We have great news for our readers from China, India, Russia, Taiwan, and Kazakhstan: They now have more time to explore Thailand and enjoy their stay. Thailand hopes that this visa extension will boost tourism and stimulate the economy.

Chinese

From today until February 2024, Chinese citizens can be exempt from the visa requirement and visit Thailand without a visa for up to 30 days.

You can extend your stay beyond the initial 30-day exemption period by applying for an extension with the Thai immigration officer.

However, the responsible official decides whether to grant or deny the extension. The only possible extension of the exemption period is an additional 7 to 30 days.

Before the COVID-19 outbreak, Chinese tourists played a vital role in Thailand's thriving tourism sector. In 2019 alone, Thailand welcomed a record 39 million visitors, 11 million of whom came from China.

Kazakh

From now until February 2024, citizens of Kazakhstan enjoy a visa exemption that allows travelers from both countries to visit Thailand for up to 30 days without a visa.

Russian

Russian travelers are now permitted to stay in Thailand for up to 90 days until the end of April 2024.

Although tourism in Thailand is still recovering slowly, Russians have played a significant role in the Thai tourism industry this year. From the beginning of 2023 until August, Thailand welcomed over 900,000 Russian visitors.

However, it should be noted that this number is still significantly lower compared to the time before the pandemic, when around 1.5 million Russians travelled to the Land of Smiles.

Indian

From November 10, 2023 to May 10, 2024, Indian citizens can travel to Thailand for tourist purposes without a visa and stay there for up to 30 days.

Taiwanese

Taiwanese citizens can travel to Thailand visa-free for tourism purposes and stay for up to 30 days. This special offer is valid from November 10, 2023, to May 10, 2024.

Visa-free entry requirements for Thailand

You may be interested in the requirements for temporary visa-free entry to Thailand. You should prepare the following before your arrival in Thailand:

  • Ticket for a return flight

    • Simply present your documents to the immigration officer upon request at the airport. Once the authorities have granted approval, you can enter Thailand as a visa-free visitor.

    Application for extension

    Where can I apply?

    If you are traveling in Thailand and wish to extend your stay, you should contact the immigration office in the city where you are located.

    Many major Thai cities, such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, have offices of the Immigration Bureau. To apply for a visa extension, you must appear in person at one of these offices.

    How to apply

    The application process for extending a tourist visa in Thailand includes several important steps:

  • Determine your visa type and desired extension period: First, you should determine your visa type and decide how long you wish to stay. Tourist visas can usually be extended for another 30 days.
  • Complete the required forms: You can obtain the necessary forms from the immigration office or download them from their website. Make sure to complete the forms correctly to avoid processing delays.
  • Submit your application: Bring your completed forms to the immigration office. Don't forget to bring all required documents, such as your passport and a passport-sized photograph.
  • Please wait until your application has been processed: Processing your application may take between 7 and 10 days, but in some cases it may take up to 2 weeks.
  • Collect your extended visa: Once your extension has been approved, return to the immigration office to collect your passport with the updated visa. Check the new expiry date to ensure it is correct.

    • How much is to be paid?

    Extending a tourist visa in Thailand costs 1,900 THB, approximately USD 60. This fee covers a 30-day extension and must be paid at the immigration office when applying. Having the exact amount in cash ready can expedite and simplify the process.

    Contact Siam Legal

    Siam Legal International is a full-service law firm in Thailand, headquartered in Bangkok.

    It is also recommended that you take out health insurance in Thailand. Insurance will take away many worries while traveling and save you money. Therefore, we recommend that you take out insurance with AXA, a leading insurance provider in Thailand.

    If you wish to extend your visa and require professional assistance, Siam Legal offers a comprehensive range of services that will guide you smoothly through the entire process. Contact Siam Legal for expert advice and support in extending your stay in Thailand.