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What are the current visa requirements and border statuses for entering Thailand as of March 21, 2020?

Visa RegulationsThailand ImmigrationCOVID-19 Visa Changes
Mar 21, 2020
5 years ago
Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Trying to summarize lots of information:

AS of today Saturday 21 March 2020 at 12:00:

Land borders with Thailand:

Malaysia closed their borders

Myanmar closed their borders

Laos closed their borders

Cambodia has a few border check points open today, but it seems from tomorrow onward only Poi Pet - Aranyaprathet border check point will be open for essential travel.

Thailand is closing borders as you can not travel to neighbor country anyway, no need to stay in full force to tell people, no border run available.

If you like to enter Thailand by airplane starting at midnight today, so effective from 22 March 2020,

all people need a medical certificate and an

insurance with at least 100.000 USD coverage.

Royal Thai Police Immigration Bureau:

Announced that for the 18 countries and 3 territories, the 15 day Visa on Arrival is cancelled,

The 30 day Visa Exempt Entry is cancelled for Italy and South-Korea.

There is an option for people using the Visa Exempt Entry and Tourist Visa and already have the 30 day Extension of Stay.

If you booked a flight out of Thailand before your last date and this flight is cancelled or re-scheduled or re-booked after your last date you can get an Emergency travel letter from your Embassy. With this letter you can get an extra maximum 30 day Extension of Stay.

For people using the Non Immigrant Visa, the normal requirements are in place to apply for the 1 year Extension of Stay.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
As of March 21, 2020, Thailand has closed its land borders with Malaysia, Myanmar, and Laos. Cambodia has limited entry to essential travel at the Poi Pet - Aranyaprathet border checkpoint. Air travel to Thailand from 22 March 2020 requires a medical certificate and insurance covering at least $100,000. The 15-day Visa on Arrival is cancelled for 18 countries, and the 30-day Visa Exempt Entry is cancelled for Italy and South Korea. Those with a cancelled flight can obtain an emergency travel letter from their embassy for a possible 30-day extension. Non-Immigrant Visa holders face standard requirements for a one-year extension.
Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
time to close down, summarize is in my view a list of things what is going on at that moment. Not to be used to post new regulations and changes of Embassy website, for that you make your own post.
5 years ago
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Toby ******
admins, thanks for your hard work getting the facts straight and getting us the best information.
5 years ago
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Andrew *********
Pretty much job done for you Admins not much else you can do. Stay safe guys
5 years ago
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Taylor *******
Has anyone left thailand to go to USA recently? Leaving on Thursday but I’m curious what the process looks like leaving Thailand right now. Thanks.
5 years ago
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Phillip ********
Mot Mot
5 years ago
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Ahkim ********
Is there an example of the airline letter available?
5 years ago
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Tod *********
you contact your consulate, they either issue a letter or they don't and they will know what it is.
5 years ago
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Tod *********
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Jason *******
Can anyone confirm Tachileik Myanmar border site is closed? I have an evisa. I'm hearing it's still open...
5 years ago
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Jason *******
So I paid 50 bucks for an Evisa for nothing, dammit
5 years ago
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Jason *******
Yes, Evisa for Tachileik land border checkpoitn
5 years ago
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Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
you have the Evisa for this border or an Evisa wih another entry point?
5 years ago
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Robert *******
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Je ****
I arrived with 30 day visa exemption one week ago, can i already apply for the 30 day extension or do i need to wait until closer to the expiration date of my initial 30 day visa?
5 years ago
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Benjamin ******
>can i already apply for the 30 day extension or do i need to wait until closer to the expiration date of my initial 30 day visa

Depends where you are at. Where are you at?
5 years ago
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Benjamin ******
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Lyndon ************
Thanks for the day's update, very useful info summary
5 years ago
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Nicholas ********
Thank you for all of the updates and help to so many people
5 years ago
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Benjamin ******
IT IS hard work though.
5 years ago
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Benjamin ******
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Brandon *****
I tried to read all the comments, I’m sorry if I missed this. Can one do a border bounce at Poi Pet, Cambodia..?
5 years ago
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Benjamin ******
From what I read, it's only for essential travel. I do not know what that means. I *BELIEVE* your passport can not be from one of the following countries either:

China

Hongkong

Taiwan

Singapore

Japan

S. Korea

Italy

Iran

France

Dutch

USA

Spain

Norway

Sweden

Switzerland

British

Netherlands

Denmark
@Amornrat *********
, is this correct?
5 years ago
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Benjamin ******
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David ********
Thank you, Robert! Please forgive me if this has already been answered in some other way. If one wishes to gain another 60 days on an METV by doing a “border bounce by air” with a fresh, negative covid test from here in Thailand, plus the required insurance, is that a valid way of doing it? If so, which city, country might be advisable? Thank you in advance 🙏🏼
5 years ago
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Thet ***********
@David *******
 hi How and where did you get your “covid clear” certificate in Thailand. I am trying to get one before as the same way like you “ bouder bounce by air”.

