Visa run and visa extension in Thailand: how to do it (legally)
What exactly is a visa run?
A visa run is a short exit from Thailand (Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, etc.), then returning to obtain a new 30-day stamp or reactivate a multiple-entry visa.
Used by:
- Long-term travelers
- Digital nomads
- Expats without an official visa
⚠️ But beware: immigration monitors this kind of practice.
It’s not illegal, but it’s limited if you abuse it.
Thailand visa extension (without leaving the country)
In many cases, you can extend your stay without a visa run.
| Type of stay / visa | Initial term | Possible extension? | Where and how? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exemption (30 days) | 30 days | Yes (+30d) | Local Immigration Office (1,900 THB) |
| Tourist Visa (TR) | 60 days | Yes (+30d) | Ditto, with passport + TM7 form |
| ED Visa, Non-B, etc. | Variable | Yes (depending on the file) | Procedures via the school / employer / sponsor |
🧠 Anticipate: apply for an extension at least 7 days before the deadline.
📊 Where to do a visa run quickly?
| 🌍 Destination | Country | Estimated travel time | Pros / Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Savannakhet | 🇱🇦 Laos | 1 hour flight from BKK | Fast, reliable, popular for tourist visa |
| Vientiane | 🇱🇦 Laos | 1 hour flight or 10 hours bus | Simple formalities, but quite long |
| Penang | 🇲🇾 Malaysia | 1h30 flight from Bangkok | Nice city, good for tourism and visa |
| Poipet / Phnom Penh | 🇰🇭 Cambodia | Bus or flight (2 hours) | Fast, but more “intense” (frequent corruption) |
| Singapore | 🇸🇬 Singapore | 2 hours of flight | Very clean, but more expensive |
📌 In any case, plan at least 2 nights on site, and anticipate visa deadlines.
Risks to be aware of before multiplying visa runs
- 🚫 Possible refusal of entry if you have too many pads close together
- ❓ You can be questioned (reason for stay, proof of funds…)
- 📎 Plan to show:
- Return ticket
- Accommodation booking
- Health insurance
- Minimum 20,000 THB (or cash or bank equivalent)
Real-world examples (simplified real-life cases)
❓ Do you have 30 days and want to stay for 2 months?
✅ Goes to immigration office → 30-day extension (easy)
❓ Do you want to stay 4 to 6 months?
✅ Apply for a TR tourist visa → extension → then run visa + new visa
❓ Have you already come back 3 times by exemption?
⚠️ Risk of refusal. Better to get a real tourist visa from abroad
Useful links to organize your visa run or extension
- 🌐 Thailand E-visa : thaievisa.go.th
- 🏢 Thailand Immigration (official website): https://www.immigration.go.th
- 📄 Form TM7 (extension): Download here (PDF)
📍 Map of Immigration Offices in Thailand
Detailed tutorial: How to extend your tourist visa in Bangkok
Extending your visa to Thailand is an accessible process if you follow the appropriate steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you with this process:
Step 1: Check your eligibility
If you hold a 60-day tourist visa, you can apply for an extension of another 30 days, bringing your total stay to 90 days. Similarly, if you entered without a visa (visa waiver), you can extend your stay for another 30 days.
Step 2: Gather the necessary documents
- Completed TM.7 Form : Available at the immigration office or downloadable online.
- Valid passport : With a validity of at least six months remaining.
- Photocopies of the relevant pages of the passport : Personal information page, current visa or entry stamp, and departure card (TM.6).thaivisaexpert.com+1Traveloka+1
- Recent passport-size photograph : Usually 4 x 6 cm.Traveloka
- Proof of residency in Thailand : Rental agreement, hotel booking confirmation or letter from your host.
- Application fee : 1,900 baht in cash.U.S. Embassy in Thailand+1Traveloka+1
Step 3: Go to the immigration office
In Bangkok, the main immigration office is located in Chaeng Watthana:asq.in.th+2Traveloka+2thaivisaexpert.com+2
- Address : Government Complex, Building B, 120 Moo 3, Chaeng Watthana Road, Thung Song Hong, Lak Si, Bangkok 10210.Traveloka
Step 4: Submit your application
Show up early in the morning to avoid long lines. Once there:
- Collect a ticket and wait your turn.
- Submit your documents to the immigration officer.
- Pay the application fee.
- Wait for your passport to be returned to you with the extension stamp.
The entire process can take several hours, so it is advisable to allow half a day for this process.
Official resources and useful contacts
- Thai Immigration Bureau: www.immigration.go.th
- Form TM.7 to download: Download Form TM.7thaivisaexpert.com
- Thai Consular App : For information on consular services, download the official app from Google Play.Android Apps on Google Play
🧳 Ready to apply for your visa?
If you want to stay longer than 30 days or prepare for your trip with peace of mind, apply for your Thai visa online, in just a few steps.
🔗 Apply on thaievisa.go.thNote: Procedures and requirements may vary depending on the immigration office. It is recommended that you consult the official information or contact the local office before proceeding.
Conclusion
A visa run is practical… But this is not a long-term strategy.
📌 If you want to stay several months in Thailand:
- Start with a real visa application
- Then use the visa run once or twice, making it part of your trip
💬 The simplest thing is to do an extension on site, it’s legal, fast, and cheap.