Help-visa Extension

[scoles]

My girlfriend is currently travelling in Thailand (she is 22 and a British citizen). She was planning on staying for less than 30 days hence did not apply for any kind of visa as she knew she could stay for this long with an automatic tourist visa. However, I am now going out to meet her in Thailand and we are then going onto Laos and Cambodia, but her visa would of run out before this happens. Her visa runs out on 24th December, I arrive on 29th December, and we plan to leave Thailand by 2/3 Jan.

Obviously this is a problem and she has been advised by people in Thailand that it will not be a problem to 'overstay' for this short period of time and just pay the fine. I have been reading your website and am worried that this advice is false? I am basically after some advive on what would be the best solution for her? Where could she get a visa extension? Could she overstay and just pay a fine? It seems that she may be able to pay the fine in advance, where is this possible?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

[Axel]

Two points,

a) DO NOT OVERSTAY

Never <deleted> with immigration.

That said, go to immigration and ask for extension by 10 days (Baht 1900), which will just do. Show the onward tickets, they usually do accept, if you are friendly...

[marcortez]

I am seeking the same information.

Have heard and or seen, where an extension for the "visa on arrival" of 30 days can be extended for another 30 days.

I assume this is done (if true) at an Immigration office. Bangkok or any office?

How many days in advance of the 30 day expiration would you suggest this process get started?

Fees involved?....

Seeking first hand or "knowledgeable" information please.

Two points,

a) DO NOT OVERSTAY

Never <deleted> with immigration.

That said, go to immigration and ask for extension by 10 days (Baht 1900), which will just do. Show the onward tickets, they usually do accept, if you are friendly...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Usually a 10 day extension is as good as you'll get. More is not unkown, but is not common.

[thaiflyer1]

Agree with the above replies.

10 day is the normal extension given on a 30 day "stamp upon arrival"...........longer is possible but not the norm and should not be relied upon.

30 day extension is given for thoses arriving with a tourist visa at the end of the allowed 60 day stay associated with that type of visa.

Apply at the nearest local Immigration Office to where you are based.

Fees as already stated are 1900 baht.............also copies of relevant pages in passport and 1 passport photo.............also flight ticket may be asked for.

Scoles.........your GF will need to go the 23rd as the 24th is a Saturday and immigration may be closed (they should allow the extension from the 24th however).

Marcortez........normally apply for the extension on the day or day before the 30 days are due to expire.............if you apply 3 or 4 days early Immigration may make the extension run from that date...............not always the case but better to be safe than sorry. I used to apply the day before then if i got turned down for whatever reason i had the next day to make alternative arrangements.

Dont overstay...........its not worth the risk.

Edited December 4, 2005 by thaiflyer1

[lopburi3]

1. OP should have here exit country and return as even with a 10 day extension at 1,900 baht she still may not make the exit date for your joint travel - be better to get 30 days a return entry will provide and if she is anywhere near a border the cost will be about the same.

2. I have never heard of anyone getting a 30 day extension of a 30 day visa free entry stamp so don't hold your breath waiting for first hand information. There have been cases of getting more than one extension but even they are not the norm. The norm is 7-14 days and one time. As said the thing you must have heard is for a normal tourist visa (60 day entry).

[dr_Pat_Pong]

I do hope that the OP is going to get a proper visa.

[thaiflyer1]

1.  OP should have here exit country and return as even with a 10 day extension at 1,900 baht she still may not make the exit date for your joint travel - be better to get 30 days a return entry will provide and if she is anywhere near a border the cost will be about the same.

Looks doable to me Lop.............10 day extension from 24th takes her to 2nd Jan..............dont think Immigration would be mean enough to only give a young lady 7 days, would they?

It would certainly beat a trip to the border for a 30 day stamp.

OP why not ask your GF to call down Immigration just to make sure they will give her 10 days.............if they happen to say only 7 days then she could always as Lopburi says do a border run anytime from now really to carry her through.

I can see one potential BIG problem and that is the one of your GF having no onward ticket at the end of the 10 day extension (presumably she hasnt?).............if they ask she could come unstuck.

Edited December 4, 2005 by thaiflyer1

[lopburi3]

1.  OP should have here exit country and return as even with a 10 day extension at 1,900 baht she still may not make the exit date for your joint travel - be better to get 30 days a return entry will provide and if she is anywhere near a border the cost will be about the same.

Looks doable to me Lop.............10 day extension from 24th takes her to 2nd Jan..............dont think Immigration would be mean enough to only give a young lady 7 days, would they?

It would certainly beat a trip to the border for a 30 day stamp.

OP why not ask your GF to call down Immigration just to make sure they will give her 10 days.............if they happen to say only 7 days then she could always as Lopburi says do a border run anytime from now really to carry her through.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Except OP says by 2/3 so it becomes a question mark if that also may slide.

[Omerta]

It has been said without the exit details. One option is to get her to take the night train to Nong Khai, returning the same day or taking one night in Vien Chang, well worth a visit and fairly safe for a young girl.

The cost of the return ticket including a bed will not be much more than the 1900 Baht extension charge, she will save two night's accomodation charges, and she will get a guaranteed 30 days.

Make sure she books early though. It is getting close to International New Year when many Thais travel to see their families. Best way is to get to Hualumpong and get the tickets in advance.

[lopburi3]

It has been said without the exit details. One option is to get her to take the night train to Nong Khai, returning the same day or taking one night in Vien Chang, well worth a visit and fairly safe for a young girl.

The cost of the return ticket including a bed will not be much more than the 1900 Baht extension charge, she will save two night's accomodation charges, and she will get a guaranteed 30 days.

Make sure she books early though. It is getting close to International New Year when many Thais travel to see their families. Best way is to get to Hualumpong and get the tickets in advance.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The reason we have not provided details is because "travelling in Thailand" takes in a lot of real estate.