Asia – Thailand Visa – Extension

1. What is the process for obtaining a visa to Thailand?


The process for obtaining a visa to Thailand varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for. Here are the general steps for most types of visas:

1. Determine which type of visa you need: The first step is to determine which type of visa you need based on the purpose of your visit (e.g. tourist, business, work, retirement, etc.). You can find information on the different types of visas on the website of the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country.

2. Gather required documents: Once you have determined the type of visa you need, gather all the required documents such as a valid passport with at least 6 months validity, completed visa application form, passport sized photo, proof of sufficient funds and accommodation arrangements.

3. Submit your application: You can submit your visa application at a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country. Some countries also allow for online visa applications.

4. Pay the visa fee: The cost of a Thai visa varies depending on the type and duration of stay. You will need to pay this fee when you submit your application.

5. Wait for processing: The processing time for a Thai visa can vary from a few days to several weeks depending on the type and complexity of your application.

6. Receive your visa: If approved, you will receive your passport with the visa attached to it either by mail or in person at the embassy or consulate where you submitted your application.

7. Enter Thailand: With a valid visa in hand, you can enter Thailand through any designated point of entry specified on your application form.

It’s important to note that some nationalities are exempt from obtaining a tourist visa if their stay is under 30 days (60 days during COVID-19 restrictions). However, if you plan to stay longer, or for other purposes such as work or study, you will need to obtain an appropriate visa prior to entering Thailand.

2. How long can I stay in Thailand on a tourist visa?


Tourist visas for Thailand allow a stay of up to 60 days, after which you will need to leave the country or extend your visa. Some countries are eligible for a Visa Exemption, which allows a stay of up to 30 days without a visa. However, this may vary depending on your nationality and the current immigration policies of Thailand. It is recommended to check with the Thai embassy or consulate in your country for specific visa requirements and restrictions.

3. Is it possible to extend a Thai tourist visa?


Yes, it is possible to extend a Thai tourist visa. You can apply for a visa extension at the nearest immigration office in Thailand before your current visa expires. The extension fee and requirements may vary depending on your nationality and individual circumstances. It is always recommended to check with the immigration office for the most updated information.

4. What documents do I need to provide for a Thai visa extension?

The specific documents needed for a Thai visa extension may vary depending on the type of visa you have and the length of extension you are requesting. However, some common documents that are usually required include:

– A completed application form for a visa extension
– Your passport with at least 6 months validity remaining
– A copy of your departure card (TM. 6)
– Proof of financial means (such as bank statements or a letter from your embassy)
– Original and photocopies of your previous visa and entry stamps
– One or more passport-sized photos (usually 4x6cm)
– A completed immigration form (TM. 7)

In some cases, additional documents such as a work permit or confirmation of employment may be required. It is best to check with your local immigration office for specific requirements before submitting your application.

5. Can I apply for a Thai visa extension online?
No, it is not currently possible to apply for a Thai visa extension online. You must submit your application in person at an immigration office in Thailand.

6. What is the fee for a Thai visa extension?
The fee for a Thai visa extension varies depending on the type of visa and length of extension you are applying for. The current fees range from 1,900 baht to 7,600 baht.

7. How long does it take to process a Thai visa extension?
The processing time can vary depending on the immigration office where you submit your application and the volume of applications they are receiving. In general, it can take anywhere from 3-10 business days to process a Thai visa extension.

8. Can I extend my stay in Thailand indefinitely?
No, there are limits on how many times you can extend your stay in Thailand depending on the type of visa you have. For example, if you have a tourist visa, you can only extend your stay up to two times within one calendar year.

9. Can I leave and re-enter Thailand after extending my visa?
Yes, as long as your visa is still valid and you have a valid re-entry permit. If your visa has expired, you will need to apply for a new one before returning to Thailand.

10. What happens if my Thai visa extension is denied?
If your visa extension is denied, you will be required to leave the country before the expiration of your current visa. You may also be subject to penalties or fines depending on the circumstances of your denial.

5. How long does it take to process a Thai visa extension?


The processing time for a Thai visa extension may vary, but it usually takes about 7-10 working days. This can also depend on the volume of applications at the immigration office and the completeness of your documents. Some offices offer an express service for an additional fee, which can speed up the process to 1-3 days. It is recommended to apply for an extension at least 2 weeks before your current visa expires to avoid any inconveniences or delays.

