When you are in Thailand, maybe you want to start a meditation retreat. Maybe you think you’ve fallen in love. Maybe you just want to sit around and drink beer while watching the waves crash on the seashore.
Maybe you are planning to find a job in Thailand (for which you would need a Thai work permit).
And that’s when you realize you want to get a Thai visa extension or extend your visa-exempt entry.
So a 30-day visa extension works out if you :
- Entered Thailand with a 60-day visa or SETV.
- Came with a 6-month visa or METV to Thailand.
- Entered with a visa waiver for 30 days (the Thai government has changed this visa waiver to
45days starting from 1st October 2022 until March 2023). You can enter by land, sea or air.
And should you go for it, it’s really easy to go to the nearest immigration office and get it for 1900 THB. In reality, what you obtain is the extension of stay. You don’t get a visa sticker on your passport or anything. You simply get a stamp.
Table of Contents
How Many Thai Visa Waivers Can I Get & Extend?
There are a lot of conflicting reports online that you are allowed up to six per calendar year and some say only two.
My take is this: a big part of this depends on your personal travel history and stamps in Thailand, and whether the immigration officer had a bad day.
Personally, I think you would be fine since your last entry was a long time ago. But do have an onward ticket.
Which Border is the Best for Visa Run?
While Laos still remains the safest and easiest of all, Malaysia is just fine. Have not heard any bad news about it pretty recently.
You can take the overnight sleeper train to Penang besar. From there you can take another train to penang, if you wish to stay in Malaysia but it is not really required.
And in case you want to try the Myanmar one, the Mae Sot border- what I know is that you’ll be required to wait in the office while your passport is stamped and then asked to return immediately to Thailand.
You can’t stay there overnight. You are only permitted to cross the bridge for the purposes of a border run.
7-day Thai Visa Extension
1. Are you from Sri Lanka,India,Pakistan,Bangladesh, Iran,Nepal,Togo,Nigeria or Uganda? You can get a 7-day Thai visa extension only even if you entered with a SETV or METV.
2. Did you get 15 days visa waiver while entering Thailand? Then you can get a Thai visa extension for 7 days only.
3. Did you enter with a Thai visa on arrival for 15 days? You can get Thai visa on arrival extension for 7 days only for medical reasons.
What to Do about Onward Ticket for Thai Visa Extension?
This is something that a lot of folks have asked about in the comments. The thing about the onward ticket is that, while you do need it while extending the visa, there are a bunch of airlines that would not let you board if you don’t have one.
Been there and done that.
The best solution to this is to simply rent a flight ticket. There are a lot of other solutions that might or might not work for you. Here is a whole post on getting a travel itinerary for visa purposes.
Here is what you do. Rent the ticket a day or two before your original visa waiver or SETV runs out, without taking the extension into account. That means, if your SETV is for 60 days, you rent a ticket to leave Thailand on the 58th or 59th day.
Then once you are in Thailand, and when it is time for the extension, either buy a real ticket if you are gonna fly out or a bus/train ticket to Laos or some other country or rent a flight ticket again.
Do You Need Insurance for Thai Visa Extension?
No, for the extension itself, you don’t need insurance, although you would have gotten it in the first place for entering Thailand.
That being said, we always recommend to our readers that they are fully insured when they are traveling. And for what it’s worth, we believe at close to 10 USDs per week and covering almost everything including COVID, SafetyWing is one of the best providers.
This is something that we have already used ourselves. And if you are having doubts, here are 18 backpackers who could throw some light on why backpacker travel insurance is super important.
When to Get Thai Visa Extension
You must apply for a visa extension before your stay permit or visa expires!
I recommend planning to get your extension a week earlier. It is better to not wait until the last minute.
The days are added on to your current stamp, not from the date you apply for an extension. So, you won’t be losing any days.Where to Extend Thailand Tourist Visa
Each province has at least one immigration office. You can find the list of branches on the official website of Thailand Immigration. The office and its outbuildings act as a one-stop shop for the process.
You can also refer to this map for Thailand Immigration Offices, however, please note that sometimes the locations can change. Please do some homework before you show up.
You must visit in person to apply for the extension. The extension gives you an additional 30 days on your current entry.
New Location for Extension on Visa Waivers in Bangkok
There is a new location (because of Covid) for the extension of Visa Waivers in Bangkok: IT Square Laksi Plaza, 3rd Floor ( 8.30 am – 4.30 pm)
If you came with SETV to Thailand, then the location to get the visa extension is Chaeng Watthana.
Immigration offices are open Monday-Friday and closed on local holidays.
These locations in Bangkok have changed in the recent past. So make sure to confirm before showing up.
Ayutthaya
Here is Billy’s experience with Visa Extension in Ayutthaya.
It went quickly (11am Friday). Can do photocopies (3 baht/page) and pictures across the street at a small shop with a camera sticker on the window.
The receptionist at immigration called my hostel, but not sure if actually checking that I was staying or just if it existed.
Then a desk to fill out a few forms – one worker was very helpful and spoke some English. (And had white-out for things like when it said “date” but then the next line had month and year)
Then the office, where I was seen immediately. Around 10 minutes of her doing paperwork, a webcam pic, then you pay and another officer signs off on your passport. Takes up about 1/3 of a page.
(Oh and no problem not having a collar in my photo, I’d read that elsewhere)
Required Documents for Thai Visa Extension
To extend your stay, you will need:
- TM7 Extension of Temporary Stay form -Must include the complete address of your hotel or apartment
- A copy of your passport ID page
- A copy of your entry stamp or a copy of your visa, if you entered with one.
- Thai visa extension photo requirements:- 1 passport photo, 4x6cm
- 1,900฿ fee for extension paid in cash
Some immigration offices can ask for TM30 optionally. Usually they don’t since the hotel has the responsibility to get it for you, although you can do it as well. This can be done online or by visiting the local immigration office. There have been cases where people dug up a screenshot of the filing done by the property manager from phone and business card, and that worked. But don’t count on luck.
All copies must be signed. There’s always a photocopier and a photoshop on-premise or nearby where these can be arranged for a small fee.
TM 6 used to be a requirement, but it belongs to history now, at least for those who fly in.Steps of Getting Thai Visa Extension
The whole procedure to extend Thailand visa is straightforward but it can be time-consuming. Expect to spend 1-2 hours at the immigration office. The fastest I’ve completed an extension was in 30 minutes.
Step 1
Grab the TM.7 application form for Thai visa extension. It’s a 2-page form. You can also download TM.7 form here.
Step 2
Complete the form. You will need to fill in your personal information, no. of requested days, the reason for the extension, address in Thailand etc. Then gather the necessary copies and a photo. Attach your photo to the designated area in the form and sign it.
Step 3
Hand over your passport and paperwork to receive a queue number.
When your number is called you’ll approach the indicated desk and your photo will be taken. Pay the 1900 THBs at that time- cash only. You’ll be sent away and approximately 5-10 minutes later you’ll be called by your name.
This is when your passport is handed back to you with an extra stamp permitting an additional 30 days of stay.
Whether you need 3, 13, or all 30 days; the process and the fee remain the same.
Important: Follow The Law
Now some people might be thinking, “Wow! 1900฿, I only need 2 or 3 more days before I fly out. What if I don’t take the time and pay the money for an extension?”
There is an overstay penalty. Every day past your permission to stay is a 500฿ fine. This is usually discovered at departure. People get caught up, forget, change a flight, etc. You will get a stamp in your passport indicating you overstayed and how much you paid.
In the past, if this is an honest mistake and you’ve overstayed a few hours to less than a day, the immigration officials at the airport may waive the fine. How does that happen? Maybe you’ve got a late night or early morning “red-eye” flight.
You arrive at the airport at 23:00 for your 1:30 flight. By the time you check-in and get processed by immigration, it could be after midnight. In this scenario, they are likely to waive the fine.
If you only call it an overstay fine, maybe it doesn’t sound so bad. The truth is you have broken the law. You are illegally staying in Thailand. This is no joke.
The maximum fine is 20,000฿ and you may face jail time. You can even be banned from re-entering Thailand in the future.So, I would recommend you to get a Thai visa extension if you plan to stay longer.
How was your experience extending your Thai visa?
Let me know in the comments if you have any questions about Thai visa extension. If you want to add something that you experienced, do let me know. Please share if you think it’s useful.
Read More Thai Visa Experiences
- Thailand non-immigrant visa
- 60 Day Thailand Tourist Visa
- Thailand Work Permit Visa
- Thai Visa on Arrival
- 90 Days Report in Thailand
- Thailand Visa in Nepal
Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclaimer policy here. The Visa Project would by no means be liable for any purchase of tours, tickets, and any other online reservations that are made with any third-party provider.
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How many times can a visa exempt traveler (flying in) extend? For example, Thailand is currently allowing a 45 day stay for visa exempt travelers. After that 45 days, one has the option to stay 30 more days. Beyond that, can this same tourist continue to extend without needing a border run, or how would that work?
Hi Aaron,
After the first 30 day extension, you would need to make a border run. In some situations, you can get 7 more days, but that’s it really.
Hi again Deb,
Does the exentsion clock begin the day the extension is granted or received?
I have understood that with 15 days remaining, the extension would begin at the end of those 15 days to start the 30 anew (for a total of 45 days remaining). Is this true?
Hi Aaron,
The regular extension is added to the expiration date of your current stamp so that you wouldn’t lose any days. I you look at the extension pic in the article, you can see the date granted was 27 Mar but the date on the extension is 15 May. So it is a 30 day extension that means, it would actually be counted from 15th April.
Hello,
Is the limit to only one time 30 days extension for exempt holders still in place? Or can I extend twice 30 days now?
In case of a border run, which one is the most convenient at the moment?
Hi,
You can extend for 30 days only once if you have a SETV. Not happening with exemption these days. The best option is to get a visa.
Thanks for this topic hope you can help me. I just extended my visa to onother 30 days . Can i stay for 7 more . Because the reason my flight ticket is more than the i extend.please advice.
Hi Maricel,
You can try the Covid extension for 60 days.
Hi.. after my 30 day extension visa last March, Ive done a visa run and got another 45 days. Can I have an extension again?
Hi Nessa,
I don’t see why not.
I’m here in Thailand on a 30 day visa exemption from Australia and my girlfriend’s arrival from the Philippines has been delayed for a month until the 19th Jan. What are my best options? My visa exemption expires on 20th Jan. Also, can “visa agents” in Thailand be trusted? I’ve found some places in Bangkok that come and collect your passport and get your extension for you. Are they to be trusted?
Personally, unless I know its a Gov official, NEVER hand over your passport to anyone. Not for a deposit hold, and certainly not for them to run off to do something for you. Go to immigration office yourself and hand them your passport.
Thank you for the article. Are the Covid extensions for BKK still being done at the Chaengwattana Immigration office or has the location moved to IT Square Laksi? I keep finding conflicting information online and haven’t been able to successfully get through when I call either office. Thank you!
If I enter before March 31 st…will I get 45 days exemption ?or is it back to 30 days from then
Hi Paul,
You should get 45 days ideally if you enter before 31st March.
Hello…is there a limit to the number of times you can apply for a 30 day visa extension at immigration office (arrival by 45 day tourist visa exemption).
Is it possible to extend into the STV if you came in on a 45 visa exemption?
Great article, really easy to follow.
Hi Tom,
Yes, you can extend for 30 more days after the 45 days of visa exemption.
Hi Deb, is there an official website where inmigration show this information? I am not able to find it.
Just landed on your site looking for quick info, but it seems you provide consistent support. So great, thank you so much.
Hi Toño,
Unfortunately, the document that contained info was in Thai and the link to that document is not working right now. But you can still refer to the US embassy update on this: https://th.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/. Go to Entry and Exit requirements. US embassy updates the info frequently.
And thank you for your kind words.
Hello.
Is it possible to get a 60 day extension on my 30 VOA ( from UK); paying 1,900 baht?
Additionally, am correct in thinking this will finish near the end of May.
Thanks.
Hi John,
You can get the 30-day and then the 60-day extension. As per the current updates, yes, it is supposed to run until May.
