Answered8 months ago
What should I do about my visa overstay in Thailand due to my cancelled flight?
Potential for overstay due to Middle East crisis
Hi seeking some advice. I came to Thailand in December on visa exemption 60 days from uk. I extended my stay by 30 days and was due to fly out early hours tomorrow via Doha. My flight has been cancelled and I will be on overstay from Thursday this week. Should I simply go back to immigration and explain so I don’t end up on overstay? I can’t see me being able to exit back to uk in the present circumstances. Thanks@
Hi seeking some advice. I came to Thailand in December on visa exemption 60 days from uk. I extended my stay by 30 days and was due to fly out early hours tomorrow via Doha. My flight has been cancelled and I will be on overstay from Thursday this week. Should I simply go back to immigration and explain so I don’t end up on overstay? I can’t see me being able to exit back to uk in the present circumstances. Thanks@
Answer summary
A user from the UK, currently in Thailand on a 60-day visa exemption, is facing a potential overstay due to a flight cancellation caused by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. After extending their visa by 30 days, the user is now left with no viable options to leave Thailand by their original deadline. Community advice emphasizes the importance of visiting immigration to report the situation and seek options such as a possible extension or a 'stamp' to allow for longer stay. Many suggest considering flights to neighboring countries to reset their visa while others confirm that immigration is likely to understand the predicament given the current airline disruptions.
179 repliesnewest first
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Stephen *********
Check the Thai gov website for overstay info. I had the same issue with Covid. When I eventually got a flight the immigration stamped my passport along with an explanation as to why the overstay
Betty *********
For the flight , your Airlines are under obligation to propose another flight. If they offer you via China ask what else there is .It would probably be within 2 weeks so you can go to immigration with your flight canceled booking, passeport etc. They are there to help you.
Paul *******
Exit the country for a day or 2 and re-entre get another 60.
Robert ********
Don't book Allahu Akbar Air - easy.
Justin *********
Thai air,eva air norse air, are all flyjng, British airways all fly from bkk to london
Tony ************
Plenty of other routes to get to UK, your airline has to sort it out for you avoiding middle east, immigration know this unless you live there.
Border run can be done easy and get another 60 days
Border run can be done easy and get another 60 days
Ken *****
Can’t believe how unlucky you are getting stranded there??
Ha.
Safe travel.
Ha.
Safe travel.
Cymro ******
Just fly to Vietnam. Simple
Cymro ******
Fly to Vietnam, £50 enjoy. According to Trump this will go on for at least 4 weeks. You are allowed back into Thailand for 60 days again if you choose later.
Rio **********
I flew to Kuala Lumpur from Krabi airport $62 USD round trip. Super cheap. From there you can go to Bali, Singapore, etc and on to home.
Jean *******
Go to Siem Reap dude... 50$ Flight. Friendly khmers people.
Steve ******
Absolute best advice, go to immigration and explain your situation, if you speak nicely they will help I suspect
Jim *********
Something most people dont realise when people say "Contact your airline". A large % of people book their flights online via an online agent. When that is the case the contract is between you and the online agent and not the airline. The airline will not deal direct with you only the agent can do this. These agents can be notoriously difficult to contact in these circumstances.
Buintje ******
You have to buy another tickets to fly home
Stewart *********
Are you covered for war is it not classed as an act of god
CapableT********
KL is also affordable and has lots of flights. That go through it You shouldn't need a visa, just fly in.
CapableT********
Just fly to Vietnam on a visa exemption or get a 3 month evisa
Graeme *******
Go and ask immigration although it's not really a Thailand problem, how about a border run, what does your embassy say they should really have the amswers
Chris *********************
Let's all not forget, when you finished sqabling, the airlines are not the guilty party's here they are canceling flights to most probably save people's lives,
Just a thought.
Just a thought.
Greg *********
You can do one border run without an issue. Leave one day or a few days and return for 60 days
Thomas ********
You could book another route. We just did that for our daughter. She will be flying through Shanghai to Europe. You are not stuck just because your original carrier cannot fly you out.
Tony *******
A
Andrew ********
Why is everyone giving advice about flying to a third country and then... He asked a simple question about his overstaying. He never said he had to go or even wanted to.
I believe you can just simply pay the fee and stay the xtra 30 days. That way you will not be under the stress or worry of being there illegally. Then figure things out.
Also, Thai immigration isn't ignorant to the situation especially when several of the larger airlines flying to Thailand have stopped services. I am sure they have a contingency plan but and I would ask immigration when you go pay for your 30 day extension.
