Answered6 years ago

Will I be able to extend my Retirement Visa while stranded in the Philippines?

Retirement Visa Visa Extension Thailand Immigration

Craig **********

asked May 26, 2020

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Hi probably been asked 100 times already so sorry in advance.

I am a UK passport holder but have lived in Bangkok for 6 years now on Retirement Visa. My family, home, money and everything I have is there. I travelled to the Philippines beginning of Febuary to do some Humanitarian work.

Needles to say I am still stranded here.

My Visa is due to expire in acouple of months!!

Are the Thai Gov. granting extensions because of the current situation? Or do you have any info of what to do?

I literally have nowhere else to go!

Answer summary

A UK passport holder on a Retirement Visa is stranded in the Philippines due to humanitarian work and is concerned about their visa expiring in a couple of months. The advice given highlights that the Thai government does not have an extension program for those outside the country. They must apply for a Non-O visa again upon returning to Thailand. The individual is encouraged to monitor border openings and new entry requirements closely.

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Craig **********

If I have to start again I can do that "in country" yes? Like I said everything I have is there.

6 years ago

Craig **********

Thanks for the info

6 years ago

Tod *********

That depends NOT all immigration offices do the in country conversion from a 30 day visa exempt entry or a 60 day tourist visa entry to a 90 day Non-O visa <- the visa you need to get before you can apply for a yearly extension.

AND

For the offices that do the in country conversion you need between 15 and 21 days on your current entry stamp to start the process because the application goes under consideration for a period of time before you go back and get the Non-O visa and your new 90 day stamp inked in.

I'd say IF the borders don't open before you can get back on this current extension at least get a single entry tourist visa from a thai consulate where you are before you wing your way back (as that will give you plenty of time on your entry stamp to get thru the process.

6 years ago

Tod *********

You said you have a couple months so all you can do is watch for the borders opening back up, pay attention to any new entry requirements (if they announce any) AND see if you can't get in before your current extension expires.

6 years ago

Tod *********

Sadly for you and others, there is no, "we'll let you in on an expired extension" program. :(

The way it works IS:

If you are out of the country when your current yearly extension expires you need to start all over from scratch getting a non-O visa and then the yearly extension again.

While I can sympathize with you, it's NOT the end of the world and even though you'll have to start the process all over again, IF you've been getting yearly extensions for the last 6 years now you know the drill and should be able to get thru it

6 years ago