Confusion and dismay are hitting long-staying overseas travellers in Thailand, as many had been relieved to see the Covid-19 visa exemption extended, but missed the strict revisions in the fine print. While the decree was extended from the January 25 deadline on the last minute to March 25, the people who find themselves allowed to take benefit of the easy-to-extend visa exemption have been limited.
The glory days of sidestepping pesky border bounces during the pandemic have come to an in depth for foreigners staying long-term in Thailand. The newly revised Covid-19 extension stamp is now obtainable solely for those who previously had a tourist visa or a free vacationer exemption stamp before getting the Covid-19 extension. Those who’re on any type of non-immigrant visa or those who’ve received a visa on arrival are now not eligible to extend their stay in Thailand indefinitely using the Covid-19 pandemic as an excuse.
Frustrated folks have reported going to immigration anticipating one other 30-day extension and being given as an alternative a stamp rejecting their request and giving them 7 days to depart Thailand. Backed commenters on-line and on social media have shared horror tales of scrambling to get their affairs so as and discover a place to go within per week. Many are on the lookout for the best place to bounce for a couple of days earlier than returning back to Thailand.
The extension of keep visa or exemption due to Covid-19 that vacationers can get hold of at immigration offices around the country, although the amount of paperwork and hoops to jump via varies amongst totally different locations, was originally supposed for people trapped during the pandemic and unable to get to their house country. But because the pandemic wore on, the stamp was made obtainable to virtually anyone in the Kingdom throughout Covid-19 who wished to extend their keep.
Whether or not you obtain an extension stamp has always been at the discretion of the immigration brokers within the office you submit your documents. Many locations have been rubber-stamping the extension for anybody who applies for it indefinitely, but an official announcement by the Immigration Bureau stated that’s changing.
Incoming tourists might be allowed a 30-day extension in most cases and then have the power to apply for a Covid-19 visa stamp. People who have been here for months or years may be rejected the next time they attempt to extend. Nothing will guarantee you get an extension stamp 100 percent, however many are advising individuals to be polite and on their greatest behaviour, gown appropriately (no extra beachwear at the immigration office), mask up and comply with the Covid-19 security legal guidelines.
The Immigration Bureau’s official statement:
The Immigration Bureau has approved an extension of time for visa extensions for COVID-19 reasons till twenty fifth March 2022, beneath the following situations:
In the case of vacationers already within the nation. At the top of the 60-day interval for permission to remain in the Kingdom, this time they have to go away the country. Or if there is a necessity to remain, there are capable of submit an software to stay in accordance with the legal guidelines, regulations, and rules set forth..