What are the tips for extending a tourist visa in Chiang Mai for a UK citizen?

Jan 16, 2019
6 years ago
Peter ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am a UK citizen in Chiang Mai currently on a tourist visa until Feb 5th.

I plan to extend this for 30 days. When I arrived I had my condo register for the tm30.. but all I have is a printout from that confirming the registration.

1. will the above be a problem?

2. when should I go for extension? (seen mention of last 7 days)

If anyone is in CM I'd appreciate info on what time would be good to head to immigration. It was recently moved to the airport and I've seen some horrendous queues and people parking outside from 2am.
569
views
0
likes
14
all likes
7
replies
0
images
3
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
A UK citizen in Chiang Mai with a tourist visa until February 5th is seeking advice on extending their visa for an additional 30 days. They have a printout confirming their TM30 registration and are concerned if this will be an issue. They also inquire about the best time to visit the immigration office to avoid long queues, noting it has recently moved to the airport. Comments from the community suggest that a TM30 receipt is not required for a tourist visa extension, and the extension can be applied for within the last 45 days of the current stay, with late afternoon being a favorable time to visit the immigration office.
Ivan ************
The whole 2AM thing was always for non immigrant visas, retirement and education etc. It was NEVER that bad for tourist visas. Under an hour is typical, a few hours if it is busy when you go.
Ivan ************
I would suggest to go late afternoon but before 16:30 which is when they stop accepting applications. Most people go in the morning so it is usually quieter late afternoon. You do not need a TM30 receipt to extend a tourist visa.
Robert *******
1. No problem, 2. Chang Mai Immigration allows you to apply during the last 45 days of your current stay. No idea about times, it could be busy.
Ivan ************
Arcade Bus station. You can buy the tickets online.

*******************************************
Ivan ************
Yes, 5 hours one way. But the Friendship Bridge is 15. Quicker if you fly to Udon but when you factor in the flights, arriving at the airport early, the minibus etc I doubt it would be quicker. Vientiane makes sense if you want to get an actual new visa but Mae Sai is easier for a border bounce. The bus is very comfortable, get a VIP seat for 319B. You can do the whole run in one day from Chiang Mai.
Ivan ************
If you are in Chiang Mai Mae-Sai/Tachileik border is substantially nearer and cheaper than the Friendship Bridge at Nong Khai/Vientiane. 4h40 on the bus and $10 to Myanmar immigration.
Robert *******
Only the time needed to stamp in and out other country.
Thai Visa Advice
... members ยท 40% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice