How to Extend Your Thailand Visa: TM.7 Form Guide with Step-by-Step Walkthrough (2026)

You are on day 50 of your 60-day stay in Thailand. You have just found a favorite noodle stall in Chiang Mai, your Thai is getting passable enough to make the vendor laugh, and you still have not made it south to the islands. Leaving in 10 days feels wrong. The good news: you do not have to. Thailand lets you extend your stay by 30 days at any immigration office in the country, and the whole process is simpler, cheaper, and faster than you probably think.

This guide walks you through every detail of the visa extension process -- the TM.7 form field by field, exactly which documents to bring, which immigration offices are fastest, and every mistake I have seen people make so you do not repeat them. Bookmark this page. You will probably have it open on your phone while sitting in the immigration office.

Quick Facts: Thailand Visa Extension at a Glance

Before we go deep, here is everything you need to know in 30 seconds:

| Detail | Info | |--------|------| | Cost | 1,900 THB (cash only -- no cards, no exceptions) | | Extension length | 30 days (for visa exemption and tourist visa holders) | | Processing time | Same day -- usually 1-3 hours total | | Where | Any immigration office in Thailand | | When to apply | Before your current permission expires (ideally 7-14 days before) | | Form required | TM.7 (available at immigration or downloadable online) |

That is it. 1,900 baht, a few photocopies, one form, and a morning at immigration. You walk out with a new stamp giving you 30 more days.

Who Can Extend (and Who Cannot)

Not every entry type qualifies for the 30-day extension. Here is the breakdown:

You CAN Extend

Visa exemption (air entry): You entered Thailand by air without a visa and received a 60-day stamp. You can extend once for 30 days, giving you up to 90 days total in Thailand. This is the most common scenario for backpackers from Western countries.

Tourist visa (TR visa): You applied for a tourist visa before arriving and received a 60-day entry. You can extend once for 30 days, also giving you 90 days total.

You CANNOT Extend

Land border visa exemption: If you entered Thailand via a land border crossing (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia) under the visa exemption scheme, you received a 30-day stamp. This stamp cannot be extended. Your 30 days is your 30 days. If you want more time, you need to leave and re-enter or apply for a proper tourist visa.

Visa on Arrival (VOA): The 15-day visa on arrival cannot be extended. You must leave within 15 days.

Separate Process

Destination Thailand Visa (DTV): The DTV has its own extension process. You get 180 days per entry and can extend for an additional 180 days (360 days total per entry). The extension costs 10,000 THB and follows a different procedure. This guide focuses on the standard 30-day extension for visa exemption and tourist visa holders.

Documents Checklist: Everything You Need

Get all of this ready before you go to immigration. Showing up without something means going home and coming back another day, which is a waste of time nobody wants.

Required Documents

1. Your passport (original) You will hand over your actual passport. They keep it during processing and return it with the new stamp.

2. Photocopies (all on A4 paper) You need copies of the following pages:

Passport photo/bio page (the page with your photo and details)
Visa page (if you have a tourist visa sticker)
Latest entry stamp page (the page with your most recent Thailand entry stamp)
Departure card (TM.6 -- the small card stapled into your passport when you arrived)

Sign every photocopy in blue ink. Yes, every single page. This is a quirk of Thai bureaucracy that trips people up. Just sign them all.

3. TM.7 application form (filled out) This is the actual extension request form. You can pick one up at immigration, but I strongly recommend printing and filling it out beforehand so you are not scrambling at the counter. The field-by-field walkthrough is below.

4. One passport photo (4x6 cm) This is a 4cm wide by 6cm tall photo, which is the Thai standard. It is slightly different from US or UK passport photo sizes, so get a fresh one in Thailand. Photo shops near every immigration office will take and print these for 100-200 THB (usually 6 copies). Many 7-Elevens with photo booths can also do this.

5. 1,900 THB in cash Exact change is not required but appreciated. Most offices only accept cash. Do not show up with only a credit card.

Sometimes Requested

6. Proof of accommodation Some immigration offices ask for this, some do not. It can be a hotel booking confirmation, hostel receipt, or rental contract showing your current address in Thailand. Having a printed copy ready just in case saves you from being sent away.

Highly Recommended

7. A pen Bring your own blue or black pen. The pens at immigration counters are either missing, out of ink, or chained to the desk with a line of people waiting to use them.

TM.7 Form: Field-by-Field Walkthrough

The TM.7 form is a single page, double-sided. It looks more intimidating than it is. Here is every field explained.

Top Section (Personal Information)

"Name" (First and Last): Write your full name exactly as it appears in your passport. If your passport says "JOHN MICHAEL SMITH" then write "JOHN MICHAEL SMITH." Do not use nicknames.

"Nationality": Your nationality as stated in your passport. For example: "BRITISH" or "AMERICAN" or "AUSTRALIAN."

"Passport No.": Your passport number. Copy it exactly, including any letters.

"Date of Birth": Here is where people mess up. Thailand uses DD/MM/YYYY format (day/month/year), not the American MM/DD/YYYY. If your birthday is March 15, 1998, write 15/03/1998. Double check this.

"Date of Arrival": The date you most recently entered Thailand. Check the entry stamp in your passport and copy that date. Again, DD/MM/YYYY format.

"Arrived by": How you entered Thailand. Check the appropriate box (air, sea, or land).

"Type of Visa / Permitted to Stay": If you entered visa-free, write "Visa Exemption." If you have a tourist visa, write "Tourist Visa" or "TR."

"Visa No.": If you have a tourist visa with a sticker in your passport, copy the visa number from the sticker. If you entered visa-free (no sticker), leave this blank or write "N/A."

"Permitted to Stay Until": The date your current permission expires. This is stamped in your passport as "ADMITTED UNTIL [date]." Copy that date in DD/MM/YYYY format.

Address Section

"Present Address in Thailand": Write the full address of where you are currently staying. Include the hotel/hostel name, street address, sub-district, district, and province. For example:

"Baan Thai Hostel, 123 Ratchadamnoen Rd, Sri Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200"

If you are not sure of the full address, ask your accommodation for their business card or look at their Google Maps listing. Immigration officers sometimes check that this looks like a real address.

"Phone Number": Your Thai phone number if you have one, or your international number. Having a Thai SIM number here looks better.

Extension Request Section

"Reason for Extension": Check the box for "Tourism" (sometimes labeled "Traveling" or "Holiday"). Do not overthink this. If you are a backpacker extending your holiday, tourism is the correct answer.

"Period of Extension Requested": Write "30 days" or "30." You cannot request less or more -- 30 days is the standard and only option for this type of extension.

"Intended Date of Departure from Thailand": Calculate 30 days from your current expiry date and write that date. If your current stamp says you must leave by March 15, your new date would be April 14. Write it in DD/MM/YYYY format.

Signature Section

"Signature of Applicant": Sign it. This seems obvious, but I have watched people fill out the entire form perfectly and then forget to sign it. The officer will send you back to sign it, and you lose your place in the queue.

"Date": Today's date in DD/MM/YYYY format.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Wrong date format: DD/MM/YYYY in Thailand, not MM/DD/YYYY. This is the number one mistake.
Forgetting to sign: Sign the form AND sign every photocopy.
Name mismatch: Your name on the form must match your passport exactly. No shortened names, no middle name omissions.
Wrong arrival date: Check the actual stamp in your passport. Do not guess.
Leaving the address vague: "Chiang Mai" is not enough. Write the full address of your accommodation.

Step-by-Step: What Happens at Immigration

Here is exactly what your morning at immigration looks like, from the moment you arrive to the moment you walk out with your new stamp.

Step 1: Arrive Early

Immigration offices open at 8:30 AM. Arrive between 7:30 and 8:00 AM. The queue starts forming before the doors open, and the difference between arriving at 7:30 and arriving at 10:00 can be two hours of extra waiting.

Step 2: Take a Queue Number

Walk in and find the queue number machine (usually near the entrance). Take a number for "visa extension" or "extension of stay." Some smaller offices just have a line -- join it.

Step 3: Submit Your Documents

When your number is called, go to the counter. Hand over your passport, completed TM.7 form, photocopies (signed), passport photo, and any supporting documents. The officer will check everything, possibly ask you a question or two ("Where are you staying?" "When are you leaving Thailand?"), and then tell you to wait.

If anything is missing, they will tell you what you need. There are usually photocopy shops and photo booths right outside the immigration office for exactly this reason.

Step 4: Wait

This is the long part. You will sit in a waiting area with a number. The officer is processing your application, checking your passport against their system, and handling the stack of applications ahead of yours. This takes anywhere from 30 minutes at a quiet island office to 3+ hours at Bangkok Chaeng Wattana.

Bring a book, a charged phone, or some downloaded podcasts. The WiFi at immigration offices ranges from nonexistent to barely functional.

Step 5: Photo and Biometrics

At some point you will be called up for a quick photo (taken at the counter) and sometimes fingerprints. This takes about 60 seconds. Some offices skip the photo if you provided a good passport photo.

Step 6: Pay 1,900 THB

You will be called to the payment counter. Hand over 1,900 THB in cash. You will get a receipt. Keep this receipt.

Step 7: Collect Your Passport

Your passport comes back with a new stamp showing your extended stay date. Check the stamp immediately at the counter:

Is the new date correct (30 days from your original expiry)?
Is your name spelled correctly on any attached paperwork?
Is the stamp legible?

If anything is wrong, tell the officer right away while you are still at the counter. It is much harder to correct later.

That is it. You are done. Walk out, enjoy your 30 extra days.

Best Immigration Offices by City

Not all immigration offices are created equal. Where you go makes a significant difference in how your morning plays out.

Bangkok: Chaeng Wattana (Government Complex)

The main immigration bureau for all of Thailand. This is the biggest, busiest, and slowest option. If you can possibly do your extension anywhere else in the country, do it there instead.

Expect: 3-5 hours total, even arriving early
Arrive by: 7:00 AM (seriously)
Location: Government Complex, Building B, Chaeng Wattana Road, Laksi
Getting there: Taxi or Grab (no convenient BTS/MRT station nearby)
Tip: IT Mall across the road has food courts and coffee shops if you need to kill time before/after

Chiang Mai: Promenada Mall

One of the most pleasant immigration experiences in Thailand. The office is inside a modern shopping mall with air conditioning, coffee shops, and food options while you wait.

Expect: 1-2 hours
Location: Promenada Resort Mall, 192-193 Chiang Mai-Hangdong Road
Getting there: Songthaew or Grab from the old city (about 15-20 minutes)
Tip: Arrive by 8:00 AM. After your number is called and documents submitted, you can wander the mall while waiting

Phuket: Phuket Town Office

Moderate wait times. A standard government building experience.

Expect: 1-3 hours
Location: Phuket Immigration Office, Phuket Road, Phuket Town
Getting there: Songthaew from the beaches or Grab
Tip: Get photocopies done at the shops right outside before going in

Koh Samui: On-Island Office

Small office, relatively fast. Being on an island means fewer people in the queue.

Expect: 1-2 hours
Location: Koh Samui Immigration, Nathon area
Getting there: Songthaew to Nathon from anywhere on the island
Tip: The office is compact -- arrive early and you could be out in under an hour

Koh Phangan: On-Island Office

Very small office. Usually fast, but during Full Moon Party season (around every full moon), the queue can double or triple as hundreds of backpackers suddenly realize their visa is about to expire.

Expect: 45 minutes to 3 hours (season dependent)
Location: Koh Phangan Immigration, Thong Sala
Tip: Avoid the days just before and after Full Moon Party. Go mid-cycle when the island is quieter.

Pattaya: Soi 5 Office

Busy office that handles a large volume of expats and tourists. Not the worst, not the best.

Expect: 2-3 hours
Location: Soi 5, Jomtien area
Getting there: Baht bus or Grab from central Pattaya

The Golden Rule: Smaller Office = Faster Processing

If you have any flexibility in where you do your extension, choose the smallest, most out-of-the-way office you can find. Provincial immigration offices in places like Sukhothai, Nan, Trang, or Ranong will process your extension in under an hour while Bangkok Chaeng Wattana has you queuing for half the day. Plan your extension around your travel route and do it at a quiet office.

