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Can I pay for a visa extension online before arriving in Thailand?
Thailand VisaVisa ExtensionTourist VisaVisa ExemptionNON-O VisaMETV VisaImmigration RulesExpats in Thailand
Apr 27, 2026
4 days ago
Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI just bought my ticket for arrival in July. proximately 90 days. I was wondering if I could pay for the extension now online.
I am concerned that they may actually cut back the 60+30. And one would think anyone buying the ticket before the change would be safe but nothing is guaranteed.
Thoughts and helpful advice would be nice.
I am concerned that they may actually cut back the 60+30. And one would think anyone buying the ticket before the change would be safe but nothing is guaranteed.
Thoughts and helpful advice would be nice.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster is concerned about potential changes to the visa exemption period in Thailand and is interested in whether they can pay for a visa extension online prior to their arrival, which is planned for July. Several commenters clarify that extensions cannot be paid for online and can only be processed in person at immigration offices in Thailand. They suggest getting a regular tourist visa for 60 days, which can be extended for another 30 days, or considering a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV). The conversation emphasizes staying updated on visa regulations, especially since there are discussions about reducing the exemption period from 60 to 30 days. It is advised to have an onward ticket and prepare for immigration checks.
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Brendan *******
Your flight ticket has nothing to do with your visa 🤦♂️
Larry *********
relax. go in on a 60 day. then apply there. it will be no issue unless you got a bunch of extensions and border runs in your passport.
Ken *******************
Worse to worse hop over to another country then back to Thailand
Fred ********************
if your passport is stamped for 60 days, it will stay 60 days.
Extending can't online and also not before using the 60 days
Extending can't online and also not before using the 60 days
Leroy *******
Your thinking waayyyy too much
John **********
If they change anything about visa exempt entries it will be dropping the initial 60 days down to 30 days. Even if you could buy an extension in advance, which you can't, that extension would still only be for 30 days. If you are worried about it just buy a tourist visa before travelling which will give you 60 days plus you can extend for a further 30 at an hour office inside Thailand
Paul ***********
Just apply for a 6 month METV visa. That way you cover all angles.
Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTERPaul De Graaf I have not heard of a METV visa? Also cannot find. Is it available to USA citizens?
Knowledgeabl************
Multi entry tourist visa
Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTERKnowledgeableRaccoon5198 I finally figured it it was an abbreviation. lol
Knowledgeabl************
I first thought it was a medical visa 🤣
Reply to
Knowledgeabl************
Reply
Brandon ************
@Andrew *******
it's a waste of money if you're coming for 90 days. You'd still only get 60 days on arrival and still have to get an extension even with the visa. And it's expensive.Paul ***********
@Brandon ***********
Why not mention the METV. He can review it and make a decision whether it’s suitable to his needs.
Brandon ************
@Paul **********
Because he's only going for 90 days. Why pay $200+ for something he can get for free, or just pay $40 for a single entry tourist visa. There's ZERO advantage to a multiple entry tourist visa for a 90-day trip.Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
the truth is that I just would like something in hand before they change the law. It might not happen before I go, but it is a BIG risk if they do. My ticket is for 87 days. If they switch to 30, and I get an extension for 30 more but not the next one, I may be spending a month in Vietnam. Uuuggg
Brandon ************
@Andrew *******
Then get a SINGLE ENTRY tourist visa, not a multiple entry. Multiple entry is a complete waste for a single trip of 90 days or less.Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
but I would like to have option for small trip.Brandon ************
@Andrew *******
then make that trip after 60 days so you only need the 30 days you'll get on entry if they reduce it. Instead of spending over $200 for something not neededAndrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
I think I want it all done as soon as possible in case they do change it. I’m sure they would have to honor any visas they granted. Remember that I will land with a return flight in 87 days. They could take issue. I’m not 100% confident on them letting me in. I’ve heard so many stories that it seems to vary from one agent to the next.
Brandon ************
@Andrew *******
Do whatever you want, but you either don't understand what the difference between a single entry tourist visa is and a multiple entry tourist visa is, or you have too much money and you enjoy throwing it away.Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
I hardly would think throwing away a few dollars after one spends thousands a waste of money. But being told you cannot come back in is a very big issue. But I thank you for your input.Reply to
Andrew ********
Reply
Paul ***********
Andrew Patron
Try checking the Thai embassy website mate
Try checking the Thai embassy website mate
Reply to
Paul ***********
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Barath *******
If you're 50 and above, you can apply for the 90 days Non-O visa, starts from the day you arrive in Thailand.
Ralph *******
Barath Faust But you need ฿800,000 sitting in a bank.
Barath *******
Ralph Tyson, only if he wants to extend for another 12 months.
Ralph *******
Barath Faust To get the non O visa you need to have money in the bank.
Chris *******
Ralph Tyson not true. Bank statements with income of at least $2500/mo
Chris *******
I just applied for this and I’ll convert to OA in Thai.
Barath *******
Chris Burns I understand OA is only good if you have spouse below 50 years of age. Is that correct?
Chris *******
Barath Faust I’ve never heard anything like that before. I think your spouse can be any age if you have an OA. If your spouse is over 50, she’d get her own OA. I’m going to covert the O to OA or get a marriage visa after I marry my tirak.
