Answered6 years ago
What are the latest updates on traveling and visa options for expats in Thailand and neighboring countries amid COVID-19 restrictions?
Serious Questions:
Asking for serious feedback. If you are commenting here just to take pot shots against those needing a Visa, Extension, Border Run solution... then take a hike
Looking for feedback.. clarification... correction... update on status of neighboring countries. Hopefully this info will be helpful to others.
Yes - I know the Thai Border is currently closed. And know of the Reentry Restrictions, etc.
Last I read...
Malaysia - Not open until Sep. 1.
Cambodia - Technically Open but complications. Is the $3000 Deposit thing on hold or? Quarantine?
Myanmar - One time said Aug. 1 but read there was a delay until Sep 1?
Laos - not sure.
Flight into: Possible or not? And Quarantine Y/N
Vietnam...
Bali....
Singapore...
Philippines...
Laos
Thank You.
Asking for serious feedback. If you are commenting here just to take pot shots against those needing a Visa, Extension, Border Run solution... then take a hike
Looking for feedback.. clarification... correction... update on status of neighboring countries. Hopefully this info will be helpful to others.
Yes - I know the Thai Border is currently closed. And know of the Reentry Restrictions, etc.
Last I read...
Malaysia - Not open until Sep. 1.
Cambodia - Technically Open but complications. Is the $3000 Deposit thing on hold or? Quarantine?
Myanmar - One time said Aug. 1 but read there was a delay until Sep 1?
Laos - not sure.
Flight into: Possible or not? And Quarantine Y/N
Vietnam...
Bali....
Singapore...
Philippines...
Laos
Thank You.
Answer summary
The discussion centers on the current challenges expats in Thailand face regarding visa extensions and border runs due to COVID-19 restrictions. Participants seek updates on the status of neighboring countries, including Malaysia, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam, and inquire about potential travel options and quarantine requirements. Several users share forwarded information, personal insights, and experiences navigating the complex immigration landscape during the pandemic. Concerns over the rising costs of visa extensions and the possibility of impending changes to immigration regulations are also highlighted.
147 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Todd *********
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Joe ***********
OPNo Amnesty Extension but Rather a "Grace Period" to file an Extension...
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Borja *********
yesterday the goverment spokeman said we are 300-400K ppl under amnesty , u can calculate how much money we leaving ??
Borja *********
@Joe **********
they just don’t want kick out safety no covid19 tourist instead let another with risky covid19 came in , is the smarter they can do....but let see anouncement under what conditions...Todd *********
ahhhhh they changed the name of amnesty to grace period. Ok 😂
Helloo *****
Do we need to apply after 31 July pay for visa???
Joe ***********
OP@Helloo ****
- Not until you file for an Extension - If you meet requirements for whatever visa extension you apply forHelloo *****
Might need letter from embassy??
Helloo *****
@Joe **********
well whats the meaning by Grace Period?? Joe ***********
OP************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
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59-cabinet-to-consider-extending-visas-beyond-july-31-for-stranded-foreigners/?utm_source=LINE&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=newsHelloo *****
@Joe **********
hopefully mate... Let's pray
Malek *******
...
Ben ******
Tomorrow we'll know if we can get some breathing space. Until September 30, keep your thumbs crossed that they make an accurate assessment 🙏
Erin ********
No tourists allowed in Vietnam atm
Joe ***********
OPA Bangkok Newspaper called the Bangkok Herald published an Unconfirmed Report (Rumor) that Immigration will extend the Amnesty to September 30. 🙄😬🤐🤪
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Don ******
@Joe **********
nothing personal thoughDon ******
@Joe **********
hence the reason rumors dont mean shit. Don ******
@Joe **********
as I’m sure you know, Joe, doesn’t mean much until there is an official announcement. 
Vacheron *****
Agreed. Getting fed-up with some of this sanctimonious vitriol posted on here.
Simon **********
@Vach****
just block the haters. It changes the whole dynamic. Once they have no one to interact with and can’t see any of the posts, they will die of loneliness.Helloo *****
Hi my little information.. Since immigration is just 300m away from my home so I decided to walk in and check it out about July 31st.. Whether I am allow extend my visa?, do I need to get any letter from Malaysia embassy or out from Thailand?? The answer from immigration is... Wait for latest news because until now the government haven't decide anything yet.. Might extend or might not... Huh... What a speedy reply..
