Answered7 months ago
What should I do if my Non-O visa is about to expire due to flight cancellations?
Urgent advice needed. Flight cancelled (the second cancellation) on day 90 of our Non O Visa. New flight with Emirates on Friday 20 March. We visited Immigration next morning with full rack of required forms, photos etc. he gave us 7 days temporary extension, so if next flight cancelled we’re in a bad situation again. Officer said as we had already been here 90 days he was not authorised to give another 30! He said either you leave the country and come back in (60 days exempt) or if your next flight is cancelled and you don’t wish to leave you will have to contact the British consulate in Phuket and get a letter from them pleading your case. We are both retired and enjoy 3 months in Thailand once per year. The Immigration officer stamped our passports with overstay and charged 500 BHT each plus the 1,900 fee each. No interest whatsoever that we only overstayed due to cancelled flight. God knows how this might affect our visa application in Dec. Any experiences or knowledge so appreciated so long as it isn’t ’just fly with another airline’ or lecturing me on Thai regulations.
Answer summary
The user is facing urgent circumstances after their flight was cancelled two times on the 90th day of their Non-O visa stay. They received a 7-day temporary extension from Thai Immigration but were informed it is not an actual extension, putting them at risk of overstay if their next flight gets cancelled. Users suggest potential options, including a border run to a neighboring country for a re-entry visa exempt for another 60 days, alternatives for travel routes out of Thailand, and advice on how to handle the possibility of being denied entry again due to overstay issues.
84 repliesnewest first
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Steve ********
On a Non O Retirement Visa you are required to apply from your home country in order to extend it. I hired a legal service to do it for me and went home to visit family and it was approved in a few days, but I spent a couple of weeks at home.
There's plenty of work around options for you. Try to work with the airline to route you around the no fly zone. If not, I would demand a refund. Nevertheless, you must leave the country or risk not getting your extension. The choice is yours.
There's plenty of work around options for you. Try to work with the airline to route you around the no fly zone. If not, I would demand a refund. Nevertheless, you must leave the country or risk not getting your extension. The choice is yours.
Stefano **********
What happened to the extra 30 days and over stay fines wavered same as the 2000 baht help for delayed flights
Stefano **********
The British embassy does not give letters so don't waste your time asking he's just being a total tit you should get another 30 days and fines wavered contact main immigration bangkok
Humphrey **********
so many other options, and you put things off until the last minute. Try something different.
Geoffrey *********
I was booted out of Thailand prematurely, earlier this year - and went to Laos, by train/bus/taxi, for the remaining three weeks before my return flight date. A cheap hotel there, followed by a fairly pricey (Thai Airways/twice daily) ticket (6500 baht) from Vientiane directly to Suvanabhumi, allowed me to eventually remain in transit, pending my onwards flight to Europe. My heavy baggage was also checked through to my ultimate destination ! A sweaty palms/irksome experience, but all went well, finally !
Christian ********
we fly in 2 days to vietnam. 60 days visa free and the costs are low.
Sue **********
I thought immigration waived overstay fines in this extraordinary situation?
Graham ******
Sue Heimchen but the borders are not closed for the majority so they can leave to a nearby country or on a different flight
Pauline ********
OPGraham Seal er yes if they haven’t already overstayed
Pauline ********
OPSue Heimchen they possibly do at the airport but def not at Phuket Immigration!
Jennifer ********
Just cross a border or take a flight out to anywhere if you want to come back to Thailand anytime soon. Do anything not to overstay unless you won't be back. Yes, the whole thing sucks but everyone in that situation just has to do their best.
Brian ********
Consider going to the airport for your flight and if it is cancelled Emirates will hopefully help you out.
Joe ********
I think you’ll be fine, it’s annoying to be stamped but I highly doubt it would affect a real visa application. If anyone was to look into it at all they would see you’re genuine Thailand going folk
Paul *******
So leave and go back.
Carol ************
We came on a visa free option, extended by 30 days then flights stated getting cancelled.We went Krabi who gave us the 7 days but said that immigration would not fine us if we showed proof of cancelled flight.when we come back again we will apply for a tourist visa to ensure no issues .Hope this helps !
