COVID-19 Guide for Travelers to and in Thailand

2,085 Responses

1. Hello Rex ,

   I am a student doctor , I want to study at Mahidol University. I want to know about travelling to Thailand document required.

   Thank you so much

   Reply

   1. Dear Pitch,
      You need to contact the Thai Embassy in your current location and apply for the Non Immigrant ED visa and certificate of entry to Thailand. Thank you.

2. Hi I was holding a tourist visa for Thailand which I was going to use to enter the kingdom on march 30th. However due to covid 19 I could not travel. The visa expired last month. Can that visa be revived ? Secondly if I come now under medical visa how many days maximum I will be able to stay in the kingdom? I am holding a Bangladesh passport.

   Reply

   1. Dear Abdur,
      The unused visa cannot be revived but you are able to apply and obtain a new visa from Thai Embassy in Bangladesh. Please contact the embassy for the new visa whether a normal tourist visa or medical visa once they resumed visa services. Thank you.

3. re: I am an A-O visa holder, and am now in USA. My A-O visa will expire/need renewal on Sept 26. I had planned to return to Thailand by September before the expiration but now am waiting because of COVID travel restrictions.

   Is there any information for A-O visa holders, can we extend the visa date if we are unable to return to Thailand before the visa expiration date?

   Reply

   1. Dear Nibor,
      It might be possible that the retirement visa holders will be included in the list of foreigners to be allowed to enter Thailand in August. We just need to wait for government announcements in the coming weeks.
      Thank you.

4. Dear Rex,

   I would like to inquire if traveling in Bangkok as tourist is already allowed for next year March 2021.

   Reply

   1. Dear Raphael,
      It is too soon for us to advise you on this matter as we cannot predict what would be the situation at that time. Hopefully before the end of 2020 this pandemic will end so that in March 2021, normal tourists will be allowed into Thailand without any quarantine requirement or without any health insurance requirements. Thank you.

5. Hi, I have a friend who is waiting in Wales to return to his family in Thailand, he is not sure about the quarantine rules. He I wondering if he were to travel home to Thailand could he quarantine for two weeks as home? Any advise would be wonderful. Thanks

   Reply

   1. Dear Andy,
      Here are the important points for your friend:
      1. He applies for non immigrant O visa from Thai consulate in Glasgow or embassy in London.
      2. He applies for certificate of entry to Thailand from the Thai embassy in London.
      3. He should prepare health insurance that will cover COVID-19 medical expense.
      4. Mandatory quarantine of 14 days at the prescribed hotels in Bangkok at his own expense.
      ***There is no self-isolation or self-quarantine mentioned in the new order of the CAAT.
      Thank you.

   2. Your friend can check this page:
      http://www.thaiembassy.org/london/en/services/7742/119247-Requirements-for-Certificate-of-Entry-during-trave.html

6. Dear Rex,

   your team doing great job.

   As per Government visa relief announcement two things need to be clear.

   1. If some foreigners managed flight and want depart Thailand within 1st May to 31 July (those who’s visa expired March 26 onward). What will be the return procedure ?

   2. If some foreigners still not able to manage flight because of Covid-19 outbreak in destination country also expired visa March 26 onward. What will be the return procedure ?

   (*In announcement clearly mentioned once situation resolve need to apply visa extension and 90 days notification to immigration office). Is it for all foreigners, who has visa expired March 26 onward ? Also those who want depart before and after 31 July. When need to apply, before July 31 ?

   Reply

   1. Dear Monir,
      Thank you for your message and here are my comments:
      1. If the foreigner who used the visa amnesty was able to leave Thailand before July 31, he or she does not need to get any letter from immigration office. He or she only need to arrive at the airport early to clear the visa amnesty stamp or perhaps the overstay but there is no charge for it.
      2. If the foreigners are unable to get a flight out of Thailand and the visa amnesty is not extended, they must contact their respective embassies for emergency evacuation or they can contact the local Thai immigration for possible visa extension or visa conversions to another type.

7. Hello Rex,

   Yesterday, I wrote regarding problems I was having trying to contact the Thai Embassy in Tokyo. It was posted, and said something like “waiting to be moderated” (I could be wrong about the wording). Anyway, I waited for the July 1 update, and it has come, but my comment has disappeared without any answer? I don’t believe there was anything improper in the message. Was there some problem?
   Thank you

   Reply

   1. Dear Christine,
      Good day!
      We have replied to your comment from yesterday, we apologize for the delay. I am not sure if you are using Twitter but if you do, please check this user Mr. Barrow https://twitter.com/RichardBarrow and Mr. Natapanu https://twitter.com/NatapanuN They may be able to help you get in touch with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok and he can relay your comments about Thai Embassy in Tokyo.
      Thank you.

8. Hi. I’m a Belgian national. I’m currently on visa amnesty after my ME tourist visa ran out on May 2nd. My girlfriend (not married) is pregnant and the baby is due around August 8th. Is there a way I could extend my visa based on an unborn child? Do I have any other options so I can be here for the baby to be born? I live near the Burmese border and could border hop to get 1 month visa exemption, but with the new documents required and the travel “bubbles” I’m not sure if that’s possible anymore.

   Reply

   1. Dear Kevin,
      You need to call the Thai immigration office in the province where you are currently located to know if they can switch your visa into a non-immigrant O visa based on having a Thai child. Thank you.

9. Hello,

   My 17-year-old daughter will be attending school in Thailand starting in August. She will be coming from America. We just received notice that she will be able to apply for her Visa soon, but will be required to quarantine when she gets there. Is it possible for a parent to come with her and quarantine with her so that she does not have to do this alone?

   Thank you,
   Hedy

   Reply

   1. Dear Hedy,
      Yes, you can definitely travel with your child. Your child will apply for the non-immigrant ED visa and you as her guardian may apply for the non-immigrant O visa. Please contact the Thai Embassy in your country to learn more about the process and how to obtain the certificate of entry.
      Thank you and have a good day.

10. I just want to say I appreciate how generous you are with your answers to the many questions coming about visa issues. I found my answers by reading the many responses from you that are clear and up to date. This is to say thank you for this important service you are providing and wishing you all the best.

    Reply

    1. Dear Robin,
       Thank you for your comment and we are glad that Siam Legal in Bangkok was able to address the concerns and we were able to provide the relevant and helpful information raised on this page. We appreciate your kind words and we hope to assist you in the future.

    2. Hello Rex,
       I am Shabin Shajahan. I hail from India. I was working here at Thailand and got layoff due to Covid. So how long can I stay here . There was circular stating foreigners can stay only upto July 31 without any visa extension process. I would like to continue in Thailand since it is not safe to head back to my country. Can you tell the procedures for extending my visa.
       Thanks and Regards
       Shabin

    3. Dear Shabin,
       The foreigners are now allowed to stay until September 26th, if you are sure that you cannot return home before September 26th, please contact Indian Embassy in Bangkok to assist you obtain an extension. Thank you.

11. Hi, I have a common question that most travellers are wondering right now. I arrived before the lockdown. I was told to go apply for a visa extension on April 7th (Tuesday), my visa had expired on the 3rd (friday) and I went but lines were too long and told it was closed.

    On Tuesday April 7th I had to pay 1,900 baht visa extension and 2,000 baht visa overstay including three days that the office was closed (Sat-Mon).

    Obviously didn’t get a refund. But here are my questions:

    1-Can I apply for a 30 day extension without leaving the country on July 30, to stay one more month?
    2-Is there any travel/tourist visa I can apply for without leaving the country?
    3-If wanting to stay, what other options are there?
    4-If I overstay, will the 4,000 baht I spent be taken into consideration?

    Thank you very much for taking your time out to help.

    Reply

    1. Dear Danny,
       You didn’t get a refund because your expired visa was not covered by the visa amnesty. Right now, your visa extension is the one covered by the visa amnesty. So what will happen in July 31? You were expected to have arranged flights to home countries but if you cannot manage to do that before July 31, perhaps the Thai government might extend it until end of August. There is no tourist visa you can get inside Thailand at this time. You may be able to convert or change to education, work visa or retirement visa if you are qualified. As for tourist visa or tourism purpose, there is no chance to get inside Thailand. Hopefully by July 31, you are able to arrange flight back home or maybe the other countries will reopen so you can travel there instead.
       Thank you.

    2. Hello, a reply to your reply:

       Visa Amnesty was supposed to cover from March 26 onward…. My visa expired April 3rd… How is that not covered under the visa amnesty?

       So again, I ask, for other travellers in a similar situation…

       1-If someone did not yet extend their visa, is it possible for them to extend it one month in July 31.
       2-As I was made to pay 1,900 baht + 2,000 baht for 4 days of over stay, even though I came on April 3rd, (friday) and was turned away at 12pm by Thai Government officials, and told to come back on Tuesday, accumulating a 2,000 baht fee, even though the office was closed for the weekend and holiday on Monday– For all of this… Will this not be taken into consideration if I overstay 4/5 days into August?

       Again, thank you for your info. Many of us are trying to figure this out with very little concrete responses.

    3. Dear Danny,
       Yes, you are correct. However the visa amnesty took effect or published on the Royal Gazette on April 7th or 9th I think, so the payments made before that date will not be refunded. For those who have not extended their visas before the visa amnesty and are still on the original 30-day entry stamp, may be able to apply for the 30-day extension. In your case, you pay 1900 baht and got an extension so it means, you have used that privilege already. Unfortunately the Thai immigration will not take your credit and let you use it for August. For further clarification, you may call immigration contact center at 1178. If you wish to stay just until August, there is a possibility for the visa amnesty to be extended until August 31 but we have to wait for official government announcement.
       Thank you.

12. Hello Rex,

    A couple of weeks ago you gave me some good advice about returning to Thailand. You suggested I discuss my situation with the Embassy here in Tokyo. However, Rex, I am getting very frustrated. I have called several times – they offer a good recorded message about visas etc, including telephone consultations being available from 4:30 – 5:30 pm Mondays to Fridays. I have tried to do this – but nothing more than a recording is ever offered. I went back online, and the embassy says appointments can be made online – but there doesn’t seem to be a page on which to make such a booking. It also states that walk-ins are not possible. I have sent two emails again, but I am not hopeful. How can I even discuss the Immigrant O visa, or the travel bubble situation, if it is impossible to speak with a human – I have exhausted all the options – What is the purpose of an embassy, if there is nobody there to speak with? How are people getting for example: Certificates of Entry, if it is impossible to speak with a human to make an appointment?
    If they are not open, why does the recording offer several options for consultations?
    I hope you have some insight into the situation.
    Thank you
    Christine

    Reply

    1. Dear Christine,
       We are sorry to hear about your experience with the Thai Embassy in Tokyo. As of yesterday, the Thai government has added new groups of foreigners to be allowed into Thailand in July. You can check the list on this page:
       https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel/can-you-enter-thailand-now-during-the-covid-19-crisis.php
       Thank you.

13. Hi ,
    Does any notification from Thai government regarding visiting to Thailand on tourist VISA or VOA .

    And , also please confirm does stranded foreigners need to return back in July ? Or still can extend their VISA .

    Thanks

    Reply

    1. Dear Sahil,
       For the list of foreigners allowed to enter Thailand, please check this page:
       https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel/can-you-enter-thailand-now-during-the-covid-19-crisis.php
       For those who are in Thailand right now, you need to leave Thailand before July 31 unless the visa amnesty is extended.
       Thank you.

