Unanswered7 years ago

What are the latest visa extension procedures for US citizens in Thailand amid COVID-19?

Visa Extension COVID-19 Foreign Nationals

Gene ***********

asked Mar 19, 2020

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We got an email from the US Consulate in Chiang Mai today telling us that immigration officials have been given a directive that gives them the authority to approve "extensions of stay for certain foreign nationals, including US citizens." I suppose that's what they do anyway, but it sounds like this means they have more latitude now. We're hoping this means you don't necessarily need a letter from your embassy, especially since A) you have to make an appointment to get one here in Chiang Mai and B) appointments are booked through March 31.

Summary so far

The US Consulate in Chiang Mai has informed that local immigration officers now have greater authority to approve extensions of stay for certain foreign nationals, including US citizens. Some users shared their experiences and expressed concerns about the requirement of a letter from the US Embassy due to travel restrictions and limited flight availability. Currently, it's unclear if the embassy will issue such letters, which are necessary for applying for extensions.

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Tod *********

Okay, AT THIS TIME. The US consulates here (Bangkok and CHiang Mai) are NOT issuing the "unable to travel due to covid-19" letters that you take to the thai immigration office to apply for the "embassy request 30 day covid-19 extension" :/

7 years ago

Bo ****

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Just saw this. Not sure how this affects the embassy's willingness to give out letters? I checked American Airlines and a ticket to D.C. costs $7K lol

7 years ago

Susie **********

How do we get the extension?

7 years ago

Bo ****

Did you mention US's "Level 4 Do Not Travel" advisory? That was a new update from about 5 hours ago

7 years ago

James ********

@Susie *********

good luck.🙏🙏

7 years ago

Benjamin ******

1. Get the letter from your consulate saying you can not leave Thailand because there are no flights.

2. Go to your local immigration office with the letter, your passport, probably a copy of your passport visa/ entry stamp and data page, and 1,900 THB.

3. They will add an additional 30 days to your existing stamp.

7 years ago

Bruce ******

7 years ago

Robert *******

you must be joking. The Us Embassy is telling that they authorized Thai Immigration Officers to approve or deny your application for a stay in Thailand?

is that really what I do read?

7 years ago

Gene ***********

No, of course the US Consulate hasn't issued directives to Thai immigration (and I'm not sure why anyone would think that). The US Consulate in Chiang Mai said Thailand's PRIME MINISTER OF TOURISM has issued a directive to Thai immigration that gives them the authority to approve extensions of stay for foreign nationals, including US citizens. Now, does the prime minister of tourism have the authority to do that? I don't know. All I know is this is all we've been told by the consulate. It's not likely you'll get a letter if there are flights out at all. You're also not likely to get a letter in Chiang Mai until after March 31st since you can't even get an appointment. Maybe there will be a cancellation, but I doubt it since there are few appointments even available.

7 years ago

Darren ********

@Robert ******

i read there it was information being passed along from the US consulate about an internal thai directive. Maybe the OP can clear it up

7 years ago

James ********

But Thai Immigration wants to see LETTER OF REQUEST FROM THE US EMBASSY before granting extension.

As long as there are flights to USA, no letter to be issued.

7 years ago

Bo ****

Following. If anyone does this, please share your experience at the immigration office (i.e. how long the extension, any fees, any medical/travel proof)

7 years ago