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How can I extend my stay in Thailand after my tourist visa expires?
Thailand VisaVisa ExtensionBORDER BOUNCETourist VisaVisa RulesVisa for US Passport HoldersNon-O VisaMETV (Multiple Entry Tourist Visa)
Dec 12, 2022
3 years ago
Kelima *************
ORIGINAL POSTERI've been searching for this information for awhile now, but haven't been able to find it.
I have a US passport, and arrived in Thailand with a 45 day tourist visa. Once in Chiang Mai, I got a 30 day extension at the immigration office, which expires at the end of Dec.
From reading the posts here, it seems it's not possible to do another visa extension?
I'd prefer to stay in Thailand until the end of January or February, if it's possible. Otherwise, I don't mind going to Vietnam or Cambodia for a week or two (I'd spend at least a week there), and come back to Thailand.
Thank you!
I have a US passport, and arrived in Thailand with a 45 day tourist visa. Once in Chiang Mai, I got a 30 day extension at the immigration office, which expires at the end of Dec.
From reading the posts here, it seems it's not possible to do another visa extension?
I'd prefer to stay in Thailand until the end of January or February, if it's possible. Otherwise, I don't mind going to Vietnam or Cambodia for a week or two (I'd spend at least a week there), and come back to Thailand.
Thank you!
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user, holding a US passport, is seeking advice on extending their stay in Thailand beyond their current visa expiry. After receiving a 30-day extension on their initial tourist visa, they inquire if they can extend further or need to exit and re-enter Thailand. Users suggest that the best way to gain additional time in Thailand is to do a 'border bounce' by leaving the country (to Vietnam or Cambodia) and returning for a new visa-exempt entry. They also discuss the potential for obtaining a METV before travel, which would allow for a more extended stay if done appropriately.
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- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
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James ********
I believe that the OP has received helpful advice and options for staying longer. Thanks All.
Comments Closed
Comments Closed
Duncan *******
The easiest way to get a new 45-day visa-exempt entry (you did not enter on a tourist visa, it was visa exempt) is to do a border bounce. If you're still in Chiang Mai, according to a post yesterday from
Presuming you haven't got a long history of being in and out of Thailand, fly to another country, spend a bit of time if you fancy and then come back and you'll get a new 45 visa-exempt entry.
@Tod ********
, Chiang Khong is out as an option. Presuming you haven't got a long history of being in and out of Thailand, fly to another country, spend a bit of time if you fancy and then come back and you'll get a new 45 visa-exempt entry.
Kelima *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Duncan ******
Thanks! Haven't bee to Thailand since 2019 so I think I'm good.Kelima *************
ORIGINAL POSTERThank you, yes still in Chiang Mai
Duncan *******
@Kelima ************
no recent history - you will be fine. Still don't know where you currently are but if you are still in Chiang Mai, there is an increasing number of options for flights. CNX flight schedule here: ************************************************************************************************************************
Reply to
Duncan *******
Reply
Nathan **********
Can't have searched in here then. Was basically exact same question yesterday
James ********
Or you can do a visit as you stated to Cambodia or Vietnam... AND on return to Thailand gets you 45 days stamp plus one 30 day extension of stay.
James ********
You can do a BORDER BOUNCE out and re-enter Thailand...
You will get 45 days stamp plus one 30 day extension of stay at Thai immigration office for 1900 Thai baht ..like you did recently when you got your 30 Day extension of stay.
They can be done same day if you want to... Suggest you use a commercial border run service company if you are not familiar with doing a BORDER BOUNCE.
Ok have placed the TOPIC BORDER RUN on your post...
CLICK on it and all posts about them will Pop up to read.
You will get 45 days stamp plus one 30 day extension of stay at Thai immigration office for 1900 Thai baht ..like you did recently when you got your 30 Day extension of stay.
They can be done same day if you want to... Suggest you use a commercial border run service company if you are not familiar with doing a BORDER BOUNCE.
Ok have placed the TOPIC BORDER RUN on your post...
CLICK on it and all posts about them will Pop up to read.
James ********
@Romain *****
not UNTIL you are legally married to Thai will you be able to get the Non O Visa as Married to ThaiJames ********
Be sure you can get a METV multiple entry tourist visa in your home country... Look at the Thai Embassy website in your home country
James ********
@Romain *****
what is your passport nation?Romain ******
@Randy *******
@James *******
Alright ! So, I should to extend my exemption visa to 14 February and book flight to go and come back during the process to get the METV.. right ?Randy ********
@Romain *****
you’ll only get the non-o if you are actually married. They don’t recognize engagement.Romain ******
@Randy *******
@James *******
I just sent an email to the Thai embassy in France to ask if the e-visa (non-immigrant o) is possible because we’re already engaged in France (officials papers like wedding), but I don’t know if they consider her like my spouse to apply the family visa. We will seeJames ********
@Romain *****
get the METV multiple entry tourist visa in your home country... Then that will give you up to 9 months stay in Thailand with a border run.The METV is NOT available outside of your home country.
James ********
@Romain *****
by air until the Thai Immigration Officer asks your Why do you want to come to Thailand many times...???... And Denies you Entry into Thailand.Bottom line...
Get a correct Thai Visa for your planned stay in Thailand.
Randy ********
@Romain *****
you’re welcome. I’m almost certain you can’t apply for any long term visa inside of Thailand. The pros will chime in if I’m incorrect. You’d have to exit Thailand and apply for a long term visa. You could exit Thailand a couple of times then apply for the 30 extension also. But like I mentioned before, you will eventually be asked why you’re in Thailand long term without the proper visa.Romain ******
@Randy *******
Thank you Randy ! I need to stay 6 months - 1 years with my girlfriend. But I didn’t see which kind of visa can I apply directly from Thailand..
Randy ********
@Romain *****
there’s no limit per say by air. But saying that, if you are frequently doing it, you’ll eventually be asked question by the Thai immigration officer you face.Reply to
Randy ********
Reply
Tod *********
The only way to get more time inside the country is to exit/re-enter to get a NEW 45 day visa exempt entry stamp, you can do that by air by flying out and back or by land
Kelima *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tod ********
Thank youReply to
Kelima *************
Reply
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