6. Can I apply for a Thai visa extension while inside the country or do I need to leave and re-enter?

It is possible to apply for a Thai visa extension while inside the country. You can do this at the nearest Immigration office in Thailand. However, if you are on a tourist visa or visa exempt status and wish to extend your stay for more than 30 days, you will have to leave the country and re-enter with a new visa or extension stamp.

7. What are the fees associated with extending a Thai tourist visa?


The fees for extending a Thai tourist visa vary depending on the length of the extension. Generally, the fee for a 30-day extension is 1,900 baht, for a 60-day extension it is 1,900 baht, and for a 90-day extension it is also 1,900 baht. There may also be additional fees for processing and translation, as well as any applicable taxes. It is best to check with the nearest Thai embassy or consulate for specific fees and requirements.

8. Are there any restrictions on activities that I can engage in while on a Thai tourist visa?


There are no specific restrictions on activities that you can engage in while on a Thai tourist visa. However, visitors are expected to comply with the laws and regulations of Thailand during their stay. It is advised to avoid any activities that may be considered illegal or inappropriate, such as engaging in political activities or working without the appropriate visa.

9. Can I work or study in Thailand on a tourist visa?


No, it is not allowed to work or study in Thailand on a tourist visa. The purpose of a tourist visa is for temporary leisure travel and not for employment or academic purposes. To work or study in Thailand, you will need a specific work permit or student visa. It is important to obtain the correct type of visa before entering Thailand to avoid any legal issues.

10. Do I need travel insurance to obtain a Thai tourist visa?

No, travel insurance is not required to obtain a Thai tourist visa. However, it is recommended to have travel insurance to cover any potential medical emergencies or trip cancellations during your stay in Thailand. Additionally, some countries may require proof of travel insurance as part of their visa application process. It is always best to check with the Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country for specific visa requirements.

11. Will my passport have to be valid for a certain amount of time before I can enter Thailand on a tourist visa?

Yes, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Thailand in order to enter the country on a tourist visa.

12. Can I enter and exit Thailand multiple times on one tourist visa?


Yes, it is possible to enter and exit Thailand multiple times on one tourist visa. However, the validity of the visa will depend on the type of visa you are holding and the number of entries allowed on that specific visa category.

For example, a single-entry tourist visa (TR) allows you to enter Thailand only once during its validity period of 60 days while a multiple-entry tourist visa (MT) allows you to enter Thailand multiple times within a valid period of 6 months or 1 year.

It is important to check the details on your particular visa before traveling to ensure that you have enough entries and time remaining for your intended trips to and from Thailand. If your current visa does not allow multiple entries or has expired, you may need to apply for a new tourist visa or consider another type of entry document such as a non-immigrant B visa that offers multiple entries and longer validity periods.

13. Is there an age limit for applying for a Thai tourist visa?

Yes, there is no specific age limit for applying for a Thai tourist visa. However, applicants under the age of 20 may be required to provide additional documents such as a consent letter from their parents or legal guardians. It is best to check with the Thai embassy or consulate in your country for any specific requirements for minors.

14. Are there any specific health requirements for obtaining a Thai tourist visa?


Yes, there are some health requirements that you may need to fulfill when obtaining a Thai tourist visa. These include providing proof of travel medical insurance that covers your entire stay in Thailand and any potential medical expenses. Additionally, if you are planning to stay in Thailand for more than 30 days, you will need to provide a recent medical certificate stating that you do not have any health conditions which could be considered a threat to public safety. Some consulates or embassies may also require proof of vaccinations for certain diseases such as yellow fever or Japanese encephalitis. It is best to check with the specific consulate or embassy where you will be applying for your visa to determine their specific health requirements.

15. What should I do if my application for a thai tourist visa is denied?

If your application for a Thai tourist visa is denied, you can try to find out the reason for the denial and address that issue in your next application. You may also consider appealing the decision or reapplying with stronger supporting documents. Alternatively, you can consider visiting Thailand under the visa exemption program or applying for a visa on arrival. It is advisable to seek help from a legal professional or contact the Thai embassy/consulate where you applied for further assistance.