Malek *******
@Helloo ****
I decided to go to Malaysia embassy in Songkhla to register and wait for my que to travel back to Malaysia via Dan-Nok, Songkhla. Helloo *****
@Malek ******
hi bang.. but if go back have to guarantine 14 days right?? Helloo *****
@Malek ******
yes.. Is rumours because I went to immigration today.. They say no decision yet. Malek *******
@Helloo ****
there is a rumor that Thai government might extend visa till end of September..Rumor said, Thai govwill announce next Friday.. Mayb I won't go to Malaysia embassy just yet.
Malek *******
@Helloo ****
there is a new rule, there will be a covid test upon arriving at Malaysia border, if you are negative, then u can go guarantine at home. Malek *******
@Helloo ****
Same here. I went to immigration in Satun province. 
Oliver ********
@Helloo ****
yea man they told med the exact same Thing ... In Phuket CityHelloo *****
@Oliver *******
to me I am fine keep walking to immigration every 3 days because is near and treat as exercise but what about those are not nearby??? Helloo *****
@Oliver *******
I don't mind to pay.. I just want to know whether allow extend or must outOliver ********
@Helloo ****
or just Extend automatic or pay is okay but Can only prayHelloo *****
@Oliver *******
hopefully they will accept embassy letter to extend visa.. Oliver ********
@Helloo ****
is a pain .. Yea Well i already Got that letter from my embassy just havent Been able to use it yet Helloo *****
@Oliver *******
well.. I am worried man.. If suddenly or last minute announce no extension or get letter from embassy.. Then will be rush..you understand my meaning.. Why not inform 10 or 15 days early.. Huhu
Tod *********
From all reports Lao IS open entering by AIR at Vientiane only, all land borders are closed to foreign entry
You now need to BUY a visa from the Lao consulate in Bangkok or Udon, you need to FLY in to Vientiane, you will be put into quarantine for 14 days (that you will pay for) and then you can be in the country .
You now need to BUY a visa from the Lao consulate in Bangkok or Udon, you need to FLY in to Vientiane, you will be put into quarantine for 14 days (that you will pay for) and then you can be in the country .
Joe ***********
OP@Tod ********
Thank you... Surviving Laos for 14 days can be done... (I've done it) But getting back into Thailand is the hard part. I will look up and see how the Lao quarantine works 
Maxim ***********
@Joe **********
Im guessing very expensive hotel.Joe ***********
OPIn my opinion Thai Immigration's refusal to provide any relief so far is a planned scare mongering effort to push people out (lower the numbers) and push people to pay extremely high rates for any extension that they may qualify for. I know local immigration where I live is making it well known that 15,000 to 18,000 is required for a B Visa Extension of Stay for one year. This is not an Agent fee - this is what the Immigration office is charging.
Come July 20 or later I believe Immigration will offer some sort of Emergency Extension (30 days perhaps) to most anyone remaining for a large fee. My Opinion.
Come July 20 or later I believe Immigration will offer some sort of Emergency Extension (30 days perhaps) to most anyone remaining for a large fee. My Opinion.
Oliver ********
@Joe **********
i Would pay the *****
-*****
for One year where i Can do that ?? NOT Phuket city immigration 
Martin *******
@Oliver *******
I would pay that also 
James ******
@Oliver *******
me also.Joe ***********
OPOne year based on Extending a B Visa (having a Work Permit)
Joe ***********
OP@Oliver *******
- Work Permits are issued by tfe Ministry of Labor with proof of pending employment. Fee 3000 Baht for one year. Application processing is several weeksOliver ********
@Joe **********
Well if i make a Work permit from an Company it could be done ? Borja *********
and thinking a bit more , can be posible much higher extensions rates after anouncement , that can be the reason all inmigration office asking people take extension after anouncement !!! ,even some offices don't give extensions now and just said wait for anouncement!!!
