Enjoying Thailand Longer: Extending Your Stay
Dreaming of spending more time soaking up Thailand’s sun, culture, and cuisine?
Fortunately, extending your stay in the Land of Smiles is relatively straightforward for eligible travelers.
This guide outlines everything you need to know about getting a Thailand visa extension hassle-free.
Can I Extend My Thailand Visa?
Thanks to COVID-19 policy updates, foreigners entering Thailand under a visa exemption scheme or with a visa-on-arrival can enjoy an automatic extension until July 31, 2023. This removes the need to visit immigration offices for 90 day reporting or visa renewal during these exceptional times.
You’ll still need to show immigration officers your valid Thailand entry visa or eVisa on arrival authorization letter, along with a completed Thailand Health Declaration Form. But you can relax knowing your stay will be automatically extended without extra paperwork or payments.
Who Can Extend Their Visa in Thailand?
To take advantage of the automatic extension program, you must have initially entered Thailand under one of the following visa schemes:
- Visa Exemption: Citizens from 64 approved countries can enter Thailand without a visa for 30 days.
- Visa on Arrival (VoA): Citizens from 21 approved countries can obtain a 60 day VoA by applying via agencies before arrival.
- Existing Thai Visa: Some visas like education and retirement visas allow stays longer than 60 days.
As long as you entered via one of these methods, your visa will now be automatically extended until July 31, 2023 without extra steps.
How Do I Get a Visa On Arrival for Thailand?
If you’re not from one of the 64 visa exempt countries, a VoA is your ticket to Thailand. Obtaining your VoA is simple:
- Complete the Thailand VoA Application: Answer a few questions and pay with credit/debit card or PayPal.
- Receive Your VoA Approval Letter: Our team reviews applications and emails your approval letter quickly.
- Present Approval Letter at Arrival: Queue is shorter since your visa is pre-approved!
- Enjoy 60 Days in Thailand: Your VoA is now auto-extended until July 31, 2023.
What is the Thailand Health Declaration Form?
The “T8” Health Declaration Form is required on arrival alongside your VoA letter or visa exemption stamp.
It involves declaring any COVID-19 symptoms and recent travel history. Failing to complete it means denied entry.
Luckily, professionals can help you securely complete the digital Health Declaration Form before arrival as part of your visa application.
How Does the Visa Extension Process Work?
Thanks to the automatic extension policy, renewing your Thailand stay is refreshingly easy:
1. Arrive in Thailand with your valid entry visa or VoA approval letter.
2. Submit Health Declaration via the “Thai Chana” mobile app upon arrival.
3. Enjoy 60 Day Stay – no need to extend since it’s done automatically!
4. Depart Before July 31, 2023 or consider extending via traditional channels after this date.
It’s that simple! No visa reporting or extension paperwork needed until the automatic extension period ends.
How Do I Apply for a VoA and Health Declaration?
Obtaining your VoA and Health Declaration is a breeze:
- Complete the Online Application Form: Just answer a few simple questions.
- Choose Processing Time: Get it as fast as 3 days for urgent trips.
- Payment: Securely pay your fee with a debit/credit card or PayPal.
- Upload Documents: Provide passport scan and any other required documents.
- Receive Approved VoA and Health Declaration: We’ll email your approval letter and Health Declaration QR code.
- Print and Go! Head to Thailand knowing essential documents are pre-approved.
Still Have Questions?
Our customer support team is available 24/7 to answer any other questions about getting and extending a Thailand visa or Health Declaration.
Just drop us an email or start a live chat for prompt, expert advice. We’re here to help make your Thailand visit simple and unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a VoA and Health Declaration for Thailand?
Unless you’re from a visa exempt country, a VoA is required to access Thailand. The Health Declaration Form is also mandatory upon arrival to help minimize COVID-19 risks.
What countries qualify for the VoA service?
Citizens from these 21 countries can obtain a Thailand VoA approval letter before arrival: Australia, Bhutan, Bulgaria, China, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Georgia, Hungary, India, Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein, Malta, Mexico, Nauru, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Taiwan, Uzbekistan, and Vanuatu.
Do I need to apply for the VoA and Health Declaration together?
Yes, immigration officers will expect to see both your VoA letter and completed Health Declaration Form, so it’s best to apply for both documents together.
What documents do I need to provide?
You’ll need to provide your passport details, confirmed return flight booking, accommodation details, and payment information. Evidence of adequate funds may also be requested.
What are the processing times and fees?
- VoA: 3-21 days processing with fees from $150 to $356 depending on urgency.
- Health Declaration: 3-7 days processing with fees from $41 to $126 depending on urgency.
How do I complete the VoA/Health Declaration application?
- Fill out the simple online application form
- Select your processing time
- Pay securely via card or PayPal
- Upload required documents
- Receive approved documents via email
- Print and travel!