Simple answer, less worry.
I believe you can just simply pay the fee and stay the xtra 30 days. That way you will not be under the stress or worry of being there illegally. Then figure things out.
Also, Thai immigration isn't ignorant to the situation especially when several of the larger airlines flying to Thailand have stopped services. I am sure they have a contingency plan but and I would ask immigration when you go pay for your 30 day extension.
Simple answer, less worry.
Samara ***********
Andrew Patron if you read the post, he has already done an extension. You don’t get 2. Hopefully under the circumstances though, this may be something the6 look at doing for the countless people who are stranded.
Andrew ********
Samara Templeman you’re right. That’s what happens when I drive and read posts. I hate when I say stupid shit. My bad.
Susan *******
Absolutely go to immigration i was lucky I got out but went to india
Chris ******
Go Vietnam get 45 days lovely country and people
Pat *********
Check out the Bangkok post for info. Thailand has announced no overstay fees will be charged at present and they are busy arranging discounts on tours and hotels for people stranded. 134 flights cancelled today so they don't want people sleeping in bkk. If delays get worse then they may issue special visas. I got delayed here during covid and immigration gave us covid visas. Remember to call your insurance to find out what they are prepared to cover. Some do, most try and get out of it
Ellen **********
Pat Gibbons bullshit. PhuketbImmigration charged 1900 baht for 7 days extension yesterday
Carl ********
You should send your bill to Mr. Trump
David ********
Go to immigration with printed documentation showing you can't fly due to the conflict, they can issue a stamp to allow you time to make other arrangements.
Make sure you have all the info you can bring, make sure you go as soon as possible and make sure you are polite and courteous because it's at their discretion to issue a stamp
Make sure you have all the info you can bring, make sure you go as soon as possible and make sure you are polite and courteous because it's at their discretion to issue a stamp
Will ******
Dont ask for a refund .. the airline has to reschedule. Check with immigration- worst case scenario is pay the overstay but surely many people are in the same situation
Martyn *******
OPIn part yes but that doesn’t help with my visa date
Lewis ********
Book a direct flight
Martyn *******
OPWell thanks for replies that have been constructive. Embassy is un contactable, rumours are Thai immigration will be helpful but closed tomorrow so my plan is to fly out on Thursday when my visa expires and stay a week in Singapore. See what happens from there. Many thanks again
Murray ********
Important to discuss with immigration in person so that there is a record of you informing them and seeking their advice. Otherwise you set yourself up for a fine for overstaying.
Gerry ********
Read an article in Bangkok Post saying they will make allowances for the current situation and not penalise anyone who overstays as a result. But certainly speak to the relevant authorities.
Stephen *******
Go to immigration they will have something in place for this like a free extension. There's no way you will get punished because of the reason but you have to go to immigration if you don't then you will get punished.
Just my opinion
Just my opinion
Paula *********************
Im sure the airline will re route you if you ask them....
Jarle *******
If you are concerned about visa overstay due to a cancelled flight, you can call the Immigration Bureau at 1178, the Tourist Police at 1155, the Suvarnabhumi Airport Authority at 1722 or the Suvarnabhumi Airport Police at +6621340555 for guidance.
**********
*****
*****
for guidance.
Danny *******
Thai Airways is reporting all flights from BKK to Europe are leaving as scheduled.
Peter ********
Danny Dukes only direct flights
Danny *******
From their Facebook page: "Thai Airways International confirms that all flights operating between Bangkok and Europe continue as scheduled." I think some may be going through Istanbul. I know I saw one yesterday leaving Istanbul for BKK.
Andy ********
You will need to leave and fly via China or Vietnam maybe Singapore even.
Liezl *******
This might help:
******************************************
Lea ******
I just went to Immigration, requesting 7 days extension.
No problem, they understand the situation
But tomorrow is a buddha day, so only Wednesday possible again
No problem, they understand the situation
But tomorrow is a buddha day, so only Wednesday possible again
Glyn **********
They were issuing emergency visas at the airport for stranded passengers...
Ben *******
You can do a border run after a 60-day visa-exempt entry plus a 30-day extension, but it carries a high risk of questioning or denial of entry, especially via land, as it is considered "living" in Thailand rather than tourism. While 60-day exemptions are possible, immigration is enforcing stricter checks, often limiting visa-exempt entries and focusing on total time in-country.
Andy *******
What happens if you have no money
Alan *****
Andy Parks your fckd
Joe **********
Alan Bow Thats a very good point not everyone has a spare grand available to book another flight!