16. Can I extend my stay in Thailand beyond what my initial 30-day tourist visa allows?

Yes, you can extend your stay in Thailand beyond the initial 30-day tourist visa. You can apply for an extension at the nearest immigration office or through a reputable visa agency. The requirements and fees for extending your stay may vary depending on your nationality. It is recommended to start the extension process before your initial visa expires to avoid any potential complications. The extension generally allows for another 30 days, but it can be extended up to a maximum of 90 days in total. If you wish to stay longer in Thailand, you may need to obtain a different type of visa, such as a work or retirement visa. Please note that overstaying your visa in Thailand is a serious offense and could result in fines, detention, and possible deportation.

17. Do children need their own passport and separate visa when traveling to Thailand?

Yes, children do need their own passport and separate visa when traveling to Thailand. The age at which a child needs their own passport varies by country, but it is generally recommended that children have their own passport from birth. As for visas, children under the age of 14 can enter Thailand without a visa if they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. However, if the child is traveling alone or with someone other than their parent or legal guardian, they will need to obtain a visa. It is best to check with the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country for specific visa requirements for minors.

18 . How much money do I need to show proof of when applying for a Thai tourist Visa?


According to the Thai Embassy, there is no set amount of money that applicants need to show as proof of funds for a tourist visa. However, it is recommended to have enough funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Thailand, including accommodation, transportation, food, and any planned activities.

There is also no specific requirement for how long you should have held the funds before applying for the visa. It is generally recommended to have held the funds for a significant period of time (e.g. a few months) and to provide bank statements or other evidence of financial stability.

Additionally, it may be helpful to provide proof of return travel arrangements and a letter from your employer stating your leave approval and expected date of return. This can help demonstrate that you have ties to your home country and are not planning on overstaying your visa.

Ultimately, the decision on whether or not you meet the financial requirement for a Thai tourist visa will be at the discretion of the embassy or consulate processing your application. It is best to contact them directly for more specific information on their requirements and recommendations.

19 .What types of visas are available for long-term stays in Thailand, such as studying or working?

There are several types of visas available for long-term stays in Thailand. These include:

1. Non-Immigrant Visa (Category ED): This visa is for individuals who wish to study in Thailand. It is usually granted for the duration of the study program, up to one year.

2. Non-Immigrant Visa (Category B): This visa is for individuals who wish to work in Thailand. It requires a valid job offer from a company registered in Thailand and is usually granted for 90 days with the possibility of extension.

3. Retirement Visa (Category O-A): This visa is for individuals over the age of 50 who wish to retire in Thailand. It is initially granted for one year and can be extended annually.

4. Investment and Entrepreneur Visas: These visas are for individuals who wish to invest or start a business in Thailand.

5. Elite Visa: This visa grants long-term stay in Thailand (up to 20 years) with various privileges such as airport lounge access, VIP service, and assistance with immigration processes.

It should be noted that all types of visas require meeting certain eligibility requirements and following specific application procedures. It’s recommended to check with the Thai Embassy/Consulate in your home country for more information on these visas before applying.

20 . Is it possible to change from one type of Thai Visa (such as Tourist. to another (such as Student or Work)?


Yes, it is possible to change from one type of Thai visa to another. However, the process and requirements for changing visas may vary depending on your current visa status and the type of visa you want to change to.

If you are currently in Thailand, you will need to submit your application for a change of visa at the nearest immigration office or at the One Stop Service Center for Visa and Work Permit. You will need to provide all necessary documents and meet the requirements for the new visa category, such as having a valid passport, meeting financial requirements, and providing proof of enrollment if you are changing to a student visa.

In some cases, you may also be required to leave Thailand and apply for a new visa at a Thai embassy or consulate in another country. This is usually the case if you want to change from a non-immigrant (long-term) visa to a tourist (short-term) visa.

It is important to note that not all types of visas can be changed in Thailand. For example, it is not possible to change from a tourist visa to a work permit without leaving the country first.

It is recommended that you consult with an immigration lawyer or contact the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your home country before applying for a change of visa, as requirements and procedures may vary.