Peter **********
Pompous วัว. You overstayed. End of story.
If you break the law, accept the consequences just like others.
If you break the law, accept the consequences just like others.
Darren *******
Thai and Eva are flying as normal, plus China Eastern via China are as normal. Plenty of alternatives.
If retired and nothing to go back for, go and enjoy somewhere else for a week and book another flight. You will get a full refund of return flight, as my daughter just has 🙏
If retired and nothing to go back for, go and enjoy somewhere else for a week and book another flight. You will get a full refund of return flight, as my daughter just has 🙏
Pauline ********
OPDarren Jones yes I have booked flights to Kuala Lumpur for Saturday morning so we are covered if Fridays Emirates flight cancelled again. Thank you
David ******
Darren Jones I booked with Qatar via travel agent flight got cancelled, ive asked for refund, how long did your daughters refund take to come thro, agent is telling me 6 to 8 weeks
Darren *******
David Eden Emirates told her 8 weeks and not a full refund,,,, then within 5 days, full refund in bank
Zola ******
Goto Vietnam
Greg ***********
Pauline Rogers If you were on a 90-days Non-Imm-O retirement visa, you can only get the "7-days grace period" (which is not an extension at all) because a Non-Imm-O Visaclass is not a "touristic visaclass". Only touristic visas or visa exemptions can receive the "30-days touristic extension". Do as you were rightfully advised - exit Thailand, re-enter visa-exempt and get stamped in for 60 days
Ian ********
Well explained .I suppose the Thai logic is that a non o should only be used by those seeking to stay here long term and anyone whose booked a return flight is in their opinion abusing the visa
Greg ***********
Ian Carman In the recent two weeks I have read many reports from people who always use a 90-days Non-Imm-O retirement visa for their annual 90-days holiday in Thailand so they do not need to visit Immigration for any 1900 THB extension plus the need for a TM30 obligation, who have been stranded because their return flights were headed visa the Middle East airports. They all got caught up in their act when the only "extension" they were able to receive was the 7-days grace period stamp. They all were assuming they would be treated the same as classic tourists
Graeme ******
If I were you, to allow you more time, is just visit a local country and come back in on visa exempt giving you 60 more days to look at alternative routes to get back
Galenus ******
There are a lot of direct non-stop flights available. However, bad times for cheap charlies
John *******
Galenus Gold Very condescending 😡
Kevin *******
Galenus Gold such as yourself ?
Kadesha *****
No help with this situation… but I completely understand your concern.
With the overstay on your passport & them not caring it was due to another flight idk if I would take the advice to leave the country & try to come back in… I believe they would deny both of y’all entry then you wouldn’t be able to get to your flight out of Thailand 👀
With the overstay on your passport & them not caring it was due to another flight idk if I would take the advice to leave the country & try to come back in… I believe they would deny both of y’all entry then you wouldn’t be able to get to your flight out of Thailand 👀
Michael **********
Fly a different route. Maybe go towards South Africa and then back up. Your flight time will be extended. But you can stay safe. Maybe swap airlines. Go through a different hub.
Winston ************
It's as if this "Emirates" is the ONLY airline in the world. While more expensive, there's plenty of other routes out of Thailand to the US or Europe. For example, go to Europe via Shanghai using a Chinese airline. Chinese airlines fly over Russia so it's not that expensive. You're making it seem as if it's the end of the world or something.
Kevin *******
Immigration is becoming a pain for medium stays now ! Should be able to apply for a 1 , 2 ,3,4,5,6 month visaa just prove you have funds and residence ! Will end up like America soon ! They are influenced a lot by the USA that's why things are so messed up ! It's a holiday destination not a place to work ! 🙃
Graham ******
Kevin Dunne So can a Thai simply apply for a 1 , 2 ,3,4,5,6 month visa for your country? No?
Kevin *******
Graham Seal not easy now best get to France buy a dinghy get half way throw all your I'd overboard you'll be picked up put in a 4 star hotel for months ! Good luck 👍
Kevin *******
Winston Washington it is ! Curtesy of Mr trump !