Where did you get the information that you can extend a visa exemption for 45 days (rather than 30)? – I can find this nowhere other than your website
Hi Roy,
Thank you for pointing it out. The 45 days applies to stay and not extension. I have rectified it. You can look at the info on 45 days stay on the website of the Thai embassy in the US.
I have a friend who went to Thailand on January 25, 2023. He continues to extend his stay every month for 30 + days. Can you tell me what Visa does he has in place.
Wish I knew. Why wouldn’t your friend tell you? 🙂
Is the COVID extension policy still in effect (60 day extension) ? I came to Thailand on exemption visa from US (45 days) but like to use the COVID 19 extension to get additional 60 days, is that possible? Thanks
Hi Gilbert,
Yes, the 60-day extension for the COVID program is now valid until May 29th. So if your stamp runs out before May 29th, you can apply for a 60-day extension. Although I must mention that in some immigration offices, they would ask you to apply for the 30 days extension first. In some, they would allow you to take the 60-days COVID extension straightaway.
If i applied for the 60 days extension after the 45 days visa exemption, is that mean that i need to apply for a new insurance also for another 60days?
Thanks, Rolando Ngabidj for thevisaproject.com
Hi Deb,
Why is it that people from the countries you listed have to extend only for 7 days despite the fact that the normal is 30-days.?
In case if the covid 19 extension is extended after 29th may, is everyone eligible to get that? I am Nigerian planning to come with SETV for tourism.
I also learnt that there is this special tourist visa (STV) which gives permission to stay up to 90-days with possible extension of another 90-days if the traveler enter thailand before 01 July, 2021. As a Nigerian, am I eligible to apply for the STV?
Thank you for your nice article
Hi Ameer,
Unfortunately, that’s how it is. The rules are different for different nationalities.
I would say yes, everyone would be eligible for the COVID extension.
And Nigerians are not eligible to apply Thai STV as of now.
Hi, as per my information you can get a covid extention cisa till 26th May, 2022. Are Pakistani citizens also eligible to get this extention? If yes, what is the procedure? Thanks in advance.
Hi Zia,
I am not sure if Pakistani citizens can get it. If they can, the process will be the same. You can give it a try and update us. It would be helpful to others.
Hi, I like to stay a year or two if when I go meet girl and maybe stay while K1 visa is processing am US retired military 20 years and disabled rated veteran not that, that matters some countries off retire plan.
When i have a flight date on my departure card and i get my visa extention. Do they issue a new departure card with a new flight date or will i still keep the old card and just change my flight? Will there be a problem when my flight date is not the same like the one on my departure card?
Hi Tom,
You can keep the old card and simply change the flight. No issues.
there is no 45 day extension , your terminology is also completely incorrect (arrive on a waiver then extend your visa , also there are NO BORDER runs , land borders are closed)
I would disagree with you. Do you have any sources to back it up?
You can look at the info on 45 days extension on the website of the Thai embassy in the US.
Sorry about my earlier comment Darren. I actually meant 45 days stay, not a 45-day extension. The article has been rectified.
Hi Deb.I need your help some information I have a stamp visa and it has been renewed covid visa and it will expire on 25th August after this what can I do next? Can I still extend the time? Or do I have to run of boarders and exit to neighbouring countries?I need your advice Appreciated
Hi Za,
If you have only had the COVID extension, then you will still be eligible for the normal extension without making a border run.
Hi am from Tanzania , Am asking my Visa Expires 11 August, I came with 60 days Tourist Visa, is it possible to extend 45 days or is just 30 only?
Hi Mussa,
You will be able to extend for 30 days since you came with a visa.
Hi Deb,
Thanks for your article. 2 Questions:
– How can one do a border run when it seems most (if not all) nearby borders are closed?
– After extending a tourist visa for 30 days, can it be extended again for another 30 days, and then another after that?
Thank you
Hi Patrick,
Yes, most borders are closed. But why do you need to make one now, considering the fact that you can get the COVID extension?
– You can get only one 30-day extension (which is 45 now if you entered visa-exempt) but more than one COVID extension as long as they are giving them out. In a pre-Covid world, you could get only one 30-day extension and make border runs.
Hi Deb,
If I enter Thailand with the visa exemption program (no visa), I can extend it twice for a total of 90 days I believe. My question is how do I stay in the country longer? I want to stay for nine months, but the STV is proving painfully annoying to get. Can I enter Thailand on the visa exemption program and then apply for a new visa in-country? Or is there a way I can renew with the COVID extension over and over again? Probably not right?
Hoping you can shed some light on this.
Thanks!
Hi Oliver,
I understand your frustration over the STV. If you plan to stay longer, you can enter as visa-exempt, then get the COVID extensions as long as they are in place and then get regular extensions. So that way, you get 75 days for sure(45 days when you enter and 30 when you extend). And you can get more than one COVID extension. People have received multiple COVID extensions. With every COVID extension you get, you add 60 days.
Dear Deb, your site is the most informative one that I have browsed about Thailand visa. I have a question I wish you could help. I came in Thailand with a visa exempt entry ( US passport holder). Could I apply for a tourist visa inside Thailand? Appreciate very much your reply. Thanks again.
Hi GZ,
Thank you for your kind words. Since you have entered visa-exempt, you can get the extensions(regular and Covid) while you are inside Thailand. But in order to get a tourist visa like SETV/METV, you would need to go to a Thai embassy. You can’t get it inside Thailand.
Thanks deb for your reply. Understand now. Really appreciate your help.
How long do you think the 60-Day Covid-19 Extensions might be available to people?
The latest I’ve found online is “probably until late September”, but who knows? Not me!
I’m NOT trying to “trap” you into making a promise about the future, that you of course have no power over. You’re not in charge of Thai immigration law, and I’m not trying to “trick” you into pretending that you are.
But still, I’m very curious as to what you’re EXPECTING will happen, especially in the context of this “Covid Delta strain” situation that Thailand (and many other countries) appears to definitely be in today (middle July 2021).
(I’m not in Thailand yet, but thinking about coming, as a regular nobody-special USA tourist, through the 14-day ASQ quarantine thing, and hopefully for as much stay-time as I can get.)
Thank you!
Hi Rocco,
My gut feeling is that it would probably be in place until the end of this year and definitely until the end of September. Things are evolving with the Delta strain.
I sometimes wonder if there is anyone in charge of Thai immigration laws. Maybe many of us do. 🙂
Hi for covid – 19 extension visa can apply online or should go at the Thai immigration in person as the cases right now is a lot!
Hi Joan,
In some of the immigration offices, they are already accepting limited applicants. And in some places, they are asking you to contact them before coming down. But there is no online application process till now.
How far in advance of your visa expiration date can you apply for the 60 day covid extension?
Hi Tony,
While different immigration offices interpret things differently, the consensus is that if you are getting the COVID extension for the first time, it would start the day you apply. So if you apply too soon, you would lose a few days. But I guess you should apply at least a week before.
From the second time onwards, the 60 days would be added to your existing extension of stay.
Which office in Bangkok deals with 30 day extension to the 45 day visa? and I assume I can download the forms so I can fill out my paperwork before I go to save time?
The immigration office in Bangkok. You can find the exact address from the link in Where to extend section. Yes, you can download the form.
I read all comments and answers.
US Passport holder still in America.
36yrs old.
Wanna stay in Thailand for 6 months.
Should I go Visa Exempt and do the standard extension and Covid extension
OR
Apply for a Visa here in Los Angeles and then go for extensions in Thailand. If Yes to Visa what other visas are good options besides the 60 days tourist visa ? Thx a lot.
Hi Weekii,
The first option is pretty popular these days. Even if you manage to get one COVID extension, you can get 135 days, like 4 and half months. And maybe you could get more than one COVID extension which means definitely more than 6 months.
Hi Deb,
Sorry to bother you again. I called the Thai embassy here in Los Angeles and I was told by the person on the phone If I go to Thailand without any tourist visa just my US Visa exempt passport the immigration office in Thailand can’t give me the standard extension since I have no visa to extend. What do you think ?
Hi Weekii,
If they have stopped giving them out, in that case, you could come with a SETV or METV.
Hi Deb,
Questions about the 60 days Covid extension:
1) My immigration office is Jomtien Pattaya. They gave me a TM 7 and few other docs to fill in, but no TM 30. Is it normal? Do I need to fill in a TM 30 online?
2) My current tourist visa ends on september 15th. My lease agreement from my condo ends on september 13th. I may move from my condo. Is it a problem ? I will fill the documents for the 60 days covid extension this week and put my current address on them. But if I move, that would mean that technically, I wouldn’t be living at the address I notified to immigration after september 13th. Is it then safer to stay at my current place?
Thank you so much
Hi Aurélien,
1. It is totally normal. TM30 is a requirement for the 90 days report.
2. It would definitely be a safer option to continue in your current place. But it is possible to do what you are saying, especially when it is in the same province. People have done it.
Hi Deb,
Thank you so much for this piece, very informative!
Is there any news about the grant of Covid extension beyond September 27th? Can we expect that it would be forthcoming?
Thank you!
Hi Karen,
We can definitely expect it. 🙂
Will update the article the moment I know.
Hi Deb,
Great website, thx a lot for all the info!
I have a few questions if you don’t mind.
At the moment the visa waiver of 45 days is planned to come back to 30 days at the end of the month, do you think it will be prolonged seeing the current situation? And if yes, when should we expect an official announcement?
I’ve read that foreigners entering Thailand under the visa exemption category must provide at the port of entry proof of onward travel to leave Thailand within 30 days of the arrival date (or 45 if prolonged). Now, I’m planning to extend my stay once there but can I buy a ticket with a return date that already includes my extended stay (so after 60 or 75 days)? May I tell them I intend to extend my stay of another 30 days and this is the reason of the return date or they are not flexible on this?
Thx a lot!
Hi Masha,
It might get prolonged. We never know what kind of surprises the pandemic has for us. Hard to guess.
I believe you should always have an onward ticket in Asia. And yes, people have been in trouble for this in Thailand. You don’t need to buy one really. You can rent one easily, for as low as 10-15$. And I would recommend buying it within 30 days of your arrival date. Much safer.
Here is my article on the onward ticket: https://thevisaproject.com/blog/tips/10-ways-for-onward-travel-proof/
And the website if you want to jump there directly: https://thevisaproject.com/recommends/visa-reservation/
Hi Deb, the info on this website is so helpful and you have put in a lot of effort to reply people who really want to get back to Thailand. Thank you so much. I would like to confirm that a Singapore passport visa exemption (45days) can be issued with an extension of 30days. Because I called up the Thai embassy in Singapore and the person told me that visa exemption cannot be extended.
How true is this? Thanks!
Hi Del,
Thank you for your kind words.
I have been recently hearing the same from a few sources. However, there is no confirmed report whether they have stopped giving these 30-day extensions to everyone forever or to some nationalities. So I think a SETV would be a better idea for getting an extension. I would add a note in the article on this.
Hi Deb, i have question about the exemption visa, i will go Thailand in october with exemption visa, it will be only for 30 days in october😓. Do you know if it will be possible to extend for 30 more days in immigration there? With all the new things with covid i m not sure 😅.
Thank you very much 🙏
Hi Jo,
I doubt it. Have been hearing reports that it is not a thing anymore, although we don’t know if it is for all the nationalities. So a visa would be better if you want the 30-day extension.
This isn’t supposed to be negative but I felt there was a little bit of incorrect information here advising others…. whenever I have had the 30 day extension at immigration, the date never runs on from your sate of expiry but commences from the day you attend.
ie…. If you attend the immigration office 7 days before your visa expires then you lose the 7 days, as the commence date is from the date you attend. So I usually go there 2 days before the visa end date, as generally unless there’s been changes, I am aware of what I need to take, being my pport, copy of pport page, copy of visa page showing the TM6, both copies signed and a pport sized photo with 1900 Baht.
Visa runs ‘did’ give an additional 60 days upon entering back in to Thailand NOT 7 days as previously mentioned on this thread by somebody.
