Can I extend my stay in Thailand beyond the initial 60 days after entering under the Test and Go scheme?

Jan 7, 2022
3 years ago
Sa ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hey everyone,

I came to Thailand around the end of Nov, from the Netherlands, under the Test and Go scheme.

We get a 30 day no visa needed allowance, and I extended once at immigration bureau in Bangkok for another 30 days a month later

I am now in Chiang mai.

Can I extend again for another 30 or more days?

Or is there any other visa i should get to extend?

Thanks a lot for any suggestions!
1,599
views
1
likes
47
all likes
24
replies
0
images
10
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user asked about extending their stay in Thailand after initially entering under the Test and Go scheme, which allows for a 30-day visa exemption followed by a 30-day extension. They are looking for options for further extension. Comments suggest that while the first extension can be granted, there may be the possibility of a COVID-related 60-day extension, depending on local immigration office regulations and the necessary documentation. It's noted that some offices, like in Phuket, are granting these extensions, but users are advised to check with their local office for specific policies.
Sa ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Does anyone know if they give Covid extensions (to anyone who asks) at other immigration offices then Phuket?
Nigel *********
@Sa *****
"tis a national thing, but just check with your nearest office if they do it... e.g. in Phuket there are 3 offices but only one will grant the covid extension.
Benjamin ******
@Sa *****
Yes they do
Raece **********
I have been in Phuket almost 2 months I came on a visa exemption for 30 days and extended it for another 30 days.

Our flight got canceled on the last day our visa runs out so we went to the immigration in Phuket and they are currently offering up to 60 visa extension for everyone asking because of covid this has to be done before the 25th jan.
Sa ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Raece *********
Thats very good news! Do you happen to know if are they only offering it in Phuket?
Raece **********
@Sa *****
I don’t sorry but I assume it would be everywhere in Thailand
Dick **********
Why would the covid extension be given when all countries appear to be open and there are available flights?
Osama ************
@Dick *********
Economics 101
Steve *******
You can only extend the visa exempt entry once. You could apply for a 60 day 'covid extention' but it's not a given.
Benjamin ******
>Can I extend again for another 30 or more days?

You *MAY* be able to get a 60 day extension of stay based on unable to travel due to COVID-19. You will need to submit the following documents:

1. Your passport and:

a. a copy of your data ("picture") page

b. a copy of your most recent visa (if you have one)

c. a copy of your most recent stamp

d. a copy of your departure card

2. A TM30, filed in the immigration office.

3. The forms (each immigration office may have different forms, and want to use their special forms)

4. [Might not be asked at some immigration offices, bring it with you just in case] A letter from your embassy saying you can not return, OR a print out from your embassy website saying they don’t issue the letters, OR a print out of a letter from the embassy saying they don't issue those letters.

5. 2x passport pictures

6. 1,900 THB processing fee.

This is an optional extension of stay, and they almost always issue an under consideration stamp of 7 to 15 days (or more). You will have to return to the same immigration office to get the stamp closed out.
Sa ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
Benjamin, thank you so much for writing all of this up for me. I appreciate the work.

I cant think of any reason Im unable to travel due to covid. So i might need to go travel to another country and then back again after a week or 2.

I have heard about education visa’s, but i guess i cannot apply for that one since i already been here 60 days.
Benjamin ******
@Sa *****
in my list above, note the “ORs” as the acceptable proofs. You SHOULD BE ABLE to get one of the three. You may need to contact your embassy though.
Sascha **********
@Sa *****
I’m from NL too, came in November, got the 30 day extension and then when I went back to immigration I got a 60 day covid extension when I told them my country is in lockdown. They wanted to see proof so I showed them this webpage:
**********************************************************************************************************************
*******
/18/slowing-the-spread-of-the-omicron-variant-lockdown-in-the-netherlands and they gave me the visa on the spot. They also provided all the forms I had to fill in. (This was at Phang Nga immigration)
Sa ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sascha *********
Hey Sascha, that is reallyyy helpful to me, thanks so much! Im going to try it and crossing my fingers!
Jordi ********
@Sa *****
got one at the beginning of the year. You really dont need a solid reason. I think I just wrote 'covid situation home country' or similar. Since recent they are starting to give people more pain about it. But since the Netherlands is in lockdown I guess you have a more valid reason then 99% of the people getting covid extensions.
Sascha **********
@Sa *****
good luck!!! 🍀
Dav *****
I don't think that the covid/pandemic situation has changed how it works :

* 30 days with visa exemption at entry in the country

* 30 days extension once in the country

* 7 days extension (discretionary) after the first one
Benjamin ******
@Dav ****
Yes it did
Mark ********
@Dav ****
absolutely can try for a 60 day extension .
Sa ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mark *******
is this only with the consideration that one is unable to travel due to covid?
Dimitri ********
@Sa *****
They gave me the same extension some months ago. While airlines have several flights a day to my country. And if you think about it... Why not? Why throw foreigners out if they have money to spend.
Sa ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dimitri *******
Yes correct, I wish they were more lenient with this since they actively try to lure foreigners to stay longer with new initiatives like the nomad visa etc.

So I dont understand these rules either.
Mark ********
@Sa *****
I am American. Was always able to travel. No one asked me . Your luck varies but no hurt in trying .
Jörg ******
Ask the immigration office.
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else