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Answered6 years ago

Which countries' embassies are currently issuing letters for visa extensions in Thailand?

Joe ***********
asked Sep 5, 2020
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Which countries' Embassies are NOW issuing some kind of Letter - stating in one way or another - that a citizen should be allowed to extend their stay in Thailand due X, Y, or Z reason... For starters I read recently that the USA Embassy relented and began issuing a letter... So What about France, Great Britain other UK Countries, other European countries - Belgium, Italy, Spain, Scandinavia - Norway Sweden, other, Canada, Australia, Japan, Russia... Please add a country that you Know is issuing a letter - AND sample of the phrases used.
Answer summary
The community is discussing which countries' embassies in Thailand are issuing letters that help their citizens extend their visa stays due to various reasons, particularly amid the Covid-19 pandemic. It has been confirmed that the British and Australian embassies are issuing these letters, while others like the Canadian, French, German, and Russian embassies are not. Some embassies, such as those of Japan, have also varied in their responses, with some cases reported of extensions being granted under specific circumstances. Users are encouraged to share experiences and samples of letters obtained to support their visa extension applications.
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Chris *****
Chris *****
British just refused mine 👎🏼
Jakub ********
Jakub ********
Czech republic - looks like they do Not. I haven't got any reply from them 😂
Dani *******
Dani *******
Can someone upload the sample of the US letter?
George *************
George *************
The situation for US citizens as I understand it:

1. Apply for the embassy letter (they basically want data from your passport photo ID page) here:

************************************************************************************************************************************


2. You should receive the email letter in hours of applying (like the one above with personalized with your data). Print it out, if you can, in color on good paper (not required since Thai Immigration has agreed to accept emailed embassy letters from the US, but can't hurt). You also may want to print the email you received from the US Embassy Bangkok to which the embassy letter was attached. This shows that the US Embassy Bangkok emailed it to you (again shouldn't be required, but ....). Nice to have the response letter from the US Embassy Bangkok on your smartphone and the embassy letter itself (Again, not required, but can't hurt).

3. Apply at your local Thai Immigration office for the 30-day "emergency due to Covid-19" extension. Should cost 1,900 baht (but some places have been asking for 2,000). You will likely only receive an "under consideration stamp" that names a date to return to the immigration office.

4. Return to the immigration office on your return date named in your "under consideration" stamp. Hopefully, you will receive another stamp indicating you have final approval of an extension of stay from 27 September to 26 October. Your continued presence in the country is made legal by the current amnesty to 26 September and/or the return to immigration date stamped in your passport on your "under consideration" stamp.

5. There have been statements from some officials (in the Phuket office) that this will be a repeatable process. That is, nearing the end of your 27 September to 26 October extension acquire another embassy letter from US Embassy Bangkok... basically repeat steps 1-4. There is of course no guarantee that the US Embassy Bangkok will continue to provide the letters and no guarantee that Thai Immigration will continue granting extensions, but that looks like a possibility going forward. No one knows how long that will last.
George *************
George *************
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Varga **********
Varga **********
Are there any updates? I would also be interested if there are any EU consulates who issue this letter?
Irina *********
Irina *********
I have a question to those who received such letters. Did consulates or embassies did them for free, or you had to pay some money?
Thomas ********************
Thomas ********************
In my experience, all embassies charge for the most minuscule modicum of service.
Mykhailo *********
Mykhailo *********
@Ir***
, they says Ukrainian charge 930 baht
Irina *********
Irina *********
@Mykhailo ********
yes, I’ve just found out it. But it’s interesting whether this is only Ukraine uses golden ink, or other countries also ask for payment.
Mykhailo *********
Mykhailo *********
@Ir***
, but it's still better that we even given that letters unlike other countries. And not forced to apply for other much more expensive visas
Philip **********
Philip **********
Still have not heard anything from Canada.
Graeme **********
Graeme **********
Australia yes upon the provision of certain documents.
ByungChul ****
ByungChul ****
Republic of Korea, yes
Joe ***********
Joe ***********
OP
Thanks Everyone
Stefan *******
Stefan *******
Germany is NOT doing it.
Kristian ********
Kristian ********
Norway don't do it.
Elisa *******
Elisa *******
Ukraine yes
Irina *********
Irina *********
@Elisa ******
do they need any documents, reasons? Or is it just enough to ask for such?
Elisa *******
Elisa *******
@Irina ********
I do not know but I was in a conversation with some potential tenants that are from the Ukraine and they had letters for extension of stay
Mykhailo *********
Mykhailo *********
@El***
, can you share an email to reffer?
Mykhailo *********
Mykhailo *********
Does anyone has a experience of getting a letter from Ukraine embassy?
Joe ***********
Joe ***********
OP
This post is ONLY about which Embassies in Bkk or elsewhere are providing a Letter that Immigration will see fit to issue a 30 day Extension of Stay. Nothing Else. There have been other threads about flights and associated topics.
Thomas ********************
Thomas ********************
No worries, mate. I was trying to be funny. Which is something I know I should never do.
Thomas ********************
Thomas ********************
Got it

******************************


"The Embassy cannot issue any letters stating that it is not possible to travel to Denmark, as it is entirely possible to fly to Denmark."

