What should I do if my passport doesn't have enough space for visa extension stamps in Thailand?

Dec 29, 2021
3 years ago
Mikki ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
When applying for my (1st ever) additional 30 day visa exempt extension at MTT earlier this month, the IO advised that no further extensions would be made because “there wasn’t a half page free in my passport”. I did try to explain and show that there was space but to no avail. Does anyone know of this condition and would the free space shown below be sufficient if I wanted to try to apply for a (1st) ‘unable to travel’ extension?

I also have a second working passport, which I tried to explain to the IO at the time but didn’t push it, as I assume any transfer of extensions between passports is just too complicated?

Also, not being optimistic about a further extension due the stricter mandate, I wondered if I should amend my flight BEFORE I apply or just take evidence of it as it is now (currently lines up with my current exit date).

Finally, if rejected, is it officially recorded and stamped in the passport in a “thou shall never apply again” kind of way, or is it simply a verbal rejection? Also any grace period after being rejected or obliged to leave by your current exit date?

And is the app screenshot TM30 below sufficient to print and take?

As always, TIA 🇹🇭❤️
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user experienced issues applying for a 30-day visa-exempt extension in Thailand due to insufficient space in their passport for a new stamp. They questioned the conditions around visa extensions, the possibility of using a second passport, how to address flight amendments before applying, and what happens if their extension application is rejected. Comments from the community provided various insights, including that Immigration Officers may deny an extension based on passport space, and clarifying that there is no permanent ban on applying for extensions after a verbal rejection. Users shared personal stories about transferring extension stamps between passports and the sufficiency of documentation like TM30 forms.
Barry ******
just get a new passport BEFORE your next extension. And do a transfer of all your stamps across.

But you left it a little late for that.
Mikki ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Barry *****
I have a second active passport which looks like it may work, just waiting for confirmation MTT would do that
Graham ******
@Mikki *******
How do you have two active passports, I thought the old one was cancelled on the issuance of a new one?
Mikki ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graham *****
It’s allowable for frequent business travel, if supported by your employer
John **********
@Mikki *******
I believe you can also get a second one if you're traveling to certain countries too.
Mikki ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
correct, particularly for the Gulf
Ellie *******
@Mikki *******
You may need to go to MTT by yourself to see if it's possible there.
Mikki ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ellie ******
thank you, I will try tomorrow and feedback 👍
Albert *********
If you could fill your passport then you should know that a full passport creates problems. You know the next embassy address.
Jonathan *******
From the pictures it really looks like you don't have enough space, the stamp won't fit in unfortunately. Can you get extra pages added to the passport. I know some countries allow it
Mikki ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jonathan ******
unfortunately not
Ellie *******
For other questions, (if you sort out your passport pages issues)

- there is no “thou shall never apply again” stamp

- you can use the only passport which has your entry stamp in Thailand. The only exception is the one you applied for in Thailand as a replacement and when you apply for transfer stamps.

- That TM30 screenshot is sufficient to print out and use for immigration matters.
Mikki ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thx all for prompt and helpful feedback, FYI my second passport is from the same country (issued for frequent business travel) 😇
Ellie *******
The half-page stamp is the size and shape of the top or bottom half. It's not "how many square cm in any shape". From your photos, there is no space that stamps can be inked in.

As with others above, you don't have many choices.
Alf ***********
@Ellie ******
, and there should also be room for the exit stamp, when the time comes
Julie *************
I transferred the extension of stay stamp into the new passport with no issue at the Immigration office, just brought both passports before applying for the next extension, received a form to fill in and paid a fee around 500 THB
Michael ********
@Juli ************
Transferring to a NEW passport is not the same as transferring to a 2nd passport. You must of had an overstay for 500 baht.
Tod *********
@Juli ************
you didn't do it in Bangkok then, because there is no fee to move stamps to a new passport
Ellie *******
The fee for stamp transferring is supposed to be free...
Mikki ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Bobby ********
Juli Onyshchenko..Was that a NEW passport or a "second" passport (from the same country)?
Julie *************
@Bobby *******
second passport from the same country
Mikki ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Juli ************
confirm both passports were active and which immigration office please 🙏
Julie *************
@Mikki *******
Hua Hin immigration, both passports were active, no pages left in the passport with the first extension stamp
Mikki ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Juli ************
thank you 😊
Bobby ********
Juli Onyshchenko. Looks like the OP is smiling! 😀
Robert *******
You can argue what you want, but if the Immigration Officer tells you, your passport is full with stamps and no place for me to put a new stamp it will be a lost case. No place means no new stamps.

You like to argue about a second passport, but you can not change between passport in country, only if you leave by air you can return by air to use the other passport.

You waited to long to apply for a new passport, sorry to bring you the bad news.
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