Bangkok Immigration Visa Extension: How to Apply for a 30-Day Stay Extension in Thailand

2025年9月24日

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Planning to stay in Thailand longer than the standard 30 days? Good news—tourists can apply for a 30-day visa extension in Bangkok at the Immigration Office. This process allows you to legally extend your stay to enjoy more of Thailand’s vibrant culture, stunning temples, and lively street food scene without leaving the country.

In this updated 2024/2025 guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, including the latest visa extension location in Bangkok, required documents, step-by-step application procedures, fees, and useful tips to save time during your visit.

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Can You Stay in Thailand for 60 Days Without Leaving the Country?

Yes, tourists can legally stay in Thailand for up to 60 days without leaving the country by applying for a 30-day visa extension at a local Immigration Office.

Here’s how it works:

Visa Exemption Entry (no visa required): Travelers from Japan, the U.S., most of Europe, and many other countries can enter Thailand without a visa and stay for 30 days.
Extension Option: Before your initial 30 days expire, you can apply for a 30-day extension at the Bangkok Immigration Office (or other provincial offices).
Total Stay: This brings your maximum stay to 60 days in total without having to exit and re-enter Thailand.

Update (2024/2025): The current fee for a visa extension is 1,900 THB, and the extension is granted at the Government Complex Chaeng Wattana Immigration Office in Bangkok. Always double-check the latest requirements, as Thai immigration rules can change frequently.

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Tourist Visa vs. Visa Exemption: What’s the Difference?

Many travelers confuse a Tourist Visa with a Visa Exemption, but they are two different entry types in Thailand.

Visa Exemption (No Visa Required): Citizens of Japan, the U.S., EU countries, and several others can enter Thailand without applying for a visa in advance. This entry allows a 30-day stay and can be extended once for another 30 days at Immigration.
Tourist Visa (Single Entry or Multiple Entry): A Tourist Visa is obtained before arriving in Thailand, usually at a Thai embassy or consulate abroad. It typically allows a 60-day stay upon entry, which can also be extended by 30 days at Immigration, making a total stay of up to 90 days.

Update (2025): As of now, the Visa Exemption Program still allows 30 days on arrival for most nationalities, while the Tourist Visa remains valid for 60 days. However, immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel and sufficient funds, so be prepared with flight tickets and basic financial evidence.

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Types of Visas in Thailand

Thailand offers several types of visas depending on the purpose of your stay. The three main categories are:

Tourist Visa
- Designed for travelers visiting Thailand for leisure, sightseeing, or short-term stays.
- Valid for 60 days, with the option to extend an additional 30 days at Immigration.
Non-Immigrant Visa
- For those who plan to work, conduct business, study, volunteer, or retire in Thailand.
- Includes subcategories such as the Business Visa (B), Retirement Visa (O-A/O-X), and Education Visa (ED).
- Usually valid for 90 days initially, and can be extended depending on your activity.
Immigrant (Permanent Residence) Visa
- Granted to foreigners who wish to permanently reside in Thailand.
- Requirements include living and working in Thailand for at least 3 years with a valid work permit, or being married to a Thai citizen.
- Only a limited number of applicants (around 100 foreigners per nationality per year) are approved, making it highly competitive.

Update (2025): The Thai government continues to promote the Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa, aimed at remote workers, wealthy global citizens, retirees, and professionals. This visa provides up to 10 years of residency benefits and is becoming increasingly popular among digital nomads and expats.

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How to Get to the Bangkok Visa Extension Office

In Bangkok, all visa extensions are handled at the Immigration Bureau located inside the Government Complex Chaeng Wattana. This office is outside the city center, so allow enough travel time. There are two main ways to get there:

Taxi or Motorbike Taxi
- The most convenient option from central Bangkok.
- Travel time: about 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Cost: around 250–350 THB one way.
- Using ride-hailing apps such as Grab is recommended for transparent pricing.
MRT and Bus
- Take the MRT Blue Line to Tao Poon Station.
- From Exit 3, walk about 3 minutes to the bus stop and board Bus No. 66.
- Bus fare: 7–15 THB depending on whether it is air-conditioned.
- Total travel time: about 90–120 minutes.