Anyway just wanted to put this out there to avoid misinformation to others etc. 🙂👍
I have a 60 day tourist visa and yesterday went to get an extension and rather than a 30 day, I was given a ‘Covid’ 60 day extension.
Hope this info might be of interest to some peeps… Have an awesome day!
This is definitely also what I was told today. As soon as you get that extension, you lose the remaining days that you would originally have had!
I was today at the temporary center , counter K, to renew my visa waiver (=visa exemption, w 30) and I requested 30 days more. The 30 days they stamped started from when the visa waiver will end. Smooth procedure, now (as of 20 nov. 2021) they are also open on Saturdays and I was there just after lunch break (1 pm), no queue at all.
Here the link https://bangkok.immigration.go.th/en/ตม-1-เปิดจุดให้บริการเพิ-2/
Super friendly!I read on google maps some bad reviews and was prepared for the worse but my experience was perfect. As a reason I just put I wanted to do more traveling in Thailand.
The link is not working anymore, but the new location is at the IT Square Mall in Lak Si (3rd floor)
Hi, i’ll be going to bangkok by Visa exemption this November and I’m wondering if i could apply for a visa extension of 60 days once i arrive in bangkok?
Hi Val,
I don’t think so. I would recommend you to come with a visa.
Hi Deb,
After dealing with a Thai based travel agency while planning my visit this site and comment section has been very helpful.
It seems you ard advising against the visa exempt and instead go with a TR visa which can then be extended for a total of 90 days.
I am interested in staying longer and possibly applying for an Education visa. Can I apply for an Education visa if I arrive on a TR visa? I am looking to travel from Mexico City early November with a US passport.
Or, what would you recommend if I want to stay for 6-12 months?
Thank you for any suggestions.
Hi Tom,
I would recommend coming on a tourist visa and then extending it in Thailand. If you can get one Covid extension and a regular one, that will give you more or less 6 months. To Convert the tourist visa to an education visa, you need to make a visa run. Probably get an ed visa before coming down?
I was contacting phuket language school with this question and they said because of the pandemic situation, I can
convert tourists visa to ED visas without leaving the country.
Thanks for updating Martin. Hope everything goes well.
Hi Deb,
If I arrive on a TR visa and extend for a total of 90 days can I apply for a longer term visa? I am thinking about an Education or other long term visa if possible.
My plan is to arrive in BKK in early November from Mexico City on my US passport.
Any rumors about border immigration offices opening for ‘visa runs’ in the near future?
Thank you for any suggestions or recommrndations.
No such rumors yet. Thai immigration loves surprising people. 🙂
Hi Darren. Great article. Thank you very much. I am fully vaccinated against covid-19 British citizen currently in Turkey on a visit for a month. I would like to travel from Istanbul to Bangkok early November 2021. The PM of Thailand announced that there will be no quarantine from fully vaccinated visitors from low risk countries. I am not clear whether I need to quarantine or not? With the visa exempt program am I allowed to stay 30 or 45 days? Can I apply for visa extension on arrival? Many thanks for your help
Hi there
I am fully vaccinated against covid-19 British citizen currently in Turkey on a visit for a month. I would like to travel from Istanbul to Bangkok early November 2021. The PM of Thailand announced that there will be no quarantine from fully vaccinated visitors from low risk countries. I am not clear whether I need to quarantine or not? With the visa exempt program am I allowed to stay 30 or 45 days? Can I apply for visa extension on arrival? Many thanks for your help
Hi Dr Saleh,
You have not mentioned your nationality. Can not really say unless I know that.
I have a return ticket to Thailand departing Spain 15 Dec 21 returning 9 March 22.
I am a UK citizen resident in Spain.
I want to enter Thailand on a Visa Exempt for 30 days and then change to one or two 30 days tourist visas or one of 60.
Can you advise me of easiest options.
Thanks David
Hi David,
I would recommend getting a single entry or multiple entry visa and not coming as visa-exempt if you want to stay longer.
Hi Deb
First of all, your site is off tremendous value. Thank you so much for that.
My question is about the return flight, the flight number we need to show on the TM6. Do I show the return flight # I currently have, (that departure date was based on my first 30 days), when applying for an extension or do I need to change my onward flight first, based on expecting another 30 days?
The answer to this question is very important to me, as it is costly to actually change the plane ticket before I really know when my actual departure date will be after applying for the extension.
Thanks in advance
Hi Christian,
Thank you for your kind words. I believe here is the answer you are looking for: https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thai-visa-extension/#comment-1647
Thanks and yeah, I saw that, yet not totally sure on how to proceed. Basically, I should leave my current real return ticket back to Toronto (am Canadian), based on the first 30 days, alone for now, and get a cheap onward ticket that shows me leaving after 30 or 60 days of extension?
I hope to get this Covid extension, so I just go for 60 days and see what happens? Would that be the way to go, even if they give me only 30 days extension?
They will give you 30 days even if you get the Covid extension. You can get a cheap ticket or rent one. Ideally, the date on the ticket should be before your visa ends, not the extension.
Hi Christian I’m coming in from the United States so I get the free 30 days is it possible to extend another 30 days with A TM 7 form i thailand??
Hi Deb,
Great article! Thank you for providing so much information on the Visa process for Thailand.
My partner and I (both British Nationals) have been on a working holiday visa in New Zealand (not official residents) for the past 20 months and are planning on flying to Thailand at the end of November.
We’re currently stuck between two visa options:-
1) Is it possible to arrive in Thailand for 30 days on a Visa-exempt entry, and then apply for the 30 day extension once in the country. We already have both flights booked in and out of Thailand (for the duration of the 60 days), and were planning on renting a ticket as proof of our outward journey for the 30 day exemption. Do you know if this extension is still available?
2) Our other option is the Single Entry 60 day Tourist Visa (SETV). Do you have any insight into processing times and how easy it is to apply for? We are finding some difficulties in choosing correct documentation- despite being out of the UK for 20 months, we are still citizens and official residents there, whilst our most up to date documentation e.g. bank statements, are from NZ.
What are your thoughts on our options?
Many thanks in advance, keep up the awesome work!
Hi James,
Thank you for the kind words.
I would highly recommend option number 2. You can apply for the SETV in NZ. It is pretty fast. Here is the info: https://wellington.thaiembassy.org/th/publicservice/17614-applying-for-a-visa. Do check out the doc checklist.
This is what you would need for sure: a valid letter
of recommendation from your educational institute or employer with the application.
Hi Deb
Your highlighted section “Many expats have recently reported …” scared the hell out of me, as that was about to destroy my plans. I googled and googled, but couldn’t find anything to support that. I think you should remove that, unless you got details of why that happened to those. It is needlessly very worrisome!
And here is why:
Am Canadian and arrived Phuket Oct.14 with the Visa Waiver and got a stamp for Nov.12 (29 days only for some reason).
I was there today in Bangkok, Nov.08, and got a new stamp for Dec.12. I talked to the handful of people there, while waiting, but none had any worries of getting the extension.
By the way. The link for the Immigration Devision 1 in Bangkok you are showing is only good for real visas. There is a new location (because of Covid) for extension of Visa Waivers, where I was today. See this link: https://bangkok.immigration.go.th/en/courses/counter-k-limited-at-300-queues-per-day/
Question: If the 60 day Covid Extension stays as it is until November 26, then I must go there before that (in about 16 to 18 days from now), right? Haha, basically just answered my own question, but it is always good to hear you confirming that.
Thanks a lot
Hi Christian,
Thank you very much for the update. I guess that the Thai embassies in various countries are being ambiguous about the whole thing. I will update the article with your comment.
Coming to your question, you can surely apply for the COVID extension before 26 Nov. Usually people go a week before the extension expires. I guess the COVID extension thing will continue after this, but who knows!!
Fino al 24 marzo
Hi Deb, I went to the immigration in Bangkok to apply for the 60 day covid extend but was told I had to get the normal 30 day extension first. I plan to return before the 25th when the covid extension May expire but I was told I need a letter from embassy to get the covid extension. I looked on the US embassy website and it states thai immigration doesn’t need a letter and the US embassy does not issue such letters. Do you know anything about this? Also I want to stay in Thailand as long as I can. Can you give me any information on how to do border runs? Thanks so much.
Hi Lance,
yes, you need to get the normal extension first.
As per the letter, you can show the screenshot from US embassy website or even email them and get a response that they don’t provide any such letters. That would be good enough in most cases.
Stay longer in Thailand: https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thailand-long-stay-visa-and-restrictions/
Hi guys, I’m arriving in Thailand on Oct 25th. If you do the visa on arrival do you know the maximum time you can stay? Its very unclear. Thanks
Hi Chris,
What’s your nationality?
Visa on arrival is for 30 days now, but visa-free entry is for 45 days. It all depends on where you are from.
And of course that link doesn’t exist!
Thanks a lot for your information, just wanted to share my recent experience that may help answering recent comments. I have a French passport so i guess my experience may apply to EU citizens at least.
I entered Thailand on the 26th of September with a 45 days visa exemption using the Koh Samui sandbox program (back then you could get 45 days, but quarantine was 7 days strict + 7 days relax , with possibility to visit the island)
I then moved to Phuket and on the 4th of November (4 days before my visa exemption last day), I went to the main immigration office and applied for a Covid extension (TM7 + 2 other forms+1 document from hotel where I stay – TM-30 I think) The process is a described except that I was told to come back 1 week later to get my final stamp. I went back on the 11th and got a 60 days extension.
At least for Phuket (there were dozens of foreigners inside and outside the immigration office), I think it’s very easy to get an extension, from exemption or actual visa. Just block a day to do the first part (took me 5 hours).
Good luck!
thai embassy london has lost my application forms.say not time to do again.i come thailand for 45 days from 29 november.can i fly in for 30 days then get 15 days extra at thai immigration.thank you and hope to hear from you soon.
Based on the two stories (comments) before yours, your question has already been answered 🙂
Hi everyone,
I would like to share my personal experience with immigration regarding the ”Special 60-Day Covid Extension on a Thai Visa”. [Apologies if some of these things have already been mentioned by others.]
The first thing that immigration told me that this is NOT an extension of an existing visa – in my case a student visa – but an entirely new visa, i.e. the ”Covid visa”. Since you cannot hold two visas simultaneously, the first thing I had to do was to cancel my student visa.
I assume this is relevant knowledge for those with a student and work visa….
I am not going to get into detail about the documents I needed to cancel my student visa, because this is a whole different story. But many of the documents overlapped with those required for my Covid visa.
Anyways, for the Covid visa I was asked to show:
-TM7 form
-passport
-copy of passport pages: main/first page, visa page, first + last entry page. (Hence, I just copied every single page of my passport that had anything Thai on it. Immigration liked that.)
-TM6 (arrival/departure card)
-copy of TM6
-rental contract that is no less than the 60 days that you are applying for. For example, if Immigration sees that your rental contract is about to end in a couple of days or weeks, they will most likely not give you the Covid visa for 60 days. Some may not give you a Covid visa at all.
-copy of rental contract
-copy of tabien baan of your landlord
-copy of Thai ID of your landlord
-1 photo
[I always suggest to make double or even triple coloured copies of all your documents before going to Immigration, because you never know…]
I don’t know how this is for those of you who live far away from Bangkok, but since I am based next door in Nakhon Pathom, I was informed that my Covid visa application would be sent to Chaeng Watthana in Bangkok. Huge bummer, because the people working there are something else, as I’m sure some of you may have already experienced.
I wish all of you the best of luck and success in getting the chance to stay in Thailand a bit longer.
Bless you all and stay safe!
J
Thank you, J very much for sharing the details for people with student/work visas.
Hello and thank you so much for your comment.
I arrived without Visa and extended one time already. So after reading this I suppose it’s possible to get the covid visa to stay even longer?
I would love to stay 30 more days.
Yes it is possible Torge.
Hi,
Me and my partner are on different visas (60 day tourist visa and 30 day visa exempt) can both be extended one time prior to the covid extensions.
Basically we both are a bit ill and will miss the covid deadline for extending, so will extend at the beginning of the month – both our first time to be extended and only want a one time 30 day extension and just wondering if thats possible?
Thanks
Hi Natalia,
Yes, it is possible.
