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How to Extend Your Tourist Stay in Thailand: Thai Visa Extension Made Simpler

THAI VISA EXTENSION FOR SETV, METV AND VISA WAIVER

By John Belushi last updated on July 9, 2023

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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 45 days 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.

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.

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. 

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. 

Grab the TM.7 application form for Thai visa extension. It’s a 2-page form. You can also download TM.7 form here .

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.

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.

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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Reader Interactions

April 19, 2021 at 11:43 pm

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?

April 20, 2021 at 4:19 pm

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.

April 23, 2021 at 4:30 am

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?

April 23, 2021 at 4:44 pm

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.

October 28, 2021 at 5:17 pm

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?

October 28, 2021 at 5:40 pm

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.

July 22, 2022 at 5:34 pm

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.

July 25, 2022 at 3:46 am

Hi Maricel, You can try the Covid extension for 60 days.

April 6, 2023 at 4:46 am

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?

April 6, 2023 at 8:27 pm

Hi Nessa, I don’t see why not.

January 8, 2024 at 7:38 pm

Can you advise me I have a 30 day exempt visa from uk I want another 30 days so I apply at immigration making 60

I then leave for Laos for 30 Can I come back in again on another 30 day exemption. Even though I’m not starting from uk

How many times can I do this in a year?

January 30, 2024 at 3:57 pm

Hi Liz, Yes you can come back and stay and extend for 30 days again. That is fine. As per how many times, that’s always subjective. I would not recommend you to do it more than 4 times in a year but people have done it more than that in the past. Please feel free to read some comments.

Happy travels, Deb

January 2, 2022 at 10:27 am

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?

January 22, 2022 at 4:25 pm

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.

July 18, 2022 at 9:57 am

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!

January 27, 2023 at 5:01 am

If I enter before March 31 st…will I get 45 days exemption ?or is it back to 30 days from then

January 27, 2023 at 9:07 pm

Hi Paul, You should get 45 days ideally if you enter before 31st March.

March 16, 2023 at 4:49 am

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).

May 6, 2021 at 6:03 am

Is it possible to extend into the STV if you came in on a 45 visa exemption?

Great article, really easy to follow.

May 6, 2021 at 4:21 pm

Hi Tom, Yes, you can extend for 30 more days after the 45 days of visa exemption.

May 23, 2021 at 12:50 pm

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.

May 23, 2021 at 4:30 pm

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.

April 21, 2022 at 2:45 pm

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.

April 24, 2022 at 6:33 am

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.

July 9, 2021 at 7:49 pm

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

July 10, 2021 at 8:29 am

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 .

May 16, 2023 at 3:26 pm

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.

May 26, 2023 at 10:35 am

Wish I knew. Why wouldn’t your friend tell you? 🙂

May 18, 2021 at 10:54 pm

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

May 19, 2021 at 5:51 am

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.

August 31, 2021 at 9:48 am

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?

May 27, 2021 at 5:01 am

Thanks, Rolando Ngabidj for thevisaproject.com

May 28, 2021 at 9:48 pm

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

May 30, 2021 at 2:18 pm

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.

April 17, 2022 at 6:12 pm

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.

April 20, 2022 at 4:33 am

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.

February 2, 2024 at 2:30 pm

Hi Deb I have received a 60 day SETV commencing at the end of this month February. My return flight is for 89 later. I do plan on visiting Cambodia (flight) for 7 or 10 days as part of my trip. Do I need to go to an immigration office to extend my visa by 30 days or will having my visa stamped on reentry suffice? How would you recommend timing my visit to Cambodia in relation to the 60 day SETV? Thanks in advance.

February 6, 2024 at 1:54 pm

Hi Kevin, Yes, you do need to visit the immigration office for the extension. The best time to leave and visit Cambodia would be when the end of your extension is close. I always recommend to leave at least 4 or 5 days before it ends.

All the best, Deba

June 2, 2021 at 4:13 pm

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.

June 15, 2021 at 12:13 pm

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?

June 15, 2021 at 3:19 pm

Hi Tom, You can keep the old card and simply change the flight. No issues.

June 29, 2021 at 7:36 am

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)

July 1, 2021 at 12:53 pm

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 .

July 10, 2021 at 4:16 pm

Sorry about my earlier comment Darren. I actually meant 45 days stay, not a 45-day extension. The article has been rectified.

June 30, 2021 at 6:54 am

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

July 1, 2021 at 12:46 pm

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.

July 4, 2021 at 11:04 pm

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?

July 5, 2021 at 11:10 am

Hi Mussa, You will be able to extend for 30 days since you came with a visa.

July 8, 2021 at 8:47 pm

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?

July 9, 2021 at 1:06 pm

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.

July 12, 2021 at 3:43 pm

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.

July 13, 2021 at 8:34 am

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.

July 12, 2021 at 7:41 pm

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.

July 13, 2021 at 5:08 am

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.

July 13, 2021 at 4:57 pm

Thanks deb for your reply. Understand now. Really appreciate your help.

July 16, 2021 at 8:56 am

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.)

July 16, 2021 at 4:30 pm

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. 🙂

July 26, 2021 at 6:25 am

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!

July 27, 2021 at 4:49 pm

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.

August 5, 2021 at 12:14 pm

How far in advance of your visa expiration date can you apply for the 60 day covid extension?

August 6, 2021 at 3:25 pm

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.

August 18, 2021 at 7:50 am

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?

August 18, 2021 at 3:31 pm

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 .

August 25, 2021 at 6:31 am

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.

August 25, 2021 at 3:01 pm

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.

August 29, 2021 at 6:08 am

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 ?

August 30, 2021 at 4:18 pm

Hi Weekii, If they have stopped giving them out, in that case, you could come with a SETV or METV.

September 4, 2021 at 7:26 am

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

September 5, 2021 at 2:58 pm

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.

September 5, 2021 at 10:22 pm

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?

September 7, 2021 at 10:04 am

Hi Karen, We can definitely expect it. 🙂 Will update the article the moment I know.

September 9, 2021 at 4:19 pm

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!

September 10, 2021 at 11:58 am

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/

September 10, 2021 at 6:38 am

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!

September 11, 2021 at 5:25 am

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.

September 13, 2021 at 9:34 am

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 🙏

September 13, 2021 at 12:28 pm

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.

September 20, 2021 at 10:46 pm

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!

November 19, 2021 at 6:11 am

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!

November 20, 2021 at 8:31 am

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.

August 11, 2022 at 9:30 am

The link is not working anymore, but the new location is at the IT Square Mall in Lak Si (3rd floor)

September 21, 2021 at 5:06 pm

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?

September 22, 2021 at 4:42 pm

Hi Val, I don’t think so. I would recommend you to come with a visa.

October 15, 2021 at 7:19 pm

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.

October 23, 2021 at 6:05 pm

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?

October 26, 2021 at 11:58 am

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.

October 26, 2021 at 5:51 pm

Thanks for updating Martin. Hope everything goes well.

October 15, 2021 at 7:38 pm

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.

October 23, 2021 at 6:06 pm

No such rumors yet. Thai immigration loves surprising people. 🙂

October 18, 2021 at 7:22 am

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

October 19, 2021 at 12:25 pm

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

October 23, 2021 at 6:12 pm

Hi Dr Saleh, You have not mentioned your nationality. Can not really say unless I know that.

October 20, 2021 at 12:55 pm

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

October 23, 2021 at 6:10 pm

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.

October 21, 2021 at 1:39 am

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

October 23, 2021 at 5:58 pm

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

October 24, 2021 at 1:34 am

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?

October 26, 2021 at 5:56 pm

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.

July 4, 2022 at 9:32 pm

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??

October 31, 2021 at 12:10 am

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!

October 31, 2021 at 5:40 pm

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.

November 8, 2021 at 8:33 am

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

November 8, 2021 at 4:19 pm

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!!

March 14, 2022 at 9:16 am

Fino al 24 marzo

July 8, 2022 at 1:44 pm

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.

July 10, 2022 at 9:06 am

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/

October 12, 2022 at 9:14 am

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

October 12, 2022 at 2:30 pm

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.

May 6, 2023 at 10:22 pm

And of course that link doesn’t exist!

November 12, 2021 at 12:18 pm

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).

November 16, 2021 at 9:22 am

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.

November 17, 2021 at 2:56 am

Based on the two stories (comments) before yours, your question has already been answered 🙂

November 19, 2021 at 6:09 am

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!

November 20, 2021 at 6:15 am

Thank you, J very much for sharing the details for people with student/work visas.

June 15, 2022 at 6:46 am

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.

June 16, 2022 at 5:50 am

Yes it is possible Torge.

November 21, 2021 at 12:16 pm

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?

November 22, 2021 at 1:17 pm

Hi Natalia, Yes, it is possible.

November 23, 2021 at 3:11 am

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

November 23, 2021 at 5:24 pm

Hi Christian, Great to know. Yes, J is right about that. All the best.

November 25, 2021 at 7:35 am

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.

November 28, 2021 at 7:34 am

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

December 5, 2021 at 2:50 pm

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.

November 23, 2021 at 11:19 pm

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.

November 28, 2021 at 10:19 am

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.

December 23, 2021 at 5:16 am

You don’t need to wait to apply for the 30 day extension. I’ve always done it early whenever it was convenient.

November 25, 2021 at 7:56 am

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.

November 28, 2021 at 10:23 am

Hi Roy, They would accept it I believe.

November 26, 2021 at 4:56 am

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.

December 1, 2021 at 6:48 am

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

November 30, 2021 at 11:36 am

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?

December 1, 2021 at 5:27 am

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

December 6, 2021 at 3:25 am

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

December 14, 2021 at 3:27 am

Hi Peter, Yes you should get 30 days again.

December 7, 2021 at 7:51 am

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)?

December 14, 2021 at 3:21 am

Hi Denise, Yes, it has been extended. You surely can do that.

December 7, 2021 at 10:48 pm

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!

December 14, 2021 at 3:20 am

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.

December 8, 2021 at 4:55 pm

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.

December 9, 2021 at 3:50 am

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.

December 9, 2021 at 5:05 am

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?

December 12, 2021 at 2:58 am

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

December 13, 2021 at 6:28 pm

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.

December 20, 2021 at 1:36 am

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?

December 21, 2021 at 2:52 am

Hi David, Yes, you are correct.

December 30, 2021 at 4:30 am

Hi, Where and how do you apply for a COVID extension? Also, how long is the extension? Thanks.

December 22, 2021 at 8:44 am

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?

December 24, 2021 at 7:23 pm

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?).

December 25, 2021 at 11:29 pm

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. 🙂

December 26, 2021 at 2:31 am

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.

December 26, 2021 at 5:11 am

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

December 27, 2021 at 4:50 pm

Hi Grant, The 30-day extension is one time only. The COVID extension can be done more than once.

December 26, 2021 at 2:59 pm

Does it matter what you put as answer in “Reason for extension” section? Would “tourism” suffice for example?

December 27, 2021 at 5:55 pm

Yes, it would.

January 5, 2022 at 7:07 am

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?

January 5, 2022 at 7:35 pm

My reply is yes to all of your questions, with one caveat. Do buy an onward ticket or rent it here

January 9, 2022 at 6:34 am

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?

January 10, 2022 at 1:22 am

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.

January 11, 2022 at 7:52 pm

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

January 12, 2022 at 12:47 am

Hi John, It is way better and cheaper to rent one, and this is the one I recommend: https://thevisaproject.com/recommends/visa-reservation/

January 13, 2022 at 7:32 am

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 ?

January 14, 2022 at 4:14 pm

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.