Ronnie *********
The Tourism and Sports Ministry is working on accommodation and tour discounts for visitors stranded in Thailand by the latest Middle East war, and immigration police will waive overstay fines and extend visas.
Listen to or read full story in 1st comment. Bangkok Post.
Listen to or read full story in 1st comment. Bangkok Post.
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*****
69/special-help-for-stranded-foreign-tourists
Collywobble **********
when no flights cos volcano in iceland you could overstay frre...that was then now is now
Julian *******
You can fly directly to the Uk with numerous airlines, just not any Middle Eastern ones. Go via China. The fares are inexpensive
Nongnuch ********
Julian Lewis the fares already went through the roof 😄😎 one-way to London or Manchester for 1700 GBP
Jim **********
Nongnuch Kamdee indeed. Airlines jumping on the bandwagon. Kicking people when they're down
Lea ******
Julian Lewis Not right now. Chinese airlines just pulled up their prices like crazy 😩
Julian *******
Lea Anne my daughter booked months ago. She’s flying home to the uk on 7th. She paid £421 return
Julian *******
Lea Anne dynamic pricing
Christian ********
You can Fly with china eastern. they fly over china and russia.
Myles *******
Go and ask immigration, maybe they will give you 7 days extension. Or you could just hop on a plane and go to the plethora of countries within 1-3hrs flight away for a few days
Ellen **********
Myles Phago 7 days for 1900 baht yesterday
Myles *******
Ellen Castagno thks info
Cole *********
Do a boarder run you can fly to Malaysia and back for like $100
Richard ****************
Go the other way, west to east travel to get back
Carl *********
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*****
69/special-help-for-stranded-foreign-tourists i read this earlier fines waived and able to extend but need certificate from embassy. I would go chat immigration in Phuket town ive always found them helpful. I would be there at 8.30am though bet huge queues this week
Easy*****
Neos Phuket & Krabi to Italy
SunnyChe*********
Not much availability to London - but you’ll be paying through the nose - Thai airways sold out for almost a week. Personally I’d try to get back from Vietnam?
Buintje ******
SunnyChestnut4369 try amsterdam
Chris *********
I went on google flights and can see hundreds of flights to UK going out this week, don't see what the problem is? If unsure the embassy will tell you which flight to take. If I could get out of myanmar 3 months into covid and the airport closed i'm pretty sure you can get outta here geez.
Betty *********
Chris Simmons easuest xould be fly to Hanoï, where you can get a visa 60 days. That way you wont be refused coming back in .And your flight company will get you on a flight somehow. Maybe takes a week or two as of yesterday. People in line at Bangkok were offerte flights via China, or better but in 11 to 14 days.
Martyn *******
OPMost are or will be cancelled just like mine with 8 hours notice
Chris *********
Martyn James that's why you contact the embassy cause whatever they tell you they tell everyone else and the flight will be likely to leave. Recommend taking the second flight suggested not the first.
Stephen ***********
There are people in the airport helping people like you
John *******
Just read the airport immigration are wavering overstay with the current situation
Periklis ***************
John Moorewhere did you read it?
Please inform us cause I am on overstay already
Please inform us cause I am on overstay already
Nongnuch ********
Periklis Stergianoudis not only at the airport. At EVERY Immigration office
Mark *******
Periklis Stergianoudis if you are on overstay already why not go to immigration and find out your options with 100% clarity.
Deiter ********
The refund usually offered on an unused part of a ticket is usually a fraction of the cost of buying a one way ticket home on another airline. Dont take the first thing an airline offers you, have them transfer you to another flight
Cee ******
Did you buy travel insurance?
Martyn *******
OPActs of war and civil unrest void insurance
Adam ***************
Air France is still flying phuket-Paris. You have options
Pranesh ********
talk to your Embassy they are actually here (they get their salary from the tax you pay) to intervene and protect their citizens abroad. (unfortunately they are often lazy and good for nothing)
Gary *******
Go to immigration and let them know. Lots of people will need to do similar. At least you have reported your situation and take their advice. Looks like this might go on for sometime as safe airspace in and out of the Middle East is paramount.
Ellen **********
Gary Smith immigration Phuket was packed yesterday and everbody just got a 7 day extension for 1900 baht. Same you pay for 30 days. They make good money now.
Cissi *********
Ellen Castagno the price is 1900 thb for ALL extensions, it doesn't matter if they are 7 days, 30 days or 1 year.
Andrew ********
Gary Smith 100% this is the only answer and it's so simple. Dislike how people are just posting BS advice that they have no clue about. And he never said he wanted to leave, maybe he will be happy with an extra week in Thailand.
