For one reason or another, it happens that we exceed the legal duration of stay granted by a country within the framework of a tourist visa - or other -. Regulations vary depending on the country in question. What about Thailand? There is a set of rules, but also sanctions that you need to know before going there. Of course, it is entirely possible to rectify the situation on site by extending, for example, the duration of your stay according to legal procedures. Explanations.
What are the risks if you overstay your visa for Thailand?
Before leaving for Thailand, you should know that the country does not mess around with the law and legal procedures relating to visas. On the Thai embassy website, it is clearly mentioned: “you must strictly respect the length of stay and the types of activities corresponding to your visa. Offenses, such as exceeding the authorized length of stay […] result in sanctions such as fines”, we can read there. Please note that the fine provided for in the event of exceeding the 90-day visa period is progressive. In fact, each day spent in violation in the country increases this fine. It is of the order of 500 THB per day, which is equivalent to approximately 14 €.
What are the sanctions provided for?
In addition to financial penalties, you even risk the ban on entering Thai territory in case of exceeding the authorized duration of the visa. If you report to the competent authorities of your own free will, the penalty is reduced. However, if you are arrested, you must expect a ban on entry. 10 years. Below are the details of the penalties you risk suffering:
- An overrun time between 91 days and 1 year : a 1-year entry ban if you present yourself voluntarily, a 5-year entry ban if you are arrested
- Between 1 year and 3 years : a 3 year ban or a 10 year ban
- Between 3 and 5 years old : a 5 year ban or a 10 year ban
- More than 5 years : a 10-year ban in both cases
Exceeding VISA: is it possible to appeal the ban on entering Thailand?
Each person excluded or prohibited from entering Thailand has the opportunity to appeal these decisions. The appeal procedure must be formulated from the Immigration office. If you are still in Thailand, you must make the call yourself – or by proxy – while paying the costs associated with the procedure. Everything must be done within 48 hours following receipt of information relating to the entry ban. In this context, you must complete form TM11. You can download it via this link.
You can regularize your situation even if you are not in Thailand, but only if you have been blacklisted for at least 5 years. To do this, you must initiate the appeal procedure and pay the costs that go with it by proxy. You can also contact the Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country.
What documents must be provided to launch the appeal procedure?
Below are the documents you must provide as part of your appeal regarding the entry ban into Thailand:
- A letter addressed to the Commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration in English or local language
- The reasons for your return to Thailand
- A declaration of repentance
- A certificate proving that you will comply with the laws of the kingdom – certified by the Thai embassy –
- A copy of your identity document (passport or identity card)
- A copy of the spouse's identity document (passport or identity card)
- A document relating to your criminal record, certified by the Thai Embassy or Consulate
- Documents supporting the reasons for your return (marriage certificate, work certificate, etc.). They must be translated into Thai
- A recent ID photo (5×5 cm)
- A photo with your family members
For information, letters and declarations must be provided in English.
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