14. Hello Rex,

    My partner is American and does business in Bangkok with many garment manufacturing companies as well as local craftsman for his production company. He is also an artist and is due to have an exhibition in thailand end of this year which may be moved to early 2021. He however needs to come and organize the show and see the structure of the gallery.

    I saw the new statement about 6 types of travelers that are allowed in to Thailand for July. I am a little confused and wonder if clause 6 only applies to certain countries like japan, hong kong etc. My partner has a lot of orders that have been waiting for him in factories since April for a last check before going into QC and final production. He really needs to travel here.

    Is there any chance he would be able to come in July? Or anything we can do?

    Reply

    1. Dear Mook,
       The item number 6 in the guideline that you have read, it is applicable to those business people arriving in Thailand from those countries., whose business are located in those countries. What we can recommend for you is to get a proper non-immigrant B visa and certificate of entry from the Thai Embassy in the country where he is located right now with the sponsorship of this business partners in Thailand. Thank you.

15. I have a Non Imm -O visa based on marriage. It expires on 6th July 2020. I want an extension of stay (one year). Must I apply by 6th or am I covered by the amnesty to 31st July? As my Thai wife is stranded abroad will I need to convert to visa on retirement if she is not back in time? Thank you.

    Reply

    1. Dear Andy,
       Our recommendation for you is not to wait until July 31 or towards July 31. You can apply tomorrow or this week if you already have 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account for 2 months already.
       If you wish to do the marriage visa, you might be able to do it on July 31 when your wife is back in Thailand.
       Please get in touch with your local immigration if you can still do the marriage visa extension days before July 31. Thank you.

    2. Thanks for that – I have a Thai bank account for over 12 months with my UK pensions being credited with over 65,000 baht per month. Is that Ok for the retirement visa?

    3. Dear Andy,
       As long as you have a 12-month history of the bank transfer you can use it for the extension of stay application based on retirement. If you are located in Bangkok you may call 1178 for more information.
       Thank you.

16. Hi Rex,

    Thank you for all the helpful information. I have a few questions which I hope you would be able to help answer.

    I am a shareholder and Director of a company in Bangkok and I am hoping to be back in Bangkok around mid July, after my non-Immigration B visa is approved.

    I would like to check with you, do I have to be quarantine at a government approved facilities centre? Or can I do a self quarantine at my own condo which I had rented since last year? I’m staying alone so if this will help? If not, what are the options of quarantine for myself?

    The reason why I am in an urgent need to be back in Bangkok is because, there are a few urgent documents which I need to sign and stamped. And I had stupidly left my company stamp in my condo when I left Thailand before the pandemic happened. Would it be possible for my company staff or a courier to meet me, for me to sign the documents if I am in a government approved quarantine centre or being home quarantine?

    Also, given that there are no commercial flights available at the moment, would it be possible for me to ‘tag along’ with the repatriation flights once I have all my documents approved? And for this option, will the Thai Embassy in Singapore be able to help? Or must I wait till there are commercial flights available?

    Thank you in advance for reading through this and I hope to have your reply soon.

    Reply

    1. Dear Euwyn,
       You are returning to Thailand as a foreign worker correct with a valid Non immigrant B visa and work permit, I think they will classify you under the mandatory alternative state quarantine which is the hotels. Here is the guideline by the Thai Embassy in Singapore:
       https://bit.ly/3ggEN0s
       Thank you.

17. Hi Wow thank you for all the info.
    I am on visa amnesty until July 31. I have a tourist visa, am american.
    A visa service said they can extend my tourist visa or I can get a new tourist visa without leaving Thailand? Is that true? It seems sketchy.
    I also am getting surgery, and can get a medical visa extension – how long are those usually for? Thank you so much!

    Reply

    1. Dear Natalie,
       Thank you for your message. I have not seen a Tourist Visa that was issued inside Thailand. Usually a non-immigrant visa can be issued after a tourist visa inside Thailand. I believe what they can get you is the extension based on medical purpose. This extension is usually valid for 90 days.
       Have a good day.

    2. Hi, I’m an international student of Mahidol University from Laos. Am i allowed to enter Thailand?

    3. Dear Thimmy,
       If there is an available flight from Laos to Thailand, you are able to enter Thailand since you are holding non immigrant ED visa. it is best to contact the local Thai Embassy or consulate for more details and to secure the certificate of entry. Please check with the Thai Embassy if you can be included in the repatriation flights.
       Thank you.

18. Dear Rex,
    Please, is it possible to change a tourist visa to a Non B (working visa) within if one gets a contract from a school? I know that it’s compulsory to return home to do that. But coming back to Thailand would be almost impossible during this pandemic. The cases are rising in my country and Thai embassy there is also closed.

    I am also currently on the visa amnesty until July 31st.

    Thanks

    Reply

    1. Dear Simon,
       It depends which immigration office do you deal with. it is a case-to-case basis. I recommend that you contact your new employer and let them check with your local immigration office.
       Thank you.

19. I’m an APEC cardholder USA and Canada cutizen.. I need to see my heart Dr in Thailand ASAP. Can I travel this week from Los Angeles with transit in Vancouver and HKG?

    What do I need to enter Thailand? Will I need a test in advance? Proof of insurance? I have USA medical insurance. Do I need a letter from hospital? How long can I stay?

    What terms of Quarantine will I be subject to if any?

    Thx!

    Reply

    1. Dear David,
       You need to contact the Thai Consulate in Los Angeles and apply for the Certificate of Entry to Thailand as businessman. They have a list of documents for you to provide in order to secure this certificate of entry. You may check this page: https://thaiconsulatela.org/en/visa/visa-type/non-immigration-visa-category-b/ or please sign up here: https://thaiembdc.org/onlinevisaapplication/

20. Hello,

    I have a few questions regarding traveling back to Thailand. I am a Thai citizen. I have a flight ticket to go back to Thailand from JFK with Qatar Airways on July 3. What are the requirements for me to be able to fly? Do I still need to get a certificate to fly from Thai Embassy and a certificate fit-to-fly from an eligible healthcare clinic? Or do you think that the only way to fly back to Thailand is through repatriating flights only? Also once I am in Thailand, can my husband who is an American come to visit around the end of July? If he can, what are the requirements for him to be able to fly and be allowed to enter Thailand.

    Thank you so much for your assistance.

    Reply

    1. Dear Suwannee,
       Yes, at this time, you need the certificate that you are fit to fly from the Thai Consulate in New York. For your husband, he needs a Non-immigrant O visa and certificate of entry to Thailand. Please call Phone: +1 212-754-1770 for more information.
       Thank you.

21. Hello, thank you for responding to everyone’s concerns. So it said that In July they will allow another group of people including those with family in thailand which is my case, however, they have to go through a mandatory quarantine first. Is the quarantine subject to take place at a given facility that the gov. has set up for the arrivals or it’s just quarantining at your home?
    Thank you!

    Reply

    1. Dear Apisith,
       For Thai national, they can undergo mandatory quarantine in the state quarantine or the alternative hotel quarantine. For foreigner, they have to go to the hotel quarantine and they must take care of the cost.
       Thank you.

22. Hello Rex,

    This information is very helpful. I am currently holding Non-immigrant B and working permit in Thailand, however I got stuck in Cambodia for more than 3 months now. Can I possibly enter Thailand in July, I read that I need to have health insurance worth 100k USD and to request for certificate of entry from Thai Embassy here in Cambodia. What else do I need to secure? Thank you.

    Reply

    1. Dear Jerr,
       Thank you for your message. You may check this page to guide you about the requirements and please do contact the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh to know the procedure about the application. I believe you need to send the application by mail or email:
       https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel/can-you-enter-thailand-now-during-the-covid-19-crisis.php
       Thank you.

    2. Hi, I have a question which is samilar that my boyfriend is stuck in Cebu, Philipines. Can he come back to Thailand on 1st July 2020, he is holding Non-O retirement visa and he own a condominium here in Bangkok.

    3. Dear Ann,
       However, this Non Immigrant O visa under retirement is not one of the valid visas allowed to enter Thailand in July. The type of Non immigrant O visa allowed for July is based on having Thai family or based on having a family member who is working or studying in Thailand. Please see the updated list here:
       https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel/can-you-enter-thailand-now-during-the-covid-19-crisis.php
       Thank you.

23. Hi Rex,

    My husband has a non-immigrant B visa and work permit valid until April 2021. Myself and our child have a non-immigrant O visa also valid until April 2021.

    We are currently in Thailand. But we need to make an urgent visit to USA for personal reasons as soon as possible. All three of us do need to return to Thailand however.

    We understand that with my husband having the non-immigrant B visa and Work Permit, will qualify for COE from the Thai Embassy and can get back to Thailand on the repatriation flight. However, we are not clear if my kid and I, who are on non-immigrant O visa as his dependent are currently eligible for getting the COE to enter Thailand and will be allowed to board the repatriation flight.

    Please advise.

    Reply

    1. Dear Ana,
       This inquiry should be addressed to the Thai Embassy in Washington DC if you will be able to get CoE to return to Thailand. It is a risk to leave Thailand and be uncertain if you are able to be allowed to return. You also have to know that there are limited slot per day for those allowed to enter Thailand so you may have to get in queue when you apply for CoE in Washington DC.
       Thank you.

    2. Hello
       I have a situation that hopefully can be assisted
       I, Bjon Yeoh Er Searn, am a Malaysian citizen. I have a fiancee who is a Thai national. We have already applied to JPN PJ (MALAYSIA) to have our registration of marriage on 8th April 2020, but due to the MCO at that time, the ceremony was not able to be conducted,as she is in Thailand during the MCO period and there was the travel ban

       At present she is in Thailand and I am in Malaysia, she is also pregnant with our child, about 8 months pregnant and she is due very soon.Therefore she is unable to fly to Malaysia. I hope to register our marriage in Thailand and hope to be with her when our child is born. So technically she should classify as family. I see flights to Bangkok from various airlines.

       I hope madam/sir could help us with this predicament. Maybe you can help us to get through this.

       We hope to hear from you soon. Thank you and stay safe.

       With regards,
       Bjon

    3. Dear Bjorn,
       Once the borders are open for normal tourists you may travel to Thailand and you can get married. The process for the marriage in Thailand will take 5 to 10 business days. If you are asking if you are allowed to enter Thailand in July, unfortunately the answer is no for now. The groups allowed are the foreigners with work permit, businessmen and foreigners with Thai family. Perhaps when your child is born, you can apply for Non O visa and be able to travel to Thailand under the non-immigrant O visa.

24. Hi Rex,
    I am a UK Citizen. My wife and children are Thai but we have been in the UK for 7 years and they do not have current Thai passports. We also own a condo in Bangkok in my wife and my name.
    We would like to fly to BKK in August.
    It sounds like I should apply for an O-visa. What about my children? Is the Thai embassy open in London for these applications?
    Thank you.
    Simon

    Reply

    1. Dear Simon,
       You and your children must apply for the non-immigrant O visas. You must contact the Thai Embassy in London to apply for the visas and to apply for the certificate of entry. I believe they might process the application online or by email. Thank you.

    2. Hi, I hope to travel in July, as I need to register our marriage before the child is born, as in Malaysia for the child to obtain a Malaysian birth certificate, we both have to be legally married. I hope you help with this predicament.