Gregory *********
Now you know what it feels like to be a refugee. There are direct flights to UK from Thailand with Thai airlines and other airlines. Go to another country and wait and see there or arrange alternative way back to the UK. There are lots of nice places nearby that would appreciate your money. Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam etc. All cheap and interesting. Good luck hopefully Trump will have left you a country to return to.
Karl *********
I suggest you go to the TAT website and see the policy for overstay in this current circumstance.
Anton *******
I had a 90 day non O visa and granted it was before Trump kicked off with Iran but I was given an extension of Sixty days which is one of the two options available… Hua Hin Immigration were brilliant with no issues at all… Where you tried to get the extension I would say that one you should have been told the two options of 7 or 60 days and that the Immigration officer was being harsh…
Greg ***********
Anton Lyons I bet you are married to a Thai wife, and thus got a 60-days extension based on "visiting Thai family". If you were on a 90-days Non-Imm-O retirement visa, and not married to a Thai wife, you can only get the "7-days grace period" (which is not an extension at all) because a Non-Imm-O Visaclass is not a "touristic visaclass". Only touristic visas or visa exemptions can receive the "30-days touristic extension"
Bob ********
Fly to Shanghai and then Direct to London on China Air
Christian ********
Bob Warren 2800 Dollar at the moment.
Pauline ********
OPChristian Vogler thank you it’s all very well for people to spout about alternative flights but like you I have done that research. The costs are ridiculous at the moment!
Kevin *******
Bob Warren or Hong Kong or Singapore
Martyn *******
I did a flight and stay in Singapore fora week, came back to Thailand and pleaded my case, was given 60 days and I informed them that I would fly out as soon as Qatar airlines could accommodate me. I now have a flight booked with them on 29th. Fingers crossed. The only other alternative as you know already is to make your own way home via China or other country and airline that doesn’t overfly the gulf
Maya ****
If the next flight is cancelled, get your refund and book new flights. Try Hong Kong, loads of flights from there
Gina **************
I've had the same issue. I went to Thai immigration and they said the same, I need to leave the country; they will not give another extension after the 7 day extension. I'm curious to see what others have experienced.
Bobby ********
Gina Vedova Nera yes same here got the 30 day extension and then came home back to the US 1 day before dumb Don decided to start all this crap
Michael *******
@Bobby *******
leave Donald alone he’s the man he don’t take any shit from no one… many USA Presidents in the past wanted to do he same but had no balls …
Lisa *********
Michael Flynn oh yeah right! And now you're at war 😅🤣
Bobby ********
Michael Flynn well I would give him credit if credit was due and yeah, he’s done a lot of things but nothing he’s done has been done correctly and everything he does has got him where he/we at now 🤦🏻♂️ it’s really just not looking good for him. 
Gina **************
@Bobby *******
wow! you were lucky!! 😄Kevin *******
Gina Vedova Nera o went after the 60 days on entry got denied 30 extension offered me 7 days 2k baht ! (Never get 100 baht change ) so I went to nongkai border paid 1k bt overstay fine paid 1700bt to enter laos 3 nights accommodation got a non 0 cost 1500 bt through agent 2k bt to embassy ! Stayed in Vientiane nice little vacation ! 👌
Gina **************
Edit: I'm doing a quick flight out and back into the country Saturday to get another 60 days.
Kadesha *****
Give us an update if they let you back in 👀
Kadesha *****
You would think they would have a little leniency & compassion for those showing cancelled flights… & knowing they aren’t doing border runs to get another 60 days butttt unfortunately not.
Gina **************
Kadesha Fox crossing my fingers and toes that all goes well!
John *******
Why not take a cheap flight to a neighboring country (or car/van/bus) and then return? It would reset your stamp to 60 days. It would reduce some of the pressure of being worried that your next flight might also be canceled and you might be overstaying again. Odds are it will be canceled.