I'd bet dollars to durian, though. That there are a max of 2-3 Danes even interested in this.
Thomas ********************
Thomas ********************
It's kinda offensive you would list the Scandiwegian countries but not mine 😅

(Trying to find out if they're doing it...)
Joe ***********
Joe ***********
OP
@Thomas *******************
I was not sure which one were considered Scandinavian without looking it up
Lyndon ************
Lyndon ************
Also depends on flight availability and pricing plus quarantine when returning to home country. Where do you go if you have no address in the UK?
Kata ****
Kata ****
Embassy of Poland won't issue letter like British for example either. Been there three times... No help.
Joe ***********
Joe ***********
OP
Discussion of flights is off topic
Bim *******
Bim *******
@Joe **********
cancellation of flight would be a good reason to get the letter from your embassy if your finding it difficult
Bim *******
Bim *******
Well Eva Air cancelled their only flight to London this week. Not enough passengers
Dave ***********
Dave ***********
@Bim ******
what date was that? It’s flown the past 2 Sunday’s which I thought was their only weekly flights?
Lou ****
Lou ****
France doesn't
Daniel ************
Daniel ************
Germany doesnt - guess other EU countries wont do either
Will ******
Will ******
Spain not issuing letters except in very exceptional cases that they haven't specified (I guess cancelled flights)
Dani *******
Dani *******
Joaquina ****************
Joaquina ****************
Yes, Spain 10,000 cases yesterday and even so the Embassy refuses to give the LETTER. I can't explain their refusal, they want to send us to hell
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
@Joaquina ***************
So your point is if there’s a lot of infections in your country, that should be a reason that you don’t have to return even if their flights going back and your visa has expired?
Todd *********
Todd *********
@Edw***
also, anyone with the $$ can access a long term visa through an agent here. But I suspect many will decide to go on overstay and pay the 20k baht on departure next year
Todd *********
Todd *********
@Edw***
it seems very assured of happening now. People already receiving the ‘under consideration’ stamp at thai immigration here. Extensions will be 30 days in length and can continue as long as necessary
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
@Todd ********
That would be good fortune for those still in Thailand. I have my doubts it will happen, but we will just have to wait and see
Todd *********
Todd *********
@Edw***
that’s correct. Was written on the original update. No change.

If outbreak in your nation of residence, or home nation

- the embassy can give you a supporting letter and you can be extended here 30 days with visit to immigration. We think lol
Todd *********
Todd *********
Denis *********
Denis *********
Russia will not issue this letter, officially confirmed
Mykhailo *********
Mykhailo *********
@De***
, did you hear about Ukrainian to do this?
Denis *********
Denis *********
@Mykhailo ********
didn’t hear
Shivan ****************
Shivan ****************
Canada not as of 2 days ago...
Ryan ************
Ryan ************
Would they issue a letter if my country of residence is different than Canada?
Dave ***********
Dave ***********
Todd Yowell weird, I dont recall ever using the word "bad" "getting bad" or any other use of the word bad. Those were your own words.

I said Canada is a country where I have more chance of getting infected than Thailand and that is absolutely the case.
Dave ***********
Dave ***********
Oh look everyone, Todd Yowell says that, compared to the biggest shit show country on the planet, Canada isnt that bad.

👍

Cool story bro

Any other groundbreaking insights for us?
Maxim ***********
Maxim ***********
Canada is a freaking joke, last time it took forever for them to give me a letter around March 26. Please keep us updated about Canada embassy/consulate.
Shivan ****************
Shivan ****************
I am also sending another message as we speak...
Philip **********
Philip **********
@Shivan ********
I received this 10 minutes ago.

Thank you for contacting the Embassy of Canada.

The Embassy does not issue visa extension letters at this time.

If you wish to remain in Thailand in the long term, you will need to apply for the relevant visa (e.g. retirement, marriage, employment, study) from the Thai Immigration Bureau.

Please be informed that the Embassy of Canada had a meeting with Commissioner of the Thai Immigration Bureau last week and have been confirmed by them that Immigration has established a new procedure which has been commenced since Friday, August 28, 2020 as follows.

Again, under long-term visa categories, no/no visa extension letter from the Embassy is required;
Shivan ****************
Shivan ****************
Wow... good work.. yeah it's like they are totally out of touch with reality...
Dave ***********
Dave ***********
@Shivan ********
Ya, Canada embassy is not. They lied to me and told me they were not allowed to because thai immigration said all short term visa holders had to leave.

They sent me a partial quote from the announcement and edited out the part allowing extension because of an outbreak situation in your home country.

I sent them the full announcement and then they changed their story and said it was because there are flights available.