    3. Dear Bjon,
       Please call or visit the Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur to apply for an emergency visit visa for Thailand (if they issue such visa). Thank you.

    4. Hi Simon,
       Please check this page:
       http://www.thaiembassy.org/london/en/services/7742/119247-Requirements-for-Certificate-of-Entry-during-trave.html

25. Hello. I just heard today that it is now possible to get an ED visa in Thailand (without leaving). Is this true? I am currently in Bangkok with a 6mo MEV and covered by the amnesty until July 31st. Would it be possible to get an ED visa to study Thai at Chulalongkorn? I would like to stay if possible. Thank you!

    Reply

    1. Dear Jason,
       If you are on a tourist visa and now on visa amnesty, you can switch to a non-immigrant ED visa as long as it is a formal education such as university study. I am not sure if it also covers the language school study. It is best to visit the Thai Immigration in Chaengwattana or call 1178 immigration call center.
       Thank you.

    2. Dear Sir / Madam,

       Does foreigner need to leave Thailand before 31st July or can extend VISA ?

       Kindly confirm.

       Thanks.

    3. Dear Sahil,
       if the government does not extend the visa amnesty, yes most foreigners are required to leave Thailand. Foreigners who are eligible to renew or extend their visas can visit the immigration office to extend their respective visas. There is a rumor that the visa amnesty might be extended until end of August but we will post an update after it has been made official. Thank you.

26. Hello,

    The Thai Embassy in Hull is going to issue my Non-Immigrant B visa and my husband’s O visa in the middle of July. My school, just outside of Bangkok, needs me there ASAP, as I’m employed by them as a teacher. I noticed in a Bangkok Post article that some people, e.g. businessmen and teachers, have already registered to enter Thailand in July. However, I haven’t received any information from the embassy how to register, and where. I actually fall into the category of foreigners to be allowed in. Do you know where to register?

    Reply

    1. Dear Marie,
       Yes, you need to contact the Thai Embassy in London regarding this matter. They are the proper authority of Thailand in the UK.
       Thank you.

    2. Hello
       My husband was working as a tool and die Engineer and got layoff during the covid pandemic.We hail from India and we love to continue living in Thailand. How will be we able to know about the new vacancies for tool and die Engineers.
       Thanks and regards

    3. Dear Sameera,
       One website you may check is https://th.jobsdb.com/th
       Thank you

    4. Hi, my fiancée is giving birth very soon. Isn’t this classified as Foreigner with Thai family?

    5. Dear Bjon,
       Yes, it is considered as Thai Family. You can obtain non-immigrant O visa for having a Thai child. So you need to send a request from Thai Embassy in KL attached the copy of the birth certificate.
       Thank you.

27. Dear Rex,
    I had previously approached you early June, primarily as being a property owner in Bangkok. You had responded to someone on 23rd June, that as a condo owner they could apply for a 90 day visa and with that they may be able to enter Thailand ‘after foreigners wth Thai families’…that is at least one step closer to entry.
    But would there be any issue to which country the expatriate is arriving from? I am a British Citizen, but resident and working in Qatar for the past 30 years. Could you advise if there is a restriction on people entering from the UK, or would immigration consider anyone with a British passport as a problem? The fact is I have been working in Qatar and only once been to the UK in the past 4 years, where my holidays have mainly been spent in Thailand. Would presenting my Qatar ID / resident permit help if there was a problem?
    Since I have owned property in Bangkok for the past 8 years, can I approach the Thai embassy in Qatar for a 90 day visa if I show my Blue Book and other documents, as proof of ownership? I’m not intending to stay 90 days, but if there is mandatory quarantine then I still want to be able to have a possible 3 week holiday after the quarantine.?
    There is still mandatory quarantine imposed in Qatar for returnng residents, so will still have to consider dates for flying, but any response or indication would be greatly appreciated.
    Best regards,
    Alan

    Reply

    1. Dear Alan,
       Yes, you may try to apply for the non-immigrant O visa for having condo in Thailand. You may apply at the Thai Embassy in Qatar. The mandatory quarantine is required for arriving passengers. At the moment we do not know when will Thailand allow other groups of foreigners to enter Thailand because they only announced the skilled workers, business people, foreigners with Thai families, students and medical tourists for the month of July. Perhaps in August, retirees and other Non O visa holders will be allowed. It is best to get in touch with the Thai Embassy and enlist if they have waiting list for issuance of the certificate of entry.
       Thank you.

28. Dear Rex.

    Reading all the comments and feedback. Can only thank you for all your brilliant support and help throughout for the many questions answered to which have been a great help to myself and all.

    My question this time is a straightforward one.

    Travel bubbles have been announced from the 1st of August. As a school teacher, this is the time of year when I always visit Thailand to see my many Thai and ex pat friends.

    Will the UK be one of the country’s in the Tourists Travel Bubble from the 1st August 2020.?!..

    Many thanks and appreciated.

    Demi P.

    Reply

    1. Dear Demi,
       Thank you for your massage and your appreciation. The initial list of normal tourists under the “travel bubble” are those who are travelling from China, Japan or Korea. I am not sure if there are other countries on the list. I will check and once the announcement has been made by the government, we will update this page.

29. Hi. I am a shareholder and director of a Thai company. (But I don’t have a work permit VISA)

    I have to go to Thailand for business. But due to Covid-19, I couldn’t enter Thailand. Is there any way to enter Thailand as a business person?

    I am APEC Business Travel cardholder. Can I enter Thailand with APEC Card?

    I hope APEC cardholders are allowed to enter Thailand.

    Reply

    1. Dear CJ,
       Thank you for your message. There is a proposal that short term business travelers will be allowed to enter Thailand in July and also will not be required a mandatory quarantine. We are still waiting for the official announcement of the approval and guideline for this proposal which we hope to come out this week.

    2. Foreigner Groups allowed in thailand:

       6. Short-stay business travellers and guests of the government from Japan, South Korea, Singapore, China and
       Hong Kong – as per special arrangements made with these countries. Until more alternative state quarantine
       rooms are made available, only 200 foreigners will be allowed entry per day. The special arrangement will
       allow entry to groups of no more than 10 people for a short period. Visitors will be tested for Covid-19 prior to
       travel and on arrival in Thailand, where they will be monitored constantly by health and security officials. They
       must submit their Thailand itinerary in advance and will only be allowed to travel by private car.

       source:

       https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/searo/thailand/2020-06-29-tha-sitrep-94-covid19-r02.pdf?sfvrsn=56491ec5_2

       hope this helps. i happen to read the right article 5min ago. 😉

    3. Yes, thank you. It was announced yesterday.

30. Good day to you,

    I am a UK citizen, I have a 2 year old half Thai daughter and Thai partner in Thailand.

    It will be 6 months since I have seen my daughter and I am planning to come to Thailand to visit for 25 days in September.

    Will I need to register or do anything specific to gain entry to thailand in September?

    Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

    Sincerely
    Tim.

    Reply

    1. Dear Tim,
       You can contact the Thai Embassy in your current location to register and to be issued a Non-immigrant O visa for having Thai child and to be issued a Certificate of Entry.
       Thank you.

31. Dear Rex,

    Thank you once again. This service is really good, and so happy it’s all happening again on my computer.

    I will try my best to get the Embassy in Tokyo to respond, so that I can find out more about applying for the visa.

    Keep up the great work as I am sure you are helping many, many confused and stressed out people like me.
    Thank you again.

    Christine

    Reply

    1. Dear Christine,
       You’re welcome and I hope they can accommodate your request. Have a good day.

32. Hello Rex. I have a valid Thai Retirement visa/multi entry (until 31jan 21). Left thailand 15 February And waiting in the USA to return to my condo i rent in Naklua pattaya. is there a way to request permission to return sooner than later in Aug or September? Who do i contact? Thank you

    Reply

    1. Dear Todd,
       Right now, the groups of foreigners allowed to enter Thailand are non-immigrant B visa holders with work permit. For the month of July, it will be the businessmen, medical tourists and foreigners with Thai wife or child. For the retirement visa holder, you will be the next in line but we do not know just yet when will that be. You may get in touch with Thai Embassy in Washington DC to register in case there is a waitlist for those who will be allowed to return to Thailand. Thank you.

33. Der Rex,

    Thank you very much once again. I had planned to first get the Non-Immigrant O visa when I got to Bangkok, I didn’t realize I could get it here. I have both
    number 1 & 2 in your response – is one better than the other to apply for? And how would I prove that to the embassy here – my account and my title are in Bangkok. If I could get copies would that suffice?
    However, I am a permanent resident of Japan (I will relinquish it on my departure) – does that make a difference?

    Thank you

    Reply

    1. Dear Christine,
       Applying for the non-immigrant O visa for retirement might be a better option since that is your goal. BUT whatever non-immigrant O visa that the embassy in Tokyo will provide you is better than a normal tourist visa. As long as you still have a visa for Japan, you may still consider applying for the Non immigrant O visa.
       You may also check with Thai Embassy in Tokyo about the “travel bubble” as proposed by the government to Cabinet. Because travelers or normal tourists from Japan to Thailand are included in this exclusive list.

34. Dear Rex,

    Thank you so very much for your response. I did not expect a personal reply. I have just checked the website as you suggested, and it is now saying updated on June 22. That makes me feel much better.

    Rex,

    I haven’t before written a question about my particular case, because I am well aware there are many others worse off than me. However, now that I have seen your response below, may try to quickly explain my problem, as it may be relevant to the “seven groups” allowed to enter…

    I have a small condominium in Bangkok, which I purchased about ten years ago for my retirement. I have worked as a university lecturer for over 20 years here in Tokyo. It was my intention to retire to Thailand in 2021. However, my father passed away in July 2019, leaving my mother alone with early Alzheimer’s. To assist my siblings, I quit my job in Tokyo at the end of last year, to make myself available to my mother, even living with her in Australia, if that became necessary. However, late last year, she was placed in a care home, so the family decided, that I should commute between Thailand and Australia – thus sharing the stress with my siblings. In January, I flew to Bangkok, had a will prepared for my property, and flew to Australia to help my family.
    My lawyer expected me back in Bangkok in February, to prepare my retirement visa. I transferred my money to my Thai account, and my international health insurance to my Thai address. I took the bulk of my clothes etc to my condo too. All was well at that time. While in Australia, my mother’s health deteriorated, so I stayed an extra month. Then on my return to Bangkok, I had only one day before it was necessary to return to Tokyo, to finalize all my grading, cancel my services, pay taxes etc.
    It was my intention to stay here in Tokyo for three weeks, and I had a flight to Bangkok on March 30. During that time, there was panic over the Corona Virus, as you well know. My flight was cancelled, Thai Airways stopped flying, and here I am! I am camping in my apartment. Luckily, the landlord allowed me to stay. My flight has been postponed three times so far…and I still don’t know if the next flight on August 2 – will happen (at this stage, I doubt it).

    I have no income, no medications (only brought enough for three three weeks), have left almost everything in Bangkok – food in the fridge (long past its use by now, There is unpacked luggage etc, and I am worried about mould, and water damage when the rainy season sets in, as I did not prepare properly for my place to remain empty all this time.

