Hello, my father entered on a 30 day exempt on 17. Jan. His flight has been cancelled and he will need to stay 14 days longer than his visa. We are staying in Chiang Mai but I have read here that they will keep the passport for 14 days (under consideration) when extending visas. Is that also true for the 30 day extension?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The original question asks whether a passport would be held when extending a 30-day exempt visa in Chiang Mai. Responses clarify that it is not required to surrender the passport, as the extension can typically be processed within a few hours for a fee of 1900 baht. The discussion also touches on the necessary paperwork, including a potential TM30 form from the hotel, which is confirmed to be handled by the hotel but may require a printout or screenshot for the extension process.
It's a couple of years since my last visa extension, also in Chiang Mai, it usually took about an hour, there used to be place on the opposite side of the road where you'd be directed for additional photocopies etc. All very easy to do, no need for an agent.
Go to immigration. Apply for 30 day extension with right paperwork 1900baht walk out about 1 hour later with your passport don't use an agent no need to.
I did 30 day extension in Bangkok took 40 minutes. Helps if you have everything printed/copied that they require.
We've done numerous visa extensions in Chiang Mai and have never had them keep our passports. Check and see if you can make an appointment for a regular extension. If not just go earlier in the morning, depending on how busy they are it should be quite quick. Just have all the copies and forms completed.
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