Visa Run Question

[donavan]

I found out I have to leave the country. Im an American citizen and my one year visa ends tomorrow. I was told to go on a visa run. I was wanting to fly to Singapore and back. My question is how long to i have to stay gone?? Can i arrive in Singapore and come back to Bangkok like a few hours later?? Thank you to anyone that can help me on this.

[astral]

You do not say anything about how you obtained your one year visa.

Usually these visa's can be extended for a further year, at the local immigration office provided you meet the requirements for the visa,

employment and work permit or marriage or investment.

I wonder who told you that you have to leave?

If you do fly to Singapore you can come straight back, but be aware that you will only get a 30 day stamp when you arrive in Bangkok. If you want to stay longer you must apply for a new visa outside Thailand.

Singapore is not the easiest embassy for applications. A trip to Penang would be better.

[donavan]

My one year visa was given because my dad is thai and he went with me to the immigration office. However he isnt in the country right now to extend my visa. SO they said i must leave. i mentioned the overstay fee and they scared me away from my plans of doing that. I only need to stay for another month.

[astral]

Do Not Overstay!!!!

Yes, your father would need to sign to extend your stay.

Another time plan further ahead, applications can be done a month ahead of time.

A cheap out and in flight via Singapore is an easy option for you,

or one of the visa bus services to Cambodia.

With a Thai father you should be able to apply for a Thai passport and then the problem goes away for ever.

[donavan]

okay, so before i book my ticket here... I CAN BOOK A FLIGHT TO ARRIVE IN SINGAPORE LIKE SAY 3PM AND LEAVE TO COME BACK AT 5PM? THANKS FOR YOUR HELP. MUCH APPRECIATED!!

[LindsayBKK]

I have done Singapore 4 times in 2 years.

Tourist Visa $50sg (60days) pick-up passport next day after 2pm. Singapore is easy.

But watch out for public holidays.

[lopburi3]

I would allow more than 2 hours but yes all you need to do is enter Singapore and get on the next flight back to obtain a 30 day entry without visa on your American passport (which you say is all you need). There is no requirement to be out any length of time.

[astral]

2 hours is plenty.

On a cheap ticket you will probably be coming back on the same plane you flew in on.

No need to "enter" Singapore.

No stamp in your passport is needed.

Just go to the Transit desk, or straight to the gate if you have the boarding pass.

[spacebass]

2 hours is plenty.

On a cheap ticket you will probably be coming back on the same plane you flew in on.

No need to "enter" Singapore.

No stamp in your passport is needed.

Just go to the Transit desk, or straight to the gate if you have the boarding pass.

Hey Astral,

Is Singapore different to say Poipet Cambodia? I am sure I have read on this board about problems had by people not getting stamped in and out of Cambodia there, and if it is the same we would not have to buy a Cambodian Visa.

Regards

Spatial

Edited February 15, 2006 by spacebass

[lopburi3]

At a land crossing they are looking for a stamp in your passport to prove entry into another country (and without it you do not obtain an entry stamp back into Thailand). On airport arrival this is normally not checked because many countries do not require a stamp on exit. However there have been many recent cases where people have been required to present there aircraft boarding pass to inbound immigration and if that happens they could question the non entry to a foreign country and deny entry to Thailand. There computer will show your exit a few hours ago. I would not advise anyone to turn around in Singapore without clearing immigration. A few minutes time and you are legal. Cheat and you may regret it.