    I understand why people with families should be allowed in first, when Thailand opens, business people, ok too, if that will help Thailand. However, as an Australian, I need no visa for 30 days – I wasn’t worried as I expected to have a month when I returned in March, and the lawyer was ready assist with my visa then. None of that happened, therefore, will I be considered a tourist? – I am not a real tourist, as I am staying! I am willing to do the government quarantine if necessary, or self isolate in my apartment, if the government prefers. There is so much I could be doing in my condo there, and nothing I can be doing here. Then, when my visa is done, I will be trying to get to Australia to see my mother as soon as that is possible.

    Unfortunately, I cannot go to Australia directly from Japan, as all my important paperwork, driving license etc is currently in Bangkok….so I wait….mum’s health is not improving and as she is almost 92, so I worry !

    When Thailand does open, will be there be a category for people like me? I am sure I am not the only one who in this situation, but don’t know if there is anything I can do…the embassy in Tokyo does not respond at all.

    I do apologize for this long email, but I would be really grateful if you have any advice which might help with my stress and uncertainty.

    Yours most sincerely,

    Christine

    Reply

    1. Dear Christine,
       Thank you for you message. Here are the two options that you can apply for the visa and this may put you in front of the line as compared to the normal tourists:
       1. Non-immigrant O visa for 90 days as owner of a condo in Thailand.
       2. Non-immigrant O visa for 90 days as someone with 800,000 THB and wishes to retire in Thailand.
       You may contact the Thai embassy in Tokyo and check if you can apply for any of these 2 visas mentioned. As you know, you are not Japanese or permanent resident of Japan so they might now issue these visas to you. BUT maybe they can still issue the visa given the travel restrictions. Once you have any of these 2 visas, you might be in the next in line after those foreigners with Thai families.

35. I wish to register to return to Thailand to visit my wife.
    where can i register.
    I’ m currently working in the UAE and I’m a UK passport holder

    Reply

    1. Dear Bob,
       Thank you for your message. You will be able to enlist or register at the Thai consulate in Dubai or embassy in Abu Dhabi. Please confirm that you have a Non-immigrant O visa also correct? If none, you can apply for the visa and also enlist at the same time.

36. I was working in a Language Centre for the past 2 years. I had a valid work permit and non b until November 29 2020. On March 1st they wrote a letter confirming they were terminating my position as of May 31st. On March 21st they wrote again saying as a result of Covid they were terminating my position as of March 31st. They then paid me March salary. They agreed to hold my work permit and visa until I found another job and they would then transfer if I paid them 15,000 baht. They changed their trading name and I believe are struggling financially now. I however continued to pay tax of 1450 baht a month even though I received no salary.

    Because of the schools closure I didn’t restart work until June 22 with another school through an Agency. I informed them of this and asked them to lease and transfer work permit and visa. They are now saying to me they cannot hold work permit if I am working for an agency and they must cancel immediately.

    My question is if they cancel work permit is my non B still valid under visa amnesty? Can I apply for a new non b with new school documents in Thailand or must I exit to a neighboring country?

    Any other comments or ad vice welcome. Thank you

    Reply

    1. Dear Nick,
       If your non immigrant B visa was issued inside Thailand, then it is linked to your work permit and previous employer. In order to start with a new company, you need to cancel the old WP and visa. If the previous company has canceled the WP and visa already, and you are on a visa amnesty, you may be required to get the new Non immigrant B visa from a Thai embassy abroad. If the WP and work permit were not canceled yet, you can cancel now and then bridge the new visa using the new company.

37. Dear Sir/Madam,
    I am so disappointed that your website has not been updated since June 12. Is there a reason for that? It was of great comfort to me, to be able to read daily, questions, and responses from others stuck in limbo, due to the Corona Virus closure of Thailand.
    My particular problem never actually came up, however, there were similar questions, and relevant responses, which in turn, gave me hope, and sometimes more stress. However, reading daily updates, at least convinced me that we had not been forgotten…but now I wonder?
    Is there any plan to begin updating your website again? The uncertainty only makes the feeling of hopelessness worse.
    Thanking you in advance for your help. Christine

    Reply

    1. Dear Christine,
       At the moment there is no official update from the government. All the things you hear in the news are rumours or plans. We cannot post an update that is not officially approved. There is no news about the Visa Amnesty and the only update for the Entry to Thailand can be found here:
       https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel/can-you-enter-thailand-now-during-the-covid-19-crisis.php
       As for the “travel bubble” update or the seven groups that will be allowed to enter Thailand in July, there is NO official announcement just yet.
       if you are seeing June 12 as the last update, we apologise for that, we are experiencing a technical glitch at the moment.
       Thank you.

    2. Hello
       I have a situation that hopefully can be assisted
       I, Bjon Yeoh Er Searn, am a Malaysian citizen. I have a fiancee who is a Thai national. We have already applied to JPN PJ (MALAYSIA) to have our registration of marriage on 8th April 2020, but due to the MCO at that time, the ceremony was not able to be conducted,as she is in Thailand during the MCO period and there was the travel ban

       At present she is in Thailand and I am in Malaysia, she is also pregnant with our child, about 8 months pregnant. Therefore she is unable to fly to Malaysia. I hope to register our marriage in Thailand and hope to be with her when our child is born.

       I hope madam/sir could help us with this predicament. Maybe you can help us to get through this.

       We hope to hear from you soon. Thank you and stay safe.

       With regards,
       Bjon

    3. Dear Bjorn,
       Once the borders are open for normal tourists you may travel to Thailand and you can get married. The process for the marriage will take 5 to 10 business days. If you are asking if you are allowed to enter Thailand in July, unfortunately the answer is no for now. The groups allowed are the foreigners with work permit, businessmen and foreigners with Thai family. perhaps when your child is born, you can apply for Non O visa and be able to travel to Thailand under the non-immigrant O visa.

38. Hello,

    I am an Indian national with a valid work permit and an expired 1 year visa which expired during the lockdown period and stuck in India and unable to return to Thailand due to travel restrictions
    What’s my option
    Can i still apply certificate of entry

    Reply

    1. Dear Anjuman,
       You need to get a new Non immigrant B visa with a WP3 in order for you to apply for the Certificate of Entry to Thailand. You can do this at the same time at the Thai Embassy in India. Thank you.

    2. Thank you very much for your response, it’s a relief that someone knows that I have a problem.
       But I wish to clarify that Thai Embassy in Mumbai was closed from march 22 till JUNE 1st week, with no response to e mails or help line after my several attempts

       I have been trying since 2nd week of May to contact VFS Mumbai and Thai Embassy Mumbai.
       If you pull out records I have many mails sent and re sent.

       Please help me with this situation as applying for a new Non immigrant B visa in India is difficult
       My existing visa expired when both the countries had lockdown and no flights operational
       A foreigner living in Thailand has the benefit of visa Amnesty and a foreigner who is working and living in Thailand for 5 years and is stuck in India due to COVID lockdown have to apply for a new Visa.
       I wish there was an option to extend existing visa in India and renewal could be done in Thailand after travel ban be lifted.if I may know a possibility of option like this please.
       Thanks

    3. Dear Anjuman,
       The issuance of Certificate of Entry to Thailand is solely done by Thai Embassy or Consulate in India. No other office or person can do that for you. You have to put into consideration that maybe because India has a high numbers of COVID-19 cases, that is the reason why the embassy or consulate are not issuing the certificate just yet as compared to those who are in New Zealand or Singapore for example. Thank you.

39. Hello,

    I am Indian national working in Thailand, stuck in my country and unable to return to work
    I have job with a valid work permit and long term 1 year visa which expired.
    I made several attempts to contact Thai Embassy in my country, in India as my visa was due to expire on June 1st,2020 but as all offices closed had no response to mails and phone calls.
    Can I get 60days tourist visa after travel ban removed between 2 countries or there is automatic extension of my visa till JULY 31st,2020

    Reply

    1. Dear Anjuman,
       If you are outside Thailand, there is no automatic extension of your visa. The government has not made any plans or proposal regarding this matter. It is safe to say that you need to obtain a new non-immigrant B visa from the Thai embassy in India. Thank you.

40. Hello Rex,
    I have some question
    we are an ITALIAN family , I have multi entry non B and my son has a non O following me, both expired already on 4th May but under extension till 31st July,(we are supposed to go out and back the same day when borders reopen)
    my wife has a student visa already expired too on 10 May under extension till 31st July too, she is supposed when possible going out and change in a non O following me too, but now I m bit confused about our options after 31st July if all borders with Thailand are still closed and if we can come back with our Visa….I remind you , we are Italians
    we need your advise

    Reply

    1. Dear Nik,
       To be honest with you, I do not see any possibility of exiting Thailand to nearby country and return after 1 day to be happening anytime soon. This process may happen next year. As for you, you have until July 31 to arrange a flight back home, that was the purpose of the visa amnesty, to give you enough time to arrange flights to your home country. If you had plan to stay longer in Thailand, you should renew your Non B visa and Non O visa before July 31. If you are still employed, please ask your employer to do this.
       Thank you.

41. Hello Rex,

    Thanks for all your help and advice here.

    There does not seem to be any advice for people who are already in Thailand, and wish to get a new visa. I currently have an ED visa that will expire in October, and I wish to get a new visa for another 12 months.

    My school said they can issue an ED visa here, but only to people who are currently on a tourist visa! And, of course, I can only get a tourist visa if I leave and re-enter Thailand (which might not be possible until next year).

    I have a friend who is here in Thailand, and applying for a non-immigrant O volunteer visa (which includes a work permit), and she has to return to Australia because there is no way to get the visa without leaving and re-entering Thailand.

    Do you have any advice for people already in Thailand, and healthy, who want to get a new visa?

    Reply

    1. Dear Robert,
       It is correct that for people who are on visa amnesty wishing to change to another visa, leaving Thailand is a must. If you have a non-immigrant ED visa valid until October, I think you have plenty of time to decide whether to leave or not in October. I am sure that travel restrictions may be relaxed at that time. As for other people who are wanting to change to another, it is easier to change tourist to Non Immigrant rather than non immigrant visa to another non-immigrant visa. Thank you.

42. dear sir,

    WANT TO VISIT THAILAND FROM INDIA FOR SOME BUSINESS PURPOSE IN JULY 2020,PL LET ME KNOW COVID RESTRICTION AND VISA DETAIL FOR INDIANS.

    REGARDS
    AJAY VAID

    Reply

    1. Dear Ajay,
       Right now, if you wish to travel to Thailand, you need to secure a Certificate of Entry to Thailand issued by Thai Embassy in India. Please contact the Thai Embassy in India to learn more about this and to check if you are qualified.
       Thank you.

    2. Hallo ! I have a flight to night , home from bangkok… do I need any certification that I am covid free? I suppose not… I’ve been in Thailand the last 4 month and are going home to Denmark now

    3. Dear Milas,
       There is no required certificate for you to exit Thailand. All you have to do is to pass all health and security checks at the Suvarnabhumi airport. Thank you.

43. Please can you confirm the following.

    My family and I are leaving Thailand and so were having to cancel our work permits and visas to enable us to return in the future.

    We were told if we do not cancel then we will have problems returning to work or visit in the future.

    Please confirm does this Cancellation process still need to happen and is it 7 days before we leave as before?

    Thank you

    Reply

    1. Dear Jemma,
       Yes, that is correct. If you have plans to work again in Thailand, your non-immigrant B visa extension must be cancelled. You can contact the local immigration office for the cancellation of the visa. If you do not cancel the visa, you will be required to cancel if before you can get a new Non-immigrant B visa extension and pay the overstay fine of 20,000 THB in the future.
       Thank you.