Borja *********
@Joe **********
someone posted in this group that from tourist visa got a 30 days extension visa yesterday in muang thon thani and starting counting same time got it and paid 1,900 baths ,i think thats the normal price for an extension ,...another thing if in the anouncement came out with much higher different price ,....Joe ***********
OP@Borja ********
It all depends on the original Visa Type and how long the Extension is.A month extension of what was a Tourist visa is a big difference compared to a One Year Extension of a Non Immigrant Multi-Entry B Visa
Jenn **********
someone has common sense
Gregg *************
Wow fellas pretty grim so happy to have gotten out when I did on apr23 by lucky chance back to the USA from cmai what a total cluster f
Jaye ********
@Gregg ************
some might not see that as a great outcome. Enjoy the US. Joe ***********
OPFirst off the BullShit that on July 31 people will be arrested is against what immigration has stated... there is the well known 7 day 'extension' to leave Thailand available at 1900 Baht. But one must book a flight to somewhere if no other remedy can be found. So have your contingency plans ready. Several places were discussed here that seem feasible if you cannot go to your home country (or don't want to go there).
Terry ********
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714-1332&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsMaxim ***********
I know people in Serbia, no quarantine, nothing, anyone can go.
Jaye ********
@Maxim **********
not true. There are demonstrations there about lockdown. This is false and Serbia is in a bad way.
Sergejs *********
(yawn)
Walter *************
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.htmThe one and only travel restrictions map. And no
@Rob *****
the country Georgia is not open for travellers.
Rob ******
@Walter ************
Walter. Thanks for the update. Rob ******
I saw Georgia is also open and not to expensive. I searched bkk to Guam around 18,500 baht one way. Flights available on aug 1st
Rob ******
Mogens Nygaard that’s strange as 2019 statistics show Georgia one of safest countries in Europe former Russia. Also it’s very cheap.
Rob ******
Czech 13,444 cases. 355 deaths.
Rob ******
Guam 1281 cases. 6 deaths. Also very low.
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
@Rob *****
I haven’t researched Georgia, but my initial reaction is that it is not a safe place. From what I saw of the infection and case rate in the Czech Republic, it is doing pretty well. It all depends on how much risk you want to take and how much money you want to spend to lower that risk I guessRob ******
@Edward *******
just over 1000 cases in Georgia and 15 deaths. Very low เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
@Rob *****
From what I researched, Georgia is still closed to travelers like myselfเอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
@Rob *****
interesting. Rob ******
Most Caribbean islands open as well as Bahamas.
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
Also, from what I read on the website, the Czech republic is open and it has a list of countries of origin that can enter their country. I don’t know if Thailand is on the list but I do know Korea where I am now is
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
I have noted in another post, that if you have US citizenship, you can go to Guam or Saipan the last I checked. And because Hawaii has now made it pretty much impossible as of yesterday for even US citizens to enter, I’ll be going back and checking on Guam and Saipan and try to let you know. I thought Cambodia was still open with the financial caveats.
Ադամ ********
Including KE there are about 5 Korean carriers flying to Guam. In the the years I was there Koreans took first place from the Japanese in tourist arrivals. Not a bad place if you like diving and kite boarding but the food is not great, its expensive and no good hotel options unless you can afford the big chains. BnBs and guest houses getting popular.
Daniel **********
Cheapest flight from BKK to Guam is $2k and involves a 12 hour layover in Seoul, followed by a 12 hour layover in Busan... Plus, you can't leave the airport...
Ադամ ********
@Daniel *********
Surprised there is flight from Busan as tourism is completely shutdown. Was the ICN-GUM flight much more expensive?Daniel **********
@Adam *******
I haven't really investigated much, just a cursory search. This would be a nightmare... Ադամ ********
If you go to Guam as a non resident you have to quarantine at certain hotels at own expense and they are strict. I was there 13 years.
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
@Adam *******
Adam Matani helluva long quarantine
Steve *******
@Edward *******
Guam is a good call for US citizens. I know a couple of Americans who have traveled there from the US waiting for Thailand to open.Simon **********
@Edw***
Saipan is beautiful.เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
@Simon *********
thanks. Have you been there?เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
@Simon *********
not so much into history stuff. One of the things I like best about Chiang Mai is the ex-pat community, so wherever I go I would hope to find one As a social outletSimon **********
@Edw***
yes about 5 years ago to repair their submarine telephone cable. If you like WWII history there’s quite a bit to see there too.