January 13, 2022 at 10:51 am

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.

January 14, 2022 at 4:17 pm

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.

January 13, 2022 at 1:00 pm

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.

January 14, 2022 at 3:54 pm

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.

January 15, 2022 at 8:20 am

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

January 18, 2022 at 3:52 am

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.

January 18, 2022 at 4:28 pm

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…

January 18, 2022 at 1:31 pm

Hi Isse, where did you apply ? in BKK ? (MuongThong Thani) – Thanks. Marco

January 15, 2022 at 10:55 pm

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

January 18, 2022 at 4:13 am

Hi Patrick, No need for a new insurance.

January 20, 2022 at 7:06 am

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

January 21, 2022 at 2:32 am

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.

January 21, 2022 at 3:13 am

Never heard of this, William.

January 24, 2022 at 1:06 am

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.

January 24, 2022 at 3:43 pm

Hi Larry, You can get a COVID extension for 60 days.

January 26, 2022 at 4:05 pm

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?

January 27, 2022 at 2:01 am

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.

January 27, 2022 at 10:40 pm

Hi John, Yes, you are eligible.

January 31, 2022 at 1:11 am

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?

February 1, 2022 at 9:50 pm

Hi Dheeraj, Ideally, you should be able to.

February 2, 2022 at 7:47 am

Hi, I have a STV that I already extended twice and therefore should leave. Would the COVID extension also work for me?

February 4, 2022 at 2:16 am

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?

February 7, 2022 at 3:45 am

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).

February 8, 2022 at 1:52 am

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!!

February 11, 2022 at 3:03 am

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.

February 12, 2022 at 2:09 am

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?)

February 15, 2022 at 11:07 pm

Hi Maru, They will ask you to get the normal extension first.

February 10, 2022 at 9:15 pm

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!

February 11, 2022 at 7:08 pm

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!

February 15, 2022 at 7:57 pm

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.

February 14, 2022 at 6:27 am

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

February 15, 2022 at 10:36 am

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??

February 17, 2022 at 2:15 am

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???

February 17, 2022 at 6:40 pm

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.

February 18, 2022 at 11:16 am

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. 🙂

February 19, 2022 at 9:20 pm

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.

March 10, 2022 at 4:01 pm

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?

March 13, 2022 at 9:03 pm

Hi Maisie, Yes, it is.

March 14, 2022 at 9:55 am

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

March 14, 2022 at 5:52 pm

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

March 21, 2022 at 6:12 am

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

March 22, 2022 at 5:45 pm

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.

March 24, 2022 at 9:08 am

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?

March 25, 2022 at 7:32 am

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.

March 25, 2022 at 11:23 am

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?

March 25, 2022 at 6:26 pm

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/

March 26, 2022 at 9:34 pm

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

March 29, 2022 at 12:53 pm

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.

March 29, 2022 at 1:25 pm

Hi, This article has all the info you need.

https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thailand-long-stay-visa-and-restrictions/

March 31, 2022 at 7:29 am

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!

April 4, 2022 at 1:09 pm

Hi Yanxin, Thank you very much for your comment. Hope it helps the others.

April 19, 2022 at 4:42 am

where I can get a visa extension on Phuket island?

April 19, 2022 at 5:46 pm

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

April 20, 2022 at 4:36 am

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.

April 21, 2022 at 5:57 am

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

April 24, 2022 at 6:31 am

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.

April 27, 2022 at 4:53 am

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!

April 28, 2022 at 11:51 am

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.

May 2, 2022 at 7:40 pm

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!

May 6, 2022 at 12:57 pm

Yes, that is exactly what you can do.

May 16, 2022 at 10:51 am

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?

June 6, 2022 at 3:40 am

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

June 7, 2022 at 7:15 am

Hi Jade, They surely can ask. Either get a letter or an email where they state they either don’t provide any such letter.

June 15, 2022 at 7:58 am

Hi I need to extend visa actually my visa expires today but I don’t know where is immigration office and I extend visa

June 16, 2022 at 4:45 pm

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?

June 18, 2022 at 7:40 am

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.

June 20, 2022 at 4:38 am

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!

June 22, 2022 at 5:04 pm

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.

June 22, 2022 at 8:29 pm

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.

June 25, 2022 at 11:53 am

Hi, You should get 30 days. Have not heard of anyone getting 15 days in the recent past.

July 5, 2022 at 11:49 pm

According to people I talked in Thailand they will not give you 30 days you have to do it in your own country

July 7, 2022 at 11:59 pm

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…

July 10, 2022 at 9:03 am

Yes it is. 30.

July 11, 2022 at 4:08 am

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!

July 20, 2022 at 3:03 am

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.

July 18, 2022 at 4:01 pm

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.

July 22, 2022 at 10:24 am

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/

January 8, 2023 at 9:37 am

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,

January 9, 2023 at 8:38 pm

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

July 29, 2022 at 6:56 pm

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

July 31, 2022 at 8:52 am

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.

August 11, 2022 at 3:09 am

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.

August 11, 2022 at 1:52 pm

Hi Zero, Thank you for the update. Would you mind sharing which additional documents were you needed to fill in?

August 18, 2022 at 2:31 am

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.!!

August 19, 2022 at 6:40 am

Hi Aly, This article will help you in understanding all those details : https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thailand-long-stay-visa-and-restrictions/

August 29, 2022 at 10:55 pm

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

August 31, 2022 at 7:48 am

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

August 31, 2022 at 5:36 am

Hi, I read the covid extensions will no longer be given again and again. is this correct?

August 31, 2022 at 7:43 am

That is right Ron. They have discontinued it for now.

August 31, 2022 at 7:58 pm

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

September 3, 2022 at 2:42 pm

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/

September 10, 2022 at 7:39 am

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?

September 16, 2022 at 6:39 am

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.

September 19, 2022 at 2:24 pm

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

September 23, 2022 at 6:59 am

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.

September 30, 2022 at 7:41 pm

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

October 4, 2022 at 1:16 pm

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.

October 4, 2022 at 7:45 pm

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!

October 5, 2022 at 5:50 pm

Hi Don, I believe yes you would.

October 4, 2022 at 9:58 pm

Do you have any infos about the Special 60-day Covid Extension of Thai Visa… for end 2022 and begining 2023? Thanks!

October 5, 2022 at 5:51 pm

Right now it is not happening Phillipe. I doubt they will go back to Covid extensions.

October 8, 2022 at 9:22 am

Hi Ded, I’m wondering if a land border visa extension run (post 60-days visa ) cab be also done in Myanmar/laos? Txs

October 12, 2022 at 2:16 pm

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).

October 16, 2022 at 9:00 pm

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

October 17, 2022 at 12:19 pm

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.

November 21, 2022 at 4:52 am

I just got denied the STV visa renewal. they say it finished by 30th September

November 21, 2022 at 6:59 am

Hi Josh, Sorry to hear that. Do you mean, they denied you a 30-day extension on your STV?

October 18, 2022 at 6:11 am

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!

October 19, 2022 at 11:19 am

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.

October 18, 2022 at 3:34 pm

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?

October 19, 2022 at 11:14 am

Yes to both.

October 19, 2022 at 8:26 am

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?

October 19, 2022 at 11:16 am

I believe it is possible, but why take the risk? You have time to do it beforehand.

October 21, 2022 at 1:55 pm

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.

October 23, 2022 at 5:54 am

Hi Sandra, Yes, this is totally doable.

October 23, 2022 at 12:47 pm

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…

October 25, 2022 at 7:00 am

Technically speaking, it should be possible although no one has done this yet. Worth a try, and do let us know if you succeed.

October 27, 2022 at 8:11 am

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!!

October 28, 2022 at 8:59 am

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/

October 30, 2022 at 3:54 am

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!

November 1, 2022 at 7:14 am

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

November 13, 2022 at 1:43 pm

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 ?

November 15, 2022 at 6:50 am

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.

November 15, 2022 at 2:55 am

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?

November 18, 2022 at 9:07 am

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

November 19, 2022 at 11:41 am

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…

November 21, 2022 at 9:52 am

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).

November 23, 2022 at 8:04 am

Hi Chris, I have added a map that you can refer to for the location.

All the best in your endeavors.

November 23, 2022 at 5:33 pm

November 22, 2022 at 11:36 am

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.

November 24, 2022 at 10:11 am

Hey Johannes, Yes, this is possible.

And thank you for the kind words.

November 24, 2022 at 2:56 pm

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

November 25, 2022 at 6:37 am

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.

December 2, 2022 at 9:32 am

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.

November 22, 2022 at 4:30 pm

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?

November 27, 2022 at 10:26 pm

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?

November 30, 2022 at 5:55 am

Hi Steve, I don’t think this is possible with the 45-day visa-exempt option or with the 60-day tourist visa.

December 1, 2022 at 4:34 am

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

December 2, 2022 at 11:05 am

Hi Ian, Yes, booking a hotel for a night can do the trick. Not really needed for much longer.

December 2, 2022 at 6:45 am

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?

December 4, 2022 at 11:12 am

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.

December 2, 2022 at 3:45 pm

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!

December 4, 2022 at 11:18 am

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.

December 5, 2022 at 3:39 am

It seems you can get visa extension via Thai government e-visa service. https://online.vfsevisa.com/ Do you have comment on this process?

December 5, 2022 at 10:48 am

Hi Jo, I don’t think that is possible.

December 8, 2022 at 1:18 pm

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.

January 6, 2023 at 8:38 am

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?

January 9, 2023 at 10:49 am

Hello there 75 days. Yes, that is true. And depending on where you apply for the extension, you can also apply much earlier.

January 23, 2023 at 4:38 am

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.

January 24, 2023 at 8:33 pm

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.

All the best, Deb

February 23, 2023 at 1:51 am

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

February 25, 2023 at 8:59 pm

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.

February 24, 2023 at 9:52 am

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.

February 25, 2023 at 9:02 pm

Hi J, Yes to the first question, and technically yes to the second one. Why wait until the last day to do this? 🙂

February 26, 2023 at 10:12 am

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 ?

February 26, 2023 at 11:49 am

Hi J, Yes, I surely do.

February 28, 2023 at 6:41 am

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.

March 19, 2023 at 3:28 pm

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.

March 24, 2023 at 9:35 am

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.

April 19, 2023 at 10:29 am

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

May 2, 2023 at 10:19 am

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

May 26, 2023 at 5:57 am

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.

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)

(Oh and no problem not having a collar in my photo, I’d read that elsewhere)

May 28, 2023 at 8:04 pm

Thanks a lot for the update Billy. Hope it helps everyone.

June 2, 2023 at 9:00 am

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

June 7, 2023 at 10:55 am

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.

July 21, 2023 at 4:09 pm

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.

July 23, 2023 at 9:27 pm

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.

August 7, 2023 at 4:18 am

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.

August 15, 2023 at 10:34 pm

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.

August 17, 2023 at 3:08 pm

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!

August 19, 2023 at 2:54 pm

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/

September 5, 2023 at 7:40 pm

Uwaga! Nie można przedłużyć wizy w dowolnym urzędzie! Musi być odpowiedni dla twojego adresu!

September 6, 2023 at 2:17 pm

I don’t really understand this comment but I will let it slide.

October 6, 2023 at 1:24 am

Hi, regarding the amount of visa waiver entries you can have per year: Siam Legal (who runs the Thai Embassy website) clarified that under the new rules, you can get up to two (2) entries by land per calendar year (Jan 1 – Dec 31) and up to six (6) by air. People who enter on the visa exemption / waiver can still extend by another 30 days. Thought this might be useful 🙂

Source: https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/thailand-visa-latest-update

January 5, 2024 at 7:12 am

I just got a 30 day extension of my ’30 day visa exemption’ on arrival (w/ US passport) at IT Square Laksi. There are 2 photo & print /copy shops next door. They open at 8:30am, close from 12-1 for lunch, and stop taking new people about 3:30pm, closing at 4:30.

