Is applying for a tourist visa extension online a better option than in person at the immigration office in Thailand?

Tourist Visa Visa Extension Online Application Immigration Office Passport Photo Requirements Thailand Visa Process

October 19, 2023

a year ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

I started doing a tourist visa extension application online through immigration's e-service. Is this the better option than making the application in person at the immigration office? (any advice I've received always referred to bringing documents to the immigration office and doing the application there). Also, when asked to upload a passport photograph for the online application, can this photo be taken with one's phone or does it have to be oa photo that was taken in a photo-booth in a shopping mall to make sure it meets all the standards of a passport photo? Thanks

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The community suggests that applying for a tourist visa extension online offers little benefit compared to in-person applications, as you still have to visit the immigration office to finalize the process. While the online option allows for easier appointment scheduling, it does not eliminate the need to bring documents physically. Regarding the passport photo for the application, a cellphone picture is not accepted unless it meets specific standards, and it is recommended to use professional services, which are readily available near immigration offices.

Stuart *********

@Bra****

said re the e-visa extension. It’s pointless. With regards to the photo they generally don’t care as long as it’s a “passport photo”. A selfie won’t work. Lots of photo shops around Thailand that will do the photo for you. Most immigration offices have a place on site or very nearby that can do.

a year ago

Kool *******

The big difference is the queueing up to see someone at immigration. No, you can not use a cellphone picture unless you do it in front of the correct solid color background, and have the right framing.

a year ago

Brandon ************

There's little to no benefit to doing the e-extension. You're paying for an appointment basically, because you still have to go in person to the immigration office and bring everything with you that you already uploaded online in order to get the stamp in your passport.

You can do all of this free, including making a free appointment and just going and doing your application in person.

a year ago

Sean ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

I'm trying to make an appointment but it takes me to an error page every time I select the Complex Chaeng Wattana Rd from the branch list. I've tried Chrome and Safari browsers, and deleted history, cookies etc. Have you any idea why this is happening and how to get around it? Thanks

a year ago

Brandon ************

@Sean *******

To: Members in Bangkok

We are aware that the link to online appointments for immigration offices in Bangkok from the top page of the Immigration Bureau website is currently not working.

You can try the link from the "Online Service and Public Guide" page on the website of the Bangkok Office, not from the top menu "Queue Online" if you want. Since this is another new system for online booking, you need to see if it's working okay for you by yourself. At least the booking information seems to be correct so far..

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a year ago

Sean ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

this is preventing me from making appointment

a year ago

Sean ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

thanks for that. Sorry having to ask for more help with this but continuing to experience problems. How do I register in that link you sent today? I registered on the previous link you sent me yesterday. However when I log in to try to make appointment via the link you sent today it doesn't send me a code to my email. I can't find a link to register on the site either, there's just a log in option.

a year ago

Brandon ************

@Sean *******

I've never used the method I posted. It came from another group last week when the normal appointment link started having issues.

a year ago

Reply to

Brandon ************

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