Visa Amnesty Updates July 3. 2020

THAILAND TRAVEL & VISA AMNESTY UPDATE
03/07/2020

During the COVID-19 crisis in Thailand, some foreign nationals may find themselves overstaying in Thailand, do so by mistake, by miscalculating the length of their stay, forgetting their visa expiration date or by unforeseen cancellation of their flights due to travel restrictions. As a traveler, you should strongly avoid overstaying in Thailand, but if you do find yourself in Thailand on an expired visa it is very important that you act fast and in the right way.

Guide for Travelers to and in Thailand July/03/2020

Thailand reports 1 new COVID-19 infection (returning Thai national in state quarantine), which brings the total number of cases to 3,180.
Out of the 3,180 cases, there are 3,066 recoveries, 58 deaths, and 56 cases currently undergoing treatment.
Thailand has lifted the national night curfew starting June 15.
The temporary travel ban on some international passenger flights arriving in Thailand has been extended until further notice.
Thailand grants visa amnesty to all foreigners in Thailand whose visas expired on March 26 onward; automatic visa extensions are granted until July 31.
The Immigration Bureau also suspends the 90-day address reporting of all long term visa holders until further notice.
In July 2020, group of foreigners to be allowed to enter Thailand will comprise of business representatives, foreign workers and their families, experts, foreigners with Thai families, students and their guardians and medical tourists who agree to undergo mandatory quarantine. Foreigners must get in touch with the local Thai Embassy in their current location to apply for Certificate of Entry and for more information.

COVID-19 Thailand Visa Amnesty/Extension

What is a visa amnesty?

It is the visa relief or automatic visa extension for all foreign nationals staying in Thailand affected by the COVID-19 crisis as announced by the government on April 7, 2020 and the extension was announced on April 24, 2020.

Who are covered by the visa amnesty?

All foreign nationals who are legally staying in Thailand whether you are here on visa exemption entry stamps, tourist visa, non-immigrant visas or yearly extension of stays.

What are the current implementing rules regarding the visa amnesty?

Visas or permit to stay that have expired from March 26 onward will be automatically extended to July 31.
Foreigners will not be charged 500 baht per day for overstaying their visa or permit to stay.
Foreigners who are due to file their 90-day address notification, between March 26 and July 31, are also temporarily exempted.
Foreigners are no longer required to apply in person for an extension at an immigration office.
Foreigners holding a long term visa such as working visa, marriage visa or retirement are encouraged if not required to apply for their yearly extension at the immigration office at their own risk. This might be a good time to do these visa renewals since most immigration offices will be almost empty during this period.
Foreigners do not need any embassy letter to be granted the automatic visa extension.
Foreigners with border passes will be allowed to stay in Thailand for now but will be required to leave Thailand within 7 days once the borders are opened again.

Is the visa extension free of charge?

Yes, the automatic extension of the visa or permit to stay until July 31 is free of charge. However, those who applied for the visa extension from March 26 to April 8, if you have paid for the 1,900 Thai baht immigration fee or even the overstay penalty, that fee is non-refundable. The visa amnesty was enacted and came into law effective on April 9th, therefore it was not covered back then.

Will the visa amnesty be extended?

The validity of the visa amnesty relies on the effectivity of the emergency decree declared by the government. Should the government extend the emergency decree, the visa amnesty will be extended as well.

What will happen when the visa amnesty is lifted or not extended anymore?

When the situation is resolved and returns to normal, foreigners must leave Thailand on the specified date or they must apply for the proper visa extension within the specified period. Foreigners are also required to do the 90-day reporting within the specified date. Those who fail to comply with these requirements will be strictly prosecuted according to the laws.

MENZZOO MAGAZINE
JULY 2020

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THAILAND: COVID-19 Travel & Visa Amnesty Updates July 3. 2020

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