Expats can now extend visas online in Thailand within 3 minutes
Getting a visa extension is a huge headache. In Bangkok, queues can get so long that you lose a whole day just waiting to speak to an officer. Luckily, this may be a thing of the past with the Thai Immigration Bureau unveiling a new way for you to extend visas online.
Do note that this new service is for selected expats and residents in Thailand, but stay with us to find out exactly how to avoid long queues at the Immigration Offices, and if you qualify.
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Extend visas online via 3-minute applications
Getting a visa extension at the Immigration Office in Chaeng Wattana can be an all-day affair full of hassle.
Image credit: Richard Barrow
To address long queue times when seeking visa extensions, the Immigration Bureau in partnership with VFS Global has launched a new online application system for expats. The current pilot system will cover only specific visa types, including those for:
- Tourists
- Public school teachers
- Students attending a Thai public school
- Individuals serving in a government agency
- Former Thai citizens
- Family members of a current Thai resident
- Press
- Trainers and researchers for a government agency
- Machine installation and repair specialists
- Medical specialists
- Stationed vehicle operators
- Embassy-certified and requested individuals
However during the pilot phase, only expats residing or working in Bangkok will be eligible for the online system.
Where and how to apply
The application system can be found here.
You can complete the application in these simple steps:
- First, register an account here.
- Fill out the form online and upload the required documents. Check which documents are required for your visa type here.
- Book an appointment through the online system and pay the fees (Regular Service: ฿500 (~US$14) | Express Service: ฿1,500 (~US$42))
- Get your documents stamped in person at a new e-extension counter at the Immigration Office of Chaeng Wattana.
Application processing takes up to a week. But you can contact the Immigration Office if your processing time has exceeded a week here.
A faster way to stay longer in the Land of Smiles
Travelling and working abroad is about exploring new cultures. Though the pre-cursor for that experience sometimes involves sitting in line for processing at immigration.
With expats and tourists flocking to Thailand in the past couple of months after loosening Covid-19 restrictions, queues are getting increasingly long. For those who can tap into this new online application system to extend your visa online, it’ll come as a welcome change for sure.
So we hope that this service is a huge success so that more can extend their stays in Thailand easily.
Cover images adapted from (Clockwise from Top Left): Richard Barrow, Glenn Carstens-Peters
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