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What should you know about Thailand's single entry tourist visa and possible overstays?
Thailand Visa RulesSingle Entry Tourist VisaOverstay FineImmigration TipsVisa ExtensionTourist VisaExpat Advice
May 4, 2018
8 years ago
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTERDON'T let this happen to you !!
Someone in another group is facing a 14K baht overstay fine because of one simple mistake and believe me MANY people make this mistake on tourist visas.
A single entry tourist visa is valid for 90 days <- That means once the visa is issued you have 90 days to enter the country and get stamped in for SIXTY days.
This person thought that the validity of their visa was how long they could stay here. :O
They got stamped in Feb 6 for 60 days BUT never paid any attention to their entry stamp and thought they could just stay here until the visas expiration May 4th. :(
They're on a 28 day overstay now.
If they paid the overstay fine and applied for a 30 day extension all they would get would be 2 days, because they add the extension on to the expiration date of the original stamp. :/
Their best bet would be to pay the 14K overstay fine and then get the 7 day extension denied stamp to get out of thailand in a week for 1900baht.
Someone in another group is facing a 14K baht overstay fine because of one simple mistake and believe me MANY people make this mistake on tourist visas.
A single entry tourist visa is valid for 90 days <- That means once the visa is issued you have 90 days to enter the country and get stamped in for SIXTY days.
This person thought that the validity of their visa was how long they could stay here. :O
They got stamped in Feb 6 for 60 days BUT never paid any attention to their entry stamp and thought they could just stay here until the visas expiration May 4th. :(
They're on a 28 day overstay now.
If they paid the overstay fine and applied for a 30 day extension all they would get would be 2 days, because they add the extension on to the expiration date of the original stamp. :/
Their best bet would be to pay the 14K overstay fine and then get the 7 day extension denied stamp to get out of thailand in a week for 1900baht.
TLDR : Answer Summary
Many travelers mistakenly believe that the validity date of a tourist visa is the period they can stay in Thailand. This misunderstanding often leads to costly overstays. A single entry tourist visa allows entry within 90 days and grants a stay of up to 60 days. Travelers should always verify the entry stamp upon arrival to avoid penalties. If a fine for overstay occurs, it can reach up to 14,000 baht, and extensions may only provide limited additional stay. The community emphasizes the importance of understanding visa conditions and the potential consequences of overstaying.
90 DAY REPORTING RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Use the trusted Thailand 90 Day Reporting Serviceto get your in-person report done and mailed to you for as low as 375 THB (even if the online system doesn't work for you).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Terry ******
I got my TV a couple of weeks ago in Vientiane. One fellow from South Africa got all excited that he had been given 90 days..I explained to him that means you have 90 days to use it...he said 'no, no, I have got 90 days'. He was getting angry about it with me so I gave up. Takes all kinds, what a goose.
Christopher *******************
Isn't it possible to get first 14 days extension for 1900 bath and then 7 days more for a further 1900 baht? I mean after the "standard" 30 days you have to get to get the full 90. I have never needed to try or ask really, but It would be good to know in case of emergency. Because someone swore that was the case. But then again he has some serious issues with sticking to the truth.
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Chris******
that 7 day "extension denied" stamp is not just for emergencies you can get it anytime you have had your 30 day extension and need another week. It doesn't count against you in any way to get that stamp.Christopher *******************
OK, Thanks! Yes exactly. Emergencies only. Thats why I dont really want to ask at Immigration office either. Good to know though. Same "friend" told me you couldn't apply for extension until last day of the 60. Which obviously isn't true nor makes any sense. He has been here long enough. So it isn't like he wouldn't know. Not sure what the purpose of his mission here is, but for some reason it seems he tried to make it his to try and ruin mine.
Luke ******
No, a single entry tourist visa allows upon entry a permission of stay of 60 days, extendable one time for another 30 days at local Immigration. After that, one can apply for an extension of stay that gets refused, still charged 1,900 baht, and given 7 days to leave the country.
