Answered9 years ago

When can I extend my 30-day visa exemption in Thailand?

Visa Extension Thailand Immigration Visa Exempt Entry Tourist Visa Extension of Stay 30-Day Visa Exemption

Thomas **********

asked Jun 28, 2017

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Just returned to Thailand with a 30-day exemption (U.S. citizen). When is the earliest I can extend it? My boss is a do-things-at-the-last-minute kind of person so I need as much time as possible.

Answer summary

As a U.S. citizen returning to Thailand on a 30-day visa exemption, you can apply for an extension of stay from the very first day of your arrival. However, some immigration offices may have specific rules, allowing applications only during the last 15 days of your current stay. In places like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, you can file for an extension if you have 45 days or less remaining on your stamp, which means you can go to the immigration office and apply immediately upon arrival.

9 repliesnewest first

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Ellis ******************************

Depends on the immigration center I think. The immigration in my village will do same day.

9 years ago

Robert *******

Depends on the Visa. Visa Exempt Entry or Tourist Visa it is once 30 days. ED visa 90 days (most of the times), other visa if requirements are met 1 year. For all applications it can be denied which give you 7 days to leave the country.

9 years ago

Andrew ******

and extension of stay is for how long

@Tod ********

9 years ago

Tod *********

for ANY extension you're applying for.

9 years ago

Tod *********

Bangkok and Chiang Mai allow you to file an extension when you have 45 days or less left on your current admitted until stamp.

That means IF you fly in on a 30 day visa exempt stamp you can go right to the immigration office and apply for an extension.

9 years ago

Robert *******

Your Boss? Welcome in Thailand as a Tourist. You can officially apply for an Extension of Stay from day number 1, some Immigration offices only allow the application during the last 15 days of your last date.

9 years ago

Robert *******

For some people Thailand is bigger than just Bangkok. From there I get my experience. Krabi does Extension of Stay for Visa Exempt 15 days before admitted to stay stamp, they just changed to 45 days for Extension of Stay based on Retirement, not sure if this is also for based on marriage. Last year it was 30 days, I was there 37 days before and got told just come back next week. Krabi has a new chief for Extension of Stay for Visa holders section, things wil change.

9 years ago

Ron *******

Jomtien you won't get it until the last 15 days and sometimes until the last 7 days if they are busy. Infact most immigration offices won't do it immediately.

9 years ago

Sam *****

Where did that 15 day rule effect you or anyone you know? In Bangkok, I have personally never experienced it. The same with many friends. Most people I know do it as quick as possible. If flying into Don Muang many people, including myself, choose to do it within an hour of arriving as immigration is so close to the airport and so so far from the city.

9 years ago