In addition to TM-7, there are 2 more forms they want you to fill out with your info but no other supporting docs. Bring your own pen!

Get there early to avoid having to wait through lunch break. After lunch things move slower as there were many ‘agents’ with 4500-5000b clients skipping the cue.

I tried the ‘new’ E-Visa system, but the next appointment was a week away, and then it was going to take 7-12 business days to ‘process’. You get to ‘skip the line’ by submitting your documents online, but you also have to pay another 500b. You can pay more to get faster processing: 1500 for 2-3day, and 5000 for same or overnight processing if my memory is correct.

January 30, 2024 at 3:03 pm

Thanks a lot Greg. This would definitely help the others a lot.

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Thailand Visa » Thailand entry Information » How to get a Thailand visa extension

How to get a Thailand visa extension

Many visitors decide to stay longer than they originally planned in Thailand. This raises the question: how do you extend a Thai visa ?

Whether it is possible to obtain a Thailand visa extension (and for how long) depends on the visa type.

A number of nationalities can apply for a Thai tourist eVisa online through an easy online application, which removes the need to wait in long border queues or visit a diplomatic mission in person. In many cases, this is a simpler solution than extending a Thai visa.

What Kind of Thailand Visa Can Be Extended?

Only Thailand tourist visas obtained at an embassy or consulate can be extended. It is not currently possible to extend eVisas or visas obtained on arrival in Thailand.

However, since it is much quicker and easier to apply for the eVisa than at an embassy, many travelers prefer this option.

If they need to extend their stay, they can do a “visa run”. Simply this means temporarily leaving Thailand for a day or 2 , applying for a new eVisa, and then returning. Many people use this opportunity to visit a neighboring country like Cambodia or Laos.

This is usually more enjoyable than going to an office in Thailand to deal with the paperwork needed to extend a consular visa.

How Many Times Can I Extend my Tourist eVisa in Thailand?

It is not currently possible to extend a tourist visa for Thailand obtained online .

It is not currently possible to extend a tourist visa for Thailand obtained online . Instead, you can leave the country briefly, submit a new Thai visa application online from outside Thailand, and return once it is approved.

This allows you to extend your stay and saves the trouble of dealing with the paperwork to extend a consular tourist visa in person.

An online visa application for Thailand can be completed in just a few minutes by supplying basic personal, passport, and travel details.

An online visa for Thailand is usually processed quickly, within a couple of days. Therefore, crossing the Thai border into a neighboring country to submit a new eVisa application is a viable option.

How to Extend My Thailand Tourist Visa

Visitors can extend a Thailand tourist visa originally obtained at a Thai embassy or consulate by going to a special office. They must complete the necessary paperwork to apply for a visa extension.

There is also a Thai visa extension fee to be paid.

It is only possible to get a Thai visa extension for an embassy tourist visa once inside the country. A Thai tourist visa can only be extended once.

This is the only option for foreign nationals who are not eligible for the eVisa.

Those who are eligible for an eVisa can extend their stay simply by reapplying for a new tourist visa online . This must be done from outside Thailand, so it is necessary to leave the country temporarily. This could be a good opportunity to visit a neighboring country before returning to Thailand.

It is not currently possible to extend a Thailand visa on arrival (VOA) .

Where can I extend my Thai visa in Bangkok?

To obtain a non-immigrant Thailand visa extension, it is necessary to go to a Thai Immigration Bureau office . There are offices in various locations around Thailand where it is possible to apply for an extension.

It is not possible to obtain a visa extension at a border crossing checkpoint.

Documents to extend my Thailand visa

To extend a Thai visa, the applicant needs to supply immigration officers with:

• A completed Thailand visa extension form
• A copy of your original visa
• A copy of the passport information page (this can be made at the offices)
• A photo of the applicant , passport-style.
• A copy of your Thailand departure card (TM6)

There is also an extension fee , which is currently 1,900 baht (regardless of the length of the extension). This will need to be paid in cash in the local currency , as credit and debit card payments are not currently accepted.

How long can I extend a Thai visa for?

Thai embassy tourist visas are either valid for 30 days or 60 days.

They may be extended for the following periods :

• An additional 30 days for a 60-day visa
• An extra 7 days for a 30-day visa

The online tourist visa for Thailand allows the holder a single entry stay of 30 days for purposes of tourism and leisure.

Each new eVisa you apply for will allow you another 30 days in Thailand from the date you return to the country.

When to Apply for a Thai Visa Extension

It is important to renew a Thai visa before it expires in order to avoid any of the overstay penalties. An extension can be made at any time once the traveler is inside Thailand.

The Thai visa extension application process takes around an hour from start to finish. This may take longer in some cases, depending on the length of lines at the immigration office at any given time.

What should I do if my eVisa expires?

It is important to leave Thailand before the 30-day stay permitted with an eVisa expires . This is because penalties apply to anyone who has overstayed the maximum stay permitted with a visa for Thailand.

Even overstaying by 1 day in Thailand will result in a fine for the eVisa holder. Longer overstays may result in other penalties such as detainment and imprisonment.

Can you leave Thailand on the day your eVisa expires?

Yes, the holder of a Thai tourist visa is able to leave the country at any time on the day the eVisa expires . However, they must not stay longer than the 30-day period of permitted stay, which begins once they have their passport stamped by immigration authorities on arrival in Thailand.

• Thailand Online Visa
• eVisa Application
• eVOA Online
• eVisa Conditions
• Thailand Visa on Arrival for Bhutanese Citizens
• Thailand Policy for Indian Citizens
• Thailand Policy for Taiwanese Citizens

• X (Twitter)

Complete Steps and Requirements for Thailand Tourist Visa Extension of 30 Days

Last updated on December 18th, 2023 at 06:40 am

Extending your tourist visa in Thailand allows you an additional 30 days to continue exploring the country and enjoying its beautiful scenery. In this blog post, we will guide you through the step-by-step process and provide you with the necessary Visa Extension Requirements for your Thailand Tourist Visa Extension with the Application for Extension of Temporary Stay in the Kingdom form TM7.

Thailand Visa Extension Guide

Who can extend their thailand tourist visa.

Before proceeding, ensure you are holding a tourist visa and that it is eligible for extension. Different visa types may have varying rules for Thailand Tourist Visa Extension, so verify your visa category and its specific requirements.

The most prevalent tourist visa for Thailand is the 30-day visa exemption, which is applicable to citizens of specific countries and can be obtained upon arrival in Thailand. With this visa, visitors can stay in the country for 30 days without the need to apply for a visa beforehand. Furthermore, there’s the Visa on Arrival, also valid for 15 days, and obtainable at most major airports and land border crossings upon reaching Thailand.

Another alternative for tourists is the 60-day tourist visa, and it can be extended for an additional 30 days at a local immigration office. This visa option is open to citizens of most countries and can be acquired at a Thai embassy or consulate before traveling to Thailand.

Step 1: Gather Visa Extension Required Documents

Prepare the following documents before going to immigration for your visa extension application:

1. Passport: Valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.

2. One Passport Photo: Recent passport-sized Photo 4 x 6 cm. (not older than 6 months) with a white background.

3. Visa Extension Form: Thailand Visa Extension Application Form TM.7 (Obtain at Immigration Office). Fill out the visa extension application form according to examples provided.

4. Copy of applicant’s passport. A photocopy is needed of the main page and any page with current Thai visa.

5. Application fee 1,900 Baht. Make sure to bring exact amount..

Step 2: Visit the Immigration Office

Locate the nearest Immigration Office in Thailand, and schedule an appointment if necessary. Bring all the required documents and arrive on time if you made an appointment. In Bangkok, I prefer the Immigration Office located on the 3rd floor of IT Square Laksi which is not as busy as the main branch. Arrive before 4pm. IT Square Mall is located right off the new MRT Red Line at Lak Si station and cost 27 baht when traveling from Bang Sue MRT Blue Line. The main Immigration office of Bangkok is located at Chaengwattana Immigration (Government Complex) 120 Chang Watthana 7 Alley, Thung Song Hong, Lak Si, Bangkok 10210 (Building B Gate 2). Between hours of 8:30-12pm  1pm-4:30pm. (Closes 1 hour for lunch.) 

Step 3: Fill Out & Submit Your Thailand Visa Extension Application

Upon arrival, if you need to need to get your passport photocopied or need a photo taken then head over to adjacent shop next to the immigration office which charges 4 baht for the 2 photocopies. Proceed to pickup the 3 forms of the TM7 Thailand Tourist Visa Extension paperwork and properly fill out according to the examples on the wall. Double-check that all documents are complete and in order to avoid any delays or rejections (Page 1 has a front and back and write down your phone number and signature on the 2 photocopies of your passport). After filling out the 4 pages, present them along with 2 Photocopied pages and photo to staff at Step 1 Counter Desk.  If everything looks in order, they will give you a ticket number for the Step 3 – K Counter. 

Step 4: Await Processing with Immigration Officer

You will que in section #4 and wait for your ticket number to be called to the next available desk number. Similar to DMV. Once called, You will hand your completed TM7, passport, and 1900 baht to Immigration Officer. They may or may not ask you questions regarding your stay in Thailand.

Step 5: Await Decision & Receive Visa Extension

The processing time for visa extensions may vary, so be patient while the immigration authorities finish up your extension application paperwork. Once your application is approved, you will receive your passport back with a stamp indicating the new expiration date of your tourist visa. Typically, you’ll be granted an additional 30 days.

Conclusion of Thailand Tourist Visa Extension:

Thailand Tourist Visa Extension can be a straightforward process if you are well-prepared and fulfill all the necessary requirements. The TM7 Forms are available at the Immigration Office. And in case you forgot, there is a photo shop and copier machine service in the next shop over from immigration in IT Square Laksi. Make sure bring a black pen for filling out form. Remember to plan ahead and comply with the regulations to continue your amazing journey in the Land of Smiles!

Note: Visa regulations and procedures are subject to change, so always verify the latest information with the Thai Immigration authorities before proceeding with your visa extension.

Tip 1: Avoid waiting until the final day to Extend Thailand Visa. Plan ahead and visit the immigration office a week before the expiry date. By doing so, you can still receive a 30-day extension from the original expiry date of your visa.

Tip 2: Make sure to check if your visa’s expiry date falls on a weekend. Keep in mind that immigration offices are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. If your visa has already expired and you haven’t extended it, you’ll be required to leave the country. So, be proactive and plan accordingly to avoid any last-minute complications.

If you would like to apply for the Thailand 60 Day Visa outside the country, check out process here.

How Many Times Can I Apply for Thailand Tourist Visa Extension?

Technically twice per each time you enter the country and receive a fresh Tourist 30 Day Visa. Upon entering Thailand you will receive a 30 day visa. You can extend once for an additional 30 days bringing your total stay of 60 days. You can then reapply a second extension but this time only for an additional 7 days; for a grand total of 67 days. (Which I don’t recommend). After that you will have to exit the country and renter to receive a new Thailand 30 day tourist visa stamp.

How Many Times Per Year Can I Apply for Thailand Tourist Visa Extensions?

Upon asking the Immigration officer, There is no technical answer for this. It’s all upon the Immigration Officers discretion.

How Long Can I Stay In Thailand on a Tourist Visa?

