Thailand Visa Extension 2026 – Extend Your Stay

Extending Your Stay in Thailand

Your stay is coming to an end but you want to stay longer? Several options are available: the official visa extension, a border run, or switching to a longer-term visa. Here's everything you need to know.

Tourist Extension: +30 Days

If you entered Thailand with a visa exemption (30 or 60 days depending on nationality) or a tourist visa (60 days), you can request an extension of 30 additional days at any Immigration office.

Extension granted

+30 days

Once per entry

Cost

1,900 THB

≈ €50 (cash only)

Processing time

Same day

Processed on site

Required Documents

Original passport — valid for at least 30 days after the new end-of-stay date
TM.7 form — available on site or downloadable online
1 passport photo — 4×6 cm format, recent, white background
Passport copy — identity pages, visa, entry stamp, departure card (TM.6 if applicable)
Proof of accommodation — rental contract, hotel reservation, or letter from host
1,900 THB in cash — most offices do not accept cards

Where to Get Your Extension?

You can visit any Immigration office in Thailand. Here are the main ones:

🏢 Bangkok — Chaengwattana

Government Complex, Building B, Chaengwattana Soi 7, Laksi

The largest office. Arrive early (before 8am). Plan for the full day.

🏔️ Chiang Mai

Promenada Resort Mall, 3rd floor

Modern office and relatively fast. Get a ticket as soon as it opens.

🏖️ Phuket

Phuket Town, Phuket Rd, near the market

Busy office during high season. Come early in the morning.

🌊 Pattaya (Jomtien)

Soi 5, Jomtien Beach Road

Smaller office but often less waiting time than Bangkok.

Step-by-Step Process

Prepare your documents

Gather all the documents listed above. Make copies in advance (photocopiers are often available on site but at a higher price).

Go to the Immigration office

Arrive early in the morning (before 8:30am ideally). Take a queue number and wait your turn. Some offices allow online appointments.

Fill out the TM.7 form

Complete the form on site if not already done. Attach your photo in the designated area and sign.

Submit the file and pay

Hand your documents to the officer, pay 1,900 THB in cash and wait for processing.

Collect your passport

Your passport will be stamped with the new departure date (+30 days). Verify the date is correct before leaving.

Need help with your visa extension?

Our team handles everything: situation assessment, required documents, immigration office assistance.

Request assistance →

The "Border Run": Leave and Return

A border run involves leaving Thailand (by land or air) and re-entering to get a new entry stamp. It's an alternative to the official extension, but it has its limitations.

✅ Advantages

• Free (no extension fee)
• Full new stay (30 or 60 days)
• Opportunity to visit a neighbouring country

❌ Disadvantages

• Transport costs (bus, flight)
• Time lost (one day minimum)
• Risk of entry denial if too frequent
• Limit of 2 land entries per year

⚠️

Land entry limits

Since 2017, land border entries under visa exemption are limited to 2 per calendar year. Air entries are not limited, but frequent border runs may raise suspicion with Immigration.

Overstay Penalties

Exceeding your authorized stay is a serious offence in Thailand. The consequences are as follows:

Duration of overstay	Consequences
1 to 40 days	Fine of 500 THB per day (max 20,000 THB), payable at the airport or Immigration office
More than 90 days	Fine + 1-year entry ban
More than 1 year	Fine + 3-year ban
More than 3 years	Fine + 5-year ban
More than 5 years	Fine + 10-year ban

🚨

Possible arrest

If caught overstaying (road check, hotel registration, etc.), you can be arrested, detained at the Immigration Detention Centre (IDC), then deported with an entry ban. Never take this risk.

When to Consider a "Real" Visa?

If you're stacking extensions and border runs, it's probably time to switch to a visa suited to your situation:

Working remotely → LTR Visa (Work-from-Thailand) or Thailand Privilege
Thai spouse → O Visa (family)
Studying or learning Thai → ED Visa (student)
Retired (50+) → O-A Visa (retirement)
Employed in Thailand → B Visa (business)

Our Tips

💡 Practical advice

Don't wait until the last day — Apply for your extension at least 1 week before expiration in case of issues or long queues.
Bring a blue or black pen — Forms must be filled in ink. All copies must be signed.
Have cash ready — Most Immigration offices only accept cash. Bring 1,900 THB in banknotes.
Dress appropriately — Immigration offices enforce a dress code: no flip-flops, short shorts, or tank tops.
Check the stamped date — Before leaving the office, make sure the new departure date is correct. Mistakes happen.
Download the TM.7 in advance — Save time by filling out the form at home. Available on the Thai Immigration website.

How to Extend Your Visa in Thailand: Tourist Extension & More