Thailand grants automatic visa extensions for foreigners affected by COVID-19 crisis
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to inform foreigners in Thailand who have been affected by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) that they will be granted automatic visa extensions.
The measure, which was announced this evening, 8 April 2020, in the Royal Thai Government Gazette with immediate effect, covers three groups of foreigners as per the following:
Foreigners with resident visas who normally reside in Thailand but are now overseas and required to return to Thailand within a year of their departure. Since they might not be able to re-enter Thailand in time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they will be granted an extension of their compulsory return deadline. However, they are required to return to Thailand as soon as the situation improves within the period specified by the Immigration Bureau.
Foreign visitors whose visas expired on 26 March 2020 or thereafter will be granted automatic visa extensions until 30 April 2020, and extensions for notification of staying in the Kingdom for those whose expiry date of stay permit falls within the period between 26 March – 30 April 2020. However, when the situation improves or returns to normal, they are required to proceed with their visas within the period specified by the Immigration Bureau.
Visitors from neighbouring countries who hold a temporary border pass issued on 23 March 2020, or thereafter will be allowed to stay in Thailand until the borders are re-opened. They will be required to leave Thailand within seven days after the borders reopen.
Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand
8 April, 2020
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