Passport expires and new one hasn't arrived yet ...how does it affect my non-O?

[VinnieK]

Hi everyone

 

New to this forum

 

The story..

I’m on non-O (retirement) visa.                                                                                                                                                                                           I extended it back in mid-Aug. As my passport was expiring in 6 months, I only got a 6 month extension.                                                              Later I fell ill and couldn’t fly to BKK to apply for a new passport.  Eventually I did but my passport hasn’t arrived yet…it will arrive sometime in Feb (almost 3  months after I applied).                                                                           

What happens if ,as it seems, I will be over-staying my visa for a week or three?

I visited my local immi. office recently but couldn't get inside to talk to my usual person-in-charge but one of the junior staff told me to go back whenever I get the new passport and pay the overstay fine, plus extend the visa.

As I am in un-chartered territory I would like to have some more info by anyone who is familiar w/this problem.

And lastly...is the current amnesty going in any way to help my situation.

I know it's for 'lesser' types of visas but it would be good to know.

 

Thanks

Vinnie

 

[BritTim]

The advice you received from the local immigration official was appropriate for most offices, but only if the subsequent overstay will be short.

 

It is at the discretion of the senior official at your local office as to whether they allow you to pay the overstay fine and give you the extension. Most offices will not give you a hard time for an overstay of a week or less. Any longer, and it is very much dependant on the office.

 

EDIT: There is no requirement for the local office you give you slack on this because of Covid-19. They would not give you any kind of extension with an expired passport. They may, if they are sympathetic, allow you to clear a longer overstay than usual based on the recognition that you do have a bit of an excuse for the late passport renewal.

[ubonjoe]

If you don't get you new passport before you current extension expires you will technically be in the country illegally. 

When does you passport expire?

If it is expiring your embassy are the only ones that can help you by issuing a emergency passport or emergency travel document. You must have a valid passport to stay in the country.

[VinnieK]

12 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

If you don't get you new passport before you current extension expires you will technically be in the country illegally. 

When does you passport expire?

If it is expiring your embassy are the only ones that can help you by issuing a emergency passport or emergency travel document. You must have a valid passport to stay in the country.

Embassy doesn't issue emergency passports...not for the purpose I want it anyway

 

Passport expires in two days.

 

 

 

[petedk]

A similar thing happened to me a few months ago.

 

I talked to immigration and they were quite good about it. They told me I would probably get an overstay fine and then renew my visa.

Luckily my passport received on the day of expiration, so I was quite busy running around Bangkok and eventually to Chaeng Wattana.

[ubonjoe]

35 minutes ago, VinnieK said:

Embassy doesn't issue emergency passports...not for the purpose I want it anyway

They should be able to give you emergency travel document so you can legally stay in the country. Or at the least they should of expedited the issuance of your new passport.

Staying in the country with a expired passport would be very risky.

[jackdd]

As far as I know you have only two options:

- Be on overstay until you have your new passport and can apply for an extension

- Fly back home

[Tanoshi]

2 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

They should be able to give you emergency travel document so you can legally stay in the country.

They can only issue an emergency travel document in the case of a lost or stolen Passport.

It cannot be used to stay in the Country, only for travel to another Country.

 

2 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

Or at the least they should of expedited the issuance of your new passport.

Passport renewal is nothing to do with the Embassy.

VFS are the agents and new UK Passports are issued from the International Passport Services in the UK.

[Tanoshi]

2 hours ago, VinnieK said:

Passport expires in two days.

In 2 days you'll be on overstay, the fine is 500 baht per day.

@BritTim gave you sound advice.

The outcome depends on how soon you receive your new Passport.

[VinnieK]

2 hours ago, jackdd said:

As far as I know you have only two options:

- Be on overstay until you have your new passport and can apply for an extension

- Fly back home

Yes...option A is my choice.

The question is what will happen on the day I show up for the extension.

..plus..in case I fail to get it, I could be arrested on the spot. ????

 

 

 

[jackdd]

2 minutes ago, VinnieK said:

Yes...option A is my choice.

The question is what will happen on the day I show up for the extension.

..plus..in case I fail to get it, I could be arrested on the spot. ????

 

 

 

500THB fine per day, but total maximum is 20k THB.

If immigration gives you an extension with a month overstay... I don't know, I would contact them in advance and ask about it.

[zzzzz]

3 hours ago, VinnieK said:

Embassy doesn't issue emergency passports...not for the purpose I want it anyway

 

Passport expires in two days.

 

 

 

i know this doesn't help much but really do not understand why so many, ( ur not the only one) wait till passport is due to expire within 6 months or less to apply for a new one>
in 55 years of holding a passport have always renewed when have over 18 months left on current one..

 

As to ur situation, if ur in ANY country on an expired passport, ur there illegally.

Talk with immigration as then at least they know ur circumstances. 

[Tanoshi]

24 minutes ago, VinnieK said:

The question is what will happen on the day I show up for the extension.

..plus..in case I fail to get it, I could be arrested on the spot. ????