Tohksic ******
It is not Thai immi's problem where you go to. It is yours.
Glimsy ********
Why don’t you do visa run to avoid the overstay.
You can visit maybe kl,Singapore or viet
You can visit maybe kl,Singapore or viet
Andrew ********
Glimsy Winkie Why does he have to do a visa run? Why not pay the 1900 baht and extend 30 days? Am I missing something?
Samara ***********
Andrew Patron he has already done a 30 day extension. You don’t get 2.
Nigel ********
Fly to a third party country.?
I was told this during covid . My partner had come with me and our 1 year old son to the UK around a month before the covid lock down.
Her VIsa for UK was 6 months , after 9 we were told she didn't have to go back to her country of origin/nationality (Thailand) as the UK home office understood no flights to there BUT she could go to another country ◇(France for example ) but had to leave the UK. Your visa is up leave, where you go is upto you basically. As it stands if your flight is cancelled etc you will overstay with fine . Pop to Viertnam or somewhere else for a bit ? Having travel insurance may help....
Hope it works out for you
I was told this during covid . My partner had come with me and our 1 year old son to the UK around a month before the covid lock down.
Her VIsa for UK was 6 months , after 9 we were told she didn't have to go back to her country of origin/nationality (Thailand) as the UK home office understood no flights to there BUT she could go to another country ◇(France for example ) but had to leave the UK. Your visa is up leave, where you go is upto you basically. As it stands if your flight is cancelled etc you will overstay with fine . Pop to Viertnam or somewhere else for a bit ? Having travel insurance may help....
Hope it works out for you
Wayne *********
Nigel Davies it is unlikely travel insurance will help. They usually have a clause that limits their liability in the event of war.
Andrew ***********
Book another flight either direct or via any other country not in the middle east
Alan *****
There will be quite a few people in the same situation as you, just go to immigration & I’m sure they have something in place for this type of thing
Paul **********
@Alan ****
if I was there in that sun I’d be pleading with immigration to extend for a year or 2Freezing here
🥶
Adam ******
Got a mate in the same scenario. Today was his last day so he's away on a bus to Laos to sit it out.
Stephen ********
At this stage Immigration has not indicated any concessions, and in light of the fact that it's only flights going through the middle east which are affected it's highly unlikely. First option is to visit immigration and get the "extension refused - leave within 7 days" stamp which will give you some breathing space. Option 2 is to visit a neighbouring country (either by air or land) and re-enter to get a fresh 60-day stamp. Option 3 is to book a direct non-stop flight from Bangkok to the UK (Thai, BA, Eva Air), or with a stopover outside the ME (Singapore, Cathay, Finnair etc)
Jane **********
Same happened to us during covid. Immigration could not care less. Couldn't do a visa run ( all borders closed). We were fined at the airport when we left, and a big red stamp in our passport.
Paulccfc **********
Jane Holloway learn
Deslea ********
I’d use it as an excuse to take a couple of days in Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. For KL, there are flights every hour for most of the day, so you can get back if your airline rebooks you on a new flight, and the flights are cheap.
Brasil ***********
Go to Laos border and out and in Thailand again then you have stamped visa.
Next stay Thailand
Next stay Thailand
Clare **********
Brasil Machinery all boarder crossings still closed due to Cambodia Thailand conflicts.
Gary *****
Clare Newstead Even the border crossing with Laos ?
Graham ******
Gary Joe no, Cambodian land borders not Laos
Brasil ***********
Clare Newstead no! many Thai cities Thailand border and Laos are open.Not Cambodia .
Mike ********
Clare Newstead I did border bounce last Friday 27-2-26 via mukdahan to savannakhet no problems out and back, it was via an agency tho,.
Paulccfc **********
Fly Thai airways
Roy ********************
Paulccfc Williams The prices are insane now
Paulccfc **********
Roy Jimmy Johannessen well don't fly cheap Charlie again. Easy
Dan *******
Your comment is rude and offensive. What is wrong with you boy ?
Paulccfc **********
John Mulcahy don't go down direct then easy buy direct then no problem
John *********
Paulccfc Williams is there any need, yeh, Emirates, etihad quatar are cheap charlies, think not
David ******
Paulccfc Williams the middle east Airlines are far from cheap.
Patrick ********
Go immigration explain they understand will give you options
Todd *********
If you fly out and return you get a new free 60 days
Steve *******
Is immigration closed on Tuesday with it being a Buddhist Holiday?
