Ask question

This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

What are the implications of the recent closure of immigration offices in Thailand for visa and extension applications?

Thai Immigration Visa Extensions Overstay Stamp Re-entry Permit COVID-19 Visa Rules NON-B Work Visa TR Visa Consequences

Jul 13, 2022

3 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

**ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS;

Especially the ones that didn't read the featured pinned thread announcing it :P   

ALL Immigrations offices in the country are closed until Monday the 18th (borders are open like normal).

**Please note; 

If you have a stamp that is expiring during this time that the immigration offices are closed and you show up at the immigration office on the 18th you will NOT be fined for overstay and can get your extension like normal (but you will get an overstay stamp in your passport that says; "overstay xxx days, fine waived due to holiday/closure".   **

**

2,961

views

60

likes

99

all likes

24

replies

1

images

7

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

All immigration offices in Thailand are closed until Monday the 18th, but borders remain open. During this closure, if your visa stamp expires, you will not incur an overstay fine if you visit the immigration office on the 18th. However, you will receive an overstay stamp that notes the overstay period, with fines waived due to the holiday. Community comments discuss implications for overstaying, obtaining re-entry permits, and advice on timing for visa extensions.

Pelle Eriksson

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted Thai Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Tod *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Sadly this thread (which I started so I get the notifications) is getting too hard to babysit.

This was ONLY to let you people know about the closure of the immigration offices until Monday.

Good luck with your visa/extension endeavors. We (as in me) are done 😛

Like

Reply

Carl *****

What's the consequence of an overstay stamp, for extending this time on a TR visa, as well as potentially looking at longer term or for returning again? Thanks

Like

Reply

James ********

NEVER PLAN TO OVERSTAY...

BUT IF it's ONLY due to the immigration office closed on holiday or weekend...

Then go to the immigration office first day it's OPEN...NO FINE.

Like

Reply

Carl *****

OK thanks. Yup wasn't my plan but the closed sign on the door yesterday made it such. I've got till he 17th, so will see them Monday. How bad is an overstay stamp (even if just 1 day, it's still a stamp there) for future visits or long term stays? Thanks 🙏

Like

Reply

Ellie *******

, You just wouldn't be able to apply for Thailand Elite (or Smart ) visa anywhere, or TR visa in one or two countries around South East Asia with an overstay stamp.

Like

Reply

Carl *****

do you happen to know which countries i can not now goto to get a Visa with an overstay stamp?

Like

Reply

Tod *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

okay right now the only consulate that USED to not issue a tourist visa if you had an overstay was the one in Penang Malaysia, but that was pre-covid-shit-show, so no one knows if they're still that way or not.

IF you are talking about just going Monday to get an extension because your stamp expires during the closure I'd say dial the paranoia back a notch or three. You'll be fine with that stamp in your passport, there has never been a single report that stamp caused the slightest difficulty entering the country OR getting a visa

Like

Reply

Graham ******

Thanks for the clarification, that's very interesting especially when some people tell others "just pay the 500B/day fine".

Like

Reply

Graham ******

I have a one day overstay stamp in my passport from years ago and it has never been questioned at any of my subsequent entries or extensions etc.

Like

Reply

James ********

do not worry. It will not deny you in your future visits or stays.

Like

Reply

Carl *****

Great, thanks 🙏

Like

Reply

Reply to

Carl *****

Reply

Harriet ***********

Hello - will this impact obtaining a re-entry permit at the airport over the weekend? Thank you.

Like

Reply

Ellie *******

@Harriet **********

, depends on your departure airport. If it's one of the airports in Bangkok, no problem.

Like

Reply

Harriet ***********

thanks so much 🙂

Like

Reply

Harriet ***********

thank you - I should have specified. I’m flying from Suvarnabhuni so hopefully will be ok 🤞🏼

Like

Reply

Ellie *******

@Harriet **********

, then you should be okay. The re-entry permit counter is open

****

at BKK.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Ellie *******

Reply

Kate ********

If I have to go to DMK to get an entry stamp fixed, am I still able to go over the weekend or do I need to wait until the 18th?

