In a statement issued on March 3, 2026, Thailand’s immigration authorities announced a series of temporary measures for foreign nationals affected by the closure of certain airspaces in the Middle East since February 28.
The situation has triggered numerous flight cancellations and disruptions to international travel, preventing some visitors from leaving Thailand on their originally scheduled departure dates.
In this context, Thai authorities clarified that foreign nationals whose permission to stay expired on or after February 28, 2026, and who intend to leave the country will not face penalties.
In practical terms, the overstay fine will be fully waived for these travelers when they depart the country.
Under normal circumstances, Thai law imposes a fine of 500 baht per day of overstay, capped at 20,000 baht.
Possibility of a stay extension of up to 30 days
For travelers who are unable to leave the country immediately and wish to temporarily extend their stay, another option is available.
In such cases, authorities state that:
- if the visa or permission to stay has already expired, the legally required overstay fine must first be paid;
- a temporary stay extension of up to 30 days may then be granted.
The request must be submitted to immigration offices along with several supporting documents, including:
- the TM.7 application form for an extension of stay,
- a copy of the passport or travel document,
- a letter from an embassy or consulate explaining the need for the extension (or a statement recorded by the immigration officer if such a letter cannot be provided),
- the STM.2, STM.2/1, and STM.9 forms.
Authorities noted that these measures will remain in effect until the situation returns to normal or until a new official order is issued.
Financial assistance considered for tourists stranded in Thailand
Alongside the immigration measures, Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports is also preparing an assistance mechanism for international travelers stranded in the country.
According to the ministry’s permanent secretary, Natthriya Thaweevong, a fund designed to support foreign tourists could be activated in cases of force majeure, such as airspace closures or major disruptions to air travel.
The plan provides for compensation of 2,000 baht per day, with a maximum of 20,000 baht per person.
However, this assistance would not be paid directly to travelers. Instead, it would be distributed to tourism operators and hotel businesses hosting stranded visitors, helping cover part of the costs related to accommodation and meals.
Thailand’s tourism sector mobilizes to support travelers
In several of the country’s main tourist destinations, local initiatives are already beginning to emerge.
In Phuket, the provincial governor, working with tourism and hospitality industry associations, has called on businesses across the sector to assist visitors affected by flight disruptions.
Measures being encouraged include:
- waiving reservation change fees,
- waiving cancellation fees when necessary,
- offering preferential rates for extended stays,
- providing updated information on travel options.
Thailand thus joins a growing list of destinations, including Sri Lanka, Indonesia, India, the Maldives, and Qatar, that have temporarily adjusted their immigration policies to prevent travelers stranded by the regional crisis from falling into irregular immigration status.
These measures are primarily intended to limit administrative penalties and provide logistical support to affected tourists, at a time when disruptions to international air travel could persist.
