How to Extend Your Thailand Visa in 2026

Thailand is one of the world's most-visited destinations, and many tourists find themselves wanting to stay longer than originally planned. The good news is that Thailand allows visa extensions at local immigration offices, making it relatively straightforward to add extra time to your stay.

Visa Extension at a Glance

Apply at least 7 days before your current permitted-stay date expires.

Can You Extend Your Thailand Visa?

Yes — Thailand allows tourist visa holders and most visa-exempt visitors to extend their stay at any of the country's immigration offices. The standard extension grants an additional 30 days on top of your current permitted stay. If you entered on a 60-day tourist visa (TR), you can extend for 30 more days, giving you a maximum of 90 days in total. Visa-exempt visitors who received 30 or 60 days at the border may also apply for the same 30-day extension. An alternative to an in-country extension is a border run — leaving Thailand and re-entering to receive a fresh entry stamp — though authorities have been known to question travellers who do this repeatedly. For longer stays, a multiple-entry tourist visa (METV) or a Non-Immigrant visa is a better long-term solution.

Extension Requirements and Documents

• Valid passport with at least one blank page
• Completed TM.7 extension application form (available at immigration offices)
• 1 recent passport-sized photo (4 × 6 cm, white background)
• Photocopy of passport bio page, current visa/entry stamp, and departure card (TM.6)
• Proof of onward travel (flight booking or confirmed itinerary)
• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or lease agreement)
• Extension fee: THB 1,900 (cash)

Step-by-Step Extension Process

1. Locate your nearest immigration office
   Find the closest immigration office — major ones are in Bangkok (Chaeng Watthana), Phuket Town, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya. Check the Immigration Bureau website for a full list.
2. Prepare your documents
   Complete the TM.7 form (free at the office). Gather your passport, photocopies, a passport photo, proof of accommodation, and the THB 1,900 cash fee.
3. Arrive early
   Immigration offices are open Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30 (excluding public holidays). Queues can be long; arriving before 08:00 is advisable, especially in tourist areas.
4. Submit your application
   Hand your documents to the officer at the extension counter. They will review everything and may ask brief questions about your travel plans.
5. Receive your new stamp
   If approved (same-day in most cases), your passport is stamped with the new permitted-to-stay date. Double-check the date before leaving the counter.

Overstay Penalties — Important!

Overstaying in Thailand is taken seriously. The fine is THB 500 per day (maximum THB 20,000 if you turn yourself in; potentially more if caught at the border). An overstay of more than 90 days triggers a ban from re-entering Thailand: 90 days to 1 year overstay = 1-year ban; 1–3 years overstay = 3-year ban; 3–5 years = 5-year ban; over 5 years = 10-year ban. If detained for overstay you may also face immigration detention before deportation. Always ensure you extend your visa or depart before your permitted-stay date expires.