Congralutions you made it to Thailand and like many other travelers, you realized that 30 days just isn’t enough to enjoy the country and people. So you just need more time!
The good news is that it’s fairly easy and quick to extend Tourist Visa or Visa on Arrival at an immigration office of your choice.
If you need information on how to apply for a Tourist Visa for Thailand check out our guide Tourist Visa for Thailand: An Easy Guide
Let’s answer your questions about how to extend tourist Visa in Thailand
Can You Extend Tourist Visa in Thailand?
For Sure!
If you’re already in Thailand and you feel like staying longer (why not, right?), you can apply for an tourist visa extension in thailand depending on your visa type at an immigration office.
Requirements
| ✅ | Your passport is valid for at least 6 month on the day of applying |
| ✅ | A passport photo in the size of 4cm x 6cm taken within 6 months |
| ✅ | A filled Application form, not needed if you apply online |
| ✅ | Copies of your Passport pages |
| ✅ | Proof of accommodation, e.g. confirmed hotel booking |
| ✅ | Proof of financials, e.g certified bank statement |
The standard fee for a tourist visa extension in thailand is 1,900 Thai Baht, payable in cash.
Application Process to Extend Tourist Visa in Thailand
Step 1: Find the nearest Immigration Office
Locate an office closest to your current location. Check this out for a list of major offices. Be sure to double-check their operating hours — Thailand observes national holidays, and offices may be closed on those days.
Step 2: Prepare your documents
Make sure you have all required paperwork with you:
- A completed TM.7 application form (available at the office or online)
- Your original passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Photocopies of passport pages, including your ID page, visa/entry stamp, and TM.6 departure card
- A passport-sized photo (4×6 cm)
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, lease, or host letter)
- Application fee: 1,900 THB in cash
You can often find print and copy shops near immigration offices, or your accommodation may help with printing if needed.
Step 3: Time your visit
Immigration offices work on a first-come, first-served basis. For the shortest wait:
- Arrive early in the morning, ideally before opening hours, to get a queue number
- Alternatively, go shortly after lunch (around 1 PM), when queues tend to be lighter
Bringing everything ready and choosing the right time to go can save you hours of waiting.
Other Options How to Extend Tourist Visa in Thailand
While extending your Visa at the Immigration Office is usually the easiest and fastest way to extend your Tourist Visa in Thailand it’s not always possible.
There’s another option called “border run” or “visa run”.
1. Border Run (Visa Run)
A border run involves exiting Thailand briefly, crossing into a neighboring country (like Laos, Cambodia, or Malaysia), and re-entering to obtain a new entry stamp or visa. This is common for travelers under the visa exemption scheme or visa-on-arrival who can’t extend further.
Depending on how you re-enter:
- You may get 30 days (visa exemption, by air).
- Or 15 days (visa on arrival, by land).
???? Note: Travelers using visa exemption can only enter by land twice per calendar year.
Popular Border Run Destinations
- Vientiane, Laos – Ideal for applying for a new Tourist Visa at the Thai Embassy. Plan to stay 2–3 days.
- Poipet, Cambodia – Popular same-day land border run from Bangkok or Pattaya.
- Penang, Malaysia – Common for visa applications with the Thai consulate in a relaxed coastal city.
2. Using a Visa Agency
Don’t want to deal with planning a border run? Visa agencies in cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket offer packages that handle transport, paperwork, and accommodation for you. It’s a more expensive option but takes the stress out of the process.
Pro Tips Before You Go
- Don’t wait until the last day: Always apply a few days early to avoid overstay penalties.
- Bring extra photos and copies: Save time by being over-prepared.
- Time your visit: Mornings or just after lunch usually have shorter queues.
- Check local office rules: Some allow online appointment bookings or pre-filled forms.
Re-Entry Permits: Keep Your Visa Valid When Leaving Thailand
Planning a quick trip outside of Thailand during your stay? Be careful, if you leave the country without a re-entry permit, your current visa will automatically be canceled when you exit.
A re-entry permit allows you to leave Thailand and come back without losing your visa status. It’s especially important if you’ve already extended your tourist visa or you’re holding a multiple-entry visa.
There are two types:
- Single re-entry permit, for one trip outside Thailand (1,000 THB)
- Multiple re-entry permit, for unlimited exits during your visa’s validity (3,800 THB)
You can apply at any immigration office or at the airport before departing. Just bring your passport, application form, and a passport photo. Make sure to do this before you go, or you’ll have to start from scratch with a new visa on return.
What to Do If Your Extension Is Denied
If your visa extension request is denied, don’t panic. You still have options.
First, ask why it was denied. Sometimes it’s a missing document, unclear travel purpose, or something fixable. If it’s a simple mistake, you may be able to correct it and reapply.
If not, your main option is to leave Thailand before your visa expires and:
- Apply for a new tourist visa at a Thai embassy or consulate in a nearby country, like Laos or Malaysia
- Re-enter under the visa exemption scheme if your passport allows, you’ll get 30 days by air or 15 days by land
If you’re considering staying longer-term, now might be a good time to look into other visa types, like the DTV (for digital nomads) or a Non-Immigrant Visa if you’re eligible.
What Happens If You Overstay
Overstaying your visa in Thailand is no joke. Even one extra day can lead to fines, and longer overstays can have serious consequences.
Here’s what you need to know:
- 500 Baht per day fine, up to a max of 20,000 Baht
- Overstay more than 90 days? You could be banned from re-entering Thailand for 1 to 10 years
- In extreme cases, you might face detention and deportation
Thailand tracks entries and exits carefully, so it’s best not to take chances. If you’re running out of time, apply for an extension early or exit the country before your visa expires.
Pro tip: Keep reminders on your phone or set calendar alerts to avoid overstaying by accident.
Can You Work While on a Tourist Visa?
The short answer? No.
A tourist visa is strictly for visiting, not for working, even online. That includes:
- Teaching or doing freelance gigs locally
- Running a business or attending paid events
- Even remote work, yes, even if your clients are abroad
Thailand takes this seriously. Getting caught working without the right visa could lead to fines, deportation, or even a ban.
If you’re planning to work, especially as a digital nomad or long-term expat, consider applying for a proper visa, like:
- The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for remote workers
- A Business Visa if you’re employed by a Thai company
- Or a Smart Visa for startups and specialists
From Planning to Possibility, Now You’re Ready!
From visa extensions to border runs, re-entry permits to what to do if plans change, you’ve now got a clear understanding of how to stay longer in Thailand without the stress.
Whether you’re spending a few more weeks in Chiang Mai, taking your time in Bangkok, or heading south to the islands, you’re ready to move forward with the right information. Make the most of your extended time, and enjoy Thailand on your terms.