How long the process takes for lab test? I am leaving Thailand at 7pm tonight.
5 years ago
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David ********
Are you able to get the covid-19 negative result report from Bangkok ? so can re-enter without any problems, less than 72 hours
5 years ago
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Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
it is a valid way, but which country is easy to visit, is a thing you have to find out. This link might help as most countries are updated with their precautions
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*****
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.htm?fbclid=IwAR0SyKepeULtEye5VxnHroCRw_AAFS0kuF39S-8WFeW8URb20qSLgsdpl6M
5 years ago
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Robert *******
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Ekaterina *********
Please add that Russians still have 30 day bilateral agreement cause now it misleads people, who are not that into beurocracy details.
5 years ago
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Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I edit the text and delete Russia.
5 years ago
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Benjamin ******
There's a lot of information that's missing from Robert's post, because he's trying to keep it as a summary. For all nationalities visa status, see

*************************************************************
%20on%20Arrival/VOA.pdf
5 years ago
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Anton ************
@Ekaterina ********
That’s true, totally misleading
5 years ago
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Anton ************
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Michal **************
My Visa of Arrival ends in the middle of April, thus I am not eligible for another stamp in my passport to extend my Visa for another 30 days?
5 years ago
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Kev **********
The price is way beyond my reach so I can’t go home sooner
5 years ago
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Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
i not believe you have a 15 day Visa on Arrival which will end in the middle of April.
5 years ago
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Robert *******
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Robert *********
Robert, I have a multiple entry Non Immigrant O Visa, and required to leave Thailand every 90 days and re-enter.

I have a residence in Chiang Mai and currently visiting Koh Phangan, Thailand.

Do I have to leave Thailand?

Do you have advise on how to get my visa renewed. Preferably for 90 days.
5 years ago
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Paul *******
I have looked on the British Embassy website and the covid 19 letter is only for tourists its not for people on OA visa. Is there anywhere that explains what to do now the borders are closed for those doing Borda runs with OA?
5 years ago
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Sha ******
@Robert ********
 I have a non imm O as well and am wondering how to get my next 90 day stamp....
5 years ago
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Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
you can not renew a visa, if you have to leave the country every 90 days, you can apply for the 1 year Extension of Stay for the reason you got this visa but you need to meet all the requirements.
5 years ago
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Robert *********
Thanks for your reply.

But can I renew my Visa at immigration in Koh Samui, or do I have to leave Thailand.

Many boarders are closing and I am not sure if can return to Thailand, once I leave.

BTW, I have a U.S passport
5 years ago
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Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
yes, koh phangan is part of Thailand and does not count as abroad
5 years ago
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Robert *******
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Eletherios *********
Uk providing the certificate or not?
5 years ago
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Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
If you can meet the requirements, yes
5 years ago
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Robert *******
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Evan *******
Do those currently on a 30-day exemption stamp also need to present an embassy letter and/or medical certificate for an extension? Canadian passport holder asking.
5 years ago
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Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
There are no changes for the first time application of Extension of Stay
5 years ago
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Robert *******
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Andy ******
Appreciate the updates
5 years ago
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Anton ************
30 Days Visa Exempt for RUSSIA is not cancelled, it’s not true
5 years ago
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Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Russia have a 30 day bilateral agreement and were also on the list for 30 day Visa Exempt Entry. No need for two listings so the removed one.
5 years ago
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Robert *******
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Chris ****************
US embassy is not providing the letter either...
5 years ago
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Chris ****************
Things are changing daily. Perhaps now that the US is considered a "restricted" country they are issuing it. I tried calling the embassy on Thursday, and got a recording saying no one was available and to try at a later time. I assume one has to fly/drive to the embassy to receive it?