Once you arrive at the Government Complex, follow the signs to Building B (Section 2) where the Immigration Division 1 is located. You will need your passport to pass through the security checkpoint at the entrance.

Update (2025): The Chaeng Wattana Immigration Office remains the only official location in Bangkok for visa extensions. While smaller immigration offices exist in tourist areas such as Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya, visitors in Bangkok must use Chaeng Wattana.

Required Documents for a Visa Extension in Bangkok

To apply for a 30-day visa extension at the Bangkok Immigration Office, you will need to prepare the following documents:

Passport – Valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay.
Photocopies of Passport Pages – The main photo page, Thai entry stamp page, and your departure card (TM6).
Completed Application Form (TM7) – Available at the Immigration Office.
One Passport-Sized Photo – Must meet Thai immigration requirements (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm, white background).
Application Fee – 1,900 THB, payable in cash only.
Pen (blue or black ink) – Useful since waiting areas can be crowded.

If you don’t bring photos or photocopies, don’t worry—these services are available on-site at the Government Complex.

Update (2025): The Thai Immigration Bureau now accepts both cash and QR code payments at some counters in Bangkok, but cash remains the safest option. Make sure to carry exact change whenever possible.

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Where to Get Photos and Copies Near the Immigration Office

If you arrive at the Immigration Office without the required passport copies or photos, you can easily obtain them inside the Government Complex Chaeng Wattana.

On the floor just below the visa extension section, you’ll find several small service counters offering:

Passport Copies – around 5–10 THB per page
Passport Photos – around 100 THB for a set

The staff are accustomed to helping visa applicants, so the process is quick and efficient. Most visitors can finish both copies and photos within 10–15 minutes, even during busy hours.

Update (2025): Photo and copy services remain available inside the building, but queues can be long during peak mornings (10:00–12:00). To save time, consider bringing your own copies and photos before heading to the office.

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Step-by-Step Process for a Visa Extension in Bangkok

Once you have all the required documents, follow these steps to complete your 30-day visa extension at the Chaeng Wattana Immigration Office:

Collect the TM7 Application Form at the entrance counter.
Fill out the form using blue or black ink. Don’t worry if you are unsure about some fields (such as the arrival card number)—officers will guide you.
Submit your documents (passport, copies, photo, completed form, and 1,900 THB fee) to the officer at the initial counter.
You will receive a queue number with a letter and digits.
Wait for your number to be called on the electronic board in the waiting hall.
When called, go to the assigned counter and hand over your documents again for verification.
After approval, you will be asked to wait once more until your passport is returned with the extension stamp.
Finally, collect your passport, receipt, and any change. Confirm that the new expiry date is correct before leaving.

Update (2025): Processing times vary widely. On busy days, expect 2–4 hours of waiting, while early mornings on weekdays are usually faster. Some expats also report that arriving after lunch (around 1:30 PM) can result in shorter queues.

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How to Fill Out the Visa Extension Application Form (TM7)

The TM7 application form is straightforward, but many first-time applicants get confused. Here’s how to complete it correctly:

Personal Information: Fill in your full name, nationality, passport number, and date of birth as shown in your passport.
Visa Type: If you entered under the visa exemption program, write “Visa Exemption – 30 Days”. If you have a Tourist Visa, write “Tourist Visa”.
Current Address in Thailand: Provide the full address of your hotel, Airbnb, or residence. Immigration officers may request proof, so keep a booking confirmation or rental contract handy.
Reason for Extension: A simple explanation works. For example:
- “I want to continue sightseeing in Thailand.”
- “I would like to travel around more before leaving.”
Signature: Sign the form in English as it appears in your passport.

If you are unsure about any section, leave it blank and ask the immigration staff for guidance. It’s better to submit an incomplete form than to make incorrect entries.

Update (2025): Officers now require applicants to include a local phone number on the TM7 form. If you don’t have one, you can purchase a cheap Thai SIM card before applying.