Hi Deb
As mentioned earlier, I got my 30 day extension on my 30 day Visa Waiver at the new location north of Immigration Division 1.
Reading the comment from J on November 19, would you happen to know at which location the Covid Visa extension, which I want to get this week before that special expires, is available?
If I understood J’s comment right, the new location seems to be just for the 30 day extension on Visa waivers, correct?
As always, your reply means a lot. Thanks in a advance
Chris
Hi Christian,
Great to know. Yes, J is right about that. All the best.
Actually, we misunderstood J’s comment or it is different for other Visas than Visa Waivers. I went to Immigration Division 1 today, only to be send once again to Counter K in the new location.
Got the 60 day Covid Visa extension – so happy.
Would have not been possible without your website here, which is so very helpful.
Hi Christian, I am also looking to get a 30 day extension on my 30 day visa waiver. Could you help me please, did they ask you to show proof of accommodation for the 30 extended days? Like a hotel booking or rental contract?
Also could you share the immigration office location please?
Thank you,
George
Hi George. Very sorry for super late reply. Since I got all my extensions, I had no reason to check this site and just happen to see your questions now.
Please look at my earlier comment, where you can see the link for the new location for Visa Waiver extensions.
And they do not need a proof of your hotel booking. I just made sure that I do have a reservation (not yet paid for) with my hotel to cover the extended time, just in case they check (I don’t know if they do or not).
The only documents you need are listed at the top of this webpage.
Hi there I have booked up for 6th December and will be coming on 30 day visa when I arrive. My return flight is 27th January 22 days after my 30 days are up. Can I go straight to a visa shop and get an extension to that date? Amd also is it better to wait 1 week befour I want to extend or can I go and extend it the day after I arrive thanks very much.
Hi Tom,
I think you are coming with a visa-exempt entry. You would need to apply for the extension a few days before your exit date, ideally a week.
You don’t need to wait to apply for the 30 day extension. I’ve always done it early whenever it was convenient.
HI, all good Info thank you and all understood, I will be going for 1 month from 1 Dec and hope to get a 60 day extension.
I have one question I have bought a return ticket for 1 month it is a changeable ticket (paid extra) will the Authorities accept that I will I have to show a defined date as proof ? thank’s in advance for any answer.
Hi Roy,
They would accept it I believe.
Hi Deb
If anyone is in Krabi Town , I just extended my stay today and it was the easiest and quickest extension I have done in thailand I was in and out within 15 minutes.
Hi Kyle,
I arrived on 17th Nov on 30 days visa exemption (UK passport). I wish to extend my visa for 30 days- when I came under Test & Go scheme they asked for insurance, hotel laccomodation and what not. Do I have to provide these for extension also?
-Sonny
Hello. I have EU passport and I’ve arrived with VISA exepmtion for 30 days. For extension, apart from passport pic, passport copy and TM30 form, do I need something else?
thanks!
Hi, yes I also am wondering the same as Ray. Do they ask you to show proof of accommodation for the 30/60 extended days? Like a hotel booking or rental contract? Also could you share the immigration office location please?
Thank you,
George
Hi, I entered Thailand from Germany on October 1st with a 60 day Tourist Visa and extended it for 30 days to december 30th. I will exit Thailand to Cambodia on December 11. On January 11. I want to go back to Thailand again, without a Visa. How long will I be allowed to stay? 30 days again or less, since I already spent so much time in Thailand in the year 2021.
Thx
Hi Peter,
Yes you should get 30 days again.
Hi Deb
Thanks for all the info. My understanding is that the Covid extension application has been extended until 25 Jan 2022. I entered with visa exemption on 21 Nov. Can I extend first for 30 days (til 21 Jan), then apply for the 60 days (so taking me up until roughly 21 March)?
Thanks!
Hi Denise,
Yes, it has been extended. You surely can do that.
Hi Deb – Thank you so much for your article and for addressing all of the comments, it is truly very helpful.
I am a US citizen and am planning to get a SETV. I am leaving in January and ideally would like to stay in Thailand for 4 months (120 days). It sounds like the SETV grants a stay for 60 days and then I can go to an immigration office for a 30 day extension but I am wondering the best option, if possible, to get another 30 days. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!
Hi Olivia,
Thanks for your kind words. If you manage to get a COVID extension, you would surely get more than 4 months with the SETV. But since that is not totally sure, you would need to do a border run.
Hi,
I extended my visa from Chiang mai immigration today. The office is close to the airport. The process was simple but few things I would want to mention:
– Make sure you have the photos with you. Photocopies can be done there for 1 THB each. You will also need your TM6 form which you got from immigration
when you arrived.
– The process should take an hour. But only if you arrive before 10:30 or after 2. If you arrive around 11, then you may have to wait like me as they break for lunch around 1. So if you are late you might well come around 2 when all morning applications have been processed.
Fee is 1900 THB. You will get 30 days extension. I arrived from UK on 17th November and got 30 days visa on arrival. That is now extended till 15th Jan.
Documents needed:
– Copy of passport, TM6 slip, Visa. One photo required.
Forms are available there so you need to fill three forms, not one. Ask for all three forms.
I will be arriving December 15th from the USA. Am I limited to 30 days or 45 days? If it is 30 days then where can I get an extention near Sukhumvit? Thanks in advance.
Hi
If arrival thailand 30 days visa exemption ,can extend one time.
how about change to another visa? e.g working visa or student visa
this is possible?
Hi Guys,
I will arrive to Thailand on the 18th of December on a single-entry tourist visa. The longest I am allowed to stay is 60, so I will leave on the 9th of February. Am i allowed to extend my visa once in Thailand? And can I extend it like during the first two weeks of my stay? Or should I wait to last days?
Thank you
Hi Daniel,
You can do it a week or two before the visa expires. The days are added to your current stamp, not from the date you apply for an extension. So, you won’t be losing any days. If you go during the first 2 weeks of your stay, it is possible that they’ll ask you to come back later. But you can give it a try.
I’m planning on getting a 60 day tourist visa and to convert it to an ed visa. But technically you just pay to extend the 60 day 30 days, then after 90 days is up you can currently extend again and again for 60 days each time due to covid for the year? Am I correct?
Hi David,
Yes, you are correct.
Hi,
Where and how do you apply for a COVID extension? Also, how long is the extension?
Thanks.
Do children who are 12 and under need to apply to get the 30 day and the 60 day extension? Or are the automatically ok if the parents only?
Good evening, we just got our visa on arrival (visa exemption) 30-day stamp extended for another 30 days. Easy peasy process in Bangkok, in and out in an hour with the right documents (thank you so much for all your information!!!). Do you know if it is still possible to get another extension after this one or if it’s wise to try it? Should we rather try the COVID extension? We were planning on going to Singapore or Malaysia after this but with the current situation we may be stuck here a while and are not sure what the best way is to stay in the country. Change the visa? (here with the whole family and 2 little kids, so not sure if a change in visa makes sense?).
Hi Anna,
You would need to try and get the COVID extension, as you have already received the normal extension. No need to change the visa which might not even be possible. 🙂
I arrived on December 18th on a visa waiver, so up to Jan 17th. I’d like to stay as long as possible – I’m wondering if I should get the normal extension or a Covid extension. If I get the normal one, that should see me through to Feb 16th or so, but the covid extension might be over by then.
I wonder if I have to get the normal one first, or if I can get the covid one first, can I get the normal one later. I’m also wondering if I get the normal, could I get the covid one right away? I’m in Chiang Mai, but I could travel if it helps to get a longer stay.
Hi Deb,
Thanks for all the great information on your website, very grateful to have a resource like this. I came here on the 30 day visa waiver. Just been to immigration and extended for 30 days.
Can you tell me how many times, I can keep extending by 30 days?
Thanks
Grant
Hi Grant,
The 30-day extension is one time only. The COVID extension can be done more than once.
Does it matter what you put as answer in “Reason for extension” section? Would “tourism” suffice for example?
Yes, it would.
I just was told that I need to reapply for my Thai Visa (I am an American citizen, flying from America). I will not receive my Visa in time, my flight leaves for Thailand in less than 14 days and it takes 15 business days to process the visa. I will be in Thailand for 42 days total. Is there a way to still travel to Thailand without a visa? Can I get an extension while I’m there? Will they ask to see my departing flight information? Can I just show them my flight information going to Thailand (one-way) and then extend when I get there?
My reply is yes to all of your questions, with one caveat. Do buy an onward ticket or rent it here
Thanks for the article.
I came in on a TV and will extend for 30 days soon.
I’d like to stay longer but don’t want to fly out and back in as I’d have to do the asq again.
Any suggestions as to which other visa I could apply for withinThailand?
Hi Sophie,
You can go for the COVID extension if it is still there. If not, you would need to fly out and come back. While applying for visas inside Thailand is not impossible, the rules vary in different places. I have heard cases where people did it using agents, but you never know.
Hi, if I enter Thailand on a 30 day tourist visa and I want to extend it.. would you know what kind of airline ticket I should purchase because I really don’t know when I want to return to the uk..should I purchase an open return ticket..I hope you can answer my question because I am confused..thank you
Hi John,
It is way better and cheaper to rent one, and this is the one I recommend: https://thevisaproject.com/recommends/visa-reservation/
Hi.
I came on a 30 days visa exemption. I went for the 30 days extension. Now, to stay longer I need to get the Covid extension.
I think that a document called TM30 is necessary. I asked my hotel in Patong to provide it but they were clueless.
Do you now where I can find it ?
Thank you.
Hi Jay,
They don’t usually ask for it. However, the hotel has the responsibility to get it for you, although you can do it as well. This can be done online or by visiting the local immigration office.
Hello. I am a Dutch citizen and a resident in Singapore. I am currently in quarantine in Bangkok because of testing positive for covid. My visa will expire on 16 January but I will still be in quarantine then so am not able to leave my hotel and go to immigration. What should I do?
If everything goes well, I will leave quarantine on 18 January. My new flight back to Singapore is on 25 January.
Hi Thijs,
Ideally, you should get an extension. See if you can get the help of an agent to do so. In the worst case, you would need to pay some overstay fine when you leave.
Hi there,
I came to Thailand and got the 14 days visa on Arrival.
I wanted to know whether I could extend the visa to stay for one more week, since we will be in Hotel Quarantine for 7 days and have only 7 days to enjoy.
Please let me know if they is an option to extend.
Thank you.
Hi Laxmi,
Yes, you are allowed to extend it. However, you can get the extension for 7 days only for medical reasons. So it is not that straightforward.
Hi, so I have just extended my second one , First 30 and now 60, I still want be here for longer 😎, do you know if its possible or I need to a visa run now ? And How does that work
Hi Isse,
Yes, it is totally possible to get more than one COVID extension. The process is very much the same as your first one.
Hi Deb Pati,
Getting more than one Covid Visa extension is great for everyone, however we currently don’t know if the Thai government will extend this offer again beyond 25 January, right?
I haven’t heard anything so far – not even rumours, which is a bit weird…
Hi Isse, where did you apply ? in BKK ? (MuongThong Thani) – Thanks. Marco
Hi,
I am in Thailand with a 30 days on arrival visa and I have the mandatory medical insurance for this period. If i make now a visa extension do i also have to get a new medical insurance covering the remaining time?
Thanks for your help
Hi Patrick,
No need for a new insurance.
Hello, I’m a French citizen, came in Thailand with a 30 days exemption stamp on 21/11, extended once, my new stamp goes until 30/01.
I would like to do the covid extension. Do I need to wait until the 25/01 or can I go before? Thanks
I wanted to know if you have heard of this. I went to immigration office for a 30 day visa extension and was told by the officer that I could not apply before I have been in the country for 45 days.
Never heard of this, William.
I have a situation where I have entered Thailand on a 60 day visa and I have already gone for a 30 day extension my question is can I get another 30 day extension or is it possible for me to apply for a married visa while I am in Thailand.
Hi Larry,
You can get a COVID extension for 60 days.
Coming into Phuket on the 9th from the uk on 30 day visa exemption, will we be able to go the immigration office that week and get another 30 days?
