How soon can I apply for a 30-day extension after entering Thailand on a 30-day exempt entry with a US passport?

Visa Extension Thailand Visa Rules Exempt Entry Visa US Passport Immigration Procedures

Aug 7, 2019

5 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

With a US passport, once I get a 30 day exempt entry to Thailand, how soon after that can I apply for the 30 day extension?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

With a US passport, you can apply for a 30-day extension right after entering Thailand with a 30-day exempt entry. While some offices may prefer you to apply when you have 15 days or less remaining on your entry stamp, most allow extensions when you still have 30 days or less left. It's advisable to apply early, as there is no downside to doing so—your extension will simply add an additional 30 days to your current visa expiration.

Tod *********

There is NO down side to going early. They ADD the 30 day extension to your current expiration date so you don't lose any time applying early. No need to wait until the stamp almost runs out

5 years ago

Ronnin *****

I was in a hurry once and we did it right on the 30th day from chaengwattana. It's always better to do it a bit early.

5 years ago

Don ********

If you request and receive an extension are you obligated to use it.

5 years ago

Ben **********

It's a "permitted to stay" stamp you get, not an "obliged to stay" ;) .

5 years ago

Don ********

Thank you

5 years ago

Tod *********

you can leave the country the day you get it if you want to, it cancels when you stamp out

5 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

Some offices only allow you to get an extension on a 30 day visa exempt entry when you have 15 days or less left on your entry stamp, BUT most allow you to do it when you have 30 days or less (meaning you could go right from the airport and get your 30 day extension)

5 years ago

Steve *********

And if I remember rightly, the immigration office is right around the corner from the airport.

5 years ago

Mark **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

you are awesome 😎

5 years ago

Tod *********

@Mark *********

Chiang Mai will let you apply for an extension when you have 45 days or less, SO on a 30 day visa exempt entry you can go straight from the airport to the immigration office and get your 30 day extension

5 years ago

Mark **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

thanks! Do you know about Chiangmai in particular?

5 years ago

Reply to

Mark **********

Sam ******

You can apply any time. There are no restrictions.

5 years ago

Tod *********