What is the process for extending a visa exemption in Krabi, Thailand?

Feb 22, 2024
9 months ago
Katlyn **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Arrived on a visa exemption. We will be going to Krabi immigration to request an additional 30 days. (We will have booked our new departure date) Can someone explain the process so I can know what to expect when we go? Thanks!
1,383
views
4
likes
36
all likes
17
replies
2
images
6
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
To request an additional 30 days on a visa exemption in Krabi, you will need to visit the immigration office with the following items: your passport, a completed TM7 form (available at the office), and copies of your passport data page, entry stamp, and possibly the TM30 form (if required by your accommodation). Bring a recent passport photo, a blue pen for signing, and 1900 baht in cash. Some commenters noted that Krabi immigration is known for being straightforward and friendly, and that help is often available on-site for any necessary copies or photography. Requirements may vary, so it’s advisable to check in advance.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Caine ********
Went to Krabi office this year, just needed passport and cash (1900bhat fee + extra 100 for photos and copies). They will ask to write the address of where you are staying on a piece of paper. No request for tm30 or any other forms to fill. I assume they check everything digitally and fill out any forms for you directly in the systems.

Very simple, quick and friendly, lots of smiles and helpful staff.

As someone else pointed out the office is kind of in the middle of nowhere so have some form of transport planned or a taxi drivers number.
Katlyn **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Caine *******
thank you!! If you have a contact for a driver in the area I’d take it!
Caine ********
@Kate *****
sorry no numbers as we drove ourselves. Try a local FB group depending on where you are staying, someone on those group should be able to provide a number.
Lindsay ***********************
Krabi was easy office to negotiate. If you don't have a passport photo they will take one. We couldn't get a tm30 from our hotel as it had been filed by them electronically but we took a business card and if I remember correctly they called the manager to confirm. It is out of the way - can't walk anywhere from there
Katlyn **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lindsay **********************
did it cost money to have them take a photo?
Lindsay ***********************
@Kate *****
yes but not much
Katlyn **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lindsay **********************
when did you go? Was this recently?
Lindsay ***********************
@Kate *****
we were there a year ago but I haven't read the law has changed. Our hearts were in our throats but it was fine. No smiles from the girl behind the desk, very serious
David ******
You will need a TM30 (if staying at a Hotel, they should be able to provide a copy of this for you…or the owner of the property if a private rental… can be done online).

Then turn up to immigration, fill in the form, and have 1900baht per person.

You will need 1 original Passport Photo (to stick on the form you will complete at immigration - they usually supply the glue, one copy of your passport photo id page and one copy of the page containing your Entry stamp into Thailand.

You can apply any time within 15days of expiry of your permitted stay and an additional 30 days will be awarded.

If you overstay, you can still request an extension but you will

Pay a fine on top, and your extension will be less your existing overstay period.

My understanding is that you can only have 2 extensions in a rolling 12 months, but you can leave and re enter Thailand. By air gives you 30 days. By land gives you 15 days…
Stuart *********
@David *****
Sorry but some of this advice is just incorrect or outdated.

Most immigration allow you to apply 30 days before a stamp expires. Some 45 days prior - a moot point for an exempt entry.

Some may ask you to leave it until the last 7 days - like Jomtien and Koh Samui but most won’t.

There’s no downside to applying early as you correctly stated they add on the 30 days to your existing stamp.

The 15 days via a land border using exempt finished in 2016.

Nowadays you get 30 days on entry using exempt whether by land sea or air - but are limited to two entries per calendar year by land or sea.

[edit only just spotted the “only two extensions in a calendar year”]. I guess that is a lost in translation thing. If you can get in using visa exempt you can get an extension (one per entry). There isn’t a limit.
David ******
@Stuart ********
only went by the info given to me last week in Chiang Mai at the Immigration Office….

I guess, as is common in Thailand, the rules differ from office to office🤦🏻‍♂️
Stuart *********
@David *****
There are indeed different rules for different offices for some extensions. Usually very few differences between offices for the short term stuff like exempt or tourist visa entries although there could be some like how many days before you can apply and whether you need a TM30 to apply or don’t.
Stuart *********
I don’t believe Krabi ask for the TM30 but that’s just from posts previously on here. Happy to be corrected if they do.
Brandon ************
I'm not sure if Krabi requires a TM30 but it wouldn't hurt to get a copy from your hotel or landlord.

Other than that you just go to the office and bring your passport. There's usually a copy shop at every immigration office that can help you make the correct copies and take a passport photo for you.

Make sure you have a blue pen as you'll need to sign every copy.

1900₿ is cash only.

This is a list of the most common requirements but each office has their own requirements.

Please note that immigration is closed next Monday so try to avoid going Tuesday as well since it will be busy. You can go any time within your 30 days at most offices.
Katlyn **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
thanks! Why is it closed on Monday?
Graham ******
@Kate *****
Buddha Day on Saturday so Monday is a replacement day
Stuart *********
You will need :-

A blue pen (some offices are pedantic about blue)

Your passport

Fill out form TM7 (available at the office)

Copy passport data page (signed by you)

Copy of entry stamp (signed by you)

Copy of your visa - either the sticker in your passport or pdf evisa (the former signed by you). * if you had one.

Copy of TM6 departure card (signed by you) *if you were issued one - if you entered by air after July ‘22 you wouldn’t have been given one so leave the space on the form blank.

Passport photo (most offices have facilities on site or nearby)

1,900 baht

Some offices may ask for a TM30, which your hotel or landlord should have filed on your behalf. A printed screenshot of their filing it online will generally suffice as evidence you have one - except if you use the Chiang Mai or Jomtien offices. You have to get the screenshot converted to the paper receipt from a manual TM30 filing.
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else