I entered Thailand under the tourist exemption scheme for 30 days and have already extended it for 30 days. Does that mean I am not eligible for the Covid Extension myself anymore? I would really appreciate it if you can let me know.
Hi John,
Yes, you are eligible.
Hello, I am a indian national came here on 60 days Tourist Sticker Visa. I would like to know if I can get the 60 days covid visa extension?
Hi Dheeraj,
Ideally, you should be able to.
Hi, I have a STV that I already extended twice and therefore should leave. Would the COVID extension also work for me?
Great read. Thanks for doing this.
When entering with visa-exemption you are required to have proof of a flight back after 30 days with set a date. What kind of flight is the smartest to get for that reason? Open ended? Is that allowed? I’m not sure if regular flight dates can be changed?
Hey Deb,
Just wanted to say thank you so much for writing this! We came perfectly prepared because of you and got in and out within 1 hour. Would have been even faster if we went to the correct office immediately, so if I may add: to extend a visa exemption or tourist visa, people should go to office 101 on the left side of the entrance. We assumed we would get the 15 day visa waiver but instead they gave us a 30 day visa extension for the same price (1.900THB).
Hello!
I’m japanese and planning to go for a 4 month stay if possible
Will go with the single entry visa. Then apply for extension
For normal extension I can apply just once, right?
Can I get the covid one even before my visa expires? I’m going to go at the end of the month so by the time the covid visa extension ends (if not extended too) I will still be in the 60 days of my visa, so I cannot apply? Or can I apply in advance? Will that change the dates?
Also, how to get proof for it? It mentions about the “cannot go back” or “embassy letter”, but not sure I can get either of them. How is everyone getting the proof?
Thanks in advance!!
Hi Maru,
You can get the normal extension just once. That’s right. They usually give you the Covid extension after the normal one. As per the proof, you can simply write a letter yourself but they don’t ask for the letter always.
Thank you very much for your promptly reply! 🙂
Was worried about that letter
Last question, how much in advance can you ask for the covid extension? I’m traveling on the 22th February and have tickets until 23 of April, but since the covid extension can be done until March 26 (if not extended), can I apply in March 25 for example even though my single entry visa will still have a little less than a month left?
(Also, do you know how much in advance do they mention if there will be an extension of the covid extension after March 26?)
Hi Maru,
They will ask you to get the normal extension first.
hello Deb, thank you so much for all your efforts in providing this extremely helpful information!
I’m an Irish citizen who arrived in thailand on a visa exemption and has already extended for 30 days.
When I went to extend at the K counter in bangkok in mid January I was seeking the 60 day Covid extension but all the officials there were telling everyone that they were no longer issuing any Covid extensions and refused to give any information about it. I wonder if anyone else experienced this?
Now I want to try to request the 60 day Covid extension again next week. What are the list of documents for the Covid extension and where can I find them? What precise reasons due to covid will they issue the extension for? my parents live in Thailand and I am staying at their house, what kind of document would the officials need as proof of my residence? And lastly – if they refuse to give a Covid extension would they let me in again if I do a border run?
Thanks so much and sorry for the many questions!
Vee
Hello Deb,
Firstly, thank you so much for making the effort to put this extremely helpful resource you’ve put together!
I’m an Irish citizen who arrived in Thailand via test&go with visa waiver in December. on 18th january I went to K counter in Bangkok to apply for a 60 day covid extension but they told everyone there that no covid extensions would be issued. Therefore, they only gave me a 30 day extension. This coming week I am planning to try again to extend via the 60 day covid extension but after the last experience, am worried they will say again that they are not issuing those…I’m not sure if anyone else has experienced this.
A couple of questions:
– What are the documents needed for the 60 day covid extension?
– What reasons do they accept for the covid-19 extension? I have prepared a letter (in Thai) arguing that covid cases are very bad in my country of residence and provided proof, would this suffice?
– My parents live in Bangkok and I’m staying with them. Therefore, I cannot prove my accommodation via hotel booking and my name isn’t on their rental contract. What sort of proof could I offer instead? Copy of their passports with residency permits in it and a letter they signed confirming I stay with them?
-Do I need to show a ticket leaving Thailand within the 60 day covid extension period?
– if all fails, is it still possible to do visa runs at the moment? could they reject me at the border if I try to come back into the country within a few days of leaving if they see I’ve already been here and extended once before?
Sorry for all the questions!!! but hopefully it will also be of use to others 🙂
thank you so much!
Hi Vee,
Thank you for the kind words.
– Documents needed:
https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thai-visa-extension/#comment-1984
https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thai-visa-extension/#comment-1961
– Yes, the reason you have mentioned would be fine. People have even provided the reason as tourism: https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thai-visa-extension/#comment-1993.
– Believe the accommodation proof would work.
– It is not necessary to show a ticket, but it always helps. You can event rent tickets: https://visareservation.com/?ref=160
-It is possible to do visa runs. Believe they are already giving out Thai visas in Cambodia.
arrived here under the Sandbox to Phuket, now moved to Pattaya can I get a 30 day extension at Jomtien Immigration, I arrived from the UK on a 30 day waiver
Thank you
Hi! First of all thnx alot for all the information.
I wanna make sure some question if you know well.
I came with TR visa and 60days over in few days. I know i can extension 30days.
But is it possible to get covid 60 days visa instead of 30days??
Please could you tell me any info??
I am UK passport holder who arrived on 30th Dec 2021 with a 60 day visa. The stamp runs out 28th Feb 2022 so I am going to renew it for 30 days. I have lost my TM6 arrivals/departure slip. What happens now???
Hi Sara,
These things happen. There are usually two possible scenarios for this depending on which immigration office is responsible for you:
(1) Just go to your local immigration office and ask them to replace the TM6 for you. Most immigration offices will do this immediately without any issues;
(2) Go to the local police office and file a report about your lost TM6. You then take that report to your immigration office as proof.
You’ve got enough time, so even if you have to go to the police first you will be fine. If immigration is not too far from you I would head over and ask them. Or you can have someone who speaks Thai call them.
Best,
J
Hi everyone,
I recently heard from various sources including Thaiger and Richard Barrow’s Twitter page that it is now way more difficult to get a Covid Visa extension.
Apparently, only tourists can get this visa. If you have a Visa On Arrival or a Non-Immigrant Visa (such as my student visa, ouch!), you’re basically screwed.
Just wanted to throw this out there. Maybe our little online community can help each other come up with some sort of solution. 🙂
Best,
J
Hello. Thanks for this information. If you come in on a visa free can you get the extension still? Also if you come in on a visa free with the purpose of getting the 30 day extension, does your original ticket need to still leave before the 30 days or can you have a round trip ticket in and out for 60 days(visa free+ext.)This would be for both USA passport traveling from Philippines and Filipino passport holder.
Hello, we are entering Phuket via the sandbox scheme on the 24th March and are planning on staying in Thailand for around 50 days going to various places, we will be entering on a visa exemption on UK passports. Is it still easy to get a visa extension on this type of entry?
Hi Maisie,
Yes, it is.
Sono arrivato a Bangkok 8 dicembre test and go partito da Malpensa/ Francoforte non volevano farmi partire lista e gli ho spiegato che dopo 2 anni brutali per il Covid se avevo tutti i requisiti per entrare in Thailandia a loro cosa importasse alche ho detto di mandare le valigie a Francoforte e le avrei reimbarcate comunque una notte di quarantena avanti hotel pattaya 5 stelle peso di aver pagato 80 euro una notte con pcr limousine fino all’hotel 10 ore per l’esito stavo impazzendo dopodiché ho chiamato il manager e gli ho detto stiamo spendendo una marea di bath per room service o ci fai uno sconto del 50% altrimenti esco è arrivato subito esito negativo esenzione visto timbrato al 6 gennaio nel frattempo sono a Koh phangan mi danno una prim estensione di 30 giorni 6 febbraio poi covid extension fino Al 24 marzo probabilmente sono andato troppo presto adesso sono tornato a pattaya e la polizia die un mese o due!dopò apriranno Cambodia Laos Vietnam Filippine Malesia andrò consolato per fare Ed visa studiare lingua thai visto un anno oppure turistico 60 + 30 vedremo comunque sia i love thailand anche se riaprirà senza restrizioni il 1 luglio ma pochi turisti chiusure a dicembre 21 adesso 23/24 comunque è sempre magnifica amo Koh phangan e Phuket 2 isole thai completamente diverse!!! Sole mare natura yoga tramonti e party più occidentali con musica con dj famosi Phuket puoi vivere una realtà più thailandese con più scelta
Hola Marco,
No hablo Italiano, pero si hablo Español y entiendo lo que dijiste. Me gusta saber que te gusta Tailandia tanto. Si quieres, puedes escribir un articulo sobre como conseguir la visa de educacion para estudiar el idioma de Tailandia. 🙂
Buena suerte,
Deb
Hi Deb Pati,
I am a US Citizen and I was once got a Covid Visa Extension for 60 days, now that’s about to expire I need to apply for another extension. But I went to Immigration Division 1 and they told me I need to go to US Embassy to get a Letter if Extension is that correct?
Questions: can I get a second Covid extension without exiting Thailand?
What do I need from US immigration to give me the extension?
Please I appreciate your quick response my visa will expire March 26 plssss help. Thank you
Hello April,
Yes, you can get the second Covid extension without exiting Thailand.
As per the letter, you can simply take the screenshot from here: https://th.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/acsappointment/
as the US embassy doesn’t provide any such letter. And provide a printout of the same when you apply. As a backup, you can write a letter yourself telling them that you can’t go back and the embassy doesn’t provide any letters and attest it.
I arrived in Thailand in January, and I had a 60 day tourist visa, where I paid 1900 THB to extend for the 30 days, giving me to mid April.
Today I went to extend my visa for the additional 60 days due to Covid, all before the the expiring March 25th cut-off date.
I was given 2 options:
Option 1 : Pay 1900 THB, and get a 15 day extension stamp, where I would then have to return to immigration to then get a stamp for an additional 45 days.
Option 2: pay 3000 THB, where I would get an instant 60 days stamp there and then today, and I would not have to return to an immigration office drying my stay, until departing airport immigration.
Before I went through to the immigration officers, the people at the front desk said I would only have to pay 1500 THB for the 60 day covid extension, as I had already paid 1900 THB prior for my first 30 day extension.
I paid the 3000 THB as I did not want to return to immigration office again during my stay, all including travelling and time getting there etc.
I did not receive a receipt or proof of payment when I handed over the cash, I just got told that’s it I was free to go and visa was extended.
Did anyone have a similar experience/cost?
Hi Neo,
Those are two very interesting options you got and I am glad to hear that you took the second option. Hope that you got the extension stamp and all to make sure that you got 60 more days.
Maybe others can pitch in if they had a similar experience.
Hi, I’m looking into the possibility of staying in Thailand for 2-3 months without going through the hassle of booking a tourist visa.
As a result, I was considering using the 30 day exemption to begin with, then extending this by another 30 days in the country.
After those 60 days if I decide I would like to stay longer I would just do a border run and get a new 30 day exemption from my understanding?
I just wanted to clarify if this would be the case? and that my possibility of getting a new exemption wouldn’t be affected by me having extended the previous one?
Hi Tom,
Not really. You should be fine.
Here is an article to help clear out things: https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thailand-long-stay-visa-and-restrictions/
Hello Team,
Thank you for offering this amazing service.
I am 40 and a U.S. citizen living in Pattaya.
My first Covid extension will expire this Thursday on 3/31.
I am going through a complicated orthodontic procedure and the hospital has issued a letter and 2 certifications already stating that I need to stay in the country for another 6 months. What are my chances to get a 1 year or even 6 months medical visa? what are the requirements?
If that fails? Do you think I have a good chance to get a second covid Extention for 60days if I go there 3 days ahead of time? The first time, they charged me 1900 BHT give me 30 days, had to return after 30 days to get the second stamp.
Thank you for your time
I arrived from the US via my passport. I went to immigration and did an extension. I now have 1 week left, but I would love to find a way I could stay longer. Are there any options outside of doing a boarder run, or paying for an elite visa? I made a number of contacts / friends here so they would not mind leveraging their resources, such as a Thai business, if necessary.