I would not advise the latter for the potential flags it may raise with Immigration on future entries (i.e. having an extension denied stamp in the passport).
I would not advise the latter for the potential flags it may raise with Immigration on future entries (i.e. having an extension denied stamp in the passport).
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Luke ******
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Gregory ******
Many people I’ve talked to have that same impression. Great you clarified that again.
Thomas ********************
Haha! I almost made the same mistake with my first SETV. Got lucky.
Жанна ************
Honest mistake... but surly a trap...
David **********
Yes mine was honest mistake costing Me a lot of money.
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David **********
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Shayne **********
Always, always, always check on the spot anything and everything that gets stamped, added or written in your passport. Always. On the spot.
Is it what it should be? If not get them to make it correct.
Is it what it should be? If not get them to make it correct.
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTERDavid Broadfoot Believe it or not, I had an immigration officer tell me it's YOUR passport they stamp in and you bear the burden of responsibility to make sure we stamp you in the correct amount of time. :O
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Tod *********
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Russell ********
My mate fell foul of this one!
Lucian *********
If it's your first Tourist Visa it's so easy to be misled by the wording on the visa itself..SETV is valid for 90 Days but if you enter within the given time frame, IF you extend it by 30 more days at the Immigration a few days before the expiring of the 60 Days and IF you count the Visa Duration Properly from the day you actually enter the country (Some might think that if they enter the country say 30 days before the expiry of "Enter Until" they can't stay longer than 30 days). Too many variables that can trick any newbie Imho..
Amornrat **********
This is one of the wonders of Thailand. I am sure back in someones home country the person would question everything and double check, etc. Once they reach Thailand it appears to me that all things are forgotten and the people go into "I thought" mode and than disaster hits. If in doubt ask people, even a trip to Immigration might be easier than to clear the mess afterwards.
Duncan *******
Presuming your first language is English it's in no way misleading or difficult. They give you a stamp that gives you a date to leave buy.
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Duncan *******
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Darren ********
Just a thought
But if you refuse to pay a fine for an overstay
What happens?
Do you go to prison
Or just get deported?
Just wondering!
But if you refuse to pay a fine for an overstay
What happens?
Do you go to prison
Or just get deported?
Just wondering!
Darren ********
Thanks
@Tod ********
I will make sure I do not overstayChristopher ***********
@Tod ********
Brilliant answer. So comprehensive!Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Darren *******
, IF you can't pay the overstay fine you're arrested, you're held at the IDC (Immigration Detention Center), you see a judge who waives the overstay fine and charges you between 3 and 5 thousand baht, you are then taken back to the IDC, you buy your own ticket back to your country, they take you to the airport, stamp you out, black list you for 5 years if you've overstayed up to a year and 10 years if it's longer than that, they take you to the gate, give your passport to the air marshall and you get it back when you land in your country.Robert *******
You go court and than up to the judge, but normally if you can not pay you will do some time.
Darren ********
My visa is fine
I just wondered what happens
I just wondered what happens
Darren ********
Robert *******
You get free hotel and food and long stay visa. Could be inside the Bangkok Hilton or the Immigration Detention Center.
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Robert *******
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James **********
Why they don't change the wording is beyond me. It's almost like they want people to get caught out. 555.
Peter *******
Had a quick panic checked passport. It is stamped for 8th May which gives me 90 days from entry. tbh just looked at leaving date. I think thre are pitfalls. thankyou for your posts.
James **********
@Robert ******
to the initiated and wise I totally agree. However after having to do the whole process myself for the first time after fifteen years of my visa being renewed by my employer, is I just showed up and paid the fee. It is and was confusing to receive my visa, 'valid until'and I thought I had received a three month visa. Not as kowledgable as yourself obviously. Tod put me to rights and I realised two days before my 'entry until' expired.Robert *******
What is not clear with the words? The Visa is valid for 90 days and gives you a 60 day Admitted to Stay inside Thailand. Next to that at entrance in Thailand the Single Entry Visa is stamped: USED and a new stamp is placed in your passport. Just take a look what they did with your passport before running to the nearest exchange boot or taxi.
