Answered7 years ago
What are the implications of Thailand's automatic visa extension for tourists and expats amid the COVID-19 lockdown?
Answer summary
In April 2020, Thailand announced an automatic 30-day extension for tourists whose visas expired on or after March 26. This change raises questions about its application to different visa categories, such as work, marriage, or retirement extensions, and the necessity for individuals to visit immigration offices during lockdown. Discussions in the comments reflect confusion regarding eligibility, especially for those whose visas were expiring soon after March 26, and uncertainty about future immigration policies. Many expats express frustration over the unclear rules and potential logjams at immigration offices.
41 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Niamh *********
and its only for 3 weeks...
Gary ************
foresight? They haven’t even got hindsight..
Paolo ***********
They do everything by baby steps here, and they don't care about us.
Paolo ***********
If the emergency continues to last it should be repeated again at the end of the month with another extension. Otherwise there will be a tidal wave of people hitting immigration at the end of the month.
Paul *******
Yes the order has been signed.. But it hasn't been activated yet. So no change with regards to 90 day reporting.
Gary ************
Does this mean all of us or just the ones after 26th March Fffs so confusing
Gary ************
Is this for all or what I’m so confused! After two days n journey at 1700 each n 500 fine, the day after this happens!? So confused 🤷♀️
Tony ******
Yeppie no 90 day reporting
Mark **********
What will thailand do when all the tourist get the message, you are not welcome in Thailand? What will they do with all the empty hotels and condos? They are still building them!!!
Kev **********
@Mark *********
fill the fuckers with Chinese they will Mark **********
Clearly very unclear
Thomas ********************
Predictably unpredictable.
Billy *******
Awesome. But a one way ticket to a deserted philipina island would be cool too.
Gary ************
So basically we’re all just getting whatever the officer we get decides then as far as I can fathom as all are different! Wtf is going on ffs!!!
Jeff *******
even if this doesn't affect non B etc we'll still be better off if there aren't 30,000 plague-ridden tourists crowding the Chaeng Wattana dungeon when we get there to serve our sentence.
Paolo ***********
No. Automatic and no need to go to the office if you fit the specs
Olivia ********
@Paolo **********
what are the specs exactly?
Fab **********
So we'll still need to go to Changwattana?
Mark ********
About fuckin time.
Phill ***************
Canice ******
So if I’m on non O visa. But my visa need to bounce in and out. And the non O stamp expire on June. So means my stamp automatic extend till July then July I need to bounce in and out ?
Harolletta **********
Tony ******
No 90 day report yeppie
Michael ***************
Get on your knees and give thanks to the egotistical God of bait and click Richard BS in Thailand.
"How dare he think he is immigration".
"How dare he think he is immigration".
Maxim ***********
This news is basically nothing... "The order includes allowing tourists whose visa expired on or after 26 March to be automatically extended for 30 days. "
This does nothing for many of us. My visa-exempt extension ended on March 28 and I was given 20 days for 2nd extension, this only means that I don't need to go to embassy to get an additional 10 days on April 17, I am good until April 27 or April 30.
This does nothing for many of us. My visa-exempt extension ended on March 28 and I was given 20 days for 2nd extension, this only means that I don't need to go to embassy to get an additional 10 days on April 17, I am good until April 27 or April 30.
James **************
@Maxim **********
I am supppsed to go on April 21st for another 23 days (my visa expires on 13th and they gave me 7 days on top), so I'm assuming if i don't go, i get until 30th April!? That means it's better i still go and get until approx 12th May?! I don't get it?....
Stu *******
I'm taking my wife for her covid 19 dose on the 27th. Then waving at everyone on the way back home singing praises to isolation have some achoooooo.
Kev **********
Anyone in Thailand based on the date of entry can extend 30 days anyway . If this country had half a brain it would be dangerous
Gary ************
YOU might well be the lucky one
Gary ************
i first entered feb 6
Gary ************
my first extension ended April 5, so was here legally. Got fined fir one day and given 15 days with embassy letter ‘to be considered’ and return on 20th April.
Gary ************
paulo no it doesn’t. As I’ve found out already.
Paolo ***********
No it encompasses everyone who was in the country legally on March 26th get the automatic extension and don't need to report. My first extension ended on March 29 so I should automatically receive until April 30 and don't have to return for my under consideration stamp on the 23rd confirmation. I first entered Thailand on Jan 30.
Kev **********
March 1st it says so if you came feb 29th your snookerd
Kev **********
If u came b4 the 26th say 25th u still have to stand in line so it hasn’t really helped many people at all
Joe ********
@Kev *****************
yes but better than putting yourself at risk waiting all day at immagration. Kev **********
Absolutely shite does nothing absolute brain dead idiot at the top in Thailand
Steven ***************
Basically less than last weeks consideration
Kenny ********
OPRead the article , I think it would let applies to tourist with a 30 day extension
Henry *********
Let's see the details. Will it apply to people with work/marriage/retirement extensions or will they have to leave lockdown and go to Immigration?
Jeff *******
first draft said no. we'll see what the finished version looks like
Activity
24 joined24
people
Related
25What are the benefits of having a Yellow House book under my wife's family's name for my visa extension based on marriage in Thailand?
629429mo
Can a US passport holder receive a 7-day extension after a 30-day tourist visa exemption in Thailand?
1.1k854y
Can I extend my visa at immigration on the day of expiration?
2.2k11324y
How does the 90-day reporting work for extensions on a tourist visa in Thailand?
588225y
What happens to a marriage extension in Thailand if I divorce before it expires?
781285y
What are the details and requirements for the 60-day COVID extension program in Thailand?
12.7k34035y
What are the rules and options for the Special Tourist Visa (STV) in Thailand, particularly regarding extensions and accommodation?
7341105y
Why was there confusion about my 60-day tourist visa extension in Thailand?
9.3k661305y
What are the latest requirements for the yearly visa extension in Thailand?
817435y
What does the 'under consideration' stamp mean for my Thai visa extension related to COVID-19?
2k12246y
How can I extend my visa in Chiang Mai during the COVID-19 pandemic?
918576y
Do I need to report my 90-day stay in person after getting an extension for my retirement visa in Thailand?
644246y
Are there any updates on extending a tourist visa with a medical letter in Thailand?
705276y
What are the current visa extension options and requirements for expats in Thailand as of late 2020?
3.7k26436y
What are my options for extending my tourist visa in Thailand without an embassy letter?
2k7376y
Can I get a 30-day extension after the amnesty date using an embassy letter?
3k16476y
What are the details about the new amnesty extension in Thailand, and do I need to go to immigration?
2.4k15316y
What are the latest updates on Thailand's amnesty extension for visa holders?
5.5k281006y
Do I need to report to immigration if my visa is 'under consideration' after the extension announcement?
2.9k28167y
How does the automatic visa extension work in Thailand, and does it extend my visa to mid-June?
1.3k987y
Will I be fined for overstaying if my visa extension application is submitted after the expiration due to weekend closure?
1.3k1227y
What are the steps to legalize an affidavit of income for a visa extension in Thailand?
34818y
What are the challenges of applying for a marriage extension visa (type-O) in Thailand?
886558y
What cities can we visit for a tourist visa extension from Thailand, and how long should we stay outside Thailand?
642239y
What are the options for extending a 90-day Thai visa and the implications of overstaying?
2k2049y
Resources
Need help with your retirement visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served