The technical answer is 6 months. You can enter and exit the country every time you need a new Thai 30 day visa (aka Border Run). Thailand does not want individuals working or living in Thailand on tourist visas. Again this all relies on the Passport Control Officer at the airport when you’re entering the country.

How Many Times Can I Enter Thailand By Air?

Unlimited, as long as you do not overstay the initial 6 months per year.

Can the Passport Control Officer Refuse Me from Entering Thailand?

Yes. If your found abusing the system or overstaying past visas, the immigration officer may refuse your entry or give you a warning that you will not be allowed to return for another 6 months.

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Thailand Tourist Visa: How to Apply and How to Extend Your Stay

By: Nahla ElKazak / Sarah Stone

Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Take your next vacation in Thailand, and you’ll have an unforgettable experience—from the delicious food, to the gorgeous weather, to the bustling cities and lush jungles, and the wonderful people you’ll meet along the way.

If you’re heading to Thailand for a vacation, you may not need a visa at all. Let’s have a look at visa exempt entry, as well as tourist visas, for US travelers.

Thailand Tourist Visa Exempt Entry

US nationals and those of some other countries are not required to obtain a tourist visa before you arrive in Thailand, depending on how long you’re staying. If you’re a US Citizen, then you can travel in Thailand for up to 30 days without a pre-approved tourist visa. You’ll also need your passport (valid at least six months after arrival in-country) and an airline ticket showing that you will be leaving the country before your 30 days are up.

Extending Your Stay While In Thailand

When you enter Thailand, you’re allowed an initial stay of 30 days. If you are already in Thailand on your 30-day stay but you’d like to remain in the country a bit longer, you can extend for an extra 30 days for 1,900 Baht at the Thai Immigration Bureau Office.

Thailand Tourist Visa

If you know you’d like to stay in Thailand for longer than 30 days before you arrive in-country, you can apply for a tourist visa , which allows an initial stay of up to 60 days. If you wish to extend your stay for more than that, you have to convert your tourist status to non-immigrant status. You can apply for this visa at the Thai Embassy or at a Thai Consulate in the United States before traveling.

Once you’re in Thailand, you may have the opportunity to extend your stay for an additional 30 days, for a fee of 1,900 Baht. As with the visa-exempt entry option, you’ll need a valid passport that won’t expire for at least six months after in-country arrival, and an airline ticket showing return or onward travel.

Thailand Special Tourist Visa

The Thai Special Tourist Visa was offered to help stimulate the country’s tourism industry during COVID. This was a long-stay visa, and as of September 2022, is no longer offered as COVID travel restrictions to Thailand have been lifted.

Thailand COVID Travel Requirements

As of October 1, 2022, Thailand has lifted its COVID travel restrictions. You don’t need to show proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter, and you don’t have to stay in the sandbox. Of course we recommend exercising reasonable caution during travel to any destination and being respectful of your fellow humans.

Other Thailand Visa Options

• Comprehensive Guide to Thailand Tourist & Resident Visas: Digital Nomads, Semi-Retired, Investors & More
• Thailand SMART Visa: Requirements & How to Apply
• Thailand Elite Visa: Cost, Requirements & Benefits
• Thailand Long Term Resident Visa (Digital Nomad Visa): Live and Work Remotely in Thailand
• Thailand Retirement Visa: Requirements & How to Apply
• Thailand Permanent Residency: Qualifications & How to Apply

Featured image via Unsplash .

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Thailand tourist visa and how to stay up to 3 months

It has been almost 2 years since the coronavirus first spread around the world. We have had numerous lockdowns since early 2020. There are many talks about pent up travel demand, change in workplace trend to remote working, digital nomad etc. That’s why, for many people, a one-week vacation may no longer be enough. A longer vacation (lasting for a few weeks) might be a trend that we see right after travel resumes. In this article, we will be exploring Thailand tourist visa options that would allow visitors, remote workers and digital nomads to stay in Thailand for 2-3 months.

Table of Contents

Thailand tourist visa.

First of all, we need to start by acknowledging that the visa situation and treatment may vary depending on the type of passport you are holding. For example, Thailand has a visa exemption scheme with over 50+ countries. However, this would only allow visitors to stay in Thailand for no more than 30 days. The exemption is now extended to 45 days until 30 September 2021 due to Coronavirus restriction .

For a longer stay, visitors would need a Thailand tourist visa. This would allow them to stay in Thailand up to 60 days, with 1 possible extension of another 30 days once the visitor is already in Thailand. This will make a total trip duration of 90 days.

Visa process and requirement tend to vary to some extent from one country to another. You can check your local consulate/embassy or the official Thai e-visa portal ahead of your journey. Note that you can only obtain a tourist visa before flying to Thailand, and it is different from both visa exemption and visa on arrival.

60 days tourist visa extension in Thailand

The 60 days tourist visa extension in Thailand will allow visitors with tourist visas to extend their stay by another 30 days. This will make a total duration of stay 90 days.

The process to get a visa extension is quite straightforward. First, the visitors need to locate the nearest immigration office among 80+ offices spread across Thailand. Then, ahead of the visit, they need to check and prepare the required documents. For most, this includes a TM7 form, copy of passport, photo, and application fee (THB 1,900). A normal tourist visa can only be extended once.

90 days special tourist visa

Since the spread of coronavirus, Thailand has also launched a special tourist visa which will give visitors an upfront 90-day visa. This visa type was launched in September 2020 and will only be available until September 2021. This special Thailand tourist visa allows a single entry and 90-day stay, which can be extended twice for up to 90 days each extension. 

The special tourist visa comes with higher requirements , such as proof of accommodation throughout the intended stay in Thailand. For example, you will need to provide 90-days worth of hotel booking or a 3-months long lease contract).

Visa on arrival and other things to watch out for

There is a difference between a tourist visa and a visa on arrival. Visas on arrival usually only allow you to stay up to 15 days, and you will need to show a flight out of Thailand within that period. Visitors who wish to stay 31 days+ in  should apply for a tourist visa or special tourist visa before flying.

Flight booking is another topic that official websites don’t cover. If you obtained a tourist visa that allows a 60-day stay in Thailand, then it is advisable that you book a return ticket that shows you are leaving within 60 days. Once you have extended your visa, then you can change your ticket accordingly. This is to avoid any issue with your airline or immigration officer.

Are you a digital nomad or remote worker looking for an extended stay? You will most likely not have to worry about tax if you are only staying 90 days under a tourist visa. However, if you are staying longer than 6 months (possible under STV), then you should be mindful of any potential tax implications. We cover this topic more extensively in our other article.

Thailand visas for your extended stay in Thailand

Thailand tourist visa is relatively easy to obtain and it allows you to stay up to 90 days in the country. Extensions are possible, which will allow you to stay even longer in Thailand!

If you are flying from the west, the cost of living in Thailand would be appealing to enjoy an extended stay. There are so many places in Thailand that you might want to explore as well! However, to ensure your trip is smooth, make sure to pick the right type of visa for your stay to avoid any trouble from the immigration office. 

Check out our other articles on Thailand!

• When will Thailand legalize marijuana for general usage?
• Thailand income tax for digital nomads and remote workers
• Long term rental Thailand: living cost and process
• Bringing pets into Thailand: process and considerations
• How long is the flight to Thailand: popular flight and duration

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Thailand Visa Mastery: How to Secure 3-Month Stays for Tourists

Published by mr. nomad numbers on january 26, 2024 january 26, 2024.

Thailand, with its lovely culture, stunning beaches, and delicious cuisine, continues to be a top destination for travelers worldwide, including ourselves (with our favorite destinations being Chiang Mai and Koh Samui for month-long stays).

If you’d like to come to Thailand, you know that the visa situation can be quite a headache, especially as the country is now only granting a 30-day visa exception. That being said, understanding the different types of tourist visas available is key to making the most of our journey and staying for 3 months at a time, as we did in 2023!

In this blog post, we will go through all the tourist visas that are available and how to apply for them. We will also cover the visa extension process and share the recent online E-Extension Visa process!

Last update: January 2024

Type of Tourists Visa in Thailand

Visa exemption.

The Visa Exemption is a widely utilized option for tourists visiting Thailand, primarily because it requires only a passport valid for over 6 months upon entry, and best of all, it’s FREE! However, despite its convenience, this visa only permits a stay of up to 30 days. It’s imperative to verify if your nationality qualifies for this benefit before planning your trip.

As of October 2023, here are the 64 countries that are allowed to stay for 30 days in Thailand upon entering the country:

Note : Travelers from Korea, Brazil, Peru, Argentina, and Chile will receive permission to stay in Thailand for up to 90 days under Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme

Important : Passport holders who are not eligible to enter Thailand under the Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme or Visa on Arrival Scheme are required to get a tourist visa through a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate prior to their visit.

Tourist Visa (TR)

The Tourist Visa (TR) is a great option for those planning a more extended stay in Thailand and this is what we’ve done in 2023 to stay for 3 months.

The Tourist Visa typically allows a stay of up to 60 days, which can be extended for an additional 30 days at the discretion of Thai immigration authorities for a total of 3 months. You can opt for either a single-entry or multiple-entry tourist visa, depending on your travel plans.

Single Entry Visa (SEV)

Single Entry Visa allows you to enter Thailand once and can be extended up to 3 months

• Validity:  Usually valid for entering Thailand within 3 months from the date of issue.
• Duration:  Once you enter Thailand, you can stay for up to 60 days.
• Extension:  It’s possible to apply for an extension of stay for another 30 days at an immigration office in Thailand, making the total potential duration of stay up to 90 days.

Multiple Entry Visa (MEV)

Multiple Entry Visa allows you to enter Thailand as many time as you’d like over a 6 month period and can be extended up to 3 months per visit.

• Validity:  Allows multiple entries into Thailand over a 6-month period from the date of issue.
• Duration:  Each entry allows a 60-day stay, meaning you can come and go as many times as you want during the 6-month validity, but each stay can’t exceed 60 days.
• Extension:  Like the Single-Entry Tourist Visa, each entry can potentially be extended for an additional 30 days at a Thai immigration office.

How to Apply

There is no application required for this visa if you qualify.

Keep in mind that you must provide the address of your hotel / airbnb once you enter the country . You might also be required to provide the following information:

• Proof of a return ticket exiting Thailand within 30 days
• Proof of funds of at least 10,000 THB for single travelers, or 20,000 THB per family during your stay in Thailand

Note: On the few Visa Exemption we got, we never had to provide a proofs of return ticket or proof of funds as we entered by air through either Bangkok or Chiang Mai airports. Let us know if you had to provide these by leaving us a comment in the comments section below.

Tourist Visa (Single & Multiple Entry)

You need to apply for these visa at your local Thai Embassy!

Important: Do not try to apply for a Single or Multiple Entry Visa at an Thai Embassy outside of your country of residency, as you will likely get your visa declined!

You also need to apply within 3 months of your entry to Thailand, so don’t apply to early as well!

Documents Required

• Passport or travel document with an expiry date of no less than 6 months
• Visa application form (filled out)
• One recent 4 x 6 cm. photograph of the applicant
• Round-trip air ticket or e-ticket (paid in full)
• Proof of financial means (10,000 baht per person/20,000 baht per family) such as bank statement
• Proof of Hotel or private accommodation booking

30 USD Note: Fee is subject to change, so make sure to always double check with your local Thai Embassy!

Tips for Visa Application

Here are our tips to ensure a smooth visa application process and approval

• Plan Ahead: Start the visa application process well in advance to avoid last-minute hassles. (You want usually to apply within 3 month of your entry to Thailand)
• Check Requirements: Review the specific requirements for your chosen visa type and ensure you have all necessary documents.
• Be Honest: Provide accurate information during the application process to prevent any complications later on.
• Stay Updated: Always double check the latest information on your local Thai Embassy website as these policy do change from time to time.

How to Extend your Visa

Once you have entered the country you can usually extend your stay for a final 30 days extension. ‘

Online Application

Important: Thailand is rolling out an E-Extension Visa program that let you apply for your extension online. We have not try this yet as it was launched in early 2024. Feel free to check it out: Thailand Official E-Extension Website ( news related to this announcement)

We will update this post with our experience once we have the chance to try out this process! In the meantime if you were able to extend your Visa Except or Tourist Visa that way, we would love to hear from you. Please leave us a comment in the comment section below!

In Person Application

Based on our multiple experiences in Chiang Mai (2019, 2022, 2023), here’s what the application process looks like:

• Head to the Immigration Bureau in the city of your stay. These bureaus are situated in major cities across the country, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. (major locations listed below)
• Bring along the required documents & money (list provided below)
• Complete the requisite forms, readily available at the Immigration Bureau or downloadable online. People will check that these form are filled property before let you submit them at the office. Tip: download these forms (link below) and filled them out at home, as you will save a lot of precious time!
• Submit your application and pay the necessary fee.
• Wait for your extension to be process (this could take between 30 minutes to a few hours based on how many people are applying)
• Retrieve your passport and updated visa. Once your extension request is approved, collect your passport and the new visa from the Immigration Bureau. Tip: Double-check the visa’s expiration date for accuracy.

Our tip: Plan to spend at least half a day doing this, and do it as soon as you can because your extension will be added to the last day you’re allowed to stay according to your latest visa stamp in your passport.

Required documents:

• Your passport
• The personal information page, showing your picture, name, expiry/issue date, etc.
• The page showing your Visa
• One passport-sized photo (4 x 6 cm)
• Form TM30 (should be filed by your landlord)
• 1,900 THB (in cash) to pay for the 30 days extension fee

Here is the form you need to fill out:

• Form TM30 (note: there is an immigration app that your landlord should use to provide you with this form that will looks very different)

Major Immigration Offices in Thailand

• ChiangMai Immigration Office (Centra Festival Branch) Business Hours: 9am to 12pm – 1pm-5pm Monday to Friday
• Bangkok Immigration Office Business Hours: 8:30am to 12am – 1pm-5pm Monday to Friday
• Phuket Immigration Office Business Hours: 10am to 12pm – 1pm-3pm Monday to Friday
• Koh Samui Immigration Office Business Hours: 8:30am to 12am – 1pm-4:30pm Monday to Friday

Our Bottom Line

Navigating Thailand’s visa requirements doesn’t have to be daunting. By understanding the different types of tourist visas available and following the application guidelines diligently, you can set off on your Thai adventure with confidence and easily stay up to 3 months in this wonderful country.

Whether you’re soaking up the sun on pristine beaches or exploring ancient temples, let your visa be the least of your worries as you immerse yourself in the wonders of Thailand.

For more information and updates on Thailand’s visa policies, visit the official website of the Royal Thai Embassy or consult with authorized visa agencies in your country. We suggest the following pages that should hopefully stay updated with the latest information:

• Visa Exemptions and Bilateral Agreements
• Tourist Visa For Thailand
• Thai Embassies Around The World
• Thai Immigration Forms

Of course, feel free to leave us a comment in the comments section below if you have any questions for us as we will be happy to answer any we can based on our own experience.

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Mr. Nomad Numbers

We are a couple who travel the world and want to inspire people to think differently about the life they can design for themselves through our journey.

Kylie · January 29, 2024 at 1:16 pm

Thanks for sharing! Am I understanding correctly that on a Multiple Entry Visa you could possibly stay up to 6 months by:

1) Entering for the first time and being successful to extend stay by 30 days (total 90 days)

2) Leaving and entering a second time and being successful to extend stay by 30 days (total 90 days, cumulative 180 days)

Thanks! Kylie

Mr. Nomad Numbers · February 4, 2024 at 2:10 am

You are correct! Are you considering applying for a multiple entry visa?

Flipflops & Jandals · January 29, 2024 at 9:03 pm

Helpful info thanks as I have just been looking into this over the last week. Do you have recommendations or advice if we wanted to stay 3.5 months? And I keep seeing conflicting info on how many times in a year we can go back to Thailand – do you know the current restrictions?

Mr. Nomad Numbers · January 30, 2024 at 1:49 am

Hi Flipflops & Jandals.

I haven’t heard anything about doing more than 3 month in a single shot in Thailand at the moment on a tourist visa. You could consider a student visa for a year but you will need to make sure you take some classes (learning Thai being a very common on) that would get you 12 months stay in the country.

That being said visa run are quite common and most people will do these (with as little as 24 hrs between te-entry) to reset their visa clock. Though I heard story of people getting black listed from entering Thailand (for up to 5 years) from doing too many. So like with everything if you don’t abuse the system you should be fine.

Since you can get 3 months on a SEV why do you need 3.5? Could you get a MEV, spend a week outside of Thailand (probably less than that) and re-enter again for another 3 months?

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• 5 Ways to Extend Your Stay in Thailand

by Ms. Sofiya Sarinthip | Last updated Nov 24, 2023 | Published on Nov 24, 2023 | Blog | 0 comments

Thailand is known for breathtaking sce­nery, lively traditions, and tasty food. Still, deciding how to prolong a visit he­re might seem daunting. In this pie­ce, we will walk you through five differe­nt methods for lengthening your time­ in Thailand. Each one has individual pros and specific ne­eds to match. Whether you are a re­tiree, a digital worker, or looking to study in Thailand, the­re’s a visa choice that fits you.

1: Non-Immigrant O Retirement Visa

If you’re over 50 and looking for a simple, cost-effective way to extend your stay in Thailand, the Non-Immigrant O Retirement visa might be your best choice. This visa allows you to stay in Thailand for one-year periods, and it’s relatively hassle-free to obtain.

– Affordability: Among all long-term stay options, Retirement visas are one of the most budget-friendly choices.

– Ease of Obtaining: Retirement visas are straightforward to acquire, with minimal paperwork requirements.

– Duration: You can extend your Retirement visa for up to five years.

Requirements & Degree of Difficulty:

To be eligible for this visa, you must be 50 or older, maintain a minimum balance of 800,000 Baht in a Thai bank account for two months or show a monthly income of at least 65,000 Baht. The specific requirements may vary depending on your nationality and the type of visa you’re applying for.

2: Non-Immigrant O Marriage Visa

If you’re married to a Thai national and wish to stay in Thailand long-term, the Non-Immigrant O Marriage visa is a great choice. This visa is also budget-friendly and offers the flexibility to work in the country.

– Cost-Effective: Just like the Retirement visa, Marriage visas offer a cost-effective long-term stay option.

– Easy to Obtain: If you’re married to a Thai national and meet the financial requirements, obtaining this visa is relatively simple.

– Ability to Work: You can work in Thailand with a Marriage visa, provided you obtain a work permit.

To qualify for a Marriage visa, you’ll need a minimum of 400,000 Baht in your Thai bank account for two months or a monthly income of at least 40,000 Baht. Additionally, you must be married to a Thai national.

3: Investment Visa Thailand

If you wish to live in Thailand for the long term, this could be one of your choices. Foreigners are required to bring 10 million Thai Baht in order to be eligible for Thailand Investment Visa . You are required to hold a Non Immigrant Visa type with Annual Extension. You can invest in one of the following

• Government Bonds
• Fixed deposit in Thai Bank

You can live in Thailand as long as you meet the 10 million baht requirement. Initially you need to hold a Non Immigrant Visa single entry valid for 3 months with an extension for 12 months. Holders under Thailand Investment Visa plan are permitted to invest in a combination of assets. For example, you can buy 6 million baht property and deposit the remaining 4 million baht in a Fixed Deposit Account, As long as the minimum investment requirement of 10 million baht is met.

Important notes for Investment Visa Holders:

• Thai Investment Visa doesn’t allow you to work in Thailand
• You must hold Non Immigrant Visa
• Investment in property can only be made in new builds directly from a property developer
• Family of investors (Spouse and Children) are eligible to apply for long term stay in Thailand. However, the family must show proof of relationship with the investor.

4: Thailand Education “ED” Visa

For individuals seeking educational pursuits in Thailand, the Education visa offers a great opportunity. Ideal for those attending a university, seminar, training session, or internship, this visa permits a 90-day stay, extendable for up to one year.

Requirements:

Applicants must possess a passport valid for at least six months, a filled-out visa application form, two recent passport-sized photos, a recommendation letter, a letter of acceptance from the institute or organization, and student ID or academic records if currently studying. Additional documents may be requested as necessary.

How to Apply for a Thai Education Visa:

Applicants must initiate the application at a Thai Embassy or Consulate outside Thailand. Depending on nationality, applicants may be required to apply for the ED Visa at designated Thai diplomatic missions in their home/residential country.

90-day Reporting and Re-entry Permit:

Holders of the Non-Immigrant ED Visa must report their address to a Thai immigration office every 90 days. Additionally, obtaining a re-entry permit is crucial to maintain the visa’s validity when leaving Thailand.

5: Thailand Business/Work Visa

For professionals and entrepreneurs aiming to work or establish a business in Thailand, a Thai Business/Work Visa is essential. This visa, categorized as Non-Immigrant B, opens doors to conducting business, employment, and frequent travel.

• Career Opportunities: Ideal for those applying for jobs or starting a business in Thailand.
• Visa Duration: Available as a 90-day single-entry visa or a 1-year multiple-entry visa.
• Flexibility: Business visas can be extended to long-term visas, allowing for continued stay in Thailand.

The requirements for a Business/Work Visa vary based on the specific category. For those conducting business, sponsorship from a Thai entity or company is necessary. Employment visa applicants must secure a 90-Day Non-Immigrant B visa from their home country, with sponsorship from a prospective employer.

How to Extend Your Visa in Thailand

Now that you’ve explored some of your long-term stay options let’s take a look at the practical aspects of extending your visa while in Thailand.

Who Needs a Visa Extension?

If you’re not a permanent resident in Thailand, you’ll need to extend your visa to stay in the country beyond the expiration date of your current visa. Short-term extensions are typically granted to tourists, while long-term extensions apply to non-immigrant visa holders, such as those on Non-immigrant “B,” “ED,” and “O” visas.

Why Is a Visa Extension Important?

Overstaying your visa in Thailand is a violation of immigration laws and can result in penalties, including fines and bans from re-entering the country. Applying for a visa extension from within Thailand is a straightforward alternative to avoid these issues.

Required Documents for Visa Extension:

The documents you need for a visa extension depend on your visa category:

– Tourist Visa Extension : Typically, you’ll need an application form, a copy of your passport, and a recent passport-sized photo.

– Non-Immigrant “B” Visa Extension (Employment) : This extension requires an application form, a copy of your passport with relevant stamps and permits, a copy of your work permit, and various other documents related to your employment.

– Non-Immigrant “ED” Visa Extension (Education) : Students seeking this extension will need an application form, a copy of their passport, evidence of enrollment in an approved educational institute, and additional documentation from their educational institution.

– Non-Immigrant “O” Visa Extension (Retirees) : Retirees must provide an application form, a copy of their passport, evidence of income or a deposit, and health insurance documentation (only for those with a Non-immigrant O-A visa).

Extending your stay in Thailand, whether temporarily, or for the long-term, is not only possible but also offers a range of options to suit your specific situation. Whether you’re retiring, working, studying, or simply seeking an escape in this tropical paradise, Thailand has a visa solution for you. By understanding the different long-term stay options and the visa extension process, you can make the most of your time in this enchanting country.

If you have any questions about obtaining a visa or the criteria, please contact us as soon as possible. We assess your requirements and begin working on your visa application right away. We take pleasure in our high success record, and we work relentlessly on your behalf to submit your Visa application in a professional manner, ensuring that your visa is successfully acquired with little fuss.

With over 15 years of experience in Visa Services in Thailand, Sofiya’s knowledge and personalized approach have made her a trusted advisor for individuals and businesses navigating Thailand’s visa system. Sofiya’s blog posts offer valuable insights and up-to-date information, solidifying her reputation as an expert in Thai immigration services.

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Recent Comments

Privacy overview, exempt visa stamp back to 30 days.

45 days Exempt visa stamp is no longer offered which was implemented on October 1 st last year 2022 as an effort to help stimulate the Thai Tourism Industry. All the countries that eligible for Exempt Visa stamp will now get only 30 days upon arrival.

For those who want to stay longer for tourism purpose, travelers can also apply for a 60 days tourist visa head of time, which is of course, more costly and requires uploading a variety of documents as most embassies have moved to the e-visa application system., either way, the exempt visa stamp for 30 days and tourist visa for 60 days can extend their stay for another 30 days at the cost of 1900 thb at a local thai immigration in thailand. however, some nationalities may receive extension not more than 7 days on a tourist visa (if not eligible for exempt visa stamp).

STV Visa Extension: How to Extend Special Tourist Visa in Thailand

A Special Tourist Visa (STV) is a visa for long-term tourists who can stay in Thailand for 90 days and then extend their stay for up to 270 days. If you are planning to use this type of visa, check  how to extend your STV visa in Thailand during COVID-19 . The procedure is simple but you need to prepare all necessary documents.

Special Tourist Visa or STV is the new type visa that was started to be issued during COVID-19 pandemic after the official announcement of the government and is supposed to be effective until September 30, 2022. With STV visa, you can stay in Thailand for 90 days and then you are permitted to extend your stay for 2 times with each permission not exceeding 90 days.

Document Required for STV Visa Extension in Thailand

These documents are required for STV Visa extension in Bangkok . However, we would suggest you to visit/contact your local immigration office at the place where you are staying and ask them for their list of requirements to extend the STV visa as there might be some slight differences.

1. Application for Extension of Temporary Stay in Kingdom (TM.7) with photograph 4x6 cm (not older than 6 months)

2. Acknowledgement of Terms and Conditions for Permit of Temporary stay in Kingdom

3. A Copy of Passport (BIO Data page)

4. A Copy of Visa page in passport (STV visa sticker from the embassy)

5. A Copy of Last Arrival Stamp and Departure Card ( TM.6 )

6. ASQ certificate from Department of Disease Control and Receipt from hotel (Issued by Hotel)

7. Document for the place of residence after discharge from the quarantine facility (e.g. Hotel, Condo). It can be a proof of payment for hotel accommodation, copy of a condominium title deed owned by you or your family member, proof of condominium or house rental, proof of payment for purchasing or leasing a condominium.

8. Letter of health and accident insurance in Thailand with no less than 40,000 THB coverage for outpatient treatment and no less than 400,000 THB for inpatient.

Remark:   Proof of payment for hotel accommodation or hospital chosen as an alternative state quarantine for not less than 14 days might also be required by some immigration offices

STV Extension Fee 

The STV visa extension fee is 1,900 THB. You need to pay the fee in cash at the immigration office where you submit an application for visa extension. 

When to apply for Visa Extension

Visa extension must be requested before the expiration of your entry stamp. As the Special Tourist Visa (STV) is available from 2 October 2020 to 30 September 2022, those who are permitted to stay in Thailand for not longer than until 30 September 2022 and wish to extend the length of stay with STV, must submit an application for visa extension before 30 September 2022 .

Latest Update from Immigration

STV visa holders who will be entering Thailand from 3 July 2021 onwards will not be permitted to extend Special Tourist Visa.

The Special Tourist Visa was due to be withdrawn at the end of September 2021. However, the Thai government have agreed to extend the scheme until 30 September 2022. 

Where to apply for Visa Extension?

You can apply for Thai visa extension at one of Thai immigration offices that can be found in  every province of Thailand .

Important Note

Keep in mind that the rules are often changed and might be interpreted differently by different officials!

We advise you to contact your local Immigration Office before going there to make sure this information is always up to date.

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Multiple Entry Tourist Visa for Thailand

Thailand has long been considered the tourist hub of South East Asia. People will arrive in the country, enjoy their time, and then head out to explore neighboring countries. Because of its welcoming locals, rich culture, exquisite food, beach, and mountain getaways, people know they will return. Many foreigners stay in Thailand for months and barely scratch the surface of discovering this beautiful country. This is why a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa is the perfect travel solution.

Foreigners can enter Thailand for a holiday in many ways. If they are limited in time and are from a Visa Exempt country, they can visit for up to 30 days without needing a visa through Thailand’s Visa Exemption scheme . This scheme is open to 64 nationalities from around the world. If someone is not eligible for a visa exemption, they can organize a 15-day Visa on Arrival when they arrive in Thailand.

These are good if you are short on time or only intend to visit once, but to truly experience Thailand, you need time. If you plan to visit multiple countries during your stay in Asia, the Multiple Entry Visa is the quickest and cheapest way to plan your holiday.

What is a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa?

A Multi-Entry Tourist Visa allows foreign nationals unlimited entry to Thailand over a 6-month period. It is issued to people who visit the country for tourism, leisure, or medical purposes. 

A multi-entry visa allows the holder to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days per visit. A person could visit the islands in the south of Thailand, relax on the beach and learn to scuba dive for two months; fly to Vietnam and enjoy the sights of Saigon for a week or two; and then return to Thailand’s northern mountains to experience animal sanctuaries, Lan Na culture, and cook northern Thai food.

With a multi-entry visa, people can enter either by air, land, or sea. Many people arrive by plane and then leave by train or boat.

The visa is valid for 6 months after it is approved. This means that people have 6 months to use the visa and enter Thailand as often as they like from the date their visa is approved. It is easy to confuse visa validity with time spent in the country. Validity is how long you have to utilize or use the visa before needing to apply for a new one. Time in the country is the 60-day permission of stay. A stamp is placed in your passport for 60 days when you arrive, so a visitor can arrive on the last day of their visa validity and still get a full 60 days to stay in Thailand.

How to apply for a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa

Many nationalities can now apply for their Thailand Multi-Entry Tourist Visa online at https://thaievisa.go.th/home . This system was updated during Covid and is often the simplest way to obtain a visa.

When applying for a visa online, applicants need to create an account and apply as individuals. Once the account is created, individuals will need the following documents:

• A current passport with no less than 6 months validity beyond the date of departure from Thailand and at least 2 blank pages. Applicants must complete online visa applications with their given name(s) and surname matching their passports.
• Printout of visa application form submitted online, with barcode
• Travel booking confirmation
• Proof of accommodation in Thailand, e.g. hotel booking, invitation letter from family or friend in Thailand
• Financial evidence showing a balance of 200,000 Thai Baht (approx. £5000, USD$5,5000, Aud$8000). This is to prove financial stability over a 6-month period. e.g. bank statements, proof of earnings, sponsorship letter from employer
• Confirmation of legal residence in the country where the application is submitted  (if applicants are not nationals of these countries) e.g. long stay visa, residence permit, BRP card

E-Visa applicants do not need to submit their passport and original supporting documents in person at a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate. After the e-Visa application has been approved, a confirmation email is sent to applicants. It is best to print a copy of the confirmation email when you are ready to travel. This will be presented to airlines and Thai Immigration officials when traveling to Thailand.

Certain countries are not eligible to apply for an E-Visa because additional documents are needed for approval. 

If you are unsure if eligible for an online visa or do not have access to the online application process, you can contact your local Thai Embassy and organize an appointment. Immigration requirements can change without notice, and many embassies will not allow walk-ins, so it is best to contact the embassy when you are ready to apply. They will confirm the costs and paperwork required.

Minimum documents needed:

• Passport with 6 months (after the intended date of departure from Thailand) validity and at least 2 empty pages.
• Visa application form completed and signed
• Proof of travel booking
• Proof of Accommodation
• Financial evidence – Bank statement or proof of earnings (equivalent to 200,000 Thai Baht)
• Letter of acceptance from institutes or companies organizing activities (if traveling for the purpose of scuba diving, martial arts, or culinary learning) 

All documents in a foreign language must be translated into English or Thai and certified before they will be approved.

The cost of a multi-entry tourist visa can vary from country to country, but an estimated cost is $150 – $250 USD. It is important to note that many embassies will only accept payment in $USD. Confirm cost and currency with your local Embassy or Consulate when making an initial query.

If you are applying online, the E-Visa system will confirm the payment due and process the payment through their secure payment portal.

Assistance with Visa Applications

The process for applying is straightforward and can be done yourself. If you would like help confirming documents are correct before lodging your application or wish to receive approval without going back and forth to embassy appointments, you can enlist the services of a Visa Assistance Agent . These agents are aware of current immigration requirements and will confirm documents are correct to avoid delays. They will liaise with embassies and consulates on your behalf.

Agents will charge a fee for their service but often save you time and money in the long run. They streamline your application process and speed up your approval. Agents can assist with online applications, though you may be required to pay the visa fee directly through E-Visa secure payment portal.

Tourist Visa Restrictions

As noted above, Multiple Entry Tourist Visas are for tourism, leisure, or medical purposes only. Foreigners cannot earn income, study long-term, or conduct volunteer activities in Thailand if they have entered with a tourist visa.

If you wish to take part in any of the above activities, you will need to look at long-term visa options. You can contact your local Thai embassy to discuss options, or seek assistance from a Visa Agent to apply for a long-term visa .

Arriving in Thailand

When you arrive in Thailand, you will need to provide the following documents at Passport Control:

• Passport with approved visa attached (if you applied at an Embassy)
• Confirmation letter of visa approval (if you applied online)
• Confirmed exit flight from the country no later than 60 days
• Confirmed accommodation (at least for the first night in the country)
• Current financial or bank statement showing funds available (200,000 Thai Baht equivalent)

A good practice is to print copies of these documents. Entry approval is at the discretion of immigration officers and presenting hard copies of these documents will speed your processing through Passport Control and help ease congestion at the airport.

Extending your Tourist Visa

If you decide you would like to stay for longer than 60 days before visiting somewhere else, it is possible to extend your stay in Thailand. Visitors with a Multi-Entry Tourist visa can extend their time in the country by 30 days by visiting a local Thai Immigration Office. An extension of stay will cost 1900 Thai Baht and must be paid in cash (Thai Baht) when applying for the extension. 

When you extend your stay, a new stamp will be placed in your passport for 30 days from the date you are at immigration, so it is best to do this towards the end of your 60-day visit.

You need to visit the office before your current stay period expires. Staying in the country past your exit date will cause an “overstay” and you will be fined 500 baht per day after your official exit date. An overstay is noted in your passport and can affect future visa applications. This extension of stay is only available in the country.

It is important to note that Thai Immigration offices are not open on weekends.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Extending Your Tourist Visa in Thailand

Thailand is a popular destination for travelers from all over the world. The country offers a wide range of experiences, from the bustling cities of Bangkok and Chiang Mai to the tropical beaches of Phuket and Koh Samui. However, for those who wish to stay longer than the initial visa allows, extending a tourist visa can be a necessary step. The process can seem daunting at first, but with a little preparation and patience, it is relatively straightforward. Here are the steps you need to take to extend your tourist visa in Thailand, along with the fees and other details to keep in mind.