Waiting Times at Bangkok Immigration for Visa Extensions

One of the biggest challenges of extending your visa in Bangkok is the long waiting time. The Immigration Office at Chaeng Wattana is usually very busy, with hundreds of applicants daily.

Average Processing Time: Expect to spend 2–4 hours from arrival to completion.
Peak Hours: Mornings between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM are often the most crowded.
Best Time to Visit: Arriving right at opening (around 8:30 AM) or just after lunch (around 1:30 PM) can sometimes reduce waiting time.
Queue System: Your number will appear on the electronic board with a letter (representing the section) and a number (your turn in line).

Inside the building, there are large waiting halls with air conditioning and digital displays, but seats can fill up quickly.

Update (2025): Immigration now allows some services, such as online queue reservations, through its official website and app. However, the visa extension service for tourists still requires in-person attendance, so be prepared to wait.

Things to Do While Waiting at the Immigration Office

Since visa extensions can take several hours, it’s a good idea to plan how you’ll spend your waiting time at the Government Complex Chaeng Wattana. Fortunately, the building is large and offers plenty of facilities:

Restaurants and Cafes: You’ll find Thai food courts, coffee shops, and even international chains like McDonald’s inside the complex.
Convenience Stores: Several 7-Eleven shops are located within the building, making it easy to buy snacks or drinks.
Banks and ATMs: If you need to withdraw cash or exchange currency, banks and ATMs are available on-site. Some ATMs even provide Japanese and English-language options.
Shops and Services: There are pharmacies, bookstores, and small service shops for added convenience.

Many travelers use this time to grab lunch, catch up on emails, or prepare travel plans for the rest of their trip.

Update (2025): Free public Wi-Fi is available in many areas of the Government Complex, though the connection may be slow during peak hours. Bringing a portable Wi-Fi device or a local SIM card is recommended if you need a reliable connection.

Confirming Your Visa Extension and Next Steps

Once your application is approved, you will receive your passport back with a new stamp showing the updated expiry date. Before leaving the Immigration Office, check carefully that:

The new departure date is correct.
Your passport has been stamped with the official “Extension of Stay” mark.
You receive a receipt for the 1,900 THB fee.
Any change is returned if you paid with larger bills.

With this stamp, your stay in Thailand is legally extended for another 30 days. This means travelers entering under the visa exemption program can enjoy a total of 60 days in the country without leaving.

If you plan to stay in Thailand beyond these 60 days, you will need to explore other options such as obtaining a Tourist Visa, Non-Immigrant Visa, or doing a visa run to a neighboring country and re-entering.

Update (2025): Thai Immigration has been stricter in checking proof of onward travel. Even after extending, some travelers report being asked to show return or onward tickets when departing Thailand. Make sure to keep a copy of your booking to avoid issues.

Final Tips for Extending Your Stay in Bangkok

Extending your visa in Bangkok is a straightforward process once you know the requirements and prepare in advance. Here are some final tips to ensure everything goes smoothly:

Arrive Early: Lines get long quickly. Being at the Immigration Office when it opens can save you hours.
Bring Exact Cash: The fee is 1,900 THB, and cash is the most reliable payment method.
Prepare Documents in Advance: Having passport copies and photos ready will reduce waiting time.
Dress Modestly: While there is no strict dress code, immigration officers may refuse entry to those dressed in overly casual or inappropriate clothing.
Plan for Delays: Don’t schedule flights or long-distance travel on the same day as your visa extension.

With the right preparation, you can comfortably extend your stay in Thailand and make the most of your time exploring Bangkok and beyond.

Update (2025): Immigration officers have been more cautious about frequent back-to-back extensions or multiple visa runs. If you intend to stay in Thailand long term, consider applying for a Non-Immigrant Visa or the Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa for greater stability.

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Author of this article

Takuma Oka 外資系SEOスペシャリスト

I’m a web marketer passionate about SEO, AI, and Web3. Currently working fully remote from Manila, Philippines, as a Japanese SEO Specialist at a global company. I also have experience in site M&A, Kindle publishing, and teaching on Udemy. Former Japan Air Self-Defense Force member, now based mainly in Southeast Asia. With 9 years of SEO experience, my hobbies include studying Chinese and running.