Even one extra day can have serious consequences.

Thailand welcomes millions of visitors each year, but the country also has very clear rules when it comes to visa validity and permitted length of stay. Staying beyond your allowed period — even by accident — is considered overstay and can lead to fines, bans, or even detention.

What counts as overstay?

Overstay begins the moment you remain in the country past the date stamped in your passport by Immigration, not necessarily the visa’s validity period. This date can differ depending on your visa type, so always check your permission-to-stay stamp, not just your visa sticker.

⚠️ Consequences of Overstaying

• 1 to 90 days overstay (voluntary surrender):

  500 THB per day, up to a maximum of 20,000 THB

• Over 90 days (voluntary surrender):

  Ban from re-entering Thailand:

  • 1 year ban (overstay 90–365 days)
  • 3 years ban (1–3 years overstay)
  • 5 years ban (3–5 years overstay)
  • 10 years ban (over 5 years overstay)

• If caught overstaying (not voluntary):

  • Immediate detention
  • Possible deportation
  • Longer re-entry bans (up to 10 years) — even for short overstays

• Additional risks:

  • Being held at the Immigration Detention Centre (IDC) until deportation
  • Difficulty re-entering Thailand in the future, even on a new visa

What to do if you’ve overstayed

1. Remain calm and don’t try to leave the country unnoticed.

2. Go to the nearest Immigration Office (if your overstay is minor and justifiable) or

   Surrender at the airport before departure.

3. Bring supporting documents (e.g. hospital records if the overstay was due to illness).

4. Pay the fine immediately and follow official instructions.

5. Expect a background check and wait time — so arrive at the airport early.

⚠️ Important: Even if you overstay just one day, you are breaking Thai law.

How to avoid overstay

• Double-check the actual stamp in your passport when you enter Thailand
• Set reminders for your visa or extension expiration date
• Visit Immigration early if you plan to stay longer – most visas can be extended