COVID-19 has not yet released its grip. It is still continuing to create disruption in international travel and tourism as well as business and trade activities. Needless to say, it is affecting the legal and regulatory procedures as well. Visa extension is one such process that can bother tourists or international businesspersons a lot. But if you are in Thailand, visa extension may not be that much hectic a process as expected.
This article intends to provide you with information related to Visa extension in Thailand. It is quite possible that you or any of your acquaintance is stuck in Thailand and the Visa expiry date is coming close. No need to worry as we are sure that by the time you finish reading this article, you will have a couple of solutions with you. Before moving to the FAQs, let us update you with some news.
Current COVID-19 Situation in Thailand
- Thailand has reported 3,226 new COVID-19 infections since January 2020, bringing the total number of cases to 106,576. There have been 3,094 recoveries, 738 fatalities, and 45,413 cases now undergoing treatment out of the 106,576 total. (Data updated till May 25, 2021)
- The Royal Thai government has reinstated the 14-day mandatory quarantine for unvaccinated and vaccinated Thai and foreign travellers, effective May 6, 2021.
- Thai embassies and consulates are now issuing Certificates of Entry for those nationals on the Visa Exemption list to enter Thailand.
- Foreigners entering Thailand must make an ASQ hotel reservation and purchase COVID-19 insurance.
- Thai embassies and consulates are now granting 60-day tourist visas, as well as special tourist visas (STVs) and Certificates of Entry for entry into Thailand.
- Semi-commercial flights are permitted to fly into Thailand.
- For further information and to apply for a Certificate of Entry, foreigners should contact the Thai Embassy in their current location.
- Thailand’s Special Tourist Visa (STV) Program will allow a restricted number of long-stay foreign tourists. This long-stay visa is available to foreign citizens who are visiting Thailand with the aim of staying for an extended period of time as tourists in order to help the country’s tourism economy. Those who meet the requirements should contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand Office or the Thai Embassy in their current location for more information.
These were the updates till May 25, 2021, announced by the Royal Thai Government and Department of Tourism consequently. Now let us guide you through the most Frequently Asked Questions about visa extension in Thailand during COVID-19.
COVID-19 FAQs: Visa Extension Thailand
Is Visa Extension in Thailand known as Visa Amnesty?
Yes, it is the visa relief or 60-day visa extension announced by the government on January 29, 2021, for all foreign nationals in Thailand affected by the COVID-19 problem.
Who is eligible for Visa Amnesty?
All foreign nationals who are legally present in Thailand, whether on visa exemption entry stamps, tourist visas, non-immigrant visas, or yearly stay extensions.
What are the current regulations under Visa Amnesty?
- Valid visas or stay permits that have been updated by the local immigration office.
- Foreigners with a long-term visa, such as a work visa, marriage visa, or retirement visa, must renew their visa every year at the immigration office.
- Due to COVID 19, foreigners do not require an embassy letter to be granted an automatic visa extension.
How much does the COVID-19 Visa Extension in Thailand costs?
The COVID-19 visa extension in Thailand costs 1900 baht which is approximately US$61.
What is the last date to apply for Visa Extension in Thailand?
Initially, the last date of application for Visa Amnesty was March 29, 2021. But witnessing the growth in COVID-19 cases and non-resumption of international travels, it is extended till May 30, 2021. So, not much time is left. You must hurry and apply for a Visa Amnesty or an extension of your visa in Thailand.
What can happen if the Visa Amnesty applications deadline is not extended anymore?
When normalcy resumes, foreigners must depart Thailand on or before the expiration date of their authorization to stay in their passports, or they must apply for another sort of visa at the immigration office.
Is it necessary for me to go to the immigration office in person to extend my tourist visa? I don’t want to go to crowded places because I might get infected?
Yes, there have been no changes to the visa extension application, whether you are applying for the first or second time. The application process is still carried out in person. However, immigration offices are taking steps such as social distance and sanitizing the area to ensure that applicants do not have the possibility of acquiring COVID-19.
I attempted both online reporting and reporting through a mobile app, but both failed miserably. What other alternatives do I have?
If the online and mobile app reporting does not function, you can perform the 90-day address reporting yourself. You can also ask an agent or third party to do it for you. You will need a power of attorney, as well as the 90-day reporting paperwork. Paperwork includes the original and copy of the passport. Address reporting is free of charge for immigrants.
My non-immigrant B visa and work permit are about to expire. I am unable to renew it in Thailand due to a travel restriction imposed by my nation. What alternatives do I have?
If you are unable to come to Thailand because of restrictions in your country, we regret to inform you that there is nothing you can do. It is not feasible to renew it outside of Thailand. However, it is also not feasible to renew it at the Thai embassy in your country. If your visa and work permit expires while you are outside Thailand, you will need to apply for a new non-immigrant B visa to enter Thailand. And, you will be able to apply for a new work permit once you have entered Thailand.
Your Take!
Hopefully, this much explanation can guide you through the process of Visa Extension in Thailand. You must rush for the same as the deadline for the visa amnesty is May 31, 2021. There is no such instruction of indication which points out the extension of the same. For any more information, feel free to write to us at [email protected]. We will be happy to help you!