Hi,
This article has all the info you need.
https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thailand-long-stay-visa-and-restrictions/
Hi Deb, thank you for this helpful post!
After reading tons of reviews and helpful blog posts like this (https://mikethemeanderthal.com/easy-chiang-mai-visa-extension-guide is another one), it seems that while the convoluted process of visa application is a given.. whether the whole thing go smoothly is hit or miss. I’m glad to say that my visa extension experience yesterday was definitely a hit, so I wanna pay it forward and share the latest updates.
I arrived in Chiangmai by plane on 8th March through the Test n Go Scheme, using a Singapore passport with 30-days visa exemption. Upon entering the immigration area, remember to take a queue number from the screening booth located at the center of the compound.
Proceed to the tents on the left side of the compound. Your queue number will be for the ‘form verification process’ here. Fill up all the necessary forms according to the many English signs there. If you need to photocopy or take photo, you can proceed to the back of the building. Wait for your queue number to be called after filling out the forms. When your number is called, you can direct all your enquiries to the person attending to you. Mine speaks good English and answers all my questions well. After confirming that my forms/copies are in order, I’m given a number and directed to the main aircon office building.
Give the number to the information window directly opposite the entrance and they’ll give you another queue number to wait for your turn at one of the window stations inside. Watch the tv screen and go to the station indicated when your number is up, pay the 1900 baht then go back to your seat to wait again. Someone will call your name for you to take a photo in front, then it’s time to wait some more before you’re called to collect your passport with a freshly stamped visa extension!
Remember to get a screenshot of the ‘tenant registration’ from your current landlord at least the day before. That will be your critical TM30 copy. My landlord forgot to register for me when I arrived but did it online just the day before my application, so it’s pretty fast to do. To play it safe, I went to print out this TM30 screenshot at a copy center in the morning before I went to immigration. You can download and print the TM7 form online too, but it seems the two acknowledgement forms can only be filled in at the office. While filling out the forms there, I realized that the SPM.2 form is actually just a second acknowledgment form, the first being the penalties acknowledgement form.
I wanted to get a 60 days visa extension if I could, so I enquired about the Covid Visa and was told that my ‘visa exempt’ case is classified under Tourist Visa (TR) and therefore I cannot apply for covid visa now. However, the covid visa is extended to May 24 so before my upcoming extension ends on 6th May, I can apply for that then.
I arrived at about 11am on Wednesday morning and there were very few people around. Finished my forms and photo-taking at almost 12pm so I was told to wait till their lunchtime is over at 1pm. In the aircon-office, I note that the wait time for each number seems to be only abt 5min so that’s quite fast. Left happy at about 2pm. Everyone I met was helpful and polite, making the whole experience a breeze.
All in all, I feel that the system could be better – e.g. the TM7 and two acknowledgement forms could be combined into one form for simplicity’s sake. However, seeing the many signs in English and the staff insistence on adhering to the queue system (which mysteriously skipped over the two guys beside me waiting in the office, much to their consternation), I feel like the people on the ground are doing all they can to make things better.
Or maybe I’m just lucky to come on a day with minimal crowd!
Hi Yanxin,
Thank you very much for your comment. Hope it helps the others.
where I can get a visa extension on Phuket island?
Hi, I am from India.
I will visit thailand in 2 days from now. I have return ticket after 15 days. Can I extend it to another 15 days to make it 30 days?
I booked my flight for 30 days but I found out that visa on arrival allows max 15 days. So I changed flight but I really want to go for 30 days. I heard somewhere I can extend only for 7 days one time only.
Hope you have some answer for my query.
Thanks
Hi Nishant,
You can extend it for 7 days only, and that too in very specific scenarios such as medical reasons. You are better off coming with a SETV if you want to stay for 30 days.
Thanks for the help but I would like to check, I flew from singapore to thai and my visa free is expiring on 27th april. Im aware that the tm7 needs a reason and what reason do people usually write for 30 visa extension? And I would like to ask for that can I get a covid visa just because I want to travel more? What reason would I need to write if this is the case, is it still easy to get covid visa too? Thanks for ur reply
Hi Tim,
For the 30-day visa extension, you could simply mention that you want to travel more. But for the Covid extension, they are asking for more proof. You could say tourism as the reason or that you can’t go back to your country now.
They asked for the letter but Singapore embassy told me to contact them directly for any extensions, what should i do in this case ? thanks again!
You mean the Singapore emebassy in Thailand? In that case, maybe you can reach the embassy and see if they can provide a letter. If not, you can write one yourself mentioning that the embassy doesn’t provide any letters.
Yes thats right, but they replied me that they do not issue “covid visa letter” so should i just print this email reply out and show the immigration? thank you!
Yes, that is exactly what you can do.
Hi, I am in Chiang Mai and will be applying for a covid visa extension. When filling out the form I noticed that I have to specify the reason why I am making the request. Can I write that the reason is because covid cases are increasing in my region of origin? Do I need to bring evidence? Or possibly what motivation do you suggest to write?
My 30 day visa extension is about to end. Do I need a letter from the Australian embassy to apply for Covid 60 day extension? Will immigration ask? Thank you
Hi Jade,
They surely can ask. Either get a letter or an email where they state they either don’t provide any such letter.
Hi I need to extend visa actually my visa expires today but I don’t know where is immigration office and I extend visa
Hello, to be granted access into thailand i need proof of my flight leaving the country.
Once i am in thailand i wish to extend my visa.
Do i therefore book the flight for what would be my departure date if they grant me an extension or do i book it for the original 60 days and then change my flight when the extension is granted?
If you are flying to Thailand, it is always advisable to carry proof of your onward journey. We recommend visa reservation to rent: https://thevisaproject.com/recommends/visa-reservation/
Now, coming to the dates, you can plan to get a new one once you are in Thailand which can include the 30 days extension.
So effectively, you could rent it twice.
Hello!
Like many others of the commenters, I landed on this site after looking for information on how to extend and I think that this is the most easy-to-understand info I have found so far so thank you for that.
I’m heading to immigration for an extension this week. Aside from the documents you list here, will I need to show a ticket for onward travel and a confirmed hotel-reservation as well or can I skip those? I don’t know where I’m going next yet (so if I indeed need an onward ticket, I was going to rent one, but I’d rather save that money and spend it on something more fun) and I’m frankly too paranoid to book my next accommodation before I have that stamp in my passport so I’m sitting here now trying to decide if I should get those ready anyway or if I’ll be fine anyway. I have never applied for an extension in Thailand so I don’t know if they’re as grumpy and strict as in other countries or what I should expect, haha.
Anyway, thank you again for the great information!
Hi Nicole,
They can sometimes ask for the onward ticket. So it is always better to carry one. Or you can simply show up without it and bring it with you the next time if they ask for it.
Accommodation proof is pretty far-fetched.
Hello! We just discovered that the 60 day Thailand Tourist Visa which we were able to apply for via e-visa back in December 2021 is no longer available as an e-visa. You have to apply in person at a Royal Thai consulate or embassy. So, now we are considering a 30 day visa free entry as US passport holders and then extending for another 30 days at an Immigration office. Information on the internet is very confusing. Some say only 15 day extensions for air travelers is given, and your site says 30 days. And of course the Royal Thai Embassy website doesn’t appear to provide ANY info about extending visa free. We are coming in August 12 and staying 60 days through Oct 10. Are you still confident the 30 day visa free will extend for 30 days? Thanks in advance for your reply.
Hi,
You should get 30 days. Have not heard of anyone getting 15 days in the recent past.
According to people I talked in Thailand they will not give you 30 days you have to do it in your own country
Please help.
Its July 8 2022.
Planning to enter in 10 days on US passport visa exemption no visa required.
IS IT STILL POSSIBLE TO EXTEND THE STAY? HOW MANY DAYS WILL IT GET EXTENDED?
Thanks…
Yes it is. 30.
Hello! I am Canadian flying to Thailand in two weeks time. I know I can get a tourist visa/visa upon arrival if my stay is limited to 30 days but i want to extend my stay just by a few days – probably just by 3-5 days.
A) If I arrive at the airport and my return ticket is over the 30 day limit, will I be refused entry into the country? Or would they still let me in?
B) If they do let me in, would I just be able to extend that 30 day stay visa before it expires?
Thank you in advance! I’ve tried calling the Thai embassy but no one seems to be answering!
Sorry about the late reply Stephanie.
A) No you should not be refused entry over this.
B) You can file for the extension for 30 days before the initial entry date allowed.
Thanks for all the info but my head is exploding! Decades ago when I went to Thailand twice for a total of 3 months, none of this was necessary.
American arriving October 2022 and I want to be in Thailand for at least 2 months. Can I do the 30 day non Visa requirement as a tourist for free and THEN apply for then apply for the 90 day single entry the tourist Visa that you can use for 60 days, while I’m already in the country?
How long do I have to wait before before coming in again for another either free 29 days or applying for the 90 day Visa?
Can I show a bus or train ticket for an exit to a neighboring country because I don’t plan to fly?
I keep reading conflicting info on $ requirements for this Visa and when they ask an amount, is that per week, per month or total $ for whatever length of stay?
Sorry for so many questions but I’m traveling to many countries and I’m tired of spending endless hours on trying to get clear, precise, current info.
Hi Sophia,
1. You can get 30 days visa-exempt entry. You can extend this inside Thailand.
2. You can not get a tourist visa when you are inside Thailand. You need to make a border run. There are multiple articles on the website on that. https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/60-day-thailand-tourist-visa-in-laos/
3. Train/ bus tickets are accepted.
4. The cost of the tourist visa would vary depending on where you apply.
Here is another article that would be useful : https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thailand-long-stay-visa-and-restrictions/
Hello,
I’m from the Netherlands and I’m cycling around South-East Asia. I’ll extend my visa-exempt entry of 45 days tomorrow, for another 30 days, but I might need another 15-30 days after that.
My question is whether a border run gives me 15 or 30 more days? I read conflicting things about that.
I’ll be in the North of Thailand then, so the Laos is the obvious choice. How long should I stay there before coming back?
Also, my first 45 days expire today (Sunday) already. I was in Kaeng Krachan and realized too late that immigrant offices are closed in the weekends. I’ll go to the office tomorrow morning. Will the overstay of one day give me a problem now or later on?
Kind regards,
Michael
Hi Michael,
If you end up doing the extension 1 day late, most probably you would need to pay the 500B fine nothing else.
If you do the border run, you should get 45 days as it would be a visa-exempt entry. Earlier the land border runs gave you 15 days only. Laos is surely a great choice. 1 or 2 days in Laos would do the trick.
Please update us on how it goes. Would help others a lot.
Cheers,
Deb
Hi I’m American and have a flight for the 3rd of August, I signed up for a tourist visa a week ago but I don’t think it’s going to be finished before I leave, so I have a question and it’s a but of an emergency situation now
A) can I just land at the airport and get the visa exemption, then extend it there?
B) can I keep my flight return date still showing 2 months later on the 3rd of October? My accommodation are on the same days as well.
All together my time there is 63 days, but I can Push back my departure date if necessary. I’ve gotten so much mixed up info on all of this. Thanks for the help
Hi Chuck,
A) Yes, you can do it.
B) I would recommend keeping it within 60 days so that you can reason with them. There is always someone who is not having a good day.
Just to give everyone a heads-up (since the link posted here now doesn’t work any longer), I had my visa exemption (30 days) extended with another 30 days yesterday.
The new location is at the IT Square Mall in Lak Si (3rd floor). The process went quite smooth. Prepared everything as was explained here, but still had to fill in two additional documents, which were provided at the location. Took me a little longer than 1 hour, but beware that there’s only 300 queue tickets given out each day. I arrived at 15:00 and had queue number 220, btw.
Hi Zero,
Thank you for the update.
Would you mind sharing which additional documents were you needed to fill in?
I am SO happy I found this website !!
So I have never been to Thailand, but I had got my tickets already. I’m leaving Nov 2nd 2022 and coming back May2nd 2023. So 6 months. I am Canadian, coming from Canada. I am waiting for my SETV online application to be approved.
I know I can do 90 days with the extension. Do I have other options of extensions ? Without having to leave ?.. and if I do have to do a run, would I come on my 30 day no visa, and extend for another 30… then have to do another run ?
Any help is sooo appreciated. Thank you so much.!!
Hi Aly,
This article will help you in understanding all those details : https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thailand-long-stay-visa-and-restrictions/
Is it possible to stay 90 days on a british passport,I know I can extend by 30 days,but what can I do for the last 30 days.will I have to do a border run.
Thanks
Hi Stuart,
You can surely do a border run, however it would be better to get a SETV if you are planning to stay in Thailand for a longer time.
Cheers,
Deb
Hi, I read the covid extensions will no longer be given again and again. is this correct?
That is right Ron. They have discontinued it for now.
Hi buddy ,
I was curious , I’m American and came on a visa free and they gave me 30 days, Which ends September 9th, next week. When do you think I should go for the visa extension. Also after that extension I can apply for another one? Also if I can’t , can I make a border run get 30 days and then get another extension . And repeat this process over and over? Last thing, you say you can get visa free 45 days , but I only received 30 days. Thankyou
Hi Cody,
You get visa-exempt entry for 30 days now. During Covid times, they had temporarily extended it to 45 days. Not anymore.
You can apply for the extension 1 week before the 30-day limit is over.
Give this article a read to get an idea on the border runs and other things in general: https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thailand-long-stay-visa-and-restrictions/
Hi,
I am travelling to thailand from Australia on a 90 days volunteer visa.
At the end of that 90 days I would like to travel as a tourist for another 15 days.
Can I request an extension of my volunteer visa or do I need to reapply for a tourist visa?
Hi Amber,
I believe it is a Non-O volunteer visa? You can surely extend it. In order to get a tourist visa, you would need to leave Thailand.
Hi, can anyone advise me? we are flying out to Thailand on 27th september for 34 days. We know the Thai government are extending the visa to 45 days stay from 1st October, We return home on the 1st November. can we travel without an E visa? sorry if this sounds confusing. john
Hi Austin,
As of October 1st citizens from 53 countries can enter Thailand without visa for 45 days (up from 30).
Since you are entering before that, you would get 30 days, and then you would need to extend it for 30 more.
Hi Deb, as all the others trippers I am so grateful for your skilled help!
It is nice to read how may people would stay in this amazing country long as possible, “fighting”against every kind of administrative difficulties!
Arrived to Bangkok from Paris on the 18 of September with a non visa 30 days limited stay, I am preparing my documents to go to the IT Square Lakes Plaza for the extension.
– If I have to include the T6 form I don’t have ? I don’t remember if they didn’t give me ( is it possible?) or if I’ve lost it…it is not a form that I can download isn’t?
-If I’ve understood correctly, I will not benefit of 45 days because I arrived before the 1 of October, right?
– at the moment of my demand I still have an hotel address, but not for longtime as I wish go outside Bkk.The authority is asking an address covering all the extension stay?
Thank you so much, Faustina
Hi Faustina,
Thank you for the kind words. Yes, let’s hope they get better. 🙂
– It is possible that you didn’t get one. Rarely happens but possible.
See J’s very helpful comment on this: https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thai-visa-extension/#comment-2509
– You wouldn’t get 45 days since you arrived before 1st October
– It is better that you get the TM7 mentioning the hotel where you would be staying at. You should already have it. A little less hassle.
Then once you get the extension, you can go outside Bangkok.
Cheers,
Deb
Hi there,
I am a NZ citizen arriving in Bangkok on 17 October,
i want to stay 85 days in Thailand,
i will get the 45 day Visa Exemption on arrival,
can i do a visa run to Cambodia/Malaysia 45 days later, and re-enter and get another 45 day visa exemption?
thanks a lot!
Hi Don,
I believe yes you would.
Do you have any infos about the Special 60-day Covid Extension of Thai Visa… for end 2022 and begining 2023?
Thanks!
Right now it is not happening Phillipe.
I doubt they will go back to Covid extensions.
Hi Ded, I’m wondering if a land border visa extension run (post 60-days visa ) cab be also done in Myanmar/laos? Txs
Hi Karina,
It can definitely be done in Laos. Don’t think Myanmar is an option right now since the borders with Myanmar are closed( Last checked in September).
Hi Deb
We entered Thailand with a STV on 19 august and need to extend by November 16,2022. I have heard that some with this visa were not granted extensions. We are in Bangkok so we were just wanting to verify that it’s still possible to get extensions for the STV ? Otherwise we would need to do a border run seeing we can’t change to another visa type here.
Thank you
Hi Glynn,
Have not heard of anyone who got denied the visa extension with STV. As long as you have everything they need, you can count on getting it.
I just got denied the STV visa renewal. they say it finished by 30th September
Hi Josh,
Sorry to hear that. Do you mean, they denied you a 30-day extension on your STV?
Hi Deb
I will be re-entering Thailand on the 4th of November on the 45 day visa exemption. I plan to extend my visa for a further 30 days during my stay.
A few days after I arrive will be flying to Krabi and I have heard the visa office there is a very relaxed and quick process compared to Bangkok.
My question is will I be able to extend my visa in Krabi a couple of days after arrival in the country or do I have to wait until a week or so before the visa runs out in December.
Thanks for your help!
Hi Conor,
Yes, you can do it a couple of days after you arrive. No need to wait for the week before the visa expires.
Hello,
Thanks again for your information!
Do you know if it’s possible to extend 30 days after the 45 days visa exemption on arrival?
And is there 45 days for landborder crossing?
Yes to both.
Hi,
Is it possible to get an extension on the day of expiration. Say my stay expires on the 27 but I am asking for an extension on the 27 will that work?
I believe it is possible, but why take the risk? You have time to do it beforehand.
Hello, we are coming to BKK Thailand from Canada November 4 and getting the 45 day visa exception with plans to extend for an additional 30 days. Then we are leaving for about 6 weeks to travel elsewhere, and then would like to return again for another 45 day visa exception and fly home on March 30 2023. Can we use the 45 day exception 2 times within our 5 month travel plan? Thanks for any information you can provide.
Hi Sandra,
Yes, this is totally doable.
I wonder if it’s then possible to extend for a second time the 45 days for another 30 days…
I am canadian who will arrive november 15 2022
Visa waiver end december 29; make extension until january 28
Going to Laos until february 25 2023
Back in Thailand february 25 with visa waiver 45 days
Make a second 30 days extension until until I go back in canada may 9 2023???
Thanks a lot for your infos, it is very appreciate…
Technically speaking, it should be possible although no one has done this yet. Worth a try, and do let us know if you succeed.
Hi Deb,
Super helpful blog and advice. We’re wondering if we book flights for longer than 45 days apart (30 Dec 22 until 15 March 23) will we still be able to get the 45 day visa upon arrival (UK and Swedish citizens) and then extend it for 30days to cover us for our full stay? Or do our flights need to be less than 45 days apart to start with?
Thanks for your advice and help!!
Hi Alex,
Appreciate your kind words. Please book the flights for less than 45 days. In fact, I highly recommend renting a ticket or buying a 24-hour cancellable one ( totally free). I recommend doing this before the 45-day limit runs out. The date ideally should be on the 43rd/44th day.
Refer to the section: https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thai-visa-extension/#What_to_Do_about_Onward_Ticket_for_Thai_Visa_Extension
I have a whole article on this: https://thevisaproject.com/blog/tips/10-ways-for-onward-travel-proof/
Hi Deb,
Great info, and thanks for your willingness to advise all of us!
My 90 day non-imm O visa (Thai wife, I’m American) will expire in a couple weeks, yet we are planning to stay in Thailand for a couple more months. As I didn’t create a Thai bank account when I arrived (stupid me), an item that seems to be needed to extend the non-imm O, what are my options for continuing my stay here?
Thanks!
Hi Seattlite,
I would not recommend a visa conversion inside Thailand since that is always a slippery slope.
The easiest option would be to make a border run and come as visa-exempt, and then do the extension on that. That gives you 75 days easily.
In the meanwhile, you can open a bank account and have that option ready.
Hope it works out for you,
Deb
Hello I am traveling to Thailand for 85 days, I will get 45 days visa free. If I take a a day trip over to Laos , will I get 45 more days when I return through the border on the same day or do I have to spend a specific time out of Thailand ?
Hi Mel,
Try to stay at least one full day in Laos, and then enter Thailand. Technically speaking, you should get 45 days. Request to update us. Would be really helpful to others.
They did’nt give me a TM6 CARD when I come in… can I do extension without this card?… or I should find one and if so how where I can get one?
Hi Philippe,
Yes, you can get a new one or file a Police report for this.
See this: https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thai-visa-extension/#comment-2509
Actually it’s a new procedure… they do not give TM6 card when you come in Thailand… I wonder if I should ask for one…
I did not see where the immigration office locations are shared on the immigration.go.th website. Can you help me find such? I am staying in CBD area and will try to go tomorrow to extend m 45 day tourist visa. Then I will do a visa run in January.
I may eventually re-enroll in Thai classes and get an Education visa again, as I did during Covid (they were online and pretty spotty back then, so I could use more classes anyway).
Hi Chris,
I have added a map that you can refer to for the location.
All the best in your endeavors.
thank you!
Can can visa free entry in thailand be extended by another 30 days? So I come in with a 45 visa exemption and then once in Thailand I extend that by another 30 days for a full 75 days?
I think if I understand this article right it is possible, but I want to be sure.
Thanks for this site. Nowhere in the internet I found such detailled info about all this.
Hey Johannes,
Yes, this is possible.
And thank you for the kind words.
Cheers,
Deb
Hi Deb,
Regarding the 45 day plus 30 day extension for 75 days total: Would I book a return flight now for 45 days or at 75 days?
thanks
Hi Nick,
You need to get two in reality. One let’s say on the 43rd day and the other, say, 28 days after that.
Please refer to the section on onward tickets as well.
Cheers,
Deb
Yes, this is correct.
I was given a 45 day exemption on arrival and this afternoon I went to the Immigration office and paid THB1900 for an additional 30 days.
I did not find a list of Bangkok Immigration/Visa offices on the link above. I have the form to extend my 45 day tourist visa, but do you know where I can go to file it in Bankgok?
Hi Deb, I intend to fly in from the states on January 1st, 2022 on the 45 day visa exempt option. i am going to transfer 800,000 Baht to my Thai bank account in early December. Do you know if I would qualify for the 12 month “extension of stay” visa if I enter with the 45 day exempt option, and not the 60 day tourist visa?
Hi Steve,
I don’t think this is possible with the 45-day visa-exempt option or with the 60-day tourist visa.
Hi Deb,
Firstly, thanks in advance for any help you may give me.
I’m a little bit stuck on what exactly to do.
I have a 45 day visa waiver, I’d like to extend another 30 days.
My question is to do with the address I have to supply on the TM7.
My visa waiver expires on the 31/12/22. So when I apply, do I need to book a hotel for the 31/12 only and put this on the form? Does it need to be longer?
I’m travelling around the country just now, so all a bit ad hoc at the moment.
Thanks again mate
Ian
Hi Ian,
Yes, booking a hotel for a night can do the trick. Not really needed for much longer.
Cheers,
Deb
Hi Deb, I mistakenly believed I had a 90 day visa and have already stayed past the expiry of my actual 30 day visa. I will be flying out next week near but not over the 90 day limit; should I go to the Immigration Bureau and self-report? Is there any chance to extend my visa now it’s already expired? Would I be arrested and taken to IDC?
Hi Tom,
Sorry to hear about this.
If you’re stopped by the police you could be arrested. Let’s hope it does not come to that. Try to leave asap and pay your 500 baht/day fine on exit. You will probably receive an overstay stamp on your passport.
Please update us on how it goes.
Hi Deb, Indian who received an e-visa for 30 days, got the VOA stamp when I arrived. If I go to the IT Plaza, will they only give me 7 days extension? Thanks!
Hi Salo,
It’s possible to extend your visa on arrival by 7 days only in case you are ill and unable to travel. It is not straightforward for Indians as far as I know.