Kun *****
Steve Perry I can confirm they are closed tomorrow, i just visted them all day
Andrew ********
Kun Nam Thank you, this is useful info. Maybe post it in a separate post so people will see.
Stuart *********
Yes
John *******
Fly to Laos or Cambodia
James **********
If they cancelled yout flight take the refund and book a direct on thai or eva
Alan *****
James Mitchell but are they giving refunds🤔 & if they are they will be giving them to ppl who booked direct with the airlines, if you booked with an online agent, that’s a different kettle of fish
James **********
Alan Bow i dont know, that's why you contact the airline, not facebook.
Steve ********
James Mitchell They will all be full by now.
Lea ******
James Mitchell Pretty impossible at the moment 😒
James **********
Lea Anne not if you really want to get home, personally idgaf, I live here.
Donald **********
James Mitchell Turkish Airlines
Ellen **********
Donald Campbell all flights full
James **********
Donald Campbell don't tell me, tell the OP
Mark ********
James Mitchell For £5,000 🥺
Alex ********
Mark Farrow travel insurance
Paul *******
Alex Thomas act of war voids every policy
Paul *******
Mark Farrow its 65k baht, stop been dramtic
Brad *******
My guess is most airlines will simply cancel and refund. Youre on your own
Andrew ********
@Brad ******
why are you talking about things you have zero idea about. You just confuse people with bad information. But if you must post it, add it to a post of your own rather than confuse a person who is in a serious predicament.Brad *******
Andrew Patron I have plenty idea what I'm talking about. It's called common sense. Go catch up on your fairy tales if you'd prefer 🤣
Dan *******
Creepy and cringey comment. You’re unpleasant.
Paulccfc **********
@Brad ******
correctGlyn **********
Paulccfc Williams wrong! I have a friend who was canceled at the start, he's still in a hotel until tomorrow. Emergency visa and airline is taking care of food and hotel.
Rene ******
Glyn Williams in case you're stuck at the Middle East...
Elías ********
Glyn Williams Emergency visa? What's that?
Leigh ***********
What does the airline say about getting you back to the UK and how long will it take? Surely they should be working to get you home. The timescale will give you ideas and options to discuss with immigration.
Paulccfc **********
Leigh Griffiths no obligation have to find your own home way home
Andrew ********
Paulccfc Williams Not true, but they are allowed time to figure out a plan.
Darren *******
Leigh Griffiths bit hard for them to give a timescale when there are missiles and drones flying all over the Middle East right now.
Robert *********
Darren Grist if you’ve got travel insurance you should be able to get alternative flights, not everyone flies through the Middle East 🤷♂️
Andrew ********
Darren Grist Good point. It's not as if there are no flights. Its the people flying Qatar, Emirates...
Darren *******
Cliff Dorsett you can easily confirm whether they do or don't by looking at sites like flightradar and checking the route your flight is currently taking.
Cliff *********
Paulccfc Williams does a direct flight from London not fly over middle east pal. Im due to go in a few weeks with Kuwait
Simon *******
Robert Bricken travel insurance doesn't cover wars or conflict
เดแคลน ***********
Paulccfc Williams CSA & CEA fly over Russia for European flights that have layovers in China. So no, not completely wrong at all. It entirely depends on where you layover & origin is 🙄
Robert *********
Paulccfc Williams not completely wrong at all 🤦♂️
Paulccfc **********
Robert Bricken completely wrong unless direct flight
Darren *******
Robert Bricken correct, that's for the traveler to take up at the end of the day.
Bazaar******
I would suggest you consider an exit to a neighboring country for a few days if you want to remain in Thailand..
Or try to get a flight home out of a neighboring country like Singapore or Malaysia..
I doubt you will get much sympathy from Thailand immigration and at best you may be given 7 days to exit Thailand
Or try to get a flight home out of a neighboring country like Singapore or Malaysia..
I doubt you will get much sympathy from Thailand immigration and at best you may be given 7 days to exit Thailand
Mike *************
BazaarAsia57 Go for an extension. With the current situation and showing proof of canceled flight, you might get another 30 days.
Bazaar******
Mike Deslauriers Well you can try but I don't have a lot of confidence you would get it..
Thailand immigration do not like bending the rules ..
I would be interested in hearing about anyone already on an extension that was about to expire being granted another one even under these circumstances..
Thailand immigration do not like bending the rules ..
I would be interested in hearing about anyone already on an extension that was about to expire being granted another one even under these circumstances..
Paulccfc **********
BazaarAsia57 absolutely spot on
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