Both my and my wife and son's flights were canceled. And, to make matters worse, we have a dog as well.
5 years ago
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Benjamin ******
Yes they do, for those who qualify
5 years ago
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Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yes, they do
5 years ago
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Robert *******
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Хорхе ******
My family and I have visas until April 5th. We have extended already for 30 days. My wife is Russian, my daughter and I Mexican. Mexican embassy has provided a letter so we can extend the visa for 30 more days but Russian embassy doesn’t provide such visas. Do you know if there is another way to extend the visa? Or perhaps Thai gov will not ask for the embassy letter anymore? Thanks for any advice!
5 years ago
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Michael ********
@Хорхе *****
 There is no other way unless they cancel all flights to Russia and then start issuing the letter. Maybe check at immigration just in case.
5 years ago
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Michael ********
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Nutcha **********
@Jean-Paul ******
5 years ago
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Amanda *******
We're a UK and USA citizen and have only been in Thailand and Myanmar for the past 2
***
months. We are currently in Thailand on the 30 day visa exempt/on arrival. It ends April 10.
5 years ago
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Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
you can apply once for the 30 day extension of stay at a local immigration office
5 years ago
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Robert *******
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Rob ***********
So if you are coming to the end of your first Non Immigrant ED Visa (like myself) and have already booked flights out (which I have just found out have been cancelled) then the best bet is to get a letter from the Embassy here in Chiang Mai?
5 years ago
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Rob ***********
Ok thank you so much.
5 years ago
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Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
If you can not arrange a new flight before your last day, you are correct, but they might want to see the new date of flying
5 years ago
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Robert *******
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George ********
Thank you.
5 years ago
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Sabrina *********
@Matthew ********
5 years ago
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Fritzie ******************
*******************************************************************************************************************
*****
85/travellers-from-15-countries-must-have-covid-free-certificates
5 years ago
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Yonatan *******
@Fritzie *****************
 this is an old article before the current “all counties” guidelines
5 years ago
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Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
This sounds as down grading the new policy
5 years ago
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Robert *******
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Trinity *******
Deborah Delaney
5 years ago
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Timothy ******
@James ****
5 years ago
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Timothy ******
@Will ********
5 years ago
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Mike ****************
@Robert ******
 Thanks for updating the current. What’s your recommendation for the following: French passport holder, currently under a 90 day stay ME visa based on mariage, stamp expiration date April 10th, visa expiration date April 24th, I’ve got two children here, and intent on staying in the kingdom.

Thanks
5 years ago
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Michael ********
@Mike ***************
 or get a 60 day extension based on visiting family.
5 years ago
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Tony ***************
Same here
5 years ago
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Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Find a way to another country and back into Thailand but be aware of needed insurance and medical certificate or go for the 60 day Extension of Stay based on visit family and try to find a way for the 1 year extension in the mean time
5 years ago
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Robert *******
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Mary ***************************
*hoping
5 years ago
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Alastair *********
Good infographic
5 years ago
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Krista *******
@Allen *******
5 years ago
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Isabelle **********
Thank you for this update. With "booked a flight before your last date" do you mean before the date your current visa expires?
5 years ago
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Michael ********
@Isabelle *********
 If they had a flight before their visa or stamp expiry date and it got cancelled and rebooked, and is now after their expiry date, they can get 30 days with a letter from their embassy. (Provided the embassy agrees, so contact them)
5 years ago
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James ********
Lets cut to the quick can we?

If there is a flight out of Thailand to their home country...there will be no Embassy issued special 30 day extension of stay letter provided by their Embassy...or granted by Thai Immigration.

Thai Immigration will deny an application for 30,days...but will give 7 days to depart Thailand
5 years ago
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James ********
Do they have a booked date? And was that booked date within the valid date of the visa?
5 years ago
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James ********
@Isabelle *********
 when does your visa end?

What kind of visa do you now have?

As you are now LIVING in Thailand...might be a good time to get the correct visa for your long stay plans.
5 years ago
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James ********
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Aaron *****
@Po *********
5 years ago
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Barry *******
@Robert ******
 can you clarify what the medical certificate is?

Is it a negative COVID-19 test?
5 years ago
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Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
a negative Covid 19 test must mention this person is negative and than showing a list all symptoms and then a negative again?
5 years ago
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Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
yes
5 years ago
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Robert *******
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Jelly ******
I still have many months left in my non imm O ME visa, and about a month until my stamp ends, i can still go and get 60 days extension at CW eventhough I have about 8 months left right? (Yes, I know the visa would be cancelled if going that route).
5 years ago
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Bobby ****
@Jens *****
 your visa should not be cancelled if you get get a 60 day extension for now. The 60 day extension will add 60 days into your current entry stamp. Once that is up then you will need to leave the country in order to activate another 90 days as long as it is before the “valid until” date on your ACTUAL VISA sticker.

Maybe
@Tod ********
 or another mod can confirm that for me?
5 years ago
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Benjamin ******
But I think you should make your own post :\
5 years ago
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Benjamin ******
> (Yes, I know the visa would be cancelled if going that route).

I don' think your existing visa would be cancelled if you get a 60 day extension of stay based on visiting family.
5 years ago
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James ********
@Jens *****
 ask your local immigration office
5 years ago
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James ********
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Scott *******
Maybe pin this post to the top so people read it before posting
5 years ago
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James ********
@Scott ******
 pinned ANNOUNCEMENT
5 years ago
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James ********
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Sergey *********
Visa exempt for Russia's citizens is still valid. It was some really weird situation for a few years when Russia was in 2 lists simultaneously - VoA and bilateral agreement for visa exempt entry. They cancelled VoA. But they didn't do anything to bilateral agreement about visa exempt.
5 years ago
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Sergey *********
But everything can change any time now...
5 years ago
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Sergey *********
5 years ago
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Sergey *********
One of these.
5 years ago
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Benjamin ******
>Visa exempt for Russia's citizens is still valid.

