Immigration update: Thailand | Possible delay of visa applications due to COVID-19
Possible delay of visa applications due to COVID-19 in Thailand
The Thai Immigration Authority has made an announcement seeking cooperation from foreign nations to postpone their visa application, if they have traveled to high risk destinations recently and have not completed their 14-day self-quarantine.
Who will be affected?
Foreign nationals who have traveled to high risk destinations and have not completed 14-day self-quarantine and are looking to apply for or renew their visas.
Background
The Thai Public Health Ministry made an announcement on 3 March, 2020 designating a few destinations as high-risk zones for COVID-19. These destinations include Japan, Germany, South Korea, mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, France, Singapore, Italy and Iran. Foreign nationals who have traveled to these destinations would be subject to mandatory self-quarantine for 14 days according to the announcement.
However, this announcement was soon rescinded. At this moment, Thailand has not enforced any travel restrictions on foreign nationals.
Nonetheless, based on the above announcement from the Public Health Ministry which was rescinded already, the Thai Immigration Authority is seeking cooperation from foreign nationals to implement a 14-day self-quarantine, if they have traveled to the aforementioned high risk destinations.
There is no clear confirmation if the Thai Immigration Authority will reject submissions from foreign nationals who have not followed the above practice put forth by the Public Health Ministry.
Impact
So far, we have not received any rejections from the Immigration Authority pertaining to concerns over COVID-19. However, this announcement could serve as a prelude to possible rejections in the future, if the COVID-19 situation does not turn for the good.
Santa Fe Analysis
As COVID-19 continues to spread in more countries around the world, we would encourage foreign nationals to follow hygiene and safety practices first. If you need to travel or apply for your visa urgently, please reach out to your local Santa Fe consultant for advice and support.
For more information or assistance, please contact the following :
Ada Zhou
Immigration Manager – Thailand
Santa Fe Relocation
Thailand
D: +66 2742 9890 ext.146
M: +66 98 267 6975
E: Ada.Zhou@santaferelo.com
Robert Day
Group Head of Immigration Operations
Santa Fe Relocation
London, UK
D: +44 7990 021125
E: Robert.Day@santaferelo.com
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