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Thailand Tourist Stay Guide: Visa Extension and 90-Day Reporting
For travelers planning an extended adventure in the Land of Smiles, knowing how to legally extend your stay and fulfill administrative requirements is vital. Thailand offers two main pathways for staying beyond the initial period: extending your entry stamp and, for long-term residents, the required 90-Day Reporting.
This guide provides a step-by-step breakdown of both processes to ensure you avoid fines and overstay penalties.
Part 1: How to Extend Your Tourist Stay (The 30-Day Extension)
If your initial stay period (whether from a Visa Exemption or a Tourist Visa) is about to expire, you can apply for a short extension at any local Immigration Office in Thailand.
Who is Eligible for the 30-Day Extension?
The 30-day extension is typically available to travelers who entered Thailand under one of the following:
| Entry Type | Initial Stay (Approx.) | Extendable By | Maximum Stay |
| Visa Exemption | 60 days | 30 days | 90 days total |
| Tourist Visa (TR) | 60 days | 30 days | 90 days total |
| Visa on Arrival (VOA) | 15 or 30 days | Usually Not Extendable | 15/30 days total |
Important Update: Recent changes (as of late 2025) restrict land-border entries and “visa runs” from being eligible for the 30-day extension. If you are a continuous, genuine tourist who entered by air, you should qualify.
The Extension Application Process
1. Timing is Key:
You must submit your application before your current permitted stay expires. Immigration recommends applying about 7 days before the deadline to avoid issues.
2. Required Documents (Checklist):
- Original Passport: Must have at least six months of validity remaining.
- TM.7 Application Form: Available at the Immigration Office or for download.
- Passport Photos: One recent 4×6 cm photo.
- Photocopies: Passport main page, current visa/entry stamp page, and the physical or digital TDAC confirmation.
- Proof of Address (TM.30): A hotel booking, rental contract, or a copy of your accommodation provider’s signed TM.30 Receipt (Proof of foreigner registration).
- Fee: 1,900 THB (Cash only).
3. Where to Apply:
Visit the nearest Immigration Office that has jurisdiction over your area.
- Bangkok: The main Immigration Bureau at the Chaeng Watthana Government Complex.
- Other Cities: Local offices in Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui, Pattaya, etc.
4. The Outcome:
If approved, the Immigration Officer will place a stamp in your passport granting an additional 30 days. This process is usually completed on the same day.
Part 2: Understanding 90-Day Reporting (For Long-Term Stays)
90-Day Reporting is a mandatory check-in with the Immigration Bureau for foreigners who are legally permitted to stay in Thailand for an extended period (usually with a Non-Immigrant visa, such as for retirement, marriage, or work).
Note: This is an address report, not a visa renewal, and it is not typically required for tourists on a standard 30-day extension, as your stay will be under 90 days total.
Who Must Complete the 90-Day Report?
Foreign nationals who have been granted permission to stay in Thailand for longer than 90 consecutive days (e.g., holders of a Non-Immigrant Visa, ED Visa, or the LTR Visa).
The Reporting Window and Fine
- Deadline: You must report your current address 15 days before or 7 days after the 90th day of your stay.
- Reset Rule: If you leave and re-enter Thailand, the 90-day count resets to zero upon re-entry.
- Penalty: Failure to report on time incurs a fine of 2,000 THB (if you report voluntarily) or 4,000 THB (if you are arrested).
Three Ways to Submit Your 90-Day Report
| Method | Best For | Reliability |
| 1. In-Person | First-time reporters, avoiding risk | Highest (immediate confirmation) |
| 2. Online | Subsequent reports, convenience | Moderate (prone to technical issues) |
| 3. Registered Mail | Those far from an office | Lower (risk of postal delays) |
In-Person Requirements (Most Reliable):
- Passport (Original and Copies).
- Completed TM.47 Notification Form.
- Previous 90-Day receipt (if applicable).
- Proof of Address (TM.30 receipt).
TDAC Quick Tip
While the TDAC is a smooth entry process, its digital records are linked to your Immigration stamp. If you successfully apply for an extension, it is wise to update your address details with the Immigration Bureau and keep a copy of your new extension stamp. Never overstay. A clean immigration record (no overstays) is essential for any future visa applications, extensions, or long-term stays in Thailand.
