Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Without proof of an onward ticket and sufficient funds for one's projected stay,
any visitor can be denied entry, but in practice this is a formality that is rarely
checked.
Thailand's Immigration Offices
The following are two common immigration offices where visa extensions and other form-
alities can be addressed. Remember to dress in your Sunday best when doing official
business in Thailand and do all visa business yourself (don't hire a third party). For all
types of visa extensions, bring along two passport-sized photos and one copy each of the
photo and visa pages of your passport.
•
»
Bangkok immigration office
(
;
0 2287 3101; Soi Suan Phlu, Th Sathon Tai;
9am-noon & 1-4.30pm Mon-Fri, 9am-noon Sat)
•
»
Chiang Mai immigration office
(
0 5320 1755-6; Th Mahidon;
8.30am-4.30pm
Mon-Fri)
VISA EXTENSIONS & RENEWALS
If you decide you want to stay longer than the allotted time, you can extend your
visa by applying at any immigration office in Thailand. The usual fee for a visa ex-
tension is 1900B. Those issued with a standard stay of 15 or 30 days can extend
their stay for seven to 10 days (depending on the immigration office) if the exten-
sion is handled before the visa expires. The 60-day tourist visa can be extended by
up to 30 days at the discretion of Thai immigration authorities.
Another visa-renewal option is to cross a land border. A new 15-day visa will be
issued upon your return and some short-term visitors make a day trip out of the
'visa run'. See the destination chapters for land border information and border form-
alities.
If you overstay your visa, the usual penalty is a fine of 500B per day, with a
20,000B limit. Fines can be paid at the airport or in advance at an immigration of-
fice. If you've overstayed only one day, you don't have to pay. Children under 14
travelling with a parent do not have to pay the penalty