When did you submit your new Passport application at the VFS?

 

They'll either grant your extension after paying any overstay fine, subject to meeting the financial requirements and having your documents in order, OR, they issue a 7 day stamp to leave the Country and you'll pay the overstay fine at the airport on departure.

[VinnieK]

A few answers ..

I didn't apply early because there were no domestic flights and driving wasn't an option either due to intra-province restrictions

I live in the deep south btw

After that I was diagnosed with a heart condition that incapacitated me for 2-3 months

Early Dec  I finally applied ...passport issued late Dec but it's still stuck in the Foreign Ministry waiting for a diplomatic bag to 'fly' here

The word is that the Ministry is short of funds and they don't send bags too often.

So I'm on the waiting game..

 

I did visit the immi. office, didn't see the usual officer (as we are kept outside the building due to covid) but was told ',no problem, you come when the passport arrives'

In my world, verbal promises by low ranking officials are not to be taken too seriously..

Rant over

 

 

[sandyf]

3 hours ago, VinnieK said:

A few answers ..

I didn't apply early because there were no domestic flights and driving wasn't an option either due to intra-province restrictions

I live in the deep south btw

After that I was diagnosed with a heart condition that incapacitated me for 2-3 months

Early Dec  I finally applied ...passport issued late Dec but it's still stuck in the Foreign Ministry waiting for a diplomatic bag to 'fly' here

The word is that the Ministry is short of funds and they don't send bags too often.

So I'm on the waiting game..

 

I did visit the immi. office, didn't see the usual officer (as we are kept outside the building due to covid) but was told ',no problem, you come when the passport arrives'

In my world, verbal promises by low ranking officials are not to be taken too seriously..

Rant over

 

 

I was in a similar position back in 2014 when passports were moved from the FCO. When it got to about 10 days before the crunch date I got in touch with the embassy and they were very helpful and had the passport expedited, arrived 2 days before it became a major problem.

Immigration were very clear, if you do not have a new passport do not bother coming back and arrange to leave the country.

I take it you are from the UK. Nothing is straight forward, if you were to get an emergency travel document and managed to get a flight you cannot get a new passport straight away. They will not accept another application while one is in progress. They will need to physically retrieve the passport that has been issued which could be in the hands of VFS at that point and may take some time. I was warned about this by the embassy and unquoted advice was risk the overstay till you get the passport, then it would be up to immigration.

Good luck.

[VinnieK]

13 minutes ago, sandyf said:

I was in a similar position back in 2014 when passports were moved from the FCO. When it got to about 10 days before the crunch date I got in touch with the embassy and they were very helpful and had the passport expedited, arrived 2 days before it became a major problem.

Immigration were very clear, if you do not have a new passport do not bother coming back and arrange to leave the country.

I take it you are from the UK. Nothing is straight forward, if you were to get an emergency travel document and managed to get a flight you cannot get a new passport straight away. They will not accept another application while one is in progress. They will need to physically retrieve the passport that has been issued which could be in the hands of VFS at that point and may take some time. I was warned about this by the embassy and unquoted advice was risk the overstay till you get the passport, then it would be up to immigration.

Good luck.

I am NOT from the UK

I will leave my country un-named for the moment for reasons you can imagine.

Definitely not a major (EU) country

They cannot expedite anything

Budgetary constraints.

[natway09]

No Diplomatic pouch for 6 weeks,?

someone is taking the mickey 

[BritTim]

10 hours ago, VinnieK said:

Embassy doesn't issue emergency passports...not for the purpose I want it anyway

 

Passport expires in two days.

We do not know your passport country, and I assume you have carefully explored what your embassy is able and willing to do for you. The rules around emergency travel documents vary greatly between nationalities. Most first world countries will have policies that facilitate their nationals avoiding arrest for being illegally in a foreign country, but some embassies seem to have little concern about what happens to their nationals.

 

I would be inclined to contact your embassy again anyway. Point out that some embassies will help their citizens to remain legally in country by issuing one-year emergency travel documents. They will sometimes insist on a condition that you must return the emergency travel document when your regular passport arrives.

[jackdd]

15 minutes ago, BritTim said:

Point out that some embassies will help their citizens to remain legally in country by issuing one-year emergency travel documents.

With such an emergency travel document it's possible to apply for an extension?

[ubonjoe]

1 hour ago, VinnieK said:

They cannot expedite anything

Budgetary constraints.

Is there anyway that you could pay for shipping costs to get it here sooner. Perhaps the embassy could arrange it after you paid for it.

[Stevemercer]

It seems you have no choice. You will have to wait until you get your new passport, pay the overstay fine and then extend. Your IO is likely to be lenient given the Covid situation. You could almost certainly get away with 2 weeks, and possibly 3 to 4 weeks.

 

It would be almost impossible to comply with a 7 day order to leave Thailand, and I think most IOs realise this.

 

In the meantime, as suggested above, you will need to make a nuisance of yourself with your embassy to try and expedite your passport.

