An extension lets you stay in Thailand beyond the date stamped on arrival without leaving the country. It is granted by the local immigration office. Below are the Immigration Bureau and embassy rules and how it works in Phuket, as of 17 October 2026.
Visa exemption from 15 September 2026
| Who | Stay on arrival | Extension | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nationals of 60 countries (UK, US, all EU states, Australia, Canada and others) | 30 days, tourism only | up to 30 days | TAT; Royal Thai Embassy London |
| Seychelles, Mauritius | 15 days | not stated | TAT |
| Other nationalities with bilateral agreements | 90, 30 or 14 days depending on the agreement | not stated | TAT |
The 60-day exemption ended on 15 September 2026. If you entered before that date, the stamp in your passport still applies. More in how many days you can stay visa-free.
Documents
The Immigration Bureau’s list for a tourism extension:
- TM7 application form, submitted in person
- Copies of your passport photo page, visa (if any) and latest entry stamp
- One 4x6 cm photo taken within the last 6 months
- Fee of 1,900 baht
What offices ask for in practice: proof of address (lease or booking) and the TM30 notification from your landlord or hotel.
How to extend in Phuket
- Check the date in your entry stamp and plan to go about a week before it
- Prepare passport copies, the photo, a completed TM7 and 1,900 baht in cash
- Arrive at the Phuket immigration office at opening time; in high season the wait can be half a day
- Hand in your documents and pay the fee
- Collect your passport with the extension stamp and check the new date
The Phuket provincial immigration office is in Phuket Town at 482 Phuket Road. OpenStreetMap lists hours of Monday to Friday, 08:30-12:00 and 13:00-16:30, phone 076 221 905. The office website did not load during our check, so confirm hours and holidays by phone.
Staying longer
An extension buys one extra month, not a way to live in Thailand. For longer stays you need a visa. Repeated border runs for fresh stamps are capped and draw questions, see visa runs. If you are still planning a trip longer than 30 days, remember you may be asked for an onward ticket on arrival: do you need a return ticket.
FAQ
Can I extend my 30-day visa exemption in Thailand?
Yes. For the 30-day exemption covering 60 countries, the Royal Thai Embassy in London says you can request an extension of up to 30 days through the Immigration Bureau. The officer decides, and travellers report it is granted once per entry.
How much does a visa exemption extension cost?
1,900 baht per extension, the Immigration Bureau's standard fee for extending a temporary stay. You pay at the office when you apply. Agents who offer to handle it charge for their service on top.
Do I need a TM30 to extend?
TM30 is not on the official document list for a tourism extension. But offices often ask for proof of address, and a missing TM30 from your landlord or hotel can hold things up. Ask your host to file it in advance and bring the receipt.
Where do I extend my stay in Phuket?
At the Phuket provincial immigration office, 482 Phuket Road, Phuket Town. OpenStreetMap lists it as open Monday to Friday, 08:30-12:00 and 13:00-16:30, phone 076 221 905. The office's own website did not load for us, so call ahead to confirm hours.
When should I apply?
Before the date in your entry stamp, ideally a week ahead: queues can take half a day and the office is closed at weekends. Once the date passes you are on overstay, which is a different conversation.
Sources
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