Considering the closure of borders worldwide under this pandemic, on 8th April 2020, the Thai government has granted visa extensions for the expats who are unable to leave the country.
To prevent the virus spread, Thailand has temporarily closed nine border checkpoints on 22nd March 2020. Access points including land, air, and sea have been closed while ordering shutdowns and restrictions in the country.
Similarly, foreigners are banned from entering Thailand. But members of diplomatic missions and holders of work permits are able to enter. Also, Thai nationals who are willing to return from overseas must have fit-to-fly health certificates.
Plus, the country has suspended visa-on-arrival issuance until September 30, 2020. Owing to the present situation, the national carrier Thai Airways has also cancelled majority of their flights to Europe and the Asia Pacific till May.
Visa extension for Expats
Automatic visa extension system for foreigners has been put into place, which is applicable to the visa-on-arrival holders and/or those under the visa waiver programs. This way queues in the immigration centres can be reduced.
Resident visa holders
Expats who are holding resident visas, but are presently overseas can return to Thailand if they have fit-to-fly certificates. In case they are being able to return to Thailand, the government will extend the deadline for compulsory return. Just so you know, the holders of this type of visa will be allowed to be in the overseas for one year calculated from the date of departure.
Visas expiring on March 26, 2020
Expats whose visas have expired on March 26, 2020, or after, may receive automatic visa extensions till April 30, 2020. Also, it is applicable for the ones whose expiry date is between March 26 and April 30, 2020.
Visitors from neighboring countries
Expats, mostly migrant workers from the neighboring countries, holding a temporary border pass that is issued on March 23, 2020, and thereafter, will also be allowed to be in the country until November 30, 2020, or till the time the border reopens.
Currently, it is estimated that 4 to 5 million migrants are employed in Thailand hailing from neighboring countries, including Lao DPR, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar.
