Answered5 years ago

How does the 30-day visa exempt extension work in Thailand?

Visa Extension Visa Exempt Thailand Immigration COVID Extension 30-Day Visa Rules

Łukasz ************

asked Oct 1, 2021

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I got a question concerning visa exempt 30 days extension. If I apply for 30 days extension will this 30 days be added to the original 45 (75 days total from the day I arrived) or will it be 30 days from the day I applied for extension? Does it work the same way with covid extension?

Answer summary

When you apply for the 30-day extension of your visa exempt status in Thailand, this time will be added to the current expiration date of your original entry stamp, meaning you will have a total of 75 days from your arrival date, not just 30 days from the date of the extension application.

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James ********

It's added to the current expiration date of the stamp in your passport you received upon arrival into Thailand.

5 years ago

Ian *********

@James *******

I have entered Thailand on a 45 day visa exemption too and am currently doing my 14 days quarantine in Pattaya. Can I apply for the 30 day extension immediately on my release or is that too early. I would like to get this done ASAP as my plan is to change my flights from returning to the UK as soon as the extension is granted.

5 years ago

George *************

@Ian ********

the regular 30 day extension after a visa exempt entry is as near a certainty as anything we have in this world. That, said you can go as early as 30 days before current permission to stay expires to apply. Depends on immigration office, you can ask them. I would be comfortable making flight arrangements before getting the 30 day regular extension. Never heard of a single one of those being denied.

5 years ago

James ********

@Ian ********

Pattaya prefers that you apply for the extension during the last week before your expiration date stamped in your passport. I use Pattaya/Jomtien immigration.

5 years ago

Ian *********

@James *******

thanks James. I don’t know what that will be for Pattaya. I will go along after my quarantine and find out for sure 🙄

5 years ago

James ********

@Ian ********

and it really depends on the policy of the Thai immigration office which you will be using as to how early you can apply for the 30 day extension. It's a given that it will be approved.

5 years ago

Ian *********

@George ************

thank you George for your concise response. That is exactly what I wanted to hear. Take care

5 years ago

Łukasz ************

@James *******

thanks for your answer. Does it work the same with 60 days covid extension?

5 years ago

George *************

@Łukasz ***********

not necessarily. The regular 30 day extension always starts at the end of current permission to stay (you lose no days). The covid extension as it represents a change in the reason for the extension (from regular to covid) often starts from date of application (you may lose days). Depends on the immigration office. You need to ask your office. If you will lose days go as late as possible.

5 years ago