44. Hi Rex,
    I entered Thailand on a tourist visa on 20th March. I have not done any visa extension and am currently staying here under the visa amnesty.
    Am I able to now go to an immigration office and extend my visa for 30 days until the end of August?

    Reply

    1. Dear Rogier,
       At the moment, all we know is that you can only stay in Thailand not later than July 31. So you need to start looking for flights that will fly out of Thailand between July 20 and 31. If you are still thinking of extending your stay, please call 1178 for the immigration call center or visit the immigration office. Thank you.

    2. Thank you very much for your reply.

       I have been to immigration and they said I could no longer use my first 30 day extension.

       I read above that It is possible to do a second 30 day extension with a letter from my embassy but I called my embassy and they were not aware of this. Is this information accurate?

       Can someone on a tourist visa obtain a letter from their embassy to do a 30 day visa extension after the amnesty ends? If so, what are the requirements of the letter and how does one obtain it?

       Many thanks,
       Rogier

    3. Dear Rogier,
       The visa amnesty was in replacement to the 30-day extension based on COVID-19 Letter. You had 3 months since April 7th to be able to arrange a flight back home. The only way right now is to hope that visa amnesty will be extended or hoping that the borders or the nearby countries will be open and than normal tourists will also be allowed to return to Thailand. Thank you.

45. Hello,
    I have a U.S. and a Thai citizen wanting to visit my family in Thailand this July from Seattle, WA and planning on Flying Japan Airline or ANA and wondering if there are any restrictions for my entry or documents required? Also, does Japan have restrictions for transiting through the Haneda airport (Ik I should ask this question with the Japanese Embassy but it hasn’t been clear on this matter.)

    Reply

    1. Dear Apisith,
       I am not sure if you can fly on commercial flight already in July. You might still want to consider the repatriation flight for Thai nationals arranged by Thai Embassy or Consulate. If the commercial flights are allowed in July, it is best to check with the airline themselves to know what are the transit requirements of Japan. Thank you.

46. Hi, Is Thailand open to non-immigrant o type visa holders after 30th june 2020?

    Reply

    1. Dear Vish,
       There is a possibility that non immigrant O visa holders will be allowed into Thailand in July. Please call the Thai Embassy in your current location to sign up.
       Thank you.

47. My son and I are residents in Thailand with a company and property. Last year he had to return to the UK as his father was seriously ill. During this time his work permit and visa expired. How can he return to his home here in Thailand?

    Reply

    1. Dear Janis,
       Your son needs to apply for a new Non immigrant B visa in London and also submit the WP3 from the Labour Office. Both documents are required to apply for the Certificate of Entry that he needs to return to Thailand during this time.
       Thank you.

    2. Dear Janis,
       Please check this page:
       http://www.thaiembassy.org/london/en/services/7742/119247-Requirements-for-Certificate-of-Entry-during-trave.html

48. Dear Sir / Madam,

    Is there any announcement from Thai government that foreigners should return to their country on or before 31st July? or is there any chances to extend VISA .

    Thanks .

    Reply

    1. Dear Sahil,
       As of today, the Thai government has not made any new announcement regarding Thai visa amnesty. Should the amnesty is not extended, you must leave Thailand on or before July 31. Thank you.

49. Hello,

    I work for BOI company and his work permit will expire on 31st July. The company plan to cancel permit on BOI website on 30th July. How long I can stay post 31st July in Thailand to plan for his packing and other requirements. I am told BOI companies get more time than standard 7 days. Also what is the best way to get maximum number of days after last date of work permit expiry for a BOI company employee

    Reply

    1. Dear Alka,
       You may pay 1900 Thai baht on July 30th for the 7 days extension or if they give you a longer extension. Please call the BOI Office at Chamchuri Square in Bangkok for more information. Thank you.

50. Hello Rex,

    Does an extension from 11 July (visa expiry) to 31 July require a stamp from Changwattanna?

    Or are Covid-crisis extensions automatic?

    Reply

    1. You do not need to have a stamp from Chaengwattana but if your Non Immigrant B visa was issued in Chaengwattana, I would recommend for you to have it cancelled there when it expires on July 11 so that you will not have a problem getting a new Non immigrant B visa in Chaengwattana in the future. If you do not have any plan on working in Thailand in the future, you can just let it expire and stay until July 31. Thank you.

51. Can I stay until 31 July under the visa amnesty? (NonB expires on 11 July) without being charged overstay?

    Do I need to go to Changwattana?

    Do I have to leave Thailand by 11 July? Can I re-enter on a tourist visa, booked online in advance (not on-arrival)?

    Is it best to exit and re-enter on 11 July or 31 July?

    Could you advise me? Thank you.

    Jonathan

    Reply

    1. Based on your stamp, you need to leave Thailand on or before July 11. However, you can also stay until July 31 because of the visa amnesty if in case you cannot travel due to unavailability of flights. As for returning to Thailand, it is not sure when will you be allowed to return as tourist. It might be in September.

52. Hello,

    Please can you advise me?

    I am a UK Citizen living in Bangkok. I have a NonB visa which expires on 11 July.

    What should I do?

    Go to Changwattana for an extension (under Covid rules)?

    Do I need to fly out of Thailand and come back? Will the airports be open on 10 July?

    (I am no longer in contact with the employer who got me the NonB)

    Please can you advice me.

    19 June 2020

    Reply

    1. Dear Jonathan,
       Thank you for your message. If you are longer in touch with the company that sponsored your Non-immigrant B visa, you will not be able to extend your permit to stay. You need to exit Thailand on or before July 11. if you are unable to leave Thailand on or before July 11, you may avail the visa amnesty. Under visa amnesty, you will be allowed to stay until July 31. There is no need to apply for this amnesty since it is a blanket amnesty so you are covered by it already. The visa amnesty amnesty might be extended, if it is extended, you can also stay until the new expiry of the amnesty. But if you can arrange a flight before July 31, it is better to leave then.

53. Hello, I have watched the News from Natapanun and he stated that foreigners right now might be able to send a request to the Thai embassy and state the urgency to be able to go in Thailand right now. I need to go in Thailand to visit Swedish embassy to finish my student permit application, so I was wondering if this news is in effective right now that I able to send a request to go back in Thailand. And if it is true, do I send a request to the Thai embassy in my country?

    Another question is that I heard we have to be able to deposit the money in the amount of 100,000$ before entering Thailand?

    Reply

    1. Yes, it is correct that you can apply for the Certificate of Entry to Thailand from the Thai Embassy in your country. Yes, part of the requirement visa the COVID-19 Health Insurance coverage of 100,000 USD.

54. I have a problem I really would like an answer to.
    Even if no definitive decision has been made yet, it seems to be quite safe to say that coming to Thailand as a tourist will not happen for a while.
    I am a little bit outside here when it comes to both visa and private conditions.
    I live in Thailand and have lived there for the past 7-8 years. I have my permanent address in Thailand and have had the same address the past 3-4 years. I am working offshore around the world and working normally for 5 weeks and then back home in Thailand for 5 weeks.
    This time I left for work in March and have not been able to return to Thailand since then, I have stayed at work.
    I do not consider myself as a tourist since I am living in Thailand together with my girlfriend.
    I have a “PE” visa via Thailand Elite, cannot find anything regarding this type of visa and rules when it comes to returning to Thailand.
    My visa expired in May, but I have already been approved for a renewal (I have the approval documents), I just need to come home and transfer the fee from my account at a bank office.
    I also need to come home to pay my long overdue rent and other living expenses for both me and my girlfriend.
    I have no problems staying in quarantine upon arrival, even if it is on my own expense.
    I am not a tourist, I am not a businessman, I do not have a work permit for Thailand.
    What choices do I have to be able to get back home?
    What are the rules for “PE” visa?
    I am supposed to have crew change between 8-10 July and my employer want to know what arrangements they need to make for my travel back home.
    Thank you in advance.

    Reply

    1. Dear Mikael,
       With the current situation, you will not be able to enter Thailand as a tourist. Is there any chance that Thai Elite sponsor your PE visa application while you are outside Thailand and apply for this visa from a Thai Embassy so that you can return to Thailand on that visa? That would be the only option I can think of at this time.

    2. Hi Rex
       Just wanted to start with giving a “big thank you” to you. I have had several questions the past moths and you have answered them all very well. This service is very valuable for me (and I guess many others) during these times.

       I will certainly investigate this option.
       So a PE visa could grant me permission to enter Thailand?

       Best Regards
       Mikael Millberg

    3. Dear Mikael,
       Once you have a PE visa in your passport, you will have a better chance on returning to Thailand as compared to a normal tourist arriving with a free visa exemption stamp. if you are able to get a new PE visa from a Thai embassy abroad, you may have to apply for the certificate of entry which you will state the urgency of your trip to Thailand.
       Thank you.

55. Hi Rex, I am a teacher trying to get to Thailand under a non-immigrant B visa. I just called the embassy in London and they told me they weren’t even taking appointments till end July. Does this match up with what you hear or is this just a UK issue or was there a miscommunication? Thanks!

    Reply

    1. This is perhaps the internal restriction of the Thai Consulate in London at this time that no international flights are allowed to enter Thailand unless it is a repatriation flight. However some Thai Embassies are already accepting application for Non Immigrant B visa and the Certificate of Entry to Thailand so I am not sure why the embassy in London is not accepting applications yet.

56. I am a Canadian expat that is exiting Thailand on July 1. What is the process for exiting and what documents do I need to have? Someone told me that I need to have a “Fit to Fly” certificate. What is that? What else do I need to know before I go to the airport to leave Thailand?

    Reply

    1. The “fit-to-fly” certificate is only required when a Thai national is returning to Thailand. For a foreigners to exit Thailand, there is no required certificate. You only need to pass some health checks at the airport. Thank you.

57. Hi Rex,
    Thanks for all answers you’re providing here.

    I have Non-B multiple visa that expires July 6th, my 90 days entry stamp expired April 7, and was extended until May 7 with letter from our embassy. Work permit
    Now I’m trying to renew my work permit (expires on Jun 30th.) And provincial labor office denied due to expired stay. Is it legitimate despite all amnesty announced?

    Thanks

    Reply

    1. Dear Ram,
       Yes, they are correct that you need to have a valid permit to stay in Thailand in order to renew the work permit. However, they should also be lenient knowing that you cannot travel out of Thailand and re-enter in April due to travel ban. Did you show them the emergency decree about the travel ban and the decree about the visa amnesty? If you can show them this, maybe they will change their minds and accept your application. In Bangkok, the Labour Office accepts it and understand the situation. Thank you.

58. Hi! Why you are not updating information here?

    Reply

    1. Dear Luibov,
       There is no official announcement from the government about about the visa amnesty. However for the entry to Thailand, you may check this page:
       https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel/can-you-enter-thailand-now-during-the-covid-19-crisis.php
       As for the news about “travel bubble”, we are still waiting for the official guidelines from the government.

59. Is the retirement visa a type O or a type OA.
    Thank you

    Reply

    1. Dear Scott,
       Thank you for your message. The retirement visa is a 1 year extension issued in Thailand. It is issued based on a non-immigrant O visa or based on a non-immigrant OA visa.

