Published on Feb 01, 2025 5 min read

Step-by-Step Process for Visa Extension at Phuket Immigration Office

A lot of tourists would like to spend more time in Thailand. You may need to stretch your stay whether you're a tourist taking in the sights or working on a short-term project. At the Immigration Office in Phuket, it's easy to get your visa extended. However, the steps can be scary if you aren't familiar with them. This post gives you a simple outline of how to extend your visa in Phuket, including the paperwork you need, where to go, and what to expect along the way.

Understand the Types of Visas in Thailand

You should know what kind of visa you have before you start the process of extending your stay. You can enter Thailand with different types of visas, and each has its own rules about extensions.

• Tourist Visa: Usually good for 60 days, but the Phuket Immigration Office can add another 30 days to it.
• Visa Exemption: People from some countries can visit Thailand for up to 30 days without a visa, and this can be continued for another 30 days.
• Non-Immigrant Visas: These are visas for things like work, school, and other reasons. The rules for extending these cards may be different, but it is possible to do so if needed.

Make sure you know which visa you hold before proceeding with the extension process.

Preparing Documents for Visa Extension

The first step in the visa extension process is gathering the necessary documents. While the exact requirements may vary depending on your specific visa type, there are common documents you will need to bring with you to the Immigration Office in Phuket.

Here are the basic documents you will need:

• Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of your visa extension request.
• Visa: A copy of your current visa stamp or visa exemption entry stamp.
• Application Form: You will need to complete a visa extension application form. You can typically obtain this at the Immigration Office or download it online.
• Photographs: You will need two passport-sized photos. These should be recent and meet the Thai government’s size requirements.
• Proof of Funds: You may be asked to provide evidence that you can support yourself financially during the extended stay. It could be a bank statement or a letter from an employer.
• Flight Booking (if applicable): Sometimes, you may be asked to show proof of an onward flight, especially if you’re applying for a longer visa extension.

It’s always a good idea to double-check the specific requirements for your visa type before visiting the Immigration Office in Phuket.

Head to the Phuket Immigration Office

Once you have all the necessary documents, it’s time to visit the Immigration Office in Phuket to submit your application for a visa extension. The Phuket Immigration Office is located in Chalong on the island. The office is open from Monday to Friday, and it is generally less crowded in the morning hours, so it’s best to arrive early to avoid long wait times.

Submit Your Application and Pay Fees

Once you arrive at the Immigration Office, you will need to submit your completed visa extension application form along with your supporting documents. The staff will check your paperwork, and if everything is in order, they will process your request.

There is a processing fee for visa extensions, which varies depending on your visa type. Generally, the fee for a tourist visa extension is around 1,900 THB. However, the price may differ for other visa types.

It’s important to have cash available to pay the fee, as some offices may not accept credit cards.

Wait for Processing

After you apply for a visa renewal and pay the fee, you will have to wait for it to be handled. This process could take one to three business days, based on how busy the office is and what kind of visa renewal you want.

While waiting for your visa extension, you may be asked to return to the Immigration Office to pick up your passport once the extension has been approved. Make sure you keep track of the processing time so you know when to return.

Pick Up Your Extended Visa

Once your visa extension is approved, you will be notified to return to the Immigration Office to collect your updated visa. This process typically takes no more than a few minutes once your passport is ready. Make sure to check your visa extension date carefully to ensure that everything is in order. If there are any errors or issues, notify the staff immediately for assistance.

Alternative Visa Extension Methods

While visiting the Immigration Office in Phuket is the most common way to extend your visa, there are other options if you are unable to go to the office in person.

• Visa Run: If you cannot extend your visa through the office, another option is to take a “visa run” to a nearby country and return to Thailand to get a new visa stamp. This method involves traveling to a neighboring country, such as Malaysia or Cambodia, for a short stay before re-entering Thailand.
• Third-Party Services: There are also visa agencies in Phuket that can assist with the extension process. They will handle most of the paperwork for you for a fee, and they may even be able to expedite the process.

However, using these alternatives may involve additional travel or fees, and it’s often easier and cheaper to extend your visa directly at the Immigration Office.

Conclusion

If you have the appropriate paperwork and follow the formalities, extending your visa at the Phuket Immigration Office is easy. Preparing and bringing everything you need to the office will make the extension process easy. The office staff is available to help with any questions. You may prolong your stay in Thailand and appreciate its beauty with a little patience.