Can I extend my 30-day visa on arrival in Thailand for an additional 30 days at immigration, and is it okay to book a return flight for 60 days?

Apr 16, 2023
2 years ago
John *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi there. I know the 45 day visa on arrival has now ended as of March 31st. It's now 30 days on arrival and I was under the impression that only another 15 days could be added without the need for leaving the country and coming back on the 45 day visa. However, I've seen a few posts on various Thai FB pages about how its possible to get an extra 30 days on the current 30 day visa by applying to Thai Immigration and paying 1900 baht. I'd like to know if this is correct and if it's the case, presumably I can buy a return flight from here in NZ for 60 days without contravening any rules/ regulations even though my initial visa will be for 30 days? Regards. John
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The current policy allows travelers from New Zealand to enter Thailand with a 30-day visa exempt entry. Travelers can extend this stay for an additional 30 days by applying at a local immigration office and paying a fee of 1,900 baht. It's essential to remember that the arrival day counts as day one, so careful planning for return flights is recommended to avoid overstaying. While most airlines may require proof of onward travel within the initial entry period, it's possible to extend your stay legally in Thailand.
John *******
Just pay for visa in new Zealand prior to your trip it's hassle free the same here in Aus 90 days for $120 without hassles good value I think
Bob **********
Yes you can extend for 30 more days but I would figure it out on your colander when to fly back maybe 58-59 days as when you land is day one
John ***********
@Bob *********
Why not 60 rather than 59 days? I am going for 30 days visa exempt and booked flights on a 30 day basis to make the most of it.
Bob **********
@John **********
good idea you don’t want an overstay stamp even for one day
Brandon ************
@John **********
the day you arrive is counted as day 1
John ***********
@Brandon ***********
I know. I was including it as day 1 in my calculations. So the 59 days does not include the arrival day? So long as you're in and out within the 30 or 60 days, all is good? I assume your calculating method does not include the arrival day. (You've got me counting up my 30 days on my fingers to make sure I got it correct!)
Kool *******
The way it is now is the way it's always been before covid. You get a visa exempt 30 day stamp that you can extend once for another 30 days before you must leave. It was extended to an initial 45 days because those entering were required to spend 15 days in quarantine during covid, thus still giving them their 30 days of vacation time. Now covid restrictions have ended and so has the extra 15 days.

A visa on arrival VOA is completely different for those countries that must use it. It only gives them a 15 day entry stamp, and it can not be extended.

There is no 45 day visa, and never has been.
John *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks for putting me straight. Cheers.
Greg *********
Why not apply for 60 day visa before fly
John *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi Greg. Yes, that's what im likely to do. Cheers. 😁
Stuart *********
For a Kiwi you’d get 30 day visa exempt entry (do not follow the signs in the airport for “visa on arrival” - that’s a completely different entry scheme not available for Kiwis). You can indeed get a further 30 days at a local immigration office for 1,900 baht.

Immigration probably won’t care about having a flight out but your airline may well. Some will insist that you have a ticket out of Thailand within the initial number of days allowed regardless that you could apply for an extension.
John *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks again. Cheers.
John *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks Stuart. So i can get a 60 day at the Thai Embassy in Wellington for 55 bucks then. Can I apply on line for an E Visa or do I need to send off my passport to them? All info gratefully received 😁
Stuart *********
No the NZ embassy doesn’t yet use the evisa system. Not sure of the procedures there but their website should explain all.
John *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Great. Thanks so much for your help. I'll maybe explore the possibility of getting a longer visa at the Thai Embassy here in Wellington then unless I can convince whichever airline I use of my intentions. Regards. John
Stuart *********
@John ******
Yes a tourist visa is approx $55. Gives you 60 days on entry. Be aware when counting days as day of entry is day 1 regardless of entry time so you’d get a stamp for a further 59 days.
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