Immigration update: Thailand visa extension for foreign nationals impacted by COVID-19
Visa extension for foreign nationals impacted by COVID-19, effective immediately
The Thai Immigration Authority has announced that they will accommodate visa extension requests from foreign nationals whose travel plans have been disrupted by the COVID-19 and wish to stay longer in the Kingdom, effective immediately.
Who will be affected?
Foreign Nationals whose plans have been disrupted by the COVID-19 and wish to stay longer in the Kingdom
Background
The COVID-19 outbreak has been reported in many different countries throughout the world, with a few Asian countries being hit the hardest. Thailand has reported dozens of infected cases at the same time. So far, the government has not placed any restrictions on travel. People are recommended to follow hygiene practices and implement self-quarantine for around 14 days, if they have traveled to high risk countries recently.
In their efforts to help ease the situation for foreign nationals who are currently staying in the Kingdom, the Thai Immigration Authority has announced that they will consider requests of visa extension from foreign nationals whose travel plans have been disrupted by COVID-19. Foreign nationals first need to obtain a confirmation letter from their Embassy in Thailand, and then submit their visa extension request together with the letter to the Immigration Authority.
There is no clear confirmation as to how long the Immigration Authority will grant the extension. Final decision rests with both the respective Embassy and the Thai Immigration Authority.
Impact
This is positive news and offers one more option to foreign nationals who have been impacted by COVID-19 and are seeking to further extend their visa temporarily.
Santa Fe Analysis
If you are currently staying in Thailand, and you are looking to further extend your visa due to COVID-19, you can should contact your Embassy in Thailand. Most Embassies have issued travel guidelines in response to COVID-19. They can either issue you a confirmation letter to facilitate your visa extension or guide you around the issue.
If you need further guidance, you can always reach out to your local Santa Fe Consultant for advice.
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@staging.santaferelo.com
Robert Day
Group Head of Immigration Operations
Santa Fe Relocation
London, UK
D: +44 7990 021125
E: Robert.Day@staging.santaferelo.com
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