Answered3 years ago
What is the best process for getting a 30-day visa extension in Thailand?
can someone tell me the best process for getting a 30 day extension. I will be arriving in pattaya on march 1st with my 30 day entry visa, I am getting my first 15 month non o retirement vist started when I arrive, just think I may need more time
Answer summary
To obtain a 30-day extension in Thailand, particularly if entering on a 30-day entry visa, you can apply for the extension at the Jomtien immigration office. However, you can only do so during the last week of your stay, which means you'll have about 23 days to wait. A more efficient option is to apply for the extension immediately upon arrival in Bangkok at the IT Square immigration office, which lets you extend your stay right away without delay. This requires checking in to a hotel that properly files a TM30 form, which is necessary for your extension application.
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Kool *******
To make the most out of your time, you fly into Bangkok, so spend two days there. The very first day in Bangkok after you arrive, and checked into a hotel the day/night before, immediately go to the immigration office at IT Square at Laksi. At that office you can get your 30 day extension right away, and the time is added on to your original entry stamp. This is much better than having to wait until your last week at Pattaya to extend it. It only takes an extra day in Bangkok, and it is done. In Bangkok you can apply for your extension when you have less than 45 days on your entry. You are entering on a 30 day visa exempt stamp so you can apply for your 30 day extension immediately in Bangkok.vask your hotel in Bangkok for a copy of your TM30 they filed, and your set in case it isn't in the system yet. Stay at a regular hotel, not an Airbnb, as many of them don't file a TM30, that is required.
Graham ******
Why don't you get your initial Non-O Visa before you travel so on arrival you'll get 90 and a better chance of opening a Thai bank account (if you don't have one) which is needed for the seasoned funds for your extension.
Frances ********
@Graham *****
I think if you get that visa before you travel, health insurance is required. If you apply here in Thailand, don’t need health insurance. Sometimes that cost is a consideration.Graham ******
@Frances *******
The insurance requirement is true now for some Embassies or Consulates but not all. Research is key to decision making.Brandon ************
@Frances *******
sometimes true but the insurance requirement if it applies is negligible and any travel insurance could meet the requirements.Frances ********
Brandon ************
@Frances *******
that's only for the 1 year non-OA visa. For the non-O visa they do not want health insurance. They want ANY insurance policy showing 100,000 in coverage with no threshold on deductible. A holdover from covid and very easy to meet.Frances ********
@Brandon ***********
it’s not TRAVEL insurance they want on a retirement visa, it’s HEALTH insurance.Brandon ************
@Frances *******
I find it hard to believe you can't find a throwaway TRAVEL insurance policy with a high deductible that would meet the requirement.Frances ********
@Brandon ***********
health insurance negligible??? Not for me 😅. The cost is high and often not even offered in my age group🤣
Stuart ***********
Apply for a
*****
day tourist visa before you come to Thailand
Damien ********
@Stuart **********
in your 60 visa application did you book a departure flight from Thailand within the 60 days ?some people suggest they embassy don’t check the departure flights ?Thanks
Stuart ***********
@Damien *******
yes, it's a bit silly because you know you will not use the flight. I booked the cheapest flight I could find. Since then I have seen someone post that they used Malaysian flexi flight booking, as it is fully refundable if you cancel it. They said they only lost a couple of dollars on the exchange rate. Have a look, it seems like a great option for this situation.Damien ********
@Stuart **********
thanks . Maybe a cheap bus ticket to Cambodia might be ok but the application asks for a flight number so I’ll check refunded fare flights … cheers
Steve ********
There's no such thing as a 15-month retirement visa. You get a 90-day non-O (over 50) visa, which you can then extend for a further 12 months
Brandon ************
@Steve *******
when you use an agent in Pattaya you hand over your passport and get it back with both the visa and the extension, 15 months total.Steve ********
@Brandon ***********
Visa AND the extension. That's still two, no matter how you try to spin it! 🤣Kool *******
@Steve *******
umm, that adds up to 15 months right?Steve ********
@Kool ******
"Adds up to" Yes. That's TWO separate transactions.Graham ******
@Kool ******
90 days you're on a Visa then for 12 months you're on an extension of stay as you knowBrandon ************
At the Jomtien immigration office you can only apply for a tourist extension during your final week of stay. So you would have to wait approximately 23 days before you could apply for your 30 day extension.
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