Thailand tourist visa

Source: Shutterstock

Tourist visas are required for most foreign nationals who wish to visit Thailand for vacation or leisure. The process for obtaining a tourist visa can vary depending on the country of origin and the length of stay in Thailand.

The most common type of tourist visa for Thailand is the 60-day tourist visa, which can be extended for an additional 30 days at a local immigration office. This type of visa is available to citizens of most countries and can be obtained at a Thai embassy or consulate before traveling to Thailand.

Another option for tourists is the 30-day visa exemption, which is available to citizens of certain countries and can be obtained upon arrival in Thailand. This visa allows visitors to stay in the country for 30 days without the need to apply for a visa in advance.

Additionally, there's a Visa on Arrival, which is also valid for 15 days and can be obtained at most major airports and land border crossings upon arrival in Thailand.

It's important to note that overstaying a visa in Thailand can result in fines and even possible deportation. Therefore, it is important for visitors to plan their trip accordingly and ensure that their visa is valid for the entire duration of their stay.

Overstaying your visa in Thailand

If you overstay your visa in Thailand, you may face fines and/or deportation. The fine for overstaying your visa is 500 baht (about $16) per day, up to a maximum of 20,000 baht (about $640). If you overstay for more than 90 days, you may also be barred from re-entering Thailand for a certain period of time. Additionally, if you are caught overstaying your visa, you may be detained by immigration authorities and held in a detention center until your deportation can be arranged. It is important to note that overstaying your visa is a violation of Thai immigration laws and can have serious consequences, so it is best to avoid it if possible.

How to extend your tourist visa in Thailand

Also read: How to Extend a Visa in Vietnam: A Complete Guide

Overall, extending a tourist visa in Thailand is a relatively simple process, but it can take some time and planning. By following these steps and being prepared with the necessary documents and fees, you can ensure a smooth and successful extension of your stay in this beautiful country.

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5 Visa Options to Stay in Thailand Long Term

Thailand is a popular destination for travelers, but many people also dream of making it their long-term home. Indeed, one question many have after a wonderful holiday is, “How can I stay here long term?”

Fortunately, there are several visa options that allow foreigners to stay in the country for extended periods.

In this article, I detail five visas that offer a long-term stay in Thailand, including the requirements, benefits and application process for each.

Whether you're looking to retire in Thailand, start a business, or simply enjoy the tropical lifestyle, this guide will help you navigate the visa options available to make your dreams a reality.

For a more in-depth look at each visa option, follow the links posted throughout the article below the relevant visa.

1. Non-Immigrant O (Retirement Visa)

The Non-Immigrant O Visa (based on retirement) is for people who are 50 years or older and want a long-term stay in Thailand. It is one of the easiest visas to obtain.

The O visa (retirement) is obtained from a Thai embassy or through the eVISA system (depending on your home country).

The visa provides a 90-day stay upon entry to Thailand. Within this 90 days you can obtain a 1-year extension based on retirement at an immigration office in Thailand. You must meet the financial requirements 60 days prior to doing your extension of stay (see below).

• Allows for a one-year stay in Thailand (once the extension is done inside Thailand).
• Extendable each year.
• No requirement to leave the country every 90 days.
• Can open a Thai bank account .

Requirements:

• Age of 50 or above.
• Proof of financial means: 800,000 Baht in a Thai bank account (60 days prior to extension) or monthly income of at least 65,000 Baht.
• Report to immigration every 90 days (90-day reporting).
• 2,000 Baht for the initial O visa.
• 1,900 Baht for a yearly extension.

* Please note: There is an O-A visa, which enables you to obtain your 1-year stay immediately by applying for the visa in your home country. However, the requirements are more in-depth, and the majority of people use the Non Immigrant O Visa pathway outlined above because it is less work. More on the OA visa here.

+ Read more about the Retirement Visa here

2. Non-Immigrant O (Marriage Visa)

There are a number of categories of O visa and the Non-Immigrant O Visa based on marriage is another way to stay long term in Thailand. It is known as the marriage visa because it is granted to foreigners who want to stay in Thailand with their Thai spouse.

This visa allows a stay of one year, with the option to extend annually. You are allowed to work in Thailand on this visa, if a work permit is acquired.

As is the case with the aforementioned retirement O visa, you will be given a 90-day stay upon arrival in Thailand, which you can then extend by one year once you have the financial requirements in place.

• Allows for a one-year stay in Thailand.
• Can open a Thai bank account.
• Married to a Thai national.
• Proof of financial means: 400,000 Baht in a Thai bank account (60 days prior to extension) or monthly income of at least 40,000 Baht.
• Marriage certificate.
• 2,000 Baht for single-entry; 5,000 Baht for multiple-entry.

* Please note: If you get a multiple entry O visa based on marriage, you don't have to do to the 1-year extension of stay. You can, instead, leave every 90 days and return to Thailand to be stamped in for a further 90-day stay. The pathway outlined above is based on a single entry Non Immigrant O Visa, which provides a stay of 90 days.

+ Read more about the Marriage Visa here

3. Long-Term Resident (LTR)

The Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa is designed for professionals who work remotely and wealthy individuals. The three most popular categories of the LTR visa are Wealthy Global Citizen, Wealthy Pensioner, and Work-From-Thailand Professional (remote worker).

This visa is an option for those interested in making Thailand their second home or want to experience living in the country for several years. The visa comes with a number of perks such as the ability to use the Airport Fast Track Service, report to immigration just once a year, and fly in and out of Thailand without a re-entry permit. Depending on the category of LTR you apply for, there are other associated benefits.

The initial visa is for five years, with the possibility of extending it for an additional five years, allowing a total stay length of up to 10 years. The key requirements vary depending on which category one applies for. All visa classes require a minimum of $40,000-$80,000 annual income for two years prior to application.

• No reporting to immigration every 90 days.
• Work in Thailand without the need to work for a company to get a permit.
• Fast track airport service.
• Easier route to citizenship.
• Health insurance policy.
• Minimum income of of $40,000-$80,000 (depending on category).
• Other requirements are category specific (see link below).
• When obtained inside Thailand the cost of the visa is 50,000 Baht. Abroad, at Thai embassies and consulates, the cost is approximately 1,600 USD (depending on exchange rate).

+ Read more about the LTR Visa here

4. The Education Visa (ED

The Education Visa (ED) enables foreigners to stay long-term in Thailand for the purpose of pursuing studies, attending a Thai language course, or doing research in an educational institution in the country. The ED visa is valid for up to 1-year and can be extended for subsequent years, as long as the educational program remains ongoing.

Holders of the ED visa are required to attend classes or study regularly, and maintain a minimum attendance rate of 80% to avoid the risk of having their visa revoked.

• Stay up to a year while studying.
• Holders of the ED visa can also open a bank account in Thailand and apply for a Thai driving license.
• You must be enrolled in a legitimate educational institution in Thailand that is recognized by the Thai Ministry of Education.
• You must provide a letter of recommendation and sponsorship from the place you are studying.
• 90-day reporting.
• You must obtain a re-entry permit to leave the country and re-enter during the validity period of your visa (to keep the visa active).
• The application fee for the ED visa is 2,000 Baht (approximately $60 USD).
• Additional costs may include tuition fees for the educational program, textbooks, and accommodation expenses.

+ Read more about the Education Visa here

The Elite Visa

The Thailand Elite Visa is a multiple-entry visa that is valid for up to 5, 10, or 20 years, depending on the chosen package. The visa allows you to stay in Thailand for extended periods without the need for frequent visa runs or extensions.

Holders of the Thailand Elite Visa are entitled to a range of benefits and privileges, including VIP immigration clearance, airport limousine transfers, access to exclusive golf courses, and more.

• Expedited immigration clearance, complimentary airport transfers, and discounts and special offers at partner hotels, resorts, and shopping malls.
• Access to a dedicated concierge service, which can assist with a range of tasks such as arranging accommodation, transportation, and leisure activities.
• 90-day reporting taken care of by an Elite Visa agent (major cities only)
• Free annual medical checkup
• Banking privileges
• Benefits are dependent on the type of Elite Visa you choose (see link below)
• Available to applicants from any country.
• No age limit or financial requirements.
• Submit an application form along with a passport-sized photograph and supporting documents such as your passport and a letter of employment or proof of financial status.
• Costs depends on the package chosen. The most affordable package, the “Elite Easy Access,” costs 500,000 Baht (approximately $16,000 USD) for a 5-year visa.
• The “Elite Ultimate Privilege” which offers a 20-year visa with a range of exclusive benefits, can cost up to 2 million baht (approximately $64,000 USD).
• There are also additional fees associated with the visa, including a one-time application fee of 60,000 Baht (approximately $1,900 USD) and an annual fee ranging from 15,000 to 30,000 Baht (approximately $500 to $1,000 USD) depending on the package.

These are the main long-term visa options for staying in Thailand. Of course, there is always permanent residency, and even citizenship , but few people ever get that far, or can be bothered to try.

Generally speaking, most people can find a way to stay for a year at a time, using one of the options above. However, all stays beyond 30 days require a visa, and usually 90-day reporting, which means going to an immigration office with a bunch of documents to have your circumstances approved.

If you only want to stay for a couple of months, check out the Tourist Visa option here.

Other than that, drop any questions you may have below in the comments section.

+ Read more about the Elite Visa here

More Tips for a Better Life in Thailand

Send money to thailand:.

If you are sending money to your loved one, or your own Thai bank account, try Wise here. It is fast and cheap. Me and the majority of my readers are using it.

Get Good Health Insurance:

Start with a quick quote here from Cigna . Then you can compare it to other companies.

Improve Your Thai Skills:

Learning Thai makes life easier, and way more fun. I use Thaipod101. Get a free account by clicking here. It is really easy to use.

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Last Updated on May 19, 2023

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• Travel Destinations

How Long Can A Tourist Stay In Thailand

Published: November 7, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Elyse Lough

• Plan Your Trip

Introduction

Thailand, known as the “Land of Smiles,” is a popular destination for tourists from around the world. With its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine, it’s no wonder why millions of people flock to this Southeast Asian country each year. However, before embarking on your Thai adventure, it’s essential to understand the visa requirements and how long you can stay as a tourist.

Thailand offers various options for tourists to visit the country, depending on their nationality and the purpose of their visit. Whether you’re looking to indulge in its bustling cities or explore its untouched natural wonders, knowing the visa regulations will ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

In this article, we will guide you through the different visa options available for tourists in Thailand, including visa exemptions, visas on arrival, and tourist visas. We’ll also cover topics such as visa extensions, overstay penalties, border runs, and special visa categories for long-term stays.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Thailand and want to know how long you can stay as a tourist, keep reading to find out all the valuable information you need to know!

Visa Exemption

Thailand offers visa exemption to citizens of many countries, allowing them to enter the country without a visa for a certain period. The duration of the visa exemption varies depending on the nationality of the traveler. As of now, visitors from countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and most of Europe can enter Thailand without a visa and stay for up to 30 days.

It’s important to note that the 30-day visa exemption can be extended for another 30 days by visiting the nearest immigration office in Thailand. The extension comes with a fee, and the process typically requires the submission of necessary documents, including a copy of the passport, departure flight ticket, and proof of funds.

However, it’s worth mentioning that visa exemption is intended for tourism purposes only. If you plan to engage in any work, business, or extended stay in Thailand, it’s advisable to obtain an appropriate visa to avoid any legal violations.

