How can I extend my visa exemption in Thailand before it expires, and what documents do I need?

Visa Extension Visa Exempt COVID-19 Extension Thai Immigration Required Documents Extension Fees Tourist Visa Immigration Offices Expat Advice

Jul 26, 2021

3 years ago

Dani *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi, I searched the group first but I'd just like to clarify since things change so often.

I arrived on a visa exempt, which expires Saturday. So, I should go to Immigration on Friday to extend, yes? Not sure I understand the COVID extension versus regular extension.

Also, can you please advise what I need to bring with me to extend and the price?

TIA!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A user seeks clarification on extending their visa exemption in Thailand, which is expiring soon. They inquire about the difference between a COVID-related extension and a regular tourist extension, as well as the necessary documents and costs involved. Respondents emphasize the importance of knowing which immigration office to visit, explain the different types of extensions, and provide a comprehensive list of required documents and fees.

Benjamin ******

The most important question is "which immigration office?".

IF you're using Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Buriram, Phuket, Chiang Rai and a couple other ones (Surat Thani/Samui maybe) all allow people to apply for extensions when they have 45 days or less left on their current stamp.

IF you're using Bangkok, you'll go to Muang Thong Thani, and they only accept 300 people a day.

3 years ago

Dani *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks. I'm in Chiang Mai

3 years ago

Reply to

Dani *********

Benjamin ******

>So, I should go to Immigration on Friday to extend, yes?

Which immigration office would you want to use?

>Not sure I understand the COVID extension versus regular extension.

A 60 day extension of stay based on unable to travel due to COVID-19 is issued by the immigration office for people who can't return home. A 30 day extension of stay based on tourism is issued by the immigration office for those who want to stay longer as a tourist. MOST immigration offices require a person to get a 30 day extension of stay based on tourism before getting a 60 day extension of stay based on unable to travel due to COVID-19.

The documents for a 30 day extension of stay based on tourism and a 60 day extension of stay based on unable to travel due to COVID-19 are almost the same, and I recommend applying for a 60 day extension of stay based on unable to travel due to COVID-19. The worse that would happen is they would grant you a 30 day extension of stay based on tourism first.

Different immigration offices have different requirements, but all require the following:

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 ant to use their special forms)

4. [FOR COVID-19 extension of stay only!] 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.

[FOR COVID-19 Extension of stay only] Different immigration offices have different policies. *SOME* may require:

- The ID card of the property owner where you are staying

- Copies of *ALL* stamped pages in your passport

3 years ago

Dani *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Ah ok. Whew.

This was all so much easier solo haha

Thanks for your help!

3 years ago

Dani *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Ah. Ok.

I'm considering staying long term

3 years ago

Benjamin ******

@Dani ********

You probably want to use the same documents. The immigration office MAY want you to put the child on overstay, but if you want that extension of stay for the child, you may have to insist on it.

3 years ago

Reply to

Benjamin ******

Dani *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Also, I'm traveling with a baby. I assume she's required to have the same documents as me, I will need to extend her visa as well, yes?

3 years ago

Benjamin ******

@Dani ********

What's your long term plan for Thailand?

If you're here just to ride out COVID-19, and you'll return back to your native country in a few years, I suggest leaving the baby on overstay. A child under 15 years of age *WILL BE* on overstay (which may result in problems getting an education visa/ going to school, and you may have to leave with her and bounce back in), however there is no punishment or fines.

BUT if you want to extend her entry stamp, you will need the same documents too.

3 years ago

Reply to

Benjamin ******

Dani *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Benjamin *****

Thanks SO much!

3 years ago

Reply to

Dani *********

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