What are the current visa options for expats returning to Thailand during Covid-19?

Thai visa options Visa amnesty Covid-19 travel restrictions NON-O visa Dependent visa 60-day tourist visa Quarantine requirements Health insurance for Thailand Expatriates in Thailand Family visas Thai immigration policies

Jan 16, 2021

4 years ago

Sammy ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

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?

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TLDR : 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.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

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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.