Reply to
Chris *******
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Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTERBarath Faust finally being older is paying off.
Reply to
Andrew ********
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Marianne ********
If you are worried about them putting the visa exemption down to 30 days, just get a regular tourist visa before you leave.
That also gives you 60 days which can be extended with 30 more.
But you can't get the extension until you are actually here in Thailand.
That also gives you 60 days which can be extended with 30 more.
But you can't get the extension until you are actually here in Thailand.
Andrew ******
Marianne Holmen I checked this out on e-visa site. It seems you can apply but still tourist visa will have the 60 days + extension in country.
Marianne ********
Andrew Hall Yes, you will only her 60 days on entry with a tourist visa.
Which can be extended.
If the OP is 50 years or above, a Non-O would give 90 days on arrival though.
Which can be extended.
If the OP is 50 years or above, a Non-O would give 90 days on arrival though.
Reply to
Marianne ********
Reply
Family******
Marianne Holmen countries under 60 days visa exemption are not eligible to apply for 60 days Tourist Visa. Your application will likely be rejected. Maybe later after they cut back to 30 days, then yes Tourist Visa is back on the table.
James **********
FamilyPacker totally false
John **********
FamilyPacker nonsense
Marianne ********
FamilyPacker That is just straight up false. I have not heard of a single country putting restrictions on single entry tourist visas because of the visa exemptions.
Where did you hear this?
Where did you hear this?
Atrustwor*********
FamilyPacker What country is rejecting the TR60 visa ? Australia is still selling them if you want one. They are still available on the evisa system just no one is bothering as you get 60 days exempt. Why would they reject they be happy to take your money.
Alan *********
FamilyPacker wrong im from uk we are eligible for 60 day visa : I get in uk a 60 day multi entry visa have done the past 2 years cost in /from uk is £150 used Wisley can get upto 9mths
Kevin **********
FamilyPacker I'm from the US. Because of all the talk of cutting the exemption back to 30 days, I went ahead and got the 60 day tourist visa. Got it in 2 days from the D.C. Consulate online.
Reply to
Kevin **********
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Lee *****
As far as anyone knows it's only discussion at the moment. Even if passed its usually months before implementated
Steve ********
@Lee ****
it just need the publication in the Royal Gazette and then it's official. Doesn't need months to be implemented. Can happen very quickly. But as you correctly said, at the moment it is just in the discussion phase.
Reply to
Steve ********
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Jim ********
No that’s not how it works. You will go to immigrations towards the end of the first 60 days and under the immigration officers discretion, you’ll get an extension
Nigel ***********
Jim Faulks not if they've reduced to 30 days by then
Jim ********
Nigel Middleton There is no point is answering based on what could happen in the future. I’ll answer based on current rules as anything else is simply speculation at this point
Reply to
Jim ********
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Gerar ********
You can not get or pay for the extension online.
When you are in Thailand you have to go to the immigration office to get the extension and pay cash.
Nobody knows if or when they are changing the visa exempt duration in the future.
Don’t forget that most airlines will require to see an onward ticket within the 60 day period (for a visa exempt entry) during check-in.
When you are in Thailand you have to go to the immigration office to get the extension and pay cash.
Nobody knows if or when they are changing the visa exempt duration in the future.
Don’t forget that most airlines will require to see an onward ticket within the 60 day period (for a visa exempt entry) during check-in.
Trevor *********
Gerar Teuben only once in my 20 years of fly was I ask for the exit ticket from a country . Most people now can check in with the scanner so no contact with airline staff . That's Australia anyway
Mica *********
Trevor Rickard I was recently refused boarding having no onward travel ticket. Rules is rules
Reply to
Mica *********
Reply
Brian *********
Gerar Teuben and the renewal can only happen a few days before the 60 days are up. Maybe 10 days prior? Not sure
Gerar ********
Depends on the office, at most offices you can do it at any time.
Stuart *********
Depends on the office. Some like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket you can do 45 days prior. Most 30 days prior. Some like Jomtien, Samui only 7 days prior.
Gerar ********
Phuket allows the extension at any stage but they can ask you to do it later if it is very busy at the immigration office.
Reply to
Gerar ********
Reply
Tania **********
Brian Sanders Better before .
Reply to
Tania **********
Reply
Jim *********
Gerar Teuben immigration is wanting to see an onward ticket for 60 days now as well. I had a 90 day ticket and they almost denied me entry.
Gerar ********
That’s always possible yes.
Stuart *********
Rarely happens but it can as you have seen.
Paul ******************
@Stuart ********
I'm glad I've seen this. I've never been asked by an airline to show proof of onward travel and I've always had it so would have been OK but I'm taking advantage of China's relaxed visa rules and visiting China on the way from UK then coming to Thailand on a one way ticket from China.If I hadn't seen this post I might have come next time without an onward ticket, thinking I could book that after arrival but now I'll be sure to have it booked before my flight from China into Thailand
Reply to
Paul ******************
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Graham ******
O you cannot get an extension until you have 30 days or less remaining on your entry stamp at most offices. You can always get a tourist visa.
Reply to
Graham ******
Reply
Can we book our exit flight before the 60-day visa exemption ends and extend to 90 days in Thailand?
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