Are U.S. citizens currently able to get a 60-day visa extension in Thailand without an embassy letter?

60-day visa extension U.S. embassy Thailand Thai immigration rules visa extension process expat visa advice

October 30, 2020

4 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Has anyone from the U.S. been able to get a 60 day extension recently without an embassy letter? As I understand it, the U.S. embassy is not issuing letters anymore, but we were told at Chaengwattana today that we would still need one next time.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Users are discussing the recent regulations around obtaining a 60-day visa extension in Thailand for U.S. citizens. There's conflicting information regarding the necessity of an embassy letter, with some users reporting successful extensions without one, while others still believe a letter is required based on communication from the U.S. embassy.

David ********

So you got thr extension or you were told to get a letter?

4 years ago

Libby **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@David *******

They gave it to me, but very reluctantly, after saying I needed the letter, which scared me for next time. The foundation I've been volunteering for and have a valid work permit with since last year still want me, and we went prepared with all documents like usual, but immigration said it couldn't be extended past a year. We are happy to reapply for a new volunteer visa, but they said we have to leave the country to do so. But... because of Covid, the U.S. is not issuing volunteer O visas, even with a work permit. So. More Catch-22s. I'm so confused why it seems like we're being forced out even though we want to work and pour into the struggling economy here, but it is what it is. 😕

4 years ago

Reply to

Libby **********

Alex *******

This is from the US embassy in Bangkok on their letter request form:

"According to verbal communication from the Royal Thai Government’s Immigration Bureau, non-Thai nationals can visit any Thai Immigration office to request a 60-day extension of stay. We have been told that there will be a charge for this. Thai Immigration will not require a letter from the Embassy as part of the extension request, so the U.S. Embassy and Consulate General Chiang Mai will no longer provide letters of support for Thai visa extensions. For more information about applying for Thai visa extensions, please visit

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or contact the Thai Immigration Bureau."

So maybe wait til the Immigration Bureau, the individual immigration offices, and the US embassy sync back up again. I don't doubt the embassy will offer letters again if they become necessary again.

4 years ago

Dominic ****

@Alex ******

I think it's been realised that the Embassy letters were a farce, and what's needed instead is first-hand evidence that the applicant genuinely can't leave Thailand so needs a special extension to avoid overstay. Very few will have this evidence, because most can leave but don't want to.

4 years ago

Libby **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Dominic ********

do you think that means these 60 day extensions are a way to be able to allow foreigners to stay, without amnesty? It makes sense on an economic level, but still makes me anxious about our continued chances at further extensions. The U.S. has out of control Covid numbers, and we are genuinely worried about going back.

4 years ago

Reply to

Libby **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Alex ******

thanks, I saw this which is why it confused me. I don't want to waste a trip to the embassy, but if Bangkok immigration says I need one for next time, I find myself in a bit of a Catch-22.

4 years ago

Reply to

Libby **********

James ********

Yes...at Jomtien/Pattaya yesterday.

4 years ago

Libby **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@James *******

do you mind me asking what reason you gave them?

4 years ago

James ********