Like

Reply

Ellie *******

You can try on holidays. DMK is

****

airport

Like

Reply

Reply to

Ellie *******

Reply

Sean *******

What if your expiration is on the 24th. Can you still go on the 25th or is it recommended to go the Friday BEFORE the weekend begins?

Like

Reply

Ellie *******

, same logic, you can go on 25th to apply for a new extension, without overstay fine, still with overstay stamp. You cannot earn extra days by overstaying. Your new extension period includes overstaying days, not starting on the day of application after overstaying.

Of course, the recommendation is to go before the weekend, during you are still legally staying in Thailand.

Like

Reply

Sean *******

I was thinking to go that Friday before the 24th but it's so common that the extension law will change at the last possible moment. Not sure what to do.

Like

Reply

Ellie *******

, better go on Friday, unless you have reasons you cannot go beforehand or intentionally want to try overstay stamp. Laws haven't been changed for a long time.

Like

Reply

Sean *******

what I mean is they often push the end of the covid exception stamp on the day it's set to end. So I fear going on Friday, and then they allow the exption another month on the 25th. I have a Non B work visa in the works but I don't want the hastle of a few border bouncees if I can avoid it.

Like

Reply

Ellie *******

Then it's your decision. And you know, even if the program would 'renew' again, there is no assurance your application would be approved. Always be with plan B.

You don't have to pay a fine for overstaying doesn't mean you are staying legal until you get a stamp.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Ellie *******

Reply

Thai Visa Advice

... members · 40% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.

Thai Visa Advice

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice

What are the closure dates for immigration offices in July 2024 and how does it affect visa extensions?

0 comments

8 months ago

What should expats know about Thailand's immigration office closures in May 2024?

0 comments

10 months ago

What are the expected wait times at immigration offices in Thailand after a closure?

12 comments

a year ago

What should I know about visiting immigration offices in Thailand before the April 17th closure?

12 comments

a year ago

What are the April 2024 holiday closures for immigration offices in Thailand?

3 comments

a year ago

What should I know about Thai immigration office closures for the upcoming public holiday on February 26th?

7 comments

a year ago

What should expats know about the upcoming closure of immigration offices in Thailand on February 26th?

3 comments

a year ago

What are the December immigration office closure dates in Thailand and how do they affect visa extensions?

13 comments

a year ago

What are the immigration office closure dates and what should I do if my visa stamp expires during this period?

0 comments

2 years ago

What are the immigration office closures in Thailand during July and August 2023?

8 comments

2 years ago

What should expats know about visa extensions and office closures in Thailand?

6 comments

2 years ago

What should expats know about immigration office closures in May 2023 in Thailand?

9 comments

2 years ago

What should I do if my Thai visa stamp expires while immigration offices are closed?

2 comments

2 years ago

What are the immigration office closures in Thailand for April 2023?

3 comments

2 years ago

What are the immigration office closures and visa-related updates for Thailand during the holiday season?

33 comments

2 years ago

What are the closure dates for immigration offices in Thailand during December 2022 and January 2023?

4 comments

2 years ago

What are the immigration office closures in Thailand for December 2022 and January 2023?

3 comments

2 years ago

Why are all Immigration Offices in Thailand closed on July 28th and 29th?

1 comments

3 years ago

What should I know about the Songkran holiday closure of immigration offices in Thailand?

6 comments

3 years ago

What should I do if my tourist visa expires before I can renew it due to immigration office closure in Thailand?

5 comments

3 years ago

What should expats know about immigration office closures during the holiday period in Thailand?

2 comments

3 years ago

What are the immigration office closures in Thailand for April 2021 and how does it affect visa extensions?

2 comments

4 years ago

Will I be Charged for Overstay if My Visa Expires on the 9th and Immigration is Closed?

4 comments

5 years ago

What Should Expats Know About Thai Immigration Office Closures During the New Year?

3 comments

5 years ago

What should I know about Thai Immigration office closures and visa extensions this December?

8 comments

7 years ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.