I told them flights have always been available and they were available when they sent me a letter back in April.

I sent them a bunch of recent news articles reporting that the Canadian government is saying that the coronavirus situation was getting worse and asked them why they wouldn't just give me a letter instead of forcing me back to a country with more chance of getting infected.

They never responded after that.
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
@Dave **********
I’m confused, so why should the embassy issue a letter for you
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
@Dave **********
Still waiting for Yesterdays to wear off
Dave ***********
Dave ***********
@Edward *******
seems a little early for drugs mate.

What are you on about?
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
@Dave **********
wow, so the more fucked up America is, the batteries for Americans in Thailand trying to get an extension. I think the monks will have a field day trying to figure out the karma on this one
Dave ***********
Dave ***********
@Edward *******
because the announcement from Thai immigration clearly states that you can apply for an extension with an embassy letter if your country is still under an outbreak situation.

Canada is.
Joe ***********
Joe ***********
OP
Okay So Far British Embassy and Australian Embassy = yes
Bobby ********
Bobby ********
@Joe **********
. Australian embassy is yes with conditions. You have to show evidence of cancelled flights and register for a repatriation flight.
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
@Bobby *******
Or be transferring to a long-term visa I believe
Bobby ********
Bobby ********
@Edward *******
. Yes, the ambassador did state that if you had documents to indicate you were in the process of obtaining a longstay (non-imm) visa, he would provide the letter
Joe ***********
Joe ***********
OP
@Bobby *******
- Thank you for that info
Dawn **********
Dawn **********
On Friday, the Japanese embassy said they did not understand the request and were not able to respond. Thanks for the examples everyone.
Dawn **********
Dawn **********
Japan is officially a Yes!
Wendy *******
Wendy *******
@Dawn *********
japan no , they don’t issue letter. As they are opening up the border to foreigners who have visa , such as student visa or work visa
Dawn **********
Dawn **********
Dawn **********
Dawn **********
@Wendy ******
it was also presented with a TSL acceptance letter.
Wendy *******
Wendy *******
@Dawn *********
that’s great.
Dawn **********
Dawn **********
@Wendy ******
Chiang Mai immigration accepted it.
Wendy *******
Wendy *******
@Dawn *********
it didn’t state the reason? Not sure if immigration will accept? But I’ll check myself thanks
Martin *******
Martin *******
I just applied for one but didn't realise it was bank holiday. How long do they take?
Martin *******
Martin *******
Todd Yowell cunny funt! She's dead your a twat! Watch your mouth dick head
Martin *******
Martin *******
And I looked at your timeline and you are a loved up muppet so why wouldn't you want people to be a sucker like you
Martin *******
Martin *******
@Joe **********
I didn't mention it to be honest. I sent copies of what they asked for said I had just sold house back home and nowhere to go
Martin *******
Martin *******
Married also
Martin *******
Martin *******
@Steven **************
I knew that I just didn't realise this weekend was one. Cheers
Steven ***************
Steven ***************
Monday is a holiday too
Brett *******
Brett *******
@Martin ******
Songkran holiday.
Martin *******
Martin *******
@Brett ******
did they move it .
Brett *******
Brett *******
@Martin ******
Songkran was cancelled in April so Friday and Monday are replacement holidays.
Joe ***********
Joe ***********
OP
@Martin ******
Make up dates for cancellation
Steven ***************
Steven ***************
@Martin ******
. All embassies follow govt holidays here
Steven ***************
Steven ***************
From an email sent directly to me from Australian Embassy Bkk. Email was in regards to updated repatriation flights available.
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
@Steven **************
Bloody nice of them
Steven ***************
Steven ***************
Letter from Aust Embassy basically says that " it would be greatly appreciated if Thai Imm forwarded the same consideration given to Thai citizens currently stranded in Australia facing the same difficulties returning home or extending their stay in Aust for same reasons"
Bim *******
Bim *******
The British Embassy is
Kata ****
Kata ****
Lucky you. Embassy of Poland doesn't help at all.....
Alyssa ********
Alyssa ********
@Bim ******
what did you say to them? The response i got was theyd only write a letter if u had medical reason or couldnt return to your country of residence
Bim *******
Bim *******
@Alyssa *******
yes my country of residence is Thailand and going back to the UK isn't an option as I have no home there.
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
@Alyssa *******
Let me know how that turns out, it seems like it could open the door for fraudulent claims
Alyssa ********
Alyssa ********
@Bim ******
interesting because I also sold my flat in uk before coming to thailand and dont have a home there to go back to
Jane ***********
Jane ***********
@Alyssa *******
Or you have a visa application in process
Daniel **********
Daniel **********
Thanks
Daniel **********
Daniel **********
@Bim ******
may I ask how long the process took to obtain this letter?
Bim *******
Bim *******
@Daniel *********
took 2 days.
Daniel **********
Daniel **********
Thanks for the information. May I ask how you applied? I know normally they all for an appointment for things.

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