Already in Thailand and want to stay longer? Depending on your entry category and circumstances, you may be able to apply for an extension of stay through Thai Immigration. This guide explains the main steps, documents and costs, with support available from our Thailand team.
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Who Can Apply for a Thai Visa Extension?
The available extension depends on your nationality, current permission to stay and reason for remaining in Thailand.
Tourist Visa Holders
Eligible tourist visa holders can normally request an additional stay of up to 30 days. Approval is decided by Thai Immigration, and nationality-specific conditions may apply.
Visa-Exempt Visitors
Eligible visitors who entered without a visa may request an extension of up to 30 days. Check the actual permitted-stay date stamped in your passport rather than relying on an old article or a previous trip.
Non-Immigrant Visa Holders
Retirement, Thai family, education and employment-related extensions have separate requirements. A tourist-extension checklist is not sufficient for these applications.
For retirement or Thai family support, contact us with your visa category and expiry date so we can assess the appropriate service.
DTV Holders
The Destination Thailand Visa has its own extension arrangements. Read our DTV guide rather than assuming the standard tourist-extension rules apply.
Visa on arrival is a different category: it does not normally qualify for an ordinary tourist extension. Exceptional arrangements, such as illness preventing travel, require separate assessment.
What Documents Will You Need?
For a straightforward tourist extension, prepare the following and confirm your local office’s checklist:
- Your original passport.
- Copies of your passport biodata page, relevant visa and entry stamp.
- A completed TM.7 extension application form.
- A recent passport photograph in the size required by the office.
- Your accommodation details and TM.30 notification evidence, where required.
- Any arrival-record information requested by the office.
- The government application fee and any additional supporting documents requested.
Retirement, marriage, education and work-related extensions require additional category-specific evidence. We will confirm the checklist for your circumstances before preparing your application.
How Much Does an Extension Cost?
The standard government fee for an extension-of-stay application is THB 1,900. Professional assistance, photographs, copying and any other agreed services are separate unless expressly included in your quotation.
A re-entry permit is also a separate application and charge. It does not extend your permitted stay.
Contact our Thailand team for a quotation. We will confirm the service scope, included charges and payment terms before you instruct us.
Step 1: Check Your Current Permission to Stay
Find the latest permitted-stay stamp in your passport. Note the expiry date and how you entered Thailand: tourist visa, visa exemption, Non-O, DTV or another category.
If you are unsure, send us a clear photograph of the relevant visa and entry stamp through WhatsApp so we can identify the starting point.
Step 2: Confirm the Correct Immigration Office
Check which immigration office handles applications for your accommodation address and entry category. Office locations, appointments and submission arrangements can differ.
If you are staying in Pattaya or Jomtien, contact our team before attending so we can explain the applicable process and documents.
Step 3: Prepare Your Application
Complete the TM.7 form accurately and prepare the required copies and photograph. Make sure your accommodation details are correct and resolve any missing address-notification evidence before submitting.
For longer-term extensions, allow additional time to obtain bank, family, employment or other supporting evidence.
Step 4: Attend and Submit
Plan to attend personally unless the relevant immigration office confirms an accepted alternative procedure for your case. Using an adviser does not automatically remove attendance requirements.
Submit your documents, pay the applicable fee and follow the officer’s instructions. Further evidence or another visit may be required, depending on the application.
Step 5: Check Your New Stamp
If approved, check the new permitted-stay date before leaving the office. Keep your payment receipt and any appointment or follow-up instructions.
Processing times vary. Do not assume every application will be completed within a fixed number of minutes or on the same day.
When Should You Apply?
Apply before your current permission expires and allow time to correct missing documents. Ask the relevant office how early it will accept your particular application.
Do not assume submitting an application automatically grants the extension you requested. Follow any written instructions or interim stamp issued by Immigration.
Planning a Longer Stay in Thailand?
A short tourist extension may suit a longer holiday. If you are planning retirement, life with Thai family or another extended stay, discuss the appropriate route before your existing permission expires.
Our Thailand team can assess Non-O applications and retirement-extension support, including the documents and arrangements needed for your circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an Extension the Same as a New Visa?
No. An extension changes your permission to remain in Thailand. It does not normally issue a new entry visa or renew your visa’s validity.
Does a 90-Day Report Extend My Stay?
No. Address reporting and an extension of stay are separate procedures. Always check your permitted-stay expiry date.
Can I Leave Thailand and Return During My Extension?
Check your visa and permission conditions before departure. You may need a re-entry permit to preserve your existing permission to stay. A re-entry permit does not add extra days.
Can You Guarantee Approval?
No. Thai Immigration decides applications. We can review your circumstances, explain the requirements and assist with preparation and the agreed submission arrangements.
What If My Permission Has Already Expired?
Contact our team promptly for an assessment. Overstay can lead to penalties and other immigration consequences. Do not assume a standard extension application will resolve it.
Get Help With Your Thai Visa Extension
Send us your nationality, current location, visa or entry category and permitted-stay expiry date. Tell us how long you want to remain and why.
We will assess the available service and explain the documents and charges before you proceed.
Request extension help on WhatsApp
Thailand office: +66 38 420 313
WhatsApp: +66 80 102 2328
Website: Thai Visa Express Consultants
Official Guidance
- Thai Immigration Bureau
- Royal Thai Embassy London: tourist visa conditions
- Royal Thai Embassy London: visa exemption and visa on arrival
Service provider: Thai extension assistance is provided by Thai Visa Express Consultants Co., Ltd., our separate Thailand-based company. We are an independent assistance service and are not affiliated with Thai Immigration.
Information checked: 14 October 2026. Eligibility, documents and submission arrangements depend on your nationality, immigration category and local office. Requirements may change. All extensions are decided by Thai Immigration.