Upon arrival in Thailand, immigration officers will stamp your passport, indicating the date of entry and the permitted duration of stay. It’s crucial to keep track of your entry and exit dates to avoid overstaying, as the penalties can be substantial.

Furthermore, citizens of some countries may only receive a 15-day visa exemption instead of the usual 30 days. It’s essential to check the specific visa exemption rules for your country before your trip to ensure compliance with the regulations.

Overall, the visa exemption is a convenient option for short-term travelers who want to experience the beauty of Thailand without the hassle of obtaining a visa in advance. However, it’s crucial to be aware of the permitted duration and adhere to the immigration regulations to avoid any complications during your stay.

Visa on Arrival

If you are a citizen of a country that is not eligible for visa exemption, you may still be able to obtain a visa upon arrival in Thailand. The Visa on Arrival allows travelers to enter the country and stay for a specified period. This option is particularly beneficial for last-minute travel plans or for those who haven’t had the opportunity to obtain a visa before their trip.

To be eligible for the Visa on Arrival, you must meet certain requirements, including having a passport with at least six months of validity, a confirmed return airline ticket, proof of accommodation in Thailand, and sufficient funds to support your stay.

Upon arriving at major international airports and certain land borders in Thailand, you can proceed to the designated Visa on Arrival counters. Here, you will be required to fill out an application form and present the necessary documents. There is a visa fee that must be paid in Thai baht, and you may also be asked to provide a recent passport-sized photograph.

The Visa on Arrival typically allows a stay of up to 15 or 30 days, depending on the traveler’s nationality. It’s important to note that this visa cannot be extended, so if you plan to stay in Thailand for a longer duration, it’s advisable to obtain a tourist visa before your trip.

It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the visa on arrival requirements and the specific regulations for your country to ensure a smooth entry into Thailand. Being prepared with the necessary documentation and funds will help expedite the process and avoid any complications.

Overall, the Visa on Arrival is a convenient option for travelers who are not eligible for visa exemption and need to obtain a visa upon arrival. However, it’s important to note the limited duration of stay and plan accordingly if you wish to extend your time in Thailand.

Tourist Visa

If you plan to stay in Thailand for an extended period beyond the allowed visa exemption or visa on arrival duration, applying for a tourist visa before your trip is a recommended option. The tourist visa, also known as the TR Visa, allows visitors to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days.

To obtain a tourist visa, you will need to apply at a Thai embassy or consulate in your home country. The application process typically requires filling out an application form, providing a valid passport with at least six months of validity, passport-sized photographs, proof of travel itinerary or hotel bookings, proof of financial means, and the application fee.

The tourist visa is usually valid for multiple entries, allowing you to leave and re-enter Thailand within the visa’s validity period. However, each entry is typically limited to a maximum stay of 60 days. If you wish to stay in Thailand for a longer duration, you can apply for a visa extension at the nearest immigration office in Thailand.

The tourist visa is ideal for travelers who want to explore Thailand leisurely, engage in activities such as volunteering or studying, or have business or family matters to attend to during their stay. It provides a longer period of stay compared to visa exemption or visa on arrival options, giving you more time to immerse yourself in the country’s culture and attractions.

It’s important to note that tourist visas have an expiration date, so be sure to plan your trip accordingly and enter Thailand before the visa’s validity expires. Overstaying the duration granted by the tourist visa can result in hefty fines and potential immigration issues.

Whether you’re planning a long-term holiday or have specific commitments in Thailand, the tourist visa offers flexibility and peace of mind, allowing you to enjoy your time in the country without the worries of visa restrictions.

Visa Extension

If you find yourself in Thailand and wish to extend your stay beyond the duration granted by your visa exemption, visa on arrival, or tourist visa, you have the option to apply for a visa extension at the nearest immigration office.

Visa extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis, and the specific requirements and process may vary slightly depending on the immigration office you visit. Generally, you will need to submit a completed application form, a copy of your passport, a recent passport-sized photograph, proof of funds to support your extended stay, and a valid reason for the extension.

The visa extension allows you to stay in Thailand for an additional period ranging from 7 days to several weeks, depending on the discretion of the immigration officer. However, it’s important to note that visa extensions are typically granted for legitimate reasons, such as medical treatment, business matters, or other unforeseen circumstances. Extensions for tourism purposes are generally not granted.

When applying for a visa extension, it’s advisable to do so before your current visa expires to avoid any potential penalties or complications. Overstaying your visa can result in daily fines, detention, and even deportation. It’s always best to adhere to the immigration rules and regulations to ensure a smooth and hassle-free stay in Thailand.

It’s also worth mentioning that the visa extension process may require some time and patience, as it often involves waiting in line and providing the necessary documentation. It’s advisable to arrive early at the immigration office and ensure that you have all the required documents in order to simplify the process.

Overall, the visa extension option provides an opportunity for individuals who wish to prolong their stay in Thailand due to legitimate reasons. However, it’s important to understand the specific requirements and limitations of the extension process and always comply with the immigration regulations to avoid any legal issues.

Overstay Penalties

Overstaying your permitted duration in Thailand is a serious offense and can result in significant penalties. It’s crucial to be aware of the immigration regulations and adhere to the specified time limits to avoid any complications during your stay.

If you overstay your visa in Thailand, the penalties can range from fines to potential bans from reentering the country. The longer you overstay, the higher the fines and potential consequences.

The current penalty for overstaying is 500 Thai baht per day, up to a maximum of 20,000 Thai baht. However, the maximum fine may be waived for certain situations, such as overstaying for health reasons or other emergencies. Nevertheless, it’s essential to settle the fine and ensure compliance with the overstay regulations to avoid any further issues.

In addition to monetary penalties, overstaying can also lead to a ban from reentering Thailand. The duration of the ban depends on the length of overstay. If you overstay for more than 90 days, you may be banned from reentering Thailand for one year. Overstays of more than one year can result in a ban of three years, while overstays of more than three years can lead to a ban of five years or more.

It’s important to pay attention to your entry and exit dates and keep track of your permitted stay in Thailand. If you realize that you have overstayed, it’s crucial to take immediate action to rectify the situation. The best course of action is to contact the nearest immigration office, explain the circumstances, and follow their guidance on resolving the overstay issue.

Overstaying your visa can have long-term consequences, including difficulties in obtaining future visas or potential legal ramifications. It’s always better to comply with the immigration regulations and ensure a smooth and trouble-free stay in Thailand.

Remember, overstaying is a serious violation, and it’s essential to plan your trip and visa duration accordingly to avoid any unnecessary complications during your stay in Thailand.

Border Runs

A “border run” refers to the practice of leaving Thailand and reentering the country in order to reset the duration of stay granted by visa exemptions or visas on arrival. It has been a popular option for individuals who wish to extend their stay in Thailand without obtaining a visa extension or a new visa.

In the past, border runs were a common practice for tourists and expatriates to extend their stay in Thailand. However, in recent years, the Thai government has implemented stricter regulations and has cracked down on the abuse of the system.

Currently, border runs to neighboring countries, such as Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, are no longer a reliable option for extending your stay in Thailand. Immigration officials at the border checkpoints have become more stringent in granting re-entry, and individuals who engage in frequent border runs may be denied entry or subjected to closer scrutiny.

Despite the limitations on border runs, there may still be instances where a short trip outside of Thailand and reentry is allowed. For example, if you have a multiple-entry tourist visa or a different type of valid visa, you may be able to leave and reenter the country within the visa’s validity period.

It’s important to note that relying solely on border runs as a method to extend your stay in Thailand is no longer a reliable option. The Thai government has been implementing measures to enforce immigration rules, and individuals who abuse the system may face consequences, such as being denied entry, fines, or even bans from reentering the country.

If you wish to prolong your stay in Thailand beyond the permitted duration, it’s advisable to explore options such as obtaining a visa extension or exploring other visa categories, such as education visas or work permits, depending on the purpose of your stay.

It’s always best to stay updated with the current immigration rules and regulations and consult with the Thai Embassy or Consulate in your home country or the nearest immigration office in Thailand for the most accurate and reliable information regarding extending your stay.

Remember, it’s important to comply with the immigration rules and regulations to ensure a legal and trouble-free stay in Thailand.

Special Visa Categories

In addition to visa exemptions, visas on arrival, and tourist visas, Thailand offers several special visa categories for individuals who wish to stay in the country for specific purposes or for an extended period.

1. Education Visa: The education visa, also known as the Non-Immigrant ED visa, is designed for individuals who want to study in Thailand. This visa allows students to enroll in educational institutions, language schools, or vocational courses in the country. The visa is typically valid for the duration of the course or program of study.

2. Retirement Visa: The retirement visa, also known as the Non-Immigrant O-A visa (Long Stay), is available for individuals aged 50 years or older who wish to retire in Thailand. To be eligible, applicants must meet financial requirements, such as having a certain amount of funds in a Thai bank account, and must also meet specific health insurance criteria.

3. Business Visa: The business visa, also known as the Non-Immigrant B visa, is for individuals who intend to conduct business activities in Thailand. This visa is typically granted to individuals who are employed by a Thai company or who wish to set up their own business in the country. The visa allows for longer periods of stay compared to a tourist visa and may require sponsorship by a Thai employer or proof of business intentions.

4. Work Permits: If you wish to work in Thailand, you will need to obtain a work permit in addition to a non-immigrant visa. Work permits are issued by the Ministry of Labor and require a job offer from a Thai company, as well as meeting specific criteria set by the Thai government.

It’s important to note that each special visa category comes with its own set of requirements and restrictions. It’s advisable to consult with the Thai Embassy or Consulate in your home country or the relevant government agencies in Thailand for detailed information and guidance on the specific visa category you are interested in.

Obtaining a special visa may require additional documentation, such as educational certificates, employment contracts, or proof of financial means. It’s important to prepare these documents in advance and be aware of the application process and any associated fees.

Whether you are planning to study, retire, start a business, or work in Thailand, exploring the special visa categories will provide you with the appropriate visa to accomplish your goals and ensure a legal and hassle-free stay in the country.

Navigating the visa requirements and understanding how long you can stay in Thailand as a tourist is an essential part of planning your trip. Whether you qualify for visa exemption, need to obtain a visa on arrival, or choose to apply for a tourist visa, it’s important to be aware of the rules and regulations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience in the Land of Smiles.

While visa exemptions offer a convenient option for short stays, they come with specific limitations on the duration of stay and cannot be extended for tourism purposes. Visa on arrival provides flexibility for immediate travel plans, but it also has a limited duration and cannot be extended. On the other hand, tourist visas allow for longer stays in Thailand, and extensions can be obtained at the immigration office if necessary.

Understanding the consequences of overstaying your visa is crucial to avoid any penalties or potential bans from reentering the country. It’s important to comply with immigration regulations and plan your stay accordingly to ensure a trouble-free visit to Thailand.

In certain situations, special visa categories such as the education visa, retirement visa, business visa, or work permit may be more suitable for your specific needs. These visas offer longer durations of stay and cater to individuals who wish to study, retire, conduct business, or work in Thailand.

It’s essential to consult with the Thai Embassy or Consulate in your home country or the relevant government agencies in Thailand to obtain accurate and up-to-date information on visa requirements and application procedures. They can provide guidance based on your specific situation and help you navigate through the visa process.

In conclusion, understanding the different visa options and their respective limitations is crucial when planning a trip to Thailand. By following the immigration rules, obtaining the appropriate visa, and adhering to the permitted duration of stay, you can enjoy your time in Thailand worry-free, immersing yourself in its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality.

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