How to Extend a Tourist Visa
If you're enjoying your stay in Thailand and want to extend your time in Thailand, you're in luck! Extending a tourist visa is a fairly straightforward process, but it’s important to understand the steps, requirements, and options to ensure a smooth experience.
What is a Tourist Visa Extension?
A tourist visa extension allows travelers to stay longer in Thailand beyond the validity of their original visa. The standard single-entry tourist visa allows visitors to stay for up to 60 days, but with an extension, you can add an additional 30 days to your stay.
Who Can Apply for a Tourist Visa Extension?
- Tourists holding a 60-day single-entry tourist visa: These visitors can extend their stay by an additional 30 days, giving them a total of 90 days in Thailand.
- Visitors with a 30-day visa-exempt entry: Travelers from countries eligible for visa-free entry (30 days upon arrival) can also apply for a 30-day extension, totaling up to 60 days.
How to Extend Your Tourist Visa
Follow these steps to apply for a tourist visa extension in Thailand:
1. Prepare the Required Documents
You will need the following documents to apply for an extension:
- Your passport (valid for at least 6 months) and a photocopy of the bio-data page, visa page, and entry stamp.
- TM6 departure card (the small card you filled out upon arrival in Thailand).
- A completed visa extension application form (TM7).
- A passport-sized photo (4x6 cm).
- Visa extension fee: 1,900 THB (cash only).
2. Visit the Immigration Office
You must apply in person at the nearest Immigration Office in Thailand. The main office in Bangkok is at Chaeng Watthana, but there are also offices in major tourist cities like Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya.
Arrive early as immigration offices can get crowded, and processing may take a few hours.
3. Submit Your Application
At the immigration office, submit your completed TM7 application form along with all the required documents. You may be asked some basic questions regarding your stay in Thailand, but the process is generally straightforward.
4. Wait for Processing
In most cases, visa extensions are processed on the same day. Once your extension is approved, you will receive a new stamp in your passport indicating the new validity date.
5. Enjoy Your Extended Stay!
With your extended tourist visa, you can continue exploring Thailand without any worries.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Extensions are not guaranteed: While most extensions are approved, immigration officers have the discretion to deny applications, especially if they suspect visa misuse.
- Avoid overstaying: Overstaying your visa will result in fines (500 THB per day) and could lead to future entry bans if not resolved promptly.
- Extensions beyond 90 days: If you plan to stay in Thailand longer than 90 days, you will need to leave the country and re-enter on a new visa or apply for a different type of visa, such as an education visa or retirement visa.
Extending your tourist visa in Thailand is a great way to make the most of your trip without the stress of rushing home. Be sure to follow the steps carefully, prepare your documents, and enjoy the extra time to explore this beautiful country!
Still have questions? Message us on WhatsApp at +66 66-146-8724 or on Line at @issacompass and ask our in-house legal team about your specific situation.
Note: Issa Compass is a software platform designed to streamline visa applications and connect you with immigration professionals. We're here to make the process faster and easier, but we're not a law firm or government agency. The final decision for visa approval rests with government officials and immigration policies.