 

If more than a week has passed, try and get your embassy to issue you a letter stating when your application was made, the current status of your new passport, and when it might be expected.

[VinnieK]

Quote

No Diplomatic pouch for 6 weeks,?

 

It was once a month before but since the new year there hasn't been any.

Like I said...budgetary constraints (as was told by the Foreign ministry)

 

Quote

With such an emergency travel document it's possible to apply for an extension?

I doubt that immigration will accept this thing ,plus, to my knowledge my embassy only issue such doc. for travel back home.

They are aware of my problem and haven't suggested anything so I assume no help on that front

 

Quote

Is there anyway that you could pay for shipping costs to get it here sooner

 

I thought of that too but keep in mind that it's the Foreign ministry we are talkin about

They will become the laughing stock if they accept such a deal

This being said I will float the idea next Monday

 

Thanks to all the people who bothered to reply ????

 

[LukKrueng]

4 hours ago, BritTim said:

I would be inclined to contact your embassy again anyway. Point out that some embassies will help their citizens to remain legally in country by issuing one-year emergency travel documents

Yes, like going to a 7-11 shop asking for a product they don't have and telling them they should coz other shops have it.......

[DJ54]

OP personally I wouldn’t take the risk. Go to Immigration and wait however long is needed to discuss your situation. 

 

You dont want it to turn into... sorry nothing we can do..Extension late and canceled.

 

Good luck..

[PumpkinEater]

VinnieK sorry for your problem...hope it works out.

 

On related timing issue:

My USA passport expires next June 2022.

It may be best for me to start the process of getting a new one soon...

I have a Retirement extension stamp good until June 2020.

 

As the process of getting a new passport while in the USA is up to SIX MONTHS...Has anyone gone through the process of getting it here in Thailand at the USA embassy?

How long the process?

Also when the new passport arrives...will the retirement extension stamp be in the new one, or do I technically have to carry both passports around (old one is voided right?)?

 

Appreciate the help. 
 

Cheers!
 

[VinnieK]

1 hour ago, DJ54 said:

OP personally I wouldn’t take the risk. Go to Immigration and wait however long is needed to discuss your situation. 

 

You dont want it to turn into... sorry nothing we can do..Extension late and canceled.

 

Good luck..

I did go there 3 weeks ago.

They are keeping us outside the main building (covid etc)  and only the absolutely neccesary cases go inside.

Junior staff assured me there will be no problem.

I can't remember tbh, if they consulted with the big boss inside.

 

I could visit again but there's a problem

I'm already 0verstaying.

In theory, I could be apprehended.

Also...by making my case known, I could be apprehended at a later date at home.

Better to stay low and show up with the passport..hopefully soon.

My take anyway.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ubonjoe]

21 minutes ago, PumpkinEater said:

As the process of getting a new passport while in the USA is up to SIX MONTHS...Has anyone gone through the process of getting it here in Thailand at the USA embassy?

About 2 weeks is normal. A recent post by a member had his received by the embassy in 8 days.

You have to do them by mail now.

[Tanoshi]

19 minutes ago, PumpkinEater said:

I have a Retirement extension stamp good until June 2020.

Your either on 7 months overstay or you meant June 2021.

 

I should apply for a new Passport after you obtain your next extension.

 

22 minutes ago, PumpkinEater said:

Also when the new passport arrives...will the retirement extension stamp be in the new one, or do I technically have to carry both passports around (old one is voided right?)?

Take the old and new Passport to your Immigration office to have the stamps transferred to your new Passport.

[foreverlomsak]

On 2/6/2021 at 10:49 AM, zzzzz said:

i know this doesn't help much but really do not understand why so many, ( ur not the only one) wait till passport is due to expire within 6 months or less to apply for a new one>
in 55 years of holding a passport have always renewed when have over 18 months left on current one..

Past advise from the UK passport office was not to apply too early. They would quite happily issue a new 10 year passport up to 9 months early, giving you 10 years 9 months validity (I've had one). Prior to the 9 months I understood you only got the 10 years, so people waited. Now I'm told it doesn't matter when you apply you only get 10 years from date of issue, if it's issued 18 months before expiry of the old one you lose the 18 months.

[LukKrueng]

1 hour ago, foreverlomsak said:

Past advise from the UK passport office was not to apply too early. They would quite happily issue a new 10 year passport up to 9 months early, giving you 10 years 9 months validity (I've had one). Prior to the 9 months I understood you only got the 10 years, so people waited. Now I'm told it doesn't matter when you apply you only get 10 years from date of issue, if it's issued 18 months before expiry of the old one you lose the 18 months.

If it actually happened to you (that you got 10 years+9 months) I can't argue with that fact, however it makes no sense as maximum validity is 10 years from the date issued. It doesn't matter why you issue a new passport and how long a validity it still has - to replace a lost or damaged one, to replace one with no or not enough blank pages for visas or whatever - the new passport has a validity of 10 years (some countries less, never seen one with more)