Answered7 years ago

Can I Enter Thailand with a 30-Day Visa Exemption and Extend It Quickly?

Visa Extension Visa Exemption Tourist Visa

Connor *********************

asked Jan 11, 2020

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Hello. US passport here. 

I arrived in Phnom Penh today and was planning to go to thai embassy asap to get a 60 day tourist visa as advised on this page. However I neglected to realize they don't open till Monday plus it will take a minimum of 3 days to process the visa. I don't want to wait around in this city for 4 or more nights. My question is if I were to just enter Thailand on 30 day visa exemption as originally planned and extend 30 days in bangkok would this process also take a minimum of 3 days? Or Is it just in and out in few hours? I don't want to be stuck there either  any longer then I have to.  The 60 day visa at the embassy is about 20$ cheaper than the 1900 b extension that was my motivation and just to have it taken care of in advance.  I have to be in bangkok by Feb 5th and I have airfare out if Thailand March 16th. 

Thank you.

Answer summary

A US passport holder can enter Thailand on a 30-day visa exemption and apply for a 30-day extension at a local Immigration Office. The extension process is typically quick, often completed the same day, unlike a 60-day tourist visa from the embassy which takes about three days to process. However, do check for public holidays that may affect the office's availability.

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James ********

First off Cambodia is not a place we recommend. It does take three days to process a visa.

Good luck on your visa exempt entry.

Commenting closed.

7 years ago

Robert *******

Be aware that if you arrive in Thailand before the 17 Jan, your timing of 30 plus 30 days will be not enough

7 years ago

Robert *******

I'm lost but okay, you are in Phnom Penh, surprised that it is weekend, you want to come back to Bangkok as fast as possible but now knowing you do not get enough days until 16 March. So you like to stay somewhere until 3 Feb but to get a Tourist visa in these 2 weeks seems a problem. Best part is once you have the visa you can come to Bangkok, as you get 60 days with the visa and can extend with another 30 days.

7 years ago

Robert *******

What is then the problem? You plan to cross between 25th or 3rd of February, so you have all the time to apply for the visa as it is today 11 Jan.

7 years ago

Connor *********************

@Robert ******

yes. I plan to cross between the 25th or 3rd of February

7 years ago

Robert *******

i guess you have an US passport, so you can enter and use the 30 day Visa Exempt Entry and you can apply at the local Immigration Office for a 30 day Extension of Stay, that is a very quick service depending on where you are but those who get a number will be served that day.

Be aware that if you go to apply for an Extension of Stay you check the dates, some days are named National Holiday and some days are weekend and also then the Immigration Offices are closed

7 years ago

Robert *******

They are handing out numbers till early afternoon. If you go early in the morning it will be less busy, most tourist like to sleep in

7 years ago

Connor *********************

@Robert ******

yes US passport. So the earlier you arrive the more likely you are of getting a number I assume? I'll be sure to check the calendar that week for holidays

7 years ago

Steve *********

The visa free extension is pretty much instantaneous.

7 years ago

Connor *********************

@Steve ********

ok if that's the case im probably better off just getting it done in bangkok.

Thank you.

7 years ago