60. Hi Rex,
    I am a US citizen currently in China. I have to leave the China beginning of July. Will I be able to enter Thailand under visa exemption? I plan to fly to Chiang Mai. Is there other requirements ie quarantine, etc

    Reply

    1. Dear J Bayley,
       At the moment, the Thai government has not announced the guidelines for the foreign tourists arriving in July. In the news, it could be possible for foreigners visiting for business to be allowed in July. But we have to wait for further announcement this week. Thank you.

61. Hello Rex,

    I am a student in Bangkok who will graduate this month. According to the normal regulation I know, my ED visa automatically invalidates after my date of graduation. However, due to the current situation, I cannot exit Thailand as I don’t have access to flights back to my country — actually, they offer limited self-repatriation programs but I can’t afford the thousand-dollar option. The question is, does the visa amnesty cover my issue? And in case that Thailand opens its border but there is no flight to my country (which is highly likely), will there be any hope to apply for Thailand tourist visa in adjacent countries like Laos or Cambodia?

    Thank you in advance.

    Reply

    1. Dear Jin,
       You are able to stay in Thailand until the validity of your ED visa especially if the time difference is like a month only. As for application for a tourist visa in nearby countries, that may not be possible because you may not be able to re-enter Thailand as tourist. Thailand is selecting the tourists they would allow to enter in the coming months. It might be that normal tourists will be allowed to enter around October.

62. How are you
    My wife is Thai, and the 29 January I fly to Australia for personal raisons and the covid arrive with no possibility to return home.
    My 1 year visa is till good.
    Do I have to ask a special authorisation to fly back home to be with my wife at Hua Hin?
    When I can fly back.
    Regards
    Oliver

    Reply

    1. Dear Oliver,
       If your current visa is a non-immigrant O visa or a marriage visa extension, you may have to wait a bit longer since Thailand is only allowing Non immigrant B visa holders to apply for certificate of entry to Thailand. If the trip to Thailand is urgent, please get in touch with the Thai embassy in Canberra if they can issue this certificate to you. Thank you.

63. Hi Rex,

    My wife’s Non O dependent Visa was expired last May 7, 2020. She was not able to exit Thailand because of Covid 19. But luckily she is still here because of the amnesty. Now, I will be going to transfer to a new employer next month and need to have a new working Visa and work permit. My question is, does my wife need to exit Thailand to get a new Non-O Visa?

    Thank you

    Reply

    1. Dear Paul,
       Thank you for your message. As for the new non-immigrant O visa of your wife, she needs to apply for a new one from a Thai Embassy abroad. May I ask if your new Non immigrant B visa will also be issued abroad or will your new employer obtain it in Thailand?

    2. Hi Rex, thank you for your response. By the way, my Non-B Visa will be processed here in Thailand by my new employer. I hope that by July all borders are open.

       Thank you again

    3. Hi Paul,
       If your new non-immigrant B visa will be issued or arranged inside Thailand, maybe you can also ask them to arranged the new non-immigrant O visa of your wife in Thailand.

    4. Hi Rex,

       But the problem is her visa is already expired. I talked already to our HR, they said that my wife needs to go out to get a new Visa. I hope there is another way not to go out of Thailand.

       Thanks

    5. Yes, I agree with them that the only way to do this is to apply for the non-immigrant O visa at the Thai embassy abroad. But they can also check if the immigration office where your new non-immigrant B visa will be processed, if they can use her visa amnesty and switch to a new Non immigrant O visa. This is really far-fetched request and it is likely not possible. Thank you.

    6. Hi Rex, I hope it is allowed to process in Thailand so that my wife will not go out and wait until everything is normal. Thank you

    7. Yes, we hope for that. You may check with your employer how will they process your Non-immigrant B visa so that you also know if they can process the non-immigrant O visa for her. Thank you.

64. I am holding an Australian holding a retirement visa and am waiting for the border reopen . Will retirement visa holders be given priority on accepting foreigners and will they also require the health insurance certificate
    Thks
    David

    Reply

    1. Dear David,
       Thank you for your message. At the moment, the Thai government has not set the guidelines for the entry requirements of foreigners returning to Thailand under Non immigrant O visa, marriage visa or retirement visa. We have to wait until end of this week or next week for the announcement. Based on current situation, certificate of entry may be required which is issued by Thai Embassy in Canberra. You may be required also to undergo mandatory quarantine. But let’s wait and see first for the announcement hopefully in the coming days.

65. Hello, I am currently in Cambodia. I am an international student in Thailand but left Thailand before the country went into lockdown. I am now however need to go back in Thailand to go to the Sweden Embassy to take a photo and fingerprint to finish my student permit application to study in Sweden this August. My question is if at the end of this June, Thailand will reopen to international student as well? If not, then I will miss this opportunity to exchange my study from Rangsit University to Jonkoping University in Sweden.

    Reply

    1. Dear Meng,
       At the moment, for the month of June and maybe for July, only foreigners with non-immigrant B visa and work permit are allowed to come back to Thailand.
       We have to wait for the announcement from the government next week if Non immigrant ED visa holders will be allowed in July.
       Thank you.

66. hi, i would like to check if malaysians living in Thailand are allowed to leave thailand to return to malaysia by land (own vehicle) during this period. please advise on the process.

    Reply

    1. Dear Annie,
       Thank you for your message. At the moment you need to travel by air since the land borders are closed. You need to contact the Malaysian Embassy in Bangkok for any special flights they have arranged for stranded Malaysians in Thailand.

67. Dear Sir ,

    As , last date of tourist extended VISA is 31st July who are already in Thailand.

    Can tourist extend beyond or need to return their home country ?

    Please confirm .

    Thanks

    Reply

    1. Dear Sahil,
       Thank you for your message. If the Thai visa amnesty will not be extended, the foreigners must leave Thailand on or before July 31 and must return to their home country or country of residence. We can expect any government announcement about this matter hopefully next week or last week of June so that you can still prepare just in case you need to leave Thailand by July 31. You can check this page regularly for any update that we will post. Thank you.

68. Hi Rex,

    I am an Australian and was in a tourist visa and my flight back was cancelled so I don’t have another til September. If the automatic extension runs out on July 31st and is not extended further, will I be able to get an extension from this immigration? The Australian embassy in Bangkok has told me they don’t write letters to help people get visa extensions and I have to ask thai immigration.

    Reply

    1. Dear Zoe,
       Thank you for your message. Should the Thai government does not extend the visa amnesty, you have no choice but to leave Thailand on August 1st. You may contact the Australian Embassy in Bangkok to check for the special flights that leaves Thailand between now and July 31. I have seen repatriation flights leaving Thailand to different countries.

69. Hello , I need one help. My existing work permit expires on 31st August and I have a new job starting 1st Sept in a different country. I have an indian passport. Please let me know what may happen due to COVID if international travel with that country ( including my home country) is still not open.

    Will Thai government allow me to overstay till travel opens as has been done recently for all till 31st July ( due to COVID). If no what is the best option?

    Reply

    1. Dear Alka,
       If you visa is no longer valid after July 31, you need to leave Thailand or we can hope that the Thai government will extend the visa amnesty or visa extension until end of August. This is not sure if they will do it. If there is no indication that visa amnesty will be extended, we recommend for you to contact your embassy in Bangkok if there is an y repatriation flight to your home country. Thank you.

    2. Hi, any update for tourist/visa runs after 31 july. just feeling anxious.

    3. Dear Maria,
       At the moment, there is no government announcement or update regarding travel ban and possible extension of the visa amnesty. So it is safe to say that you should start looking for a flight going back to your home country. Thank you.

70. Hello,

    I have lived and worked in Thailand for over 3 years, I have just had a new job offer in a different province and have been under quarantine conditions in Thailand since March. My new job requires me to leave Thailand to apply for a new non-b visa. It seems risky for me to leave this safe place, come back, and then probably have to quarantine for 14 days? Is the Thai government making any exceptions here?

    Reply

    1. Dear Joanna,
       Yes, it is correct that you must get the new non-immigrant B visa from a Thai embassy abroad. The issue here is that the nearby countries are still closed and the re-entry to Thailand would be difficult at this time. You have two options: you can delay the application of the non-immigrant B visa from abroad or second option is to ask the new employer and check with the local immigration office in that province if they can issue the non-immigrant B visa. Thank you.

71. Hi Rex Thanks for answer the other day but can I get a year retirement visa here in Koh samui . If I decide not to go back to Ireland and stay until Feb March next year. I entered end of last aug . Also What insurance do I require just ordinary insurance ok??? Any advise to where I can get visa any help would be very much appreciated On everythingThanks Rex. Imelda

    Reply

    1. Dear Imelda,
       Yes, you may apply for the non-immigrant O visa or the retirement visa at Koh Samui Immigration office. Health insurance is not required for this particular visa because it is not a non-immigrant OA visa. Please do not be confused with the health insurance for the non-immigrant OA visa and health insurance for COVID-19 for travelers.

72. Hi There!

    I can see that certain countries wont be allowed a Visa On Arrival, I am from the UK but have been in Indonesia since before the Travel Ban was announced, I have been waiting for them to lift the ban so I can return to Thailand.
    Will I be able to get a Visa On Arrival?

    Thank you,
    Catherinne

    Reply

    1. Dear Catherine,
       The UK citizens are not under visa on arrival. UK passport holders are under visa exemption program. As of today, only Italy has been removed from the visa exemption program, therefore you can still receive the 30-day visa exemption stamp at the airport when Thailand open its doors to foreign tourists. I am not able to give you the estimated date when will that be. We just have to patiently wait for it to happen. Thank you.

    2. Hi! We are living in Thailand already 3 years. My 2 kids have student Visa, NON ED and I have guardian Visa, NON O. My husband should apply for a new non immigrant Visa in Spain, if we come back this August to Spain, for the school holiday. Any information about this kind of Visa holder coming back to Thailand at the end of August?. We also don’t want to get stuck in Spain and miss the school again after the holidays. We also own a house here in Thailand. Would this help to get into Thailand? Thank you so much
       Ana

    3. Dear Ana,
       Thank you for your message. The situation is very delicate right now. We recommend that you do not travel to a country with a local transmission of COVID-19 because you may not be allowed to return to Thailand even if you have a non immigrant O visa.

73. I have been granted admission into a Thai University and am taking classes online at the moment, I am unable to find any info regarding ED (student) visas? People with Work Permits and B-Visas are allowed to enter while tourists are not.
    Please let me know regarding where students with ED visas stand at the moment. Should I apply for an ED visa right now with the local embassy in my country or should I wait?

    Reply

    1. Dear Ali,
       You are correct that the first batch of foreigners that will be allowed to enter Thailand are those with non-immigrant B visas and work permit. The second batch may be the ones with non-immigrant O visa, marriage visa, retirement visa or even ED visas. At the moment we do not know when will that be. It could be in August or September. Nobody has an answer at this time. The tourists may be allowed starting October or fourth quarter of the year. Right now we just have to wait for government announcement for the second or third batch of foreigners allowed to return to Thailand. Thank you.

74. Dear Rex,

    Good day,

    In regards to my concern, how can i get a valid non- immigrant B visa? it can be taken in Manila also? do i need to get some documents to my employer for a proof that i have work here in Phuket? while i still don’t have a work permit? I’m afraid also if in manila immigration airport will offload me because i dont have such documents or proof that i am employed in thailand.

    Thanks for your kind attention

    Best regards,
    Catherine

    Reply

    1. Dear Catherine,
       As per Thai Embassy Manila website, for your October trip, you will apply for the new non-immigrant B visa at Thai embassy Manila. You will be needing a WP3 letter from the Phuket Labour Office in order to get this visa. Please ask you employer to get this WP3 sometime in the end of August or first week of September. The WP3 is only valid for 30 days so they have to get not too early from date you apply for the visa and date you arrive in Thailand in October. Thank you.

75. Good morning Rex,
    I am a Malaysian citizen holding a work pemit in thailand.
    I wish to go back to Malaysia .
    All the airports in thailand are closed for international flights till 30/6/2020.
    Can I go back to through border crossing at Sadao or Padang Besar ?
    Do I need any authorization permit to exit thailand at Sadao or Padang Besar checkpoints ?
    Thank You
    Peter Lim

    Reply

    1. Dear Peter,
       As we know there is no restriction for a foreigner to exit Thailand as long as there are available flights out of Thailand. However for exiting Thailand through the border, you must contact directly the border authorities as the borders may be closed at this time for any exit or entry to Thailand. Thank you.

76. Hi Rex, I work in Bangkok. My new school recently told me they would not be able to transfer my VISA and work permit before mid of July. That is a problem for me because my current VISA and work permit expire on June 30.

    I’m writing to ask if it’s anywhere possible that I could extend my VISA and work permit for one more month to the end of July or whenever possible. Can it be done on my own or has to be the employer? Old school or new school? My goal is not to travel (fly out) this summer.

    Thanks!

    Reply

    1. Dear Peggy,
       I recommend that you ask your new employer to bridge the gap of your visa. It is very difficult to do it right now given that the borders are closed and that you cannot get a new Non immigrant B visa in a nearby country to re-enter Thailand.

    2. nHi Rex, I was informed that my Non immigrant B VISA can be transferred within Thailand and has to be done by June 30. I don’t have leave Thailand. My new employer is not able to bridge my VISA. My old employer will cancel my work permit on June 30. So, I think my questions would be:

       1. Is there any “grace period” of VISA so I can stay in Thailand after cancelling the work permit? How many days? I have heard of many answers…. 24 hours, 7 days, 30 days. Do you think a letter from my embassy would help?
       2. Can I still transfer my VISA during grace period and apply a new work permit within Thailand?

       Thank you for your help!

    3. Dear Peggy,
       The grace period is 7 days which you have to pay. I recommend for you to ask your employer to have the new visa as soon as your old visa is canceled or expired. The new employer must coordinate with the old employer for smooth transition. Otherwise, you can use the visa amnesty and in July you can obtain a new non-immigrant B visa from a Thai embassy outside Thailand. Thank you.

77. Hi I’m planning on leaving thailand end of July. And coming back October. What insurance will be required and what else do I need to be able to re enter. Thanks for your help.

    Reply

    1. Dear Imelda,
       Thank you for your message. For the entry requirements when you return to Thailand in October, it could be a valid non-immigrant B visa, certificate of entry issued by Thai embassy in your country, health insurance and mandatory state quarantine. But the situation is still active so we do not know if in October the requirements will be the same or if it will be more relaxed. So we just have to wait for further announcement from the government. Thank you.

    2. Hi thank you for your reply. Do I have to have any special insurance ie like covering Covid or just an insurance? Thank you ?

    3. Yes, at the moment that is in the list of requirements to re-enter Thailand. Health insurance covering COVID-19 with a policy coverage of 100,000 USD.

    4. Hi Rex Thanks for that. Can I apply for a year retirement visa here in Koh samui?? And do I need that insurance covering Covid although I’m here in thailand. Sorry for all the questions Thanks Rex

    5. If you are currently in Koh Samui, you do not need to provide a COVD-19 health insurance. Should you require assistance for a visa in Samui, please contact Miss Korakot at [email protected]
       Thank you.

78. Hi… I entered Thailand on March 1 through Myanmar border, got my first extension on March 27, and now under the visa amnesty. When the amnesty expires on July 31st, would I be allowed to apply for a second extension? If so, what would be the required documents?Thanks..

    Reply

    1. Dear Rose,
       The automatic extension is until July 31. It means you can stay in Thailand until that date and you must leave Thailand on or before that date when possible. No, you cannot extend it further since you have already utilised the extension in March. If you are unable to leave Thailand on July 31, we can just hope that the visa amnesty will be extended further. Thank you.

    2. Thanks for the reply. I’ve got another issue. Since I can not apply for a second extension and have to leave Thailand on or before 31st July, would a border run (out and in Thailand on the same day) be possible in case borders will already be opened by then ? Thanks,

    3. Dear Rose,
       I won’t be able to answer that because the COVID-19 cases in the nearby countries of Thailand are still high, they may not open their border to foreigners.

79. Hi Rex.
    Due to shifting visas, do I allowed to travel from Thailand to Laos, and than go back, by bus or train?

    Thanks

    Reply

    1. At the moment, that is not possible due to the fact that the borders are still closed and you need to check with Lao government if you are able to enter the country of Laos. As for re-entering Thailand, your return to Thailand is subject to approval by Thai Embassy in Laos as you will apply for the certificate of entry. We recommend that you do this shifting of visas when the travel ban is lifted or relaxed.

80. Rex, follow up question.
    With a non-immigrant B Visa I tried visiting the immigration office in Pattaya to get a stamp renewal before the current one expired but was told unless I had a work permit that I would have to wait until the border opened to get a new stamp
    extension. So when the borders opens July 31st or before, will one have to do like before and wait a day to re-enter Thailand after obtaining a visa from the arrived country? Also, upon returning to Thailand the next day will you have to be quarantined for 14 days?

    Reply

    1. Dear Bryan,
       I assume that you have a 1 year multiple entry non immigrant B visa that was issued abroad and you are required to exit and re-enter every 90 days. If this is the case, you need to exit on or before July 31 and re-enter Thailand. When you re-enter Thailand, you are subject to the entry requirements. At the moment we cannot really say what would be the entry requirements because the government has not announced the requirements for August 2020. As of now, the entry requirements are certificate of entry, health insurance and mandatory 14-day state quarantine. BUT this may change if the government will relax the entry requirements. Thank you.

81. Hi Rex,
    We are planning to go to Thailand coming from
    the Philippines when the travel ban is lifted for the reason that we have an appointment in the swediah embassy their in thailand. Are we required for a 14days quarantine when we arrive their?
    Thank you!

    Reply

    1. Dear Dennis,
       When you enter Thailand, you are subject to the entry requirements. At the moment we cannot really say what would be the entry requirements because the government has not announced the requirements for July or August 2020. As of now, the entry requirements are certificate of entry issued by Thai embassy in Manila, health insurance and mandatory 14-day state quarantine. BUT this may change if the government will relax the entry requirements. Thank you.

82. Thank you Rex for your detailed reply above on June 7. Unfortunately, it will cost me more to fly all the way back to USA than I paid for the visa. Plus, if I fly back to the USA, which has a big COVID problem still, no country will let me in, including Thailand and Japan. Is there any way to get an extension on my visa validity without flying back to the USA? I’m in Tokyo. My return ticket goes from Bangkok, not Tokyo. Certainly there must be somethig I can do from over here. Can the Royal Thai Embassy Los Angeles arrange that I can do this from the Thai Embassy in Tokyo? All the Thai Embassies and Consulates continue to be closed for consular services until Thailand opens up, so it might be difficult to call, but I will try to call the Consulate in LA. I just cannot fly all the way back there. Thank you for the phone number.

    Reply

    1. Dear Barbara,
       Our firm can only advise you to patiently wait for the situation to improve. Right now, foreign tourists cannot enter Thailand even with a visa or not. I recommend for you to keep in touch with Thai Embassy in Tokyo for updates: http://site.thaiembassy.jp/en/contact/consular.php
       We are not in the position to predict when will Thailand open its borders to foreign tourists. Thailand will prioritize the Thai citizens to return to Thailand and they are still doing that. The first group of foreigners to be allowed to enter are residents of Thailand with work permit. Just like any other country in the world, tourists will have to wait patiently until this crisis will subside. Thank you.

83. Good morning.
    I have a repatriation flight from Bangkok to Scotland via Amsterdam with KLM on Thursday 11th.
    Do I need a fit-to-fly certificate; if I do, where can I find one?
    Do the Thai authorities require any other related certification?
    Thank you for your time and assistance.
    Regards,
    Nigel M Smith

    Reply

    1. For you to exit or leave Thailand, there is no need for any certification. You just need to contact KLM in case you need some documents to transit in Amsterdam. Thank you.

    2. Good afternoon Rex.
       Thank you very much for the advice.
       Regards,
       Nigel M Smith

    3. You’re welcome. Have a good day.

84. Hi Rex,thank you very much for sharing all those priceless informations.

    I am currently in Thailand with a 60 days extension from a Non O visa(Thai family) that has just expired.(2 days ago)

    Due to the situation,do you think i can still apply for a 1 year extension?(I have got the required documents and the 400000THB on my account for 2 months).Thank you.

    Reply

    1. Dear Gilles,
       if the stamp expired on a weekend or just few days, some immigration offices will allow you to pay for the overstay and then they will accept your application for the 1 year extension of stay. We recommend that you visit the immigration office in your city or province to know more about this. The immigration office may still accept your application without overstay fine since there is a blanket visa amnesty until July 31. Thank you.

85. I was issued a 6-month, multiple-entry tourist visa at the Royal Thai Consulate in Los Angeles on March 10, one week before my flight to Asia. I had a 5 day stopover in Tokyo en-route to Bangkok. I arrived in Tokyo March 19. Thailand started banning International flights March 25. I’m currently still in Tokyo waiting for Thailand to open. Reports I’ve read say not until October for tourists. My poor visa. It cost me $200, and I cannot afford to waste that money. The Thai Embassy in Tokyo does not reply to my emails and has been closed for consular services since ed of March. Los Angeles consulate repied to my email ,saying they had no information for me. Is there any way to extend my visa’s validity without going back to Los Angeles? It says I should enter before September 9. This is a greaet visa. I cannot waste it. HELP!!!

    Reply

    1. Dear Barbara,
       I believe your problem is the unused visa. Unused in a way that you were not able to enter Thailand due to COVID-19 travel bans. Our recommendation for you is to fly back to Los Angeles and ask the Thai consulate to re-issue the visa without additional fee. Please do not email the Thai consulate as they will not reply back. Please call them at Phone: +1 323-962-9574. Thank you.

86. Hi,

    I have a 60 day tourist visa which was valid from the 25th March. When the visa amnesty ends on the 1st July, will I be able to apply for the normal 30 day extension at the local immigration?

    If this is not possible, what is the government expecting foreigners to do on July 1? Are all foreigners with expired visas expected to leave on this date?

    I came to Thailand hoping to find work in Bangkok (and get a non-immigrant visa and work permit) but due to Covid this is been very difficult and I have not yet found a job. If I wanted to get a student visa in order to stay and learn Thai while I wait, would I be able to get this Visa without leaving Thailand?

    Many thanks for any advice.

    Reply

    1. Dear Louise,
       The visa amnesty is until July 31 and we are not sure if the Thai immigration will extend it or not. We can expect that if the amnesty is not extended, the foreigners will have to leave Thailand and apply for a new visa to re-enter Thailand. On your inquiry about about applying for an education visa inside Thailand, unfortunately that is not possible. You need to apply for the non-immigrant ED visa from the Thai embassy abroad (Laos or Malaysia) and use this visa to re-enter Thailand. Thank you.