Pauline ********
OPJohn Macom sure it’s a valid option but we are worried how this workaround would affect our next visa application in Dec. I understood that Immigration are being understanding of the situation many of us are in. We’re a retired couple not illegally working or laundering money 😔
Norbi ******
Pauline Rogers I would also suggest the same, go down to KL. Malaysia probably gives you 90 days visa free and their airport has pretty much the same connections as you would have from Phuket or Bangkok. The living expenses are similar to what you experience here but the immigration officers are much more chill, and everybody speaks fluent English so you could wait and see how things go down there in case your newest flight gets cancelled too. This way your next Thailand visa should be okay as well when you come back in December.
Lina *******
Norbi Sass Penang Immigration is far from “chill”.
Pauline ********
OPNorbi Sass Thank you so much for your advice sounds a good plan.
John *******
Pauline Rogers - Completely understand the concern, but you have a pressing issue that will impact you in the next few days versus a potential issue 7+ months from now. My understanding however is concern when you stay 150+ days in a year, as they see that as a sign of trying to live here. You are not though and next trip would show evidence why you stayed longer (cancelations, etc.)
Jennifer ********
Pauline Rogers If you're worried about being let into Thailand later, don't overstay your 7 days exit permit, period. That's your priority, just get out of Thailand before then. If you need to go throught BKK for your flight home, just make it a transit stop, so you don't have to go through Thai Immigration. Go to Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia etc then work out your flight from there. They already did you a favor, they won't give you a 2nd one.
Pauline ********
OPJohn Macom you would think so John but immigration did not show any interest in my evidence of cancelled flights and marked our passport Overstay! When you use the UK Thailand embassy visa application there is no ability to justify the overstay.
John ********
Show genuine tourist then your fine.
John **********
That 7 days is not an extension, it is an extension denied stamp which gives you 7 days to leave the country. I don't think you will get another extension even with a letter from the embassy. Your options are to do a border run and return visa exempt or run on overstay. You shouldn't be fined for overstay on exiting due to your circumstances BUT overstay is not recommended
Pauline ********
OP@John *********
thank you for your clarity. I am just sad that through no fault of our own they would rather throw us out than allow us to spend more money here - under the current circumstances only of course.
Michael *******
Pauline Rogers that’s Thailand for you!🙄 hope you get sorted. My friends been in thailand 2 weeks. Then flew to cambodia. Got stuck there due to emirates keep cancelling flights. They have been no help. Home in uk now. Via another route!! Now 5k out of pocket! 🙄🫣
John **********
@Pauline *******
if you had obtained a letter from your embassy explaining the situation they would most likely have issued you with a 30 day extensionJohn **********
@Pauline *******
if you had asked for confirmation they won't issue such a letter, preferably from the embassy itself, I'm sure you could have shown that along with your flight cancellations. If you only come for 90 days and then leave there's nothing wrong with using that visa, these are not normal circumstancesPauline ********
OP@John *********
I contacted The Uk consulate in Phuket and was informed they no longer provide the letter so clearly something I couldn’t possibly fulfil. Can I ask you which visa we SHOULD be applying for, as many seem critical of our Non O choice (I’m very aware that this is the choice of many over 50’s, which gives a 90 day single stay). The other issue for us is that we are in Koh Lanta at the point of requiring a 30 day extension (if we go the 60 day exempt route). Nearest immigration is Krabi. That would involve a whole day round trip which is not ideal. We don’t need a multi entry tourist visa as we stay in Thailand for the whole time. We want to do the right thing but can’t afford the Elite visa.
John **********
@Pauline *******
your correct the letter might not be easy to get but if you show you tried and it was refused along with cancelled flights... I understand it's a lot of hoops to try and jump through but such is lifePauline ********
OP@John *********
ah not aware of that one we knew our visa expired and even tho we gathered every other form we missed that requirement and rushed to immigration not wanting to extend overstay further than the one day. Hopefully others will now become even more aware. I have a feeling getting hold of such letter would be incredibly difficult. Again huge stress on top of constantly trying to rearrange flights which we had full evidence of. Sorry John I’m just venting with frustration at the situation we are in.Activity
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