Immigration update: Thailand | Grace period for visa extension until Oct 31
Grace period for visa extension until October 31, 2020
The Thai Immigration Bureau has extended the deadline of visa extension to Oct 31, 2020.
Who will be affected?
Foreigners in Thailand whose visas expired on or after March 26, 2020
Background
With COVID-19 disrupting the travel plans of many foreigners, the Thai government issued an automatic visa extension policy back in Apr 2020. The automatic visa extension policy exempts foreigners of overstay penalty whose visas had expired on or after March 26, 2020.
This automatic visa extension policy was set to expire on September 26, 2020 according to an announcement made by the Thai government earlier. However, in further efforts to support foreigners currently stranded in Thailand due to COVID-19, the Thai government has granted a grace period until October 31, 2020, for foreigners to prepare for either leaving the Kingdom or renewing their visas to avoid overstay penalties.
Impact
This is good news for foreigners who are currently holding expired Thai visas in the Kingdom. They will have until October 31, 2020 to either book a departure flight from Thailand, or extend their visas at the Immigration Office under special considerations.
It is worth noting that this automatic visa extension policy is mainly meant for foreign tourists or short-term visitors. Foreigners who are holding long-term visas or work permits need to continue to renew their visas and work permits, as per the standard practice.
Santa Fe Analysis
As COVID-19 continues to disrupt global travel, we encourage all travelers to continue to practice hygiene and safety measures.
If you have questions about Thailand immigration, or how to enter Thailand during COVID-19, please reach out to your local Santa Fe Consultant, and we will be able to advise you further.
For more information or assistance please contact:
Ada Zhou
Immigration Manager – Thailand
Santa Fe Relocation
Thailand
D: +66 65 504 8899
M: +66 98 267 6975
E: Ada.Zhou@santaferelo.com
Robert Day
Group Head of Immigration Operations
Santa Fe Relocation
London, UK
D: +44 7090 021125
E: Robert.Day@santaferelo.com
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