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What visa should I use for scuba diving courses in Thailand, and how can I extend my stay legally?

Visa Types Tourist Visa Scuba Diving Koh Tao Visa Extension Visa Regulations Immigration Rules Education Visa

Apr 18, 2025

a month ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello ☺️

I’m planning to travel to Koh Tao, Thailand, to get my Dive Master and Scuba Instructor certification, but I couldn’t find anything about a visa specifically for scuba diving courses. Does anyone know if there’s a special visa for that, or should I just go with a tourist visa? I was thinking of staying for two months, then extending for another month. Would that work?

Also, if I hit the 90-day limit, would it be alright to do a border run to a nearby country like Laos or Singapore and then come back to Thailand to continue the course? I want to make sure everything is above board and legal—no funny business!

Anyone with experience, your advice would be super helpful. Thanks in advance!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The inquiry is about obtaining a visa for taking scuba diving courses in Koh Tao, Thailand. The initial poster is considering a tourist visa for a two-month stay, with an extension possibility, and is concerned about legalities regarding visa duration and border runs. Responses indicate that a specific visa does not exist for scuba diving courses; instead, a tourist visa is suggested, which can be extended. Comments also advise on the process for extending a visa and cautions against potential abuse of visa regulations.

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Betty *********

Hi, again, just check the rules for DTV visa 6 months. Proof of 5 hundred thousand Baby guaranteed in a bank. If you are not working, not an online worker, not going over 6 months stay, it's "A lot of fuss about nothing " as Shakespeare would say.

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Ekjot ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Betty ********

I agree ahaha, I don’t have 500k lmao

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Betty *********

Sorry , auto check, 5 hundred thousand Thai Baht!!!!!

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Betty *********

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Ekjot ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks everyone ☺️☺️

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Campbell **********

give them a call or message it will be worth it they are the best in Thailand

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Ekjot ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Campbell *********

sorry, give the call to the immigration office right ?

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Campbell **********

no call the dive inn

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Campbell **********

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Betty *********

hi again, remember that a month is 30 days and never 31. So keep an eye on your dates

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Betty *********

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Betty *********

Easy if you respect the rules. 60 days + an extension of your Visa Exempt at your nearest immigration office. Take all documents, 1 photo, proof of residence ( hotel/lodging bill) fill in form , 1900 baht in cash. Go a few days before your visa Exempt runs out. Then leave country , do the same again. Careful with how you dress, speak nicely and you'll be fine. Doing this multiple time will probably not work. No need for an agent that will cost you.

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Brian *********

I can’t find an absolute clear answer but it does appear dive training doesn’t fall under ED.

To do DM and IDC will take some time. Do your homework as shops can abuse DM candidates and visa coverage may take some maneuvering. 👌

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Jason ******

60 visa waiver will give you easily enough time to complete that course and 30 day extension if you want to stay longer diving,and as long as your just taking the course and not working ,your fine on the free tourist visas

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Chris *******

There is no visa applicable for scuba diving.

You will have to do tourist and then bounce.

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Campbell **********

Try

@The ************************

highly recommended

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Wannikea *********

Yes that plan is doable.

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Michelle *********

I believe it fall under Education Visa. Check there.

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Sophie *************

May be worth asking in Scuba Diving Thailand

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Phil ******

plenty of courses now you need to contact them and ask about DTV approved.

Good luck

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Betty *********

DTV isn't worth it for 3 months.

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Phil ******

its NOT UP TO YOU but up to OP. The DTV isn't 3 months but 5 years and he never mentioned 3 months (90-days). Please read about DYV and make YOUR SUGGESTION TO OP.

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Betty *********

you obviously haven't read his post! He's coming for 3 months , and maybe another . I've been here for night on 39 years, you don't have to Shout a message to me or anyone ! He does not need a DTV for 5 years, or he would have asked ! Seems this English is better than yours ! Read again.

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Phil ******

@Betty ********

don't be disrespectful Betty. Tell the OP not me.

I just gave my opinion to the OP, not you.

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Betty *********

re read your posts to me. You were wrong, full stop.

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Betty *********

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