Answered6 years ago
What countries in Southeast Asia are viable travel options for expats needing to leave Thailand by July 31?
Where in SEA can I travel to if I gotta get out July 31?
(nope, ain't going back to the US, it's a mad house over there)
(nope, ain't going back to the US, it's a mad house over there)
Answer summary
The discussion explores potential travel options for expats needing to exit Thailand by July 31, citing the unpredictability of current travel restrictions due to COVID-19. While some respondents mention Vietnam and Cambodia, others highlight limited travel due to closed borders and required deposits for entry. Furthermore, Sri Lanka is noted as a viable option for its clear tourist entry plan. Additionally, some participants express reluctance to return to the US due to its COVID-19 situation, exploring alternatives like South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, and even Spain for legal residents. Overall, there is a sense of uncertainty but a focus on available destinations beyond Thailand.
49 repliesnewest first
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เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
American? Guam and Saipan both have quarantines. Hawaii only q if positive test
Susan *********
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Matt *******
That awkward moment when we realize that no country wants us except whatever passport we have and that’s where we are forced to go back to
Todd *********
if only there was a flight lol
Michael *********
Maybe Palau?
Zero confirmed cases of COVID-19.
North of Papua New Guinea, close to SEA.
You could transit via Taiwan (or Korea/Japan).
Zero confirmed cases of COVID-19.
North of Papua New Guinea, close to SEA.
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07You could transit via Taiwan (or Korea/Japan).
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29
Alice ********
It’s more of a shit show.
Jason ******
Try Singapore
Michael *********
Singapore allows only airport transitting as of now.
Terary **********
I am seriously considering Spain. News says they're letting people in, just not from US. Looking for clarification if that means people traveling from the US or all US citizens.
Terary **********
Just a follow up. Spain's Embassy in Bangkok informed me that it's country of legal residence. Hence, If you're American (or other) but residing in Thailand legally (retiree, teacher or other) - you are good to go to Spain.
Terary **********
Spoken like a truly informed person.
Todd *********
@Ter***
it depends on your passport. Not your travel history. Sucks to have USA passport for the near future 
David *********
@Todd ********
where did you learn this?Todd *********
@David ********
school of life.. highly recommended. There is no country whom has the time, resources or desire to track your recent travel movements. Your passport is their only indicator. Mine is canadian and I have spent less than month there in the last 7 years. But the fact it’s canadian is all that will matterMichael *********
Maybe Taiwan?
Steven ****************
Korea Air have been travelling. whether you can enter Korea, I have no idea.
Nyx ****************
@Steven ***************
Yup, you can. You'll have to pay c. $100/day for a 14-day state quarantine facility. And in some locations, there are a lot of protestors.
Jess *******
I also have no desire and no intentions on returning to the US if at all possible in the near future. I've had 3 flights cancelled to the US already and don't plan on booking another one. I'm hoping for another visa extension here (that I will gladly pay for) because Thailand is a great place to be right now. But if it isn't possible to stay here I'm looking at Sri Lanka as their government has explicitly laid out a plan for tourists to enter and stay for up to 6 months. There is some upfront cost for COVID tests and the visa is more expensive now, but seems to be reasonable.
Rogerio ******
OP@Jess ******
however once you get there I hear it’s pretty cheap as they are starving for tourists.Jess *******
@Rogerio *****
that's what I'm counting on! And good surf too! Todd *********
@Je**
great little surf town at Hikkaduwa. Or south coast Matara, Dikwalla and Welligama. I cycled around the whole island. It’s fantastic overallTodd *********
@Je**
Sri Lanka is fantastic and I would consider that as an option also if things turned bad here
Shauno *******
UK or US the virus is crazy you are better off to stay or go to any other place then return to them
Michael **************
@Shauno ******
You are correct USA is a little on the crazy side. I expect them to shut down again Todd *********
@Michael *************
they haven't shut down yetReiner *********
@Michael *************
little on the crazy side with more then 52.000 infected a day... Its stupid after 7 month knowledge... Reiner *********
Well and yesterday just 57.500 new infections.....
Michael **************
@Reiner ********
Well when the people do not listen to the rules. This is what you get. 
Ivan ************
@Rei***
so maybe do you understand why people aren't keen to go back there?
Mark ***********
Three thoughts
1. While Thai people desperately need tourists, (and tourists without Covid,) one would think it would benefit the country to let "us" stay here a few extra months.
2. Why wouldn't they wait until the last minute? Doesn't hurt them to hold off announcing another extention.
3. I'm glad they granted the amnesty, but amazed they made it free. I would have gladly paid the 1,900 a month, so it seems like they left millions of Baht on the table...
1. While Thai people desperately need tourists, (and tourists without Covid,) one would think it would benefit the country to let "us" stay here a few extra months.
2. Why wouldn't they wait until the last minute? Doesn't hurt them to hold off announcing another extention.
3. I'm glad they granted the amnesty, but amazed they made it free. I would have gladly paid the 1,900 a month, so it seems like they left millions of Baht on the table...
Matt *******
Probably because the Amnesty wasn’t considered a real extension, so no one has to pay for that, but used as an emergency extension for people to get out of Thailand, so that’s one of the reasons why I feel like the Government isn’t going to give more time after 31 July because they think that this was enough time for people to get flights out of the country. It’s like when Immigration denies an extension, but gives you a stamp saying you have an additional 7 days to leave the country.
Doug **********
Yup. Same problem here.
Thomas *****
Vietnam
Reiner *********
Boarders are all closed
Reiner *********
@Thomas ****
you have No clue Thomas *****
@Reiner ********
I know Cambodia it's open
Oliver ********
@Thomas ****
its NOT Thomas *****
@Reiner ********
yes you have to pay a deposit. Yes it's openReiner *********
@Thomas ****
No its not.... Not from Thailand and you have to pay 3000 $ deposit 
Francisca *******************
@Thomas ****
, and can you back in thailand in the same day? Thomas *****
James **************
Nowhere yet, the likely hood of the amnesty being extended is very high due to the borders not being open and air travel still restricted to a degree.
Just sit tight and relax.
"Dont panic mr mannering"
Just sit tight and relax.
"Dont panic mr mannering"
Borja *********
looks like should be extension at least a month , but remember u can expect anything when about governments , embassies or inmigration in everywhere !!!!! ,i will be not surprise if they don't give more amnesty extension ....better keep and eye in how to leave bfor 30 july!!!!
Chester ********
@Ja***
lol it's hard not tooJames **************
@Chester *******
dont worry mate. Wait for the announcement and then decide what to do.
Steve *********
To be honest, nobody knows yet. What is true for today might change tomorrow.
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