Problems coming back after overstaying tourist visa twice?

[bmdouglas]

I've stupidly overstayed my 30 day tourist visa by 12 days. For some reason, I had it in my head that I had 60 days + 30 days extension. I think I was confused from when I had a multi entry tourist visa from a few years ago.

 

Also, about 3 years ago, I overstayed that multi-entry tourist visa by 20 days. That time, a man at my husband's company who was supposed to be in charge of the foreigners had taken our passports to extend them, and then just didn't...  So I really should have been more careful this time around, I know. Last time, we paid the fine, and came back to Thailand about a week later, no problems. 

So I know I'm going to need to fly out asap, and pay the fine, which I'll do. But I'm wondering about coming back into the country? Ideally, I'd want to fly out and come back the next day. I know I should have been more careful, and I know in the end it will be up to the IO, but has anyone else overstayed their visas twice by more than a few days and been able to come back/had problems coming back? 

Also, originally I came in on the tourist visa, planning to leave later to get a proper multiple entry visa (I didn't have time before I came this time). If all does go well and I'm not banned from the country, will I be able to still apply for a multi entry visa with 2 overstays on my passport?

[DrJack54]

Wait for expert advice.... however you have not and will not be blacklisted over your overstay. You mention METV and also fly out and back next day. METV is only available in home country. 

Personally I would fly out to somewhere convenient to reenter via border. Vientiane is one example. That would give you 30 visa exempt + 30 day extension wanted. Bit of time to plan next step

[BritTim]

If returning by land, the overstays should not be an immediate problem. However, it will be there in immigration's system for ever, and may well be used against you in the future.

 

I seriously advise you not to try to fly back immediately. Best would be to fly out, get a tourist visa, and return using a land border. With Vientiane no longer an option for a visa at short notice, consider flying to Ho Chi Minh City, getting your visa, then flying to Vientiane to enter Thailand by land. This will cost you money, but I imagine denied entry would cost you a lot more.

[DrJack54]

13 minutes ago, BritTim said:

If returning by land, the overstays should not be an immediate problem. However, it will be there in immigration's system for ever, and may well be used against you in the future.

 

I seriously advise you not to try to fly back immediately. Best would be to fly out, get a tourist visa, and return using a land border. With Vientiane no longer an option for a visa at short notice, consider flying to Ho Chi Minh City, getting your visa, then flying to Vientiane to enter Thailand by land. This will cost you money, but I imagine denied entry would cost you a lot more.

BritTim. Would op be able to enter via border Vientiane visa exempt. Thinking flight Saigon to Vientiane won't be cheap. 

[BritTim]

6 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

BritTim. Would op be able to enter via border Vientiane visa exempt. Thinking flight Saigon to Vientiane won't be cheap. 

Assuming he has not had two visa exempt entries by land in 2019, returning visa exempt should be OK. I failed to suggest it because (especially with those who are error prone) I think those visa exempt entries by land should be husbanded for use in emergencies.

[Salerno]

10 minutes ago, BritTim said:

Assuming he has not had two visa exempt entries by land in 2019

I know it's 2019 but I assume OP is female: "That time, a man at my husband's company..."

[LongTang]

37 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

you have not and will not be blacklisted over your overstay

 

Be advised that if you will be stopped at a random checkpoint then your current overstay my lead to a 5 years ban.

[DrJack54]

4 minutes ago, LongTang said:

 

Be advised that if you will be stopped at a random checkpoint then your current overstay my lead to a 5 years ban.

 Very true. That is why advice has been fly out. You are correct with checkpoint etc. In that case you will be also going to detention. I have read not its far from a holiday resort. 

 

[PingRoundTheWorld]

1 hour ago, bmdouglas said:

Ideally, I'd want to fly out and come back the next day.

I don't think you'd have problems with the overstay as it's not long enough to be banned if you leave voluntarily, however leaving and coming back the next day may get you some questions at immigration. My friend did that a few months ago and they almost didn't let him back in. Go on a nice vacation somewhere and stay out for a few days at least.

 

Of course your entry history and how long you've been in Thailand overall are also factors, but the overstay itself probably won't be.

[PingRoundTheWorld]

1 hour ago, bmdouglas said:

will I be able to still apply for a multi entry visa with 2 overstays on my passport?

Again probably yes, but just play it safe and get a new passport before you apply for METV.

[BritTim]

1 hour ago, Salerno said:

I know it's 2019 but I assume OP is female: "That time, a man at my husband's company..."

Unclear. I tended to think male was likely from the user name. There are not many women called "Douglas".

[DrJack54]

Geezus...what does the gender of op have to do with advice to the OP. 

So op back to your op. You state best you fly out ASAP. Your 1 million % correct. Pay your fine and leave. Read some of the posts above and go with what suits you. As I mentioned aa  have cheap flights to Vientiane. Try a visa exempt. Many other options. Depends on what suits. Idea of setv from Saigon is a good option for visa but not easy for border entry unless you can make a road trip out of it. As bus trips go (which I HATE) Saigon to PP ain't too bad. 

If you want risk fly out in (VE) you could choose cheapest option and risk refused entry. That would not cause problem in future rather just big inconvenience now.

[bmdouglas]

Thanks for your advice everyone. In case anyone else stumbles on this later, I'll post an update. 

I left Thailand that night. When I got to immigration, the officer didn't even seem phased, and just got another officer to take me to the place to pay my fine. I paid, the guy put my fine in his pocket, gave me my passport and I was on my way. I had an overnight flight to S. Korea, stayed one night in Korea, and had a flight that landed at 1am the next day, so on paper, I was out of the country for 2 days.  When I came to immigration, the officer didn't say anything and stamped my passport as usual, so I guess I was worried for nothing! 

Thanks again~