87. hello I’m employed here in Phuket sad to say still don’t have work permit because of the lockdown, my employer cant process it yet. I’m planning to go back home in Philippines month of July once international flight will be open, because my working place is still closed and will resume on October, my question is any idea what i need to prepare for the documents before going back home? so when i go back i can enter phuket. by the way can i enter phuket if i don’t have documents like work permit? what documents should i prepare in case of worst scenario.

    Reply

    1. Dear Catherine,
       For you to exit Thailand, you only need your flight details and passport. There is no special requirement when you leave Thailand to your home country. However, for the entry requirements when you return to Thailand in October, it could be a valid non-immigrant B visa, certificate of entry issued by Thai embassy in Manila, health insurance and mandatory state quarantine. But the situation is still active so we do not know if in October the requirements will be more relaxed. So we just have to wait for further announcement from the government. Thank you.

    2. by the way for the health insurance that you mean coverage of 100,000 USD, it should be valid for 1 year? when buying it?

       thanks for your kind cooperation

    3. Yes, that is a COVID-19 health insurance if you wish to enter Thailand. Normally is covers for 1 year, but we recommend for you to contact the Thai Embassy in Indonesia for more information.

88. Hello.
    My friend is a Monk with a 1 year monk visa. He is currently in Europe and would like to return to Thailand on July 4th.
    Assuming the travel ban will be lifted, can he come back to Thailand ? If so, will he need a 14 day quarantine.
    Thanks,
    Avi

    Reply

    1. Dear Avi,
       Your friend may contact the Thai Embassy in Europe and apply for the Certificate of Entry that he needs to enter Thailand in July. Please read this article that we posted for more information as well:https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel/can-you-enter-thailand-now-during-the-covid-19-crisis.php
       Thank you.

89. Hi Rex,
    I secured a work contract with a Thai company in January. Our plan was to move from Germany to Thailand in May and start work in June. However, so far we are still working on the work permit and visa.
    AFAIK the ministry of labour stopped issuing WP.3 documents for now.
    Can you please tell me, by when the ministry of labour plans to resume issuing WP.3 (work permit application) documents again?
    Please, do you have any insight into the plans for the future?
    Thank you in advance.

    Reply

    1. Dear Fabi,
       Thank you for your message. I spoke to our lawyer and he stated that Ministry of Labour in Bangkok is still accepting application for WP3 and it takes 7 business days. Once it is issued, your must use it to apply for the Non B visa at Thai Embassy in your location and also apply or request for the Certificate of Entry. You may also check our new update about entering Thailand during COVID-19 on this page: https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel/can-you-enter-thailand-now-during-the-covid-19-crisis.php
       Thank you.

90. Hi Rex. Is it possible to enter Thailand if I have a job offer from a company in Thailand? Can I apply for the Non Imm B visa from the Thai Embassy and request a certificate of entry? Obviously I don’t have a work permit yet. Am I qualified to enter Thailand through this method? Thank you.

    Reply

    1. Dear Brian,
       Good day!. Thank you for the message. Our recommendation for you is this: You will ask your new Thai employer to obtain the WP3 letter from the Labour Office in Thailand. Then they will send this letter to you together with the company documents needed for the non-immigrant B visa. Once you have all these documents, you can submit the visa application and application for certificate of entry to Thailand at your local Thai Embassy. You may also call your local Thai Embassy if this is acceptable way to qualify. Thank you.

91. Hello,

    I’ve book a flight to Thailand in December for two weeks. Will the mandatory quarantine be lift by then to allow tourists to enter Thailand? I don’t to plan my trip just to be quarantine. Thank you. Have a good day!

    Reply

    1. Dear Tim,
       At this time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand and Ministry of Public Health has not announced the entry requirements for foreign tourists. Also, there is no mention on when will the tourists be allowed to enter Thailand. We still have to wait for further announcements. Hopefully in December, foreign tourists will be allowed and we hope that entry requirements will be at minimum. This page will be updated regularly as we get more information. Thank you and have a good day.

92. Hi,

    My work permit and non-B expire June 30 although my contract expires July 31. I am in Europe and want to travel back to Thailand July 1 to sign my new contract.

    Do I need to apply for a new non-B before returning?

    Thank you.

    Reply

    1. Dear AJ,
       Yes, you need to have a new non-immigrant B visa and certificate of entry to Thailand. Both visa and the certificate, you can obtain from the Thai Embassy in your current location. If you are able to obtain the certificate of entry, you may be able to enter Thailand even before July 1. Please check with your local Thai embassy.
       Thank you.

93. I am on a Non-O retirement visa and currently with a valid Extension of stay and Re-entry permit. I am currently still renting my apartment in Bangkok.

    In March, I visited Laos, during which the lock down occurred. So I have stayed in Laos since March unable to leave.

    Will I be able to to return to Thailand in July when flights are available?

    Reply

    1. Dear Kenneth,
       We are sorry that you are currently stranded in Laos. As of the last notification from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the first batch of foreigners allowed to return to Thailand when the travel ban is lifted are foreign diplomats holding Non immigrant D or F visa or those foreigners with non-immigrant B visa and work permit. They may apply for a certificate of entry from the Thai embassy. In your case, let’s hope that you will be included in that group as well but right now, we have to wait for further announcements. Thank you.

94. When international travel from the US to Thailand resumes what documentation will be required?

    My family had a trip planned in June but due to the travel ban we will have to postpone the trip till July or August. I am trying to plan for the trip.

    Reply

    1. Dear Mark,
       Thank you for your message. At the moment, the Thai government is only allowing Thai nationals to enter Thailand and also they are prioritizing foreigners with current non-immigrant B visa and work permit to enter Thailand in July. They are able to obtain a Certificate of Entry from the Thai embassy. It is not clear when will the foreign tourists be allowed to enter Thailand. It may be in August, September or perhaps in October. This will depend on the capacity of the State Quarantine facility of the government. Right now, all we can do is to wait for further announcement from the Thai government. To keep updated on this story, you may check this page: https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel/can-you-enter-thailand-now-during-the-covid-19-crisis.php

95. Hiya dear sir or madam at the Thai Embassy.

    Reading the comments above. It’s very pleasing that we have some excellent feedback and support from yourselves.

    I am a Secondary School PE Teacher and I have 7 Weeks off in the summer and I am a frequent traveler to the beautiful country of Thailand, where I have many Thai and ex pat friends in Koh Samui and Phuket.

    Will I be able to fly to Thailand as I do each summer, and be able visit to Thailand this summer 2020 from the end of July/start of August as I very much would like and plan to do.!?.

    If so, will i need a health certificate to visit Thailand on my vacation before I leave here in the UK to visit.!?.. At the moment, you can not get tested in the UK unless you show symptoms.!?..So I’m not sure how this is going to work for myself.!?.

    Full health and holiday insurance, i always make sure I have a comprehensive cover for this.

    Please advise.

    Many thanks and appreciated.

    Demi P.

    Reply

    1. Dear Demi,
       Thank you for your comment. At the moment, the Thai government is only allowing Thai nationals to enter Thailand and also they are prioritizing foreigners with current non-immigrant B visa and work permit to enter Thailand in July. They are able to obtain a Certificate of Entry from the Thai embassy. It is not clear when will the foreign tourists be allowed to enter Thailand. it may be in August, September or perhaps in October. This will depend on the capacity of the State Quarantine facility of the government. Right now, all we can do is to wait for further announcement from the Thai government. To keep updated on this story, you may check this page: https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel/can-you-enter-thailand-now-during-the-covid-19-crisis.php

96. We have a Thai passport holder who is in the UK and wants to return home. He is a seafarer and we understand that seafarers are exempt from quarantine restrictions in the EU/UK – is the same true in Thailand? Will he be able to travel to Thailand if he is able to get a flight? Thanks.

    Reply

    1. Dear Peter,
       Yes, he can travel to Thailand if he can get a flight to Bangkok or if he will be included in the repatriation flight arranged by the Thai Embassy London. Please check directly with Thai Embassy London and you may call Phone: +44 20 7589 2944. The mandatory state quarantine is required for all Thai nationals returning to Thailand. Thank you.

97. I am a US citizen and my daughter is half-Thai. We plan to visit the US in a few weeks and will return at the beginning of August. If the mandatory 14-day quarantine is still in effect, how much will I have to pay for this expense?

    Reply

    1. Dear Jason,
       I believe the government facility for state quarantine is free of charge and the alternative state quarantine facility will cost you around 30,000 THB-60,000 THB for 14-day stay.

98. Hi
    I’m a work permit holder hoping to go back to Thailand when the flight ban is lifted. As you know, to apply for “Certificate of Entry”, one of the requirements is a health insurance policy covering Covid-19 and worth at least 100,000 USD. I have two questions:

    1. Is there a requirement for the duration of the insurance? Can I have, say, a
    1-month insurance?

    2. Do I have to stay at ASQ (alternative state quarantine) hotels or can I opt to stay at government facilities?

    Thank you.

    Reply

    1. Dear Han,
       The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand did not specify the duration of the insurance policy. It is best to contact your local Thai embassy to get more information.
       The mandatory quarantine will be designated by the government upon arrival.
       You may check this page for more information:
       https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel/can-you-enter-thailand-now-during-the-covid-19-crisis.php

99. Hello.

    Thanks for replying to all these questions as consistently as you do. The information here has been invaluable, and as it comes from the embassy website, I consider it much more reliable than information from almost any other outlet.

    My question is about the curfew. Are there any provinces besides Bangkok that still have a curfew in place?

    I need to drive from Chumphon to Bangkok on June 14th, but the only window of travel I have available is through the night. The provinces I will be passing through are Chumphon, Prachuap, Petchaburi, Samut Songkhram, and Samut Sakhon.

    Also, are there any checkpoints at the border between any of these provinces that will require health/travel documentation?

    Thanks for your time.

    Reply

    1. The national curfew right now is 11PM to 3AM but it is best to check with the transport provider if they have additional information. Thank you.

100. Hi. I have a job offer at a school in Bangkok and I plan to arrive within the first week of July due to the foreigner ban. I will be applying for my non-b visa in the states and then getting a work permit later on in Thailand. The school is going to provide housing. Will I have to stay 14 days in a government sanctioned quarantine center? Or will I be allowed to quarantine in my own apartment? Are there any other documents that I will need to have with me to get into the country besides my non-b visa? Thanks.

     Reply

     1. Dear Sophie,
        If the travel ban is lifted in July, you may come to Thailand with your Non-immigrant B visa, copy of the WP3 from Ministry of Labour, certificate of entry from the Thai embassy in the US and health insurance. Upon arrival, you will also undergo a mandatory quarantine for 14 days at the government facility.

     2. Hello Rex ,
        I’m a UK citizen currently in Bali for the last three months waiting to travel back to Bangkok then on to London. I heard the visa on arrival may be opened on July 1st? Is this true or not yet sure? Thank you for your assistance

     3. The travel ban of flights to Thailand is valid until June 30. However, the government has not announced if it will be fully open on July 1. We have to wait for further announcement in case the travel ban is extended, relaxed or fully lifted. On July 1, we can expect that Thai government will prioritize the foreigners with work permit or long term visas but we just have to wait for the announcement. Thank you.