Stuart ******
This is a valuable post. Discuss Plan B's for those who can't or don't want to go back to their home country
Steve ********
Where the hell to go?? Home-country is not an option for me😞
Terary **********
Mexico is my next best option, sadly. I like Mexico - I don't like getting there or leaving here (that was the 'sadly' part)
Terary **********
I wrote to a few Embassies asking if they were open to US citizens
Spain - No. Can go only if I am a resident from some other place.
Mexico - can go no problem (thats what I love about Mexico)
Philippines - no response, from I understand they are not yet open maybe soon.
Indonesia - no response.
Spain - No. Can go only if I am a resident from some other place.
Mexico - can go no problem (thats what I love about Mexico)
Philippines - no response, from I understand they are not yet open maybe soon.
Indonesia - no response.
Joe ***********
OP@Terary *********
- Thank you
Ciarán *******
Good luck everybody
Allan ************
@Joe **********
I posted yesterday, stop asking questions from a forum that people can only guess what they would like to happen, go to a immigration office near you,Allan ************
@Joe **********
I know but I’m not rude or threatening physical violence over a valid post , that’s a Neanderthals reaction.
Mick *********
Joe D
@Joe **********
as far as I know all of those countries you listed are closed and not due to open for some time. Things may have changed, but most foreign travelers are not able to enter. Even flying to Australia is limited to 9 flights of 50people per day from all countries. Just hang in there mate, get smart traveller alerts. They come every day about relevant countries. Good luck mate. Joe ***********
OP@Mick ********
Actually there has been some helpful information posted Simon **********
Hi Joe, well worded post. May I suggest you block any and all trolls or persons who bring nothing to the party? Honestly it drastically changes the whole experience and allows sense to be heard.
Joe ***********
OP@Simon *********
- Thank You..I will block the jerks but first I want them to know how miserable such jerks they are. I request all participating members in this post to block the jerks too.
Simon **********
@J**
I am sure they know who they are, and when they wonder nobody is posting or interacting with them they will die of loneliness 😉Joe ***********
OP@Simon *********
- Thank you
Gewarin ************
For Singapore wise, yes quarantine is still needed if you have a work pass holder there and you wanna come back, sorry to say you have to pay for your own quarantine costs. 😔 Border is still closed if I’m not wrong.
Paul ********
Fly home now
Paul ********
I compared those 2 sites (IATA and CanIFly) and they give conflicting information for a number of countries I viewed. No wonder people are confused.
Borja *********
Bali as indonesia also ,quite similar to thailand right now, only can go in are work permit , special goverment permission , probably married , and all under hard control restrictions few differents registration , some may be put in quarentine ....
Darren *******
@Borja ********
I think Bali is reopening to foreign tourists on 11 September (yes it's a random date)Borja *********
@Darren ******
ya thats what i heard also , but let see how develop situation...Darren *******
Think Burma is now closed until 31 October
Joe ***********
OP@Darren ******
- Thank you 
Andy *****
Maldives
Manuel *********
@Andy ****
need quarantine?Andy *****
@Manuel ********
no quarantine 
Philip **********
Philippines no but when they do open I heard there’s a two week quarantine. No idea when they’re going to open up. I’m flying back to Canada from Manila. I’ve already had two cancellation flights.
Todd *********
@Phi***
if you could get into Manila, can you stay. I’m sure as hell not going back to canadaPhilip **********
@Todd ********
I don’t wanna go back either but eventually I’ll have to. I’m paying for an empty apartment for nothing. I have to move everything to my house.Todd *********
@Philip *********
that's the thing with long term travel, you HAVE to stop the cash bleeding in locations you do not occupy. #1 priority. I have been full time travelling since sept 2013, but less than $100 monthly bills Joe ***********
OPJust read that Sri Lanka was slated to open on August 1 - but has been pushed to at least August 15.
Sundari *********
Sri Lanka, at the earliest and with many contingencies, is pushed to at least September. No public transportation (must hire private driver), only stay in certified $$$$$ hotels, and must present full itinerary. Test prior to arrival, test on arrival, test 5 days after arrival, test 2-3 weeks later, are the current contingencies for opening. Hopefully all of that will change before the true opening.
