Expats And Visitors Trapped In Thailand Finally Granted Visa Amnesty

Thailand finally announces a visa amnesty for expats, tourists and other foreign travellers.

Expats and foreign travellers trapped in Thailand after the government shut down all borders are now relieved a government amnesty has given them the right to extend their stays without worrying about their status. The amnesty will last until April 30, giving those affected more time to work out how to leave the country. Tourists, business travellers and expats heading to their home countries due to the pandemic are all relieved, especially as the amnesty had been rumoured for a good few days before it was announced.

Many of those affected by Thailand’s sudden lockdown of all means of travel were tourists, whilst others were expats heading for their home countries to take advantage of free healthcare should their worst scenario become a reality, but the vast majority would have had to undergo quarantine had they managed to get home. Many missed their flights due to chaos and confusion, others because they’d been cancelled without prior notice and others decided to stay put as all borders in their home countries had been closed.

After several delays and many rumours, Thailand’s Immigration Authority today announced that visa amnesties will be granted to all foreigners marooned in the country. Basically, those whose visit visas had expired by March 26th now have them automatically extended until April 30 and will not be required to visit an immigration office, nor will they be charged the fine of 500 baht per day for their overstays. For several weeks prior to the announcement, local media had reported massive queues at immigration offices in all regions, with social distancing impossible and infection a very real threat as a result.

In addition to the amnesty, expats living, working or retiring in Thailand whose 90 day reports fall due between March 26 and 30th April will be exempt from having to attend their local immigration offices. Also, foreigners whose border passes have now expired will be allowed to stay, although they must leave within seven days of the borders being reopened. The news for Thai citizens who’re stranded overseas due to flight cancellations and border closures isn’t as positive, as only 200 per day will be allowed in and will be forced into quarantine for 14 days before being allowed to return to their homes.