They are under a bilateral agreement, which operates under a completely set of rules. I wouldn't assume what's true for a bilateral agreement is true for a visa exempt.
5 years ago
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Benjamin ******
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Neo ************
None O visa Children have to leave every 90 days what will they say when i can not go to visa run? Go back Sweden?
5 years ago
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Ivan ************
@And***
 I believe the Swedish embassy IS one of the countries issuing the letters to get a special extension. They may not need the proof of cancelled flights etc. This is up to the individual embassy- the US embassy wants this but many others do not- I don't know about Sweden, but I DO know they are one of the countries issuing letters for the extension.
5 years ago
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Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
i guess the problem is that many are in Thailand having children with Thai Nationality but as father only named on the birth certificate and Immigration wants to see legal parental rights for the Extension of Stay.
5 years ago
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Jon **********
@Anders ************
 ".. Poi Pet - Aranyaprathet border check point will be open for essential travel."...

your travel need sounds essential to me?
5 years ago
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Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
At the moment, it is your choice to find a country to go to and come back with a new 90 day stay,

Does not have to be Sweden.
5 years ago
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Benjamin ******
>None O visa Children

If you have a child who's less then 15 years old, and xe is on some type of Non-O visa, let the child go on overstay, there is no fines or other punishments that will occur.
5 years ago
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Benjamin ******
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Francis ********
Thank for the information
5 years ago
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Clay *********
The borders are closed, but could you fly into a neighboring country?
5 years ago
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Dave ******
This agent can sort you out.

*********************************
5 years ago
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James **************
It'll all change in a few days....
5 years ago
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Alastair ******
@Clay ********
 I have the same dilemma, but my current visa runs out on 1st April. I had planned to visit friends in Malaysia...but...😕 And the prospect of returning to the UK (as my Embassy has suggested) fills me with dread!
5 years ago
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Clay *********
I have a work permit in the pipeline here. If they don't grant while I"m in the country I will have to leave second week of April.🙁 Where will i go? Will friends take me in somewhere? And think of the risk of getting the virus while traveling and giving it to your friends.
5 years ago
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Clay *********
I hope there's a inexpensive country left to go to in a few weeks for those of who find returning to their home country disastrous.
5 years ago
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Jeremy ********
Most of the countries in the area, though, aren't issuing new visas so if you haven't already gotten one, you can't get one.
5 years ago
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Benjamin ******
If you have a visa or the legal right to do so, yes.
5 years ago
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Benjamin ******
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Serge **********
good summary
5 years ago
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Bobby ****
Today is Saturday
5 years ago
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Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks you, The mods did not see this. I changed it
5 years ago
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Robert *******
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David *******
Any idea why they are insisting on having a cancelled flight?

Seems like an arbitrary way to throttle the number of letters.

Many people book last minute or keep their options open when travelling long term.
5 years ago
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Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yes, i deleted a bunch of off topic comments
5 years ago
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Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
And this is not a bar stool chat page. Please stay on topic and stick to advice, what other people has in their passport to stay is not important.

if you try to gamble on amnesty, you gamble with jail time in Thailand. There are better hostels in your home country.
5 years ago
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Bobby ********
@David ******
. Be aware of the overstay penalties. It's a serious offence in Thailand, and could get you banned for years. Personally I don't think it's worth the risk, when you can return home, sit it out for a few months and then come back, but it's your call.
5 years ago
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Bobby ********
@David ******
. You can apply for a further extension. It will be refused but you will get seven days to leave. This is ample time to get a flight home
5 years ago
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David *******
@Bobby *******
 Yes of course (though i wasnt asked) at the border. Then I extended the visa so obviously never got on the first flight.
5 years ago
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Bobby ********
@David ******
. When you entered you would have had details of onward or return travel?
5 years ago
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Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David ******
 Please go to your Embassy and tell them.

This page is not open for discussion on how your Embassy set their rules.
5 years ago
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David *******
@Bobby *******
 Right now its an Visa Exempt that has been extended for 30 days already.

I am about to email the British consulate and ask (plea) for this letter.
5 years ago
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Benjamin ******
They are canceling flights because they are no longer profitable.
5 years ago
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Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Tourist are ment to leave before their admitted to stay date.

i guess asking for a flight you supposed to have is not that strange.
5 years ago
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Robert *******
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