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Can you extend a 60-day visa exemption in Thailand while your UK passport is being renewed?

May 14, 2025
3 days ago
Simon *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
If on a 60 day visa exemption and you send your copy and application off, for a UK passort renewal. Can you still get a 30 day extension with the old passport, incase the renewal takes longer than 60 days?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around whether a traveler with a 60-day visa exemption in Thailand can apply for a 30-day extension while their UK passport is undergoing renewal. Comments highlight that as long as the old passport is retained during the renewal process and remains valid, it is possible to obtain an extension. Insights on passport validity and the renewal timeline suggest that if the renewal is initiated promptly, it should align with the visa duration, reducing the risk of overstaying.
Janis ********
We just done our UK passport only took 3 week amazing service
Simon *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Janis *******
last time I renewed my passport , i did direct from Saudi, took 4.days...
John **********
Having fairly recently renewed my UK passport it took around 4 weeks all in so if you do it right at the start of your 60 days you should be OK. But if you go beyond the 60 days you're stuffed
Simon *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
just can't help thinking of all the muppets who get a sudden urge to go for a summer holiday and then realise they need a passport...
Jason ******
I did with a Irish passport,just retain the old one while the new one is being processed and it should be active until the new passport arrives at bassy,then you ik it up and they stamp your old one inactive and the new one is then active .
Stan **********
One would surmise that if you are here on a 60 day visa exempt entry that you would have more than 6 months left on your passport!

As, they usually only let you in if your passport has at least six months validity for the length of your stay?

So why would you feel the need to send off your passport for renewal if you wish to extend for another 30 days.

If you are planning to visit another country and need a longer passport life then maybe a visit home to renew your passport could be a better idea!

As getting a new passport whilst only on a 60 day exempt entry could be an indication you are planning to be here a lot longer than 60 or 90 days
Simon *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stan *********
can't convert a Thailand Elite visa in country... Have to leave, come back on a visa or visa exemption, to convert in country.

Have enough time on passport to do visa exempt and non o, but not enough for the extension of the non o...

I'd prefere the visa and extension on the same passport, but have lost confidence in British bureaucracy.
Stan **********
@Simon ********
I used an agent to take care of the passport renewal, did not even have to leave home. They also took care of transfering visa, paper work etc

The cost was actually compatible to what would have been spent on travelling to Bangkok, accommodation, food etc etc.

Pretty sure a good one would be able to help
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