How much does a 30-day visa extension cost in Thailand?

If you came to Thailand as a tourist and want to stay a little longer, you can ask Thai Immigration for more time. This is called an extension of stay.

What it costs

The Immigration Bureau handbook for a tourism extension lists one fee: 1,900 baht. The rule behind it is Order of the Royal Thai Police no. 327/2557 (30 June 2014). The fee does not change with your passport. A Canadian pays the same as everyone else.

How long you get

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says a visa-exempt stay can be extended for another period of up to 30 days. It also says the extension is up to the immigration officer. It is not automatic.

What to bring

The handbook lists these items:

• Your passport, plus 1 copy
• Form TM.7 (application for extension of temporary stay), with a photo attached
• A signed form that says you know the penalties for overstaying
• The 1,900 baht fee

Where and when to go

Go in person to the immigration office for the area where you are staying. Offices are open Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 16:30, except public holidays. The handbook says the steps take about 40 minutes once your papers are complete. Go before your permitted stay ends. Do not stay past the date stamped in your passport.

Good to know

• Visa-free entry rules change from time to time. Check how many days your passport gets on arrival on the official Thai e-Visa website.
• Plan for small extra costs such as photos and copies.
• If you will leave and come back during your extension, ask the office about a re-entry permit first.

For your own case, check with your local immigration office or a lawyer.