And from what I have heard from other expats, the 7 days you are offered is in actual fact a denial to approve an extension and they give you 7 days to leave. It is better not to take this option because they will put a stamp saying so and this could become an issue in the future.
If you areally want to travel longer in Thailand, get a Thai STV.
It seems you can get visa extension via Thai government e-visa service. https://online.vfsevisa.com/ Do you have comment on this process?
Hi Jo,
I don’t think that is possible.
Does anyone know if they now require a TM30 at Chang Wattana when doing a 30 day extension on a 45 day Visa waiver?
Thanks in advance for any help.
So this 45-day visa expires on March 31, 2023.
What if I arrive on March 1, 2023? Would that mean my date to leave would be April 14, 2023? And if I wanted to extend this date by another 30 days, I would need to go to apply for an extension at least about a week before April 14th?
Does that sound right?
Hello there 75 days.
Yes, that is true. And depending on where you apply for the extension, you can also apply much earlier.
Cheers,
Deb
Hi Deb,
I was wondering if you know the limit to how many visa free waivers you are allowed per year when entering by air to Thailand.
I have used a two month visa (June – Aug 22′) then two visa waivers (extending them both) with visa runs in between.
I am about to come back to Thailand in Feb and am a bit worried they are going to question me at the airport or refuse entry.
I’ve seen conflicting reports online that you are allowed up to six per calendar year and some say only two.
If you or anyone else can answer my question I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks
Hi Conor,
There are indeed conflicting reports about this. Some say a maximum of 4 times as well, and a big part of this depends on your personal travel history and stamps in Thailand, and whether the immigration officer had a bad day.
Personally, I think you would be fine since your last entry was a long time ago. But do have an onward ticket.
All the best,
Deb
Hello Deb,
May be you have information about land border with Malaysia and Myanmar…
I would like to do visa run before end of march so I guess I could have an other 45 days waiver (I am canadian)?
1- wondering about Padang Besar (Malaysia) it’s use to be easy there… is it still the same? With night train to Bangkok… or I have to go to Hat Yai for catch this train?
Do I need to stay one night in Malaysia?
2-wondering about Myanmar… Ranong and Mae Sot border… I heard that Mae Sot bridge is open but is this okay for visa run?… it’s you use to be….
Could I go Myanmar and come back Thailand in the same day?
Thank you very much for all the infos you give!
Philip
Hi Philippe,
While Laos still remains the safest and easiest of all, Malaysia is just fine. Have not heard any bad news about it pretty recently. You can take the overnight sleeper train to Penang besar. From there you can take an other train to penang, if you wish to stay in Malaysia but it is not really required.
Coming to the Mae Sot border in Myanmar, what I know is that you’ll be required to wait in the office while your passport is stamped and then asked to return immediately to Thailand. You can’t stay there overnight. You are only permitted to cross the bridge for the purposes of a border run.
Please update once you do it so that the others can benefit.
Dear sir,
1st, many thanks for all helpful informations provided here.
I would like to ask for your kind confirmations on following 2 questions, please :
1) Got a first 45 days’ exemption (arrival by plane) expiring on March 4th. According to some others experiences here, a 30 days’ extension at Gvt Complex next week should then be no problem, yes ?
2) If exiting Thailand to Laos on March 30th then crossing back by land on the next day March 31st, could I normally still get another 45 days’ exemption ? And, if so, would that one be regularly elligible to an additional 30 days’ extension again ?
With great thanks and brgds.
J
Hi J,
Yes to the first question, and technically yes to the second one. Why wait until the last day to do this? 🙂
Hey Deb,
Thanks for reply.
To answer your question : just with the intention of bringing my stay in Thailand as far as it can go. )
By the way, did you have any actual report of that kind of border run by land getting a renewed 45 days’ exemption yet ?
Hi J,
Yes, I surely do.
Hey Deb,
Some update to whom it may be of some use :
I can confirm that, in Bkk, visa extensions (at least for Tourist and 45 days waiver) are not processed at the Gvt Complex anymore but at IT Square (awful shabby place…)
Surprisingly very few people there. So, except for the gloomy ambience, it went smooth and fast. Didn’t even take 15mns altogether to get my 30 days extension.
Hi Deb, great article, but I’m still struggling to figure out what is my best option.
I just wanted to explain my situation and hope you can offer the best advice!
I am going to Thailand from England on 23rd May 2023 and I booked a return ticket back on the 20th August.
I was planning to apply for a 60 day tourist visa and then extend for another 30 days. I now realise that it’s not great to assume that I will get the extension. Will this cause an issue that my return flight is already longer than the initial 60 days I will be offered? Will I need to book something else?
Also is the 60 day tourist visa the best option? Or could I possibly arrive and get 45 days, leave the country briefly and then get another 45?
Finally if I apply for an extension on the 60 day visa on say day 45, will the extension apply immediately, or be effective from the end of the 60 days?
thanks so much if you can take the time to reply.
Hi Hollie,
I believe you can do both but to me getting the SETV for 60 days and extending it would always be a better option, just because you could stay in the country for 90 days continuously. And the extension kicks in only when your 60 days expire, not from your date of application. So you are fine in that regard.
How to plan the flight tickets: https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thai-visa-extension/#What_to_Do_about_Onward_Ticket_for_Thai_Visa_Extension
Hope you have a good time in Thailand.
Hi Deb,
Thanks for all the advice given on this page, it’s very useful.
My situation is: I will return to Thailand on the 25th May after a two week trip to India. I have read various reports that people entering Thailand from India or China require medical insurance and a negative PCR test. Is this true and should I be buying insurance and getting tested beforehand?
I cant find much info on this online. I am just worried I will be denied access if i don’t have these things.
I am a British citizen and will be using the 30 day visa waiver if that makes a difference.
Thanks again
Hi Conor,
Sorry about the late reply.
You do need travel insurance. This insurance must cover the duration of your stay in Thailand plus an additional 7 days from their planned date of departure. It should be of at least USD 10,000 and include treatment for COVID‑19 related costs.
There is no need for negative PCR test as far as I know.
Thanks,
Deb
Thanks for the detailed guide! Didn’t realize there were so many offices outside of Bangkok. Just extended 30 days to my visa-exempt stay.
FYI for others in Ayutthaya:
It went quickly (11am Friday). Can do photocopies (3 baht/page) and pictures across the street at a small shop with a camera sticker on the window.
The receptionist at immigration called my hostel, but not sure if actually checking that I was staying or just if it existed.
Then a desk to fill out a few forms – one worker was very helpful and spoke some English. (And had white-out for things like when it said “date” but then the next line had month and year)
Then the office, where I was seen immediately. Around 10 minutes of her doing paperwork, a webcam pic, then you pay and another officer signs off on your passport. Takes up about 1/3 of a page.
(Oh and no problem not having a collar in my photo, I’d read that elsewhere)
Thanks a lot for the update Billy. Hope it helps everyone.
Hi Deb,
Thank you for all the advice up to this point, it is incredibly helpful.
I am going to explain my current situation and hope that I can get your advice on how to proceed. I am arriving in Thailand as a UK national on the 24th July 2023, and will be using the visa waiver for 30 days to travel the South of Thailand. I will then be travelling to Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos (staying 30 days in each place). I then want to re-enter North of Thailand and stay for another 30 days before flying back to the UK.
1. The re-entry permits online are not backpacking friendly as they ask where I am staying and I do not know this information, only the first 3 days usually. How do I get around this?
2. Should I apply for a re-entry permit and extension when I am in Thailand the first time, or go to the Thai Embassy in Laos and apply for re-entry and extension there?
3. Do you think this trip is risky trying to re-enter and extend the visa? Or do you think it will be simple to do?
Many thanks,
Paige
Hi Paige,
I believe in your case, it would be quite simple since you are using the visa waiver to enter both the times, and you are not really exceeding the limit or getting an extension.
I don’t think you would need re-entry permit. As per the hotel reservations, you can always do refundable reservations and then cancel them.
All the best, Deba
Hi Deb,
I just need an advice, regarding risking a visa extension in IT Square Laksi, or to go on a border run to Cambodia. We (with my parents who are senior citizens) arrived in BKK from MNL last July 5 and will end Aug 3 (a 30 day visa exemption) to visit relatives and friends as well as tour and of course, go shopping. Our return ticket to MNL will be on Aug 20MN, to have enough rest for the elderly between travels and visits, thus the requirement to have a visa extension.
My great concern is, we are not staying in a hotel/resort but with my Aunt’s (my mom’s sister, with a non-immigrant O visa) house in Bangkok. This is where it goes possibly deep for the immigration with TM30 besides the TM7. I am not sure what or where TM30 further dives in to with regards to document requirements, but it will entirely be complicated. Some says it is simple, but my Aunt’s house is named under my uncle, and they are no longer together. Thus the complication deepens if we talk about TM30.
With our situation, I am not sure how the Thai immigration treats elderly aliens who just wants to visit and stay with relatives in Thailand, tour great sites with relative and friends, and do shopping for souvenirs to bring back home.
So my two options are:
1. Easy 30min – 1hr but risky visa extension in IT Square Laksi with a non refundable fee of thb1900 if denied because of TM30 concern and would have to rebook our tickets to go back home.
2. An assuring but tiring whole day border run to Cambodia with a elderly parents worth thb2500.
Any advice will be great for a Thai visa extension.
Hi GB,
I get your concern. Here is the thing. You do not really need proof of a TM30 to extend a tourist visa or visa exempt entry (though someone still needs to have submitted it for you). So the assumption here is that your uncle, the owner in this case, should have submitted this.
I would say that give it a try a week or so before so that in case it does not work out for any reason or a moody official, you still have time and energy to do a border run.
Hope it works out. My heart says it will. Please keep us updated.
All the best,
Deb
Hello Deb, Great site and advice.
My question re a scenario –
Entered Thailand with a US passport for 60 days, then extended for 30 days whilst awaiting decision for a 5 year Elite Visa (with rules for Elite extension to 10 or 20 years).
Then Thailand Elite announced a complete revamp of Elite visa and a discontinuation of a 5 year Elite but provided people a short time to pay more to upgrade to 10 or 20 years. A five year can still be granted, but the extension ability ceases so upgrade would have to occur about now. In October 2023 the Elite visa is likely to be much more expensive and possibly have less incentives.
Therefore, although the 5 year elite is still awaiting approval, the changes required a backup plan to apply for an O-X long stay retired pensioner option application, now also submitted. Therefore, there are now two options awaiting approval by officials, and the current extension of 30 days is about to end.
As it is changes by authorities that have created the unknown situation eith no indication when approvals or denials will occur, would officials be inclined to grant a second 30 day extension?
I understand that your answer will be speculation based on experience, but your opinion is valued and may be used as a guide as to whether an attempt should be made to put the case forward. Otherwise, there will be added expense of moving out for a border run flight and return.
Kind regards.
Hi Mark,
Yes, this is quite a situation. I understand your concern. In most countries in the world, if your visa application is under process, you don’t have to worry even if your current visa expires. I personally have been in this situation more than a few times and this is totally fine.
Thailand being Thailand, you can’t predict these things. If all your documents for the O-X are in order, they have no reason to deny it. I would say that be positive and wait for the approval. If I were in your shoes, I would have done that and faced the consequences in case things did not work out in the end.
But if you want to play it safe, a border run is always an option. Would love if you could update on the final outcome.
Hi we was in Thailand for 30 days on the visa waiver stamp we have since left the country and visited Laos and currently we are in Vietnam. We are planning to fly back into Thailand soon. The question I have is can we get another 30 day waiver stamp when we arrive (we would’ve been out of Thailand for 20 days since our last visit) secondly if we can get another waiver stamp is it possible to pay to extend this for a further 30 days for 1900 Bhat? Or do we have to apply for a visa online? Thank you in advance for your reply!
Hi Reece,
Yes, you should be able to get a waiver and an extension. In case you decide to get an SETV in Vietnam, you can do so as well : https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/tourist-visa-to-thailand-in-vietnam/
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I don’t really understand this comment but I will let it slide.