Should I extend my visa in Chiang Mai or when I head south?

visa extension Thailand immigration visa types Non-O visa entry requirements Chiang Mai travel planning expats in Thailand

Jan 21, 2023

2 years ago

Jaime *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi came into Chiang Mai and will be here for about 35 days before i head south. Should I go to immigration here before I leave to extend my 45 day entry, or should I do it when I go south to 1 of the islands? Not sure how early or late it can be done. Thanks.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion addresses whether to extend a 45-day visa-exempt entry while in Chiang Mai or wait until traveling further south. It is confirmed that extensions can be applied for at various immigration offices throughout Thailand, including Chiang Mai, where the Central Festival Mall location is recommended for its efficiency. Extensions can typically be processed immediately, without the need to leave the passport for several days. There is generally no requirement to show an onward ticket when applying for an extension.

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Jaime *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you all. Two more questions- will they give me the extension same day or do I have to leave my passport for a few days? Also, do I need to show them an exit ticket out of the country to get an extension? I have't decided where I will go yet.... Just came from Bali for 4 months and every time I extended, had to leave passport there for a week...

2 years ago

Wannikea *********

@Jaime ******

it's done on the spot, in your situation likely no need to show onward ticket

2 years ago

Jaime *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Wannikea ********

great. Do you know if they will ask to see an exit ticket? Just want to be ready when I go there....

2 years ago

Wannikea *********

@Jaime ******

reread my updated reply

2 years ago

Jaime *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Wannikea ********

Thank you!

2 years ago

Reply to

Jaime *******

Willem ****

Chiang mai immigration accepts a extention from 45 days prior to expiration. You can do it anytime. Do it in Chiang Mai. And as Tod Daniels mentioned. Do it in Central Festival. 2th floor.

2 years ago

Wannikea *********

Typically from 30 to 45 days beforehand, depending on the particular office. I'd do it in CM if the timing suits you.

2 years ago

Tod *********

won't make any difference at all there are over 80 immigration offices in the country and you can get a 30 day extension on a free 45 day visa exempt entry at all of them

Most allow you to apply when you have 30 days or less left on your stamp

If you're going to get it in Chiang Mai before you travel use the Central Festival Mall immigration office <- it is NEVER busy and you'll be in and out FAST

It's here

****************************

2 years ago

Jaime *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

oh, you are so much help. Really appreciate it!!

2 years ago

Jaime *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

great thanks for your response. I will go there to get my residency doc next week to get a motorbike license. Will see if I can do it all together at once since I can do within 30 days. Perfect.

2 years ago

Tod *********

@Jaime ******

i don't think they do resident certificates there

So go get your 30 day extension at Central Festival then slog on over to the immigration office by the airport up there by the airport and get the resident certificate

2 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

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