Can I extend my 30-day tourist visa upon arrival in Thailand, and how do I do it?

September 17, 2022
2 years ago
Jarek *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello! I’m from Poland and I’m flying to Chiang Mai at the beginning of October on 30 day tourist visa. I’d like to extend it further as soon as possible. My questions are:

1. Can I apply for the extension as soon as I arrive to Thailand?

2. How do I acquire the maximum extension which is 45 days?

3. Do I need to have an onward ticket upon entry to Thailand?

I’m sorry if this has been asked but I’m struggling with the Facebook posts search. Thank you!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Upon arrival in Thailand with a 30-day tourist visa, you cannot apply for an extension immediately. It's advisable to go to the immigration office approximately a week before your visa stamp expires to apply for a one-time 30-day extension, which costs 1900 baht. Additionally, as of October 1st, Polish passport holders will be allowed a 45-day entry as part of the visa-exempt entry, meaning you may not need an onward ticket when entering Thailand. However, having proof may be required by your airline.
Keven ****
1. No, you can't do the extension as soon as you arrive. Go a week or so before the day on the stamp. Check this group to make sure you don't go on a holiday.
Jarek *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Keven ***
do you mean I’m more likely to get an extension if I apply for it closer to my visa exemption? I’m just worried they won’t give it to me and I’ll be left with no plans
Keven ****
@Jarek ********
If you don't meet the requirements and don't get the extension, and you do it on the last day, you'll get a "7-day to leave" stamp. But it's a tourist visa extension. The likelihood of being denied are almost not possible. Going earlier or later will have no effect on the chance of getting a visa or not.

Not going on the last day is simply better for you, because if you're missing a document, or your transportation breaks down, etc., you won't end up on overstay, which isn't good at all. Better to go a week or so before.
Jarek *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Keven ***
thanks for the info, i appreciate it
Jarek *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Sweet! That’s very reassuring, thank you!
Tod *********
@Jarek ********
you can apply for a 30 day extension in Chiang Mai when you have 45 days or less left on your current stamp SO in theory you could go shortly after you arrive, BUT it's a regular extension, and you're highly unlikely to get denied.

Most people wait until closer to their stamp expiration date but you can go when ever you want to .
Tod *********
Whether you need onward travel to board your airline to come to Thailand is between you and the air carrier so contact them but if you manage to board your plane, when you stamp into Thailand you will not be asked to show proof of onward travel
Tod *********
If you are coming here after October 1st as a Polish passport holder you will be allowed in for 45 days on what is called a Visa exempt entry, it is not a tourist visa it is not a Visa at all.

Once you get here you can go to your immigration office when you have 30 days or less left on that stamp and apply for a 30-day extension one time for 1900 baht.

You will not be asked for onward travel when you apply for that one 30 day extension.
Chris *******
@Michael ************
yes Phuket has a couple locations for extensions.

Main Phuket town

Patong

Blue Tree

The extension is added to the end of your stamp, so can be obtained anytime during your stay.
Jarek *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
thank you very much, that’s very helpful!
James ********
Jarek *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
thank you 🙏🏼
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