the worst options. Plenty of ASQ around 30k, can arrive on visa waver and extend for 30 days. Gives you time to look at in country visa options. Worst case speak to an agent, still way cheaper than you are talking about
Evan ********
Maybe you should get legally married here in Thailand before you leave. Then you can return more easily, get an O visa and eventually get an extension based on marriage for a year (400,000 baht in a thai bank).....few other ways too. Goodluck 😄
Sammy ********
OP@Evan *******
I’ve been told by the local Immigration Office that if I were married they could happily give me a visa for a year. The 400,000 bhat in bank account wasn’t mentioned! Been separated for 20 years now, better get my divorce finally sorted!! 😂😂Sammy ********
OPDivorce was on the list of personal ‘stuff’ to sort out back in the U.K. 🥴
Peter *********
You would not be able to get a Thai Id as you are not permanently living in Thailand
Reiner *********
@Alex ******
it's a similar card witch shows that you are a foreigner residenting in Thailand... Sammy ********
OP@Peter ********
I have a French neighbour who has both and he’s never lived her permanently!? He did have have a 6 month work contract (works in the oil industry) so that may have helped? Also a Swedish guy I met last week has an ID card and he normally only stays here for 6 months of the year and the rest he spend back in SwedenReiner *********
@Sammy *******
I don’t believe that Reiner *********
@Alex ******
just forget it... Do you have it.. Prove it... Show Alex *******
It's an actual Thai I.D card. Just like the Thai nationals possess. I'm not bullshitting you for the fun of it
Alex *******
@Reiner ********
it's a solid fact. You don't need to believe it, just know you're missing out. Reiner *********
@Alex ******
I don't need to. Because you can not get a Thai I'd card even if you hit tge residency you get an other one... But belive what you want Alex *******
@Reiner ********
nothing funny about it sir, it's a fact. Do some research, it's a handy card to have in your wallet ;)Reiner *********
@Alex ******
funny Alex *******
@Reiner ********
yes they can 🤣 You shouldn't bother commenting on things you clearly have no idea about. Makes you look stupid 🥲Reiner *********
@Sammy *******
...a foreigner can not get a thai I card....is a ID. Card for foreigners..witout special rights......or if thy get the thai residency thy have to give way their normal foreigners passport......it is possible to get thai residency.but you have to stay here inside more the 3 years in a row...and the procedure is not easy...cost you bout 100.000 upfront............and and and Sammy ********
OP@Reiner ********
both have shown me their cards! why on earth would I lie about it!? Activity
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