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How can I renew my UK visa in Thailand?

UK VisaVisa RenewalVFS GlobalBritish EmbassyChiang MaiBangkokVisa Application ProcessTourist VisaVisa Exempt EntryVisa AgentsOnline Visa Services
Jul 8, 2025
7 days ago
L**
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The renewal of a UK visa in Thailand can be done directly through VFS Global, which operates offices in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Users can either handle the process themselves with VFS, requiring two visits (one for submission and another for collection), or opt for services provided by an agent, such as Mark's Sending Machine, if they are not in Bangkok or prefer not to travel. It's noted that tourists can renew visas as long as they have sufficient time left on their current visa. Responses suggest that while it's possible to renew while on a tourist visa, direct handling via VFS may expedite the process, which can take up to eight weeks if done through agents. For those located in regions without VFS services, using an agent can be more convenient.
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Ed **********
Can do it online i think.
6 days ago
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Janis ********
Yes we did our UK one in Bangkok the service was amazing and very quickly getting it returned to us
6 days ago
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John ********
Can you do it in Phuket
6 days ago
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John **********
@John *******
 no. Only Bangkok or Chiang Mai. That's why people use an agent, saves travelling, hotels etc
6 days ago
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John **********
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Simon *********
If in Bangkok do it yourself at VFS global. Takes 2 visits, 1 to send and 1 to collect.

If not in Bangkok, or don't want to travel, use an agent like "Mark's Sending Machine" (search on Facebook), Thai Visa Express, or Key Visa

Just did mine, took 3 weeks door to door
6 days ago
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L**
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Simon ********
 Yes, we are thinking doing it via VFS. Thank you so much for your help!
6 days ago
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L**
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Simon ********
 thank you so much. is this also applicable if we are only here as tourists? Thank you
6 days ago
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Simon *********
@L**
 I did it on visa exempt entry, but there's some risk, because it can take upto 8 weeks.

Be safer and faster to do direct at VFS global. Mine took 2 weeks processing then a weeks postage using an agent. The agents are basically doing the leg work, submitting and collecting from VFS global
6 days ago
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L**
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Simon ********
 Thank you so much!
5 days ago
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L**
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Thierry *********
French Embassy
6 days ago
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Adrian ******
Vfs in chiang mai were very efficient.
6 days ago
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L**
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Adrian *****
 Thank you so much!
5 days ago
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L**
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Adrian *****
 thank you🙏🏻
6 days ago
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L**
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello. Are we allowed to renew here via VFS if we’re only here as tourists? Thank you for your help.
6 days ago
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Adrian ******
I would imagine so if you have enough time on your visa. It took about 10 days to receive my passport back from the u.k. They kept me updated from start to finish.
6 days ago
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Adrian ******
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Dave *********
This is where the VFS office is in Bangkok:

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7 days ago
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L**
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dave ********
 thank you 🙏🏻
7 days ago
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L**
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Melanie ****************
Yes, just go to the British embassy in Bangkok and book an appointment - it's easy, no need to pay extra for intermediates
7 days ago
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Adam ******
@Melanie ***************
 Wrong.
6 days ago
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Stuart *********
@Melanie ***************
 The British Embassy in Bangkok hasn’t issued passports in decades.
7 days ago
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L**
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Melanie ***************
 do you know how long the process to get a new passport? Thank you
7 days ago
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Ian *****
@L**
 wrong. VFS do all passports
6 days ago
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Melanie ****************
@L**
 I have no idea sorry, I am french so I did it with my french embassy - it was very quick (10 days). It depends on how busy they are I guess. Also, they had the list of all the elements needed for passport renewal pinned on the wall, maybe it's the same with your embassy? That's why I advised to go there to be sure.
6 days ago
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Dave *********
@L**
7 days ago
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Dave *********
This is on the UK Gov't website today. I got mine last year within 2 weeks. Guess it just depends on their workload at the time?
7 days ago
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L**
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dave ********
 thank you very much! I’m trying to find the documents needed for renewal but it doesn’t say anywhere. 🥹
7 days ago
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Graham ******
@L**
 the Gov.uk link above has all the requirements
6 days ago
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Faye *********
@L**
 gov.uk it is all on there just look and read the guidance notes and print off the forms
6 days ago
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John *********
@L**
 Ensure you have the following:

Your current British passport.

Two recent passport-sized photographs.

Proof of address in Thailand.

A completed OS passport application form.

A color photocopy of every page of your current passport.
6 days ago
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John *********
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Malcolm *******
@L**
 You do not go to the British Embassy , you have to use VFS. They are in Bangkok and Chang Mai .
7 days ago
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L**
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Malcolm ******
 thank you so much 🙏🏻. Do you know the turn around time for the process?
7 days ago
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L**
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Sean ********
@L**
 the renewal process does not involve the British Embassy any longer.

I'm not sure why Melanie said that.

You have to apply through VFS.

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7 days ago
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L**
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sean *******
 thank you so much🙏🏻
7 days ago
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L**
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L**
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you 🙏🏻☺️
7 days ago
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Stuart *********
Yes. You use the company called VFS Global to renew if you do it yourself. Contact them to arrange an appointment and details of what’s needed.

Alternatively use
@Mark's ***************
 to take any hassle out of doing it yourself. Great service.
7 days ago
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Danny ********
@Stuart ********
 ive also used Mark's service. Very good.
6 days ago
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Danny ********
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