Some immigration offices open tomorrow for last minute visa extensions

The latest amnesty is up tomorrow (October 31) and some immigration offices will be open for those who still need to apply for visa extensions. Those who miss the deadline could face fines for overstay, immigration officials warn. The extensions all go into effect on November 1 and allow a 60 day stay.

Some immigration offices that are typically closed on Saturdays will be open tomorrow for those filing for extensions. Immigration Bureau commissioner Sompong Chingduang says immigration offices on Chaeng Watthana Road in Bangkok and at Muang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi, just outside Bangkok city, will be open tomorrow from 8.30am to 4.30pm. Check with your local immigration office.

The visa extensions are for foreigners who are unable to leave the country due to Covid-19 pandemic. The new guidelines were put in place after many foreigners couldn’t get their visas in order before the initial visa amnesty deadline in late September. Those who paid for a 30 day visa extension before the new guidelines were put in place are now allowed to stay until November 30, but they need to go to immigration to get a stamp with the new expiration date.

Those who miss the Halloween deadline can still file applications up to 90 days after, but they will be subject to a fine, according to Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They did not say how much the fines would be. Foreigners who fail to extend their visa after more than 3 months can face deportation and even prosecution, the ministry warns.

“Late application submission is allowed within 90 days after October 31, 2020, subject to a fine. Those who remain in the Kingdom without application submission within such grace period shall be deemed as overstaying and will be prosecuted, deported and prohibited from entering Thailand.”

SOURCE: Bangkok Post

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