Jess *******
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This IATA website is a good resource that has a lot of info in one place. The downside is that it only lists current info with no indication on what notices have been sent out on what is going to reopen and when . Hope it helps!**********
*****
*****
.htm?pub=autodetect. This IATA website is a good resource that has a lot of info in one place. The downside is that it only lists current info with no indication on what notices have been sent out on what is going to reopen and when . Hope it helps!
Lyndon ************
Fyi a useful site regarding countries that are open to you depending on your passport etc
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Steve ******
Difficult times
Mark **********
Cambodia are not issuing tourist visas--the $3000 deposit is for people with business visas.
The Maldives are re-opening visa on arrival today. Bit pricey though. Apart from that we are all SOL.
The Maldives are re-opening visa on arrival today. Bit pricey though. Apart from that we are all SOL.
Don ******
Thanks, I will be fine. I will try to refrain from being a smart-ass also👍
Av **********
Farang kah bahn 555
Av **********
Good luck ...not
Av **********
@Don *****
well i hope ur struggle of visa gets fixed lolDon ******
@Av *********
i would, but at my age I’m sure I’m flexible enough. Thanks for your suggestion though. Av **********
I have permanent residency i dont need these border runs issues.....sorry i was trying to help .....i dont need to keep updated on regular visas as im not a tourist...
Av **********
@Don *****
hey how about u go fuck yourself! Don ******
@Av *********
im struggling with how this can be helpful. It was two years ago ffs!
Kenan ********
@Av *********
yes they have indeed. Av **********
@Kenan *******
wow things have changed thenKenan ********
@Av *********
I think this has to be done at a local embassy now with a letter of invitation.Mark **********
@Av *********
Something has changed. Visas are only being issued by the Cambodian embassy in Bangkok. Unless you have bona fide business in Cambodia you will not be admitted.Av **********
@Todd ********
this was about 2 years ago...i went into cambodia through battabong and it was onky a few bucks more, and then i went through at trat border got it there, and i also purchased several cambodia visas online before, cant remember if it was the business as well or tourist... but i know for sure i got them at those borders before..unlrss something has changedTodd *********
@Av *********
what was cost of business visa then? And duration? Av **********
@Mark *********
business visa was really easy to get....i just paid extra at the border for it and i got it
John *********
I don’t think there are any scheduled flights into Vietnam except for repatriation flights for citizens. There may be some foreign experts, business people and diplomats arriving but everyone must spend 14 days in quarantine at their own expense. Things may change in August but no announcement of that yet. Even if flights resume, I doubt the 14 days of requiring quarantine will be lifted anytime soon. From what I have read, quarantine is not in very comfortable quarters.
Phill ******
no repatration flights for vietnam .
Joe ***********
OPI did a web search and found Laos listed as Border opening on July 31.
But the Laos e Visa cannot be bought yet.
It would be a miracle if Thailand could coordinate with at least Laos - but I am not holding my breath
But the Laos e Visa cannot be bought yet.
It would be a miracle if Thailand could coordinate with at least Laos - but I am not holding my breath
ມິມີ ************
Singapore No
Bim *******
I believe there are all very much restricted as is Thailand. Flights to Vietnam I saw today.
James **************
I dont think there are any options in asia at the moment, apart from returning to our home countries, or certain places in europe.
Av **********
@James *************
yeah this was a month ago not sure if it changed.........but it was vida on arrival he got as well 90 daysJames **************
@Av *********
so south korea could be an option, if people are willing to pay. Great news.Av **********
My american friend fleww to south korea a month ago, and he had to pay 100 a day to stay in quarentine
Ադամ ********
@James *************
Is it true you can go to Korea if you do paid quarantine? Then get a bNb for a few months and wait for travel bubble.James **************
@Adam *******
i thought they had stopped it or only allowed certain countries in. I will have to have a look.
Kathy *******
Philippines no
Todd *********
@Ka***
no foreigner entry?Kathy *******
@Todd ********
no, I looked and emailed the embassyTodd *********
@Ka***
the embassies may or may not provide useful info. It's immigration one needs to talk toActivity
52 joined52
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