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Robert *******
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James **********
It almost happened to me but Tod's advice put me straight.
Anne *********
I made this exact mistake myself when I first moved here a couple of years ago. It's an expensive lesson. Mai bpen rai 😊
Gordon *******
Im glad you no
Bernd ***********
When I got my TR visa in Berlin they just put in a small piece of paper explaining exactly the meaning of validity. Well done.
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTEROkay, I didn't post this as an example where we can point our finger and say derogatory things about the person :(
I did it to bring to your attention that this is a common problem which happens a LOT and I don't want it to happen to you.
Let's refrain from the negative stuff okay?
I did it to bring to your attention that this is a common problem which happens a LOT and I don't want it to happen to you.
Let's refrain from the negative stuff okay?
Shayne **********
Thank you Todd I'm on an METV and did not understand the 60 day clause. Now I do so can planner accordingly. THANK YOU. 😊
Brian **********
A bit disingenuous Richard many long standing issues are first time for someone who just needs an answer as easily and quickly as possible. It's very helpful and reassuring to know that
Richard *******
I have noted
@Tod ********
that over the last year or two, you must have personally answered this question to people at least a dozen times. Perhaps you can pin this one or something.Terry **********
Agreed Tod it's good to have reminders as nobody's perfect..it also keeps yourself on the ball regarding your own status....Good info once again
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Terry **********
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Alex *****
Is there ever any problem re-entering Thailand on a overstay < 90 days? Met a guy who had no idea he was on a 2 month overstay, I told him he wouldn't get banned, but i wasn't 100% sure.
Alex *****
No, that's what they thought and got intro trouble because of it. You have to leave 60 days after you entered Thailand, 90 if you extend it. May 4 is the day the visa expires, then you can't use it to ENTER Thailand anymore
Charles ****************
In this example, the person with the pic above must leave on or before May 04, is that correct?
Alex *****
Cheers Tod
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTERnope, at this time it doesn't count against you
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Tod *********
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Jari ************
I wonder why some people don't look at the stamp they get in their passport.
Hans ******
@Tod ********
thats good to know.because i just did my retirement visa.thanks for your advice :)Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Hans *****
Most people actually get their own extensions of stays and re-entry permits without paying an agent to push paper for the,Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@David *********
you had that happen because you didn't get a re-entry permit before you left the country. :/ If you had been stamped in incorrectly, had a valid extension AND a re-entry permit you would have been given the correct stamp.any way you look at it, 37K baht for a 90 day Non-O visa which costs 2K baht, a year extension which costs 1900baht and a multiple re-entry permit which costs 3800baht so 7700baht all in was not the best deal...
Hans ******
@David *********
means after 15 months for your retirement visa you have to do it again and pay another *****
baht???David **********
I just paid
*****
Baht to renew Mutable entry and 15 month retirement Visa. Had last one cancelled because I was back and forth didn't check my entry was not stamped. Was cancelled at Bangkok Immigration. He said I give you 30 dYs and cancelled my visa that still had till June 12 th stamped on it. But my fault.Peter *********
Hopefully this will akert some to the potential problem.
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTERA LOT of the problem is that the thai consulates say the visa is good for 90 days :O Which is true :/ It is valid for 90 days and you have that long to enter thailand ... BUT so many people think that means they get stamped in for 90 days they never even look at their entry stamp until its too late
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Tod *********
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Joe ***********
Had a friend do this with a 12 month O Visa... 35 days over. Never knew he had to exit Thailand every 90 days.
Peter *********
@Tod ********
I'm afraid I have limited sympathy for such. The rules in the case of an METV are quite simple and if you play your cards right can allow you to stay for over 8 months. Ah wellJoe ***********
Holy Mole
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTERI saw someone on a 6 month METV with a 40 day overstay thinking they could come in and just stay for 6 months straight :)
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Tod *********
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