Pro Tips From Someone Who Has Done This Too Many Times

Dress Appropriately

This is a government office, not a beach bar. Immigration officers notice what you are wearing and it can influence their mood. You do not need a suit, but you do need to look presentable:

Good: T-shirt, shorts or trousers, closed shoes or clean sandals
Bad: Tank tops, swimwear, shirtless, flip flops, clothing with offensive slogans

Thai government offices have a general standard of decorum. Meeting it shows respect and makes the whole process smoother.

Apply 7-14 Days Before Expiry

Do not wait until the last day. If something goes wrong -- missing document, office closed for a holiday, unexpected queue -- you have no buffer. Applying 7-14 days before your visa expires gives you time to sort out any issues. Your 30-day extension starts from your original expiry date, not from the day you apply, so applying early does not cost you any days.

Get Photocopies Before You Arrive

Photocopy shops near immigration offices know they have a captive audience and charge accordingly. Some charge 5-10 THB per page, which is fine. Others charge more. Either way, getting copies at a 7-Eleven or print shop in town beforehand avoids one more errand at the immigration office. You need copies of:

Passport bio page
Visa page (if applicable)
Entry stamp page
Departure card (TM.6)

Bring a Book

You will wait. There is no way around it. Bring something to read, downloaded shows on your phone, or a podcast. The waiting room chairs are uncomfortable, the TV on the wall is playing a Thai soap opera, and staring at the number display board gets old fast.

Consider Form-Filling Agents

Outside many immigration offices, especially in tourist areas, you will find people who offer to fill out your TM.7 form and organize your photocopies for 200-300 THB. Is it necessary? No, the form is simple. Is it convenient? Absolutely, especially if you are rushing or unsure about the format. Think of it as paying for peace of mind rather than expertise. These are not visa agents charging thousands of baht -- they are just people with a clipboard who know the process.

Bring Water and a Snack

Some immigration offices have vending machines or nearby food stalls. Some do not. A bottle of water and a granola bar in your bag means you are not hangry by hour three.

Thai Public Holidays

Immigration offices are closed on Thai public holidays, and there are a lot of them. Before heading out, Google "Thailand public holidays 2026" and make sure your chosen day is a working day. Offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with a lunch break (usually 12:00-1:00 PM -- do not arrive during lunch expecting to submit documents).

What If You Overstay

This is the section I hope you never need, but you need to know.

The Fine Structure

If you stay in Thailand past your permitted date without extending:

| Overstay Duration | Consequence | |-------------------|-------------| | 1-90 days | 500 THB per day fine (maximum 20,000 THB) | | Over 90 days | 1-year entry ban | | Over 1 year | 3-year entry ban | | Over 3 years | 5-year entry ban | | Over 5 years | 10-year entry ban |

The daily fine applies from the day after your visa expires until the day you are caught or leave.

Caught at the Airport vs. Caught Inside Thailand

There is a massive difference.

Caught at the airport (voluntary departure): If you overstay and then go to the airport to leave on your own, you pay the fine at the immigration counter before departing. For short overstays (a few days to a few weeks), you pay, they stamp your passport with an "overstay" mark, and you leave. Unpleasant but manageable.

Caught inside Thailand (by police, at a checkpoint, during a random ID check): This is where it gets serious. If police or immigration officers find you with an expired visa inside the country, you face detention, deportation at your own expense, and the entry bans listed above kick in immediately. You may spend time in an immigration detention center, which is not a pleasant place.

"Just a Few Days" Is Not a Strategy

I have met backpackers who planned to overstay "just two or three days" because they could not be bothered to go to immigration. Do not be that person. The 500 THB daily fine adds up quickly -- 10 days is 5,000 THB, which is nearly triple the cost of doing the extension properly. More importantly, overstay records follow you. Future visits to Thailand may involve additional scrutiny, and overstay stamps in your passport can cause problems at immigration in other countries too.

The extension costs 1,900 THB and takes one morning. Overstaying costs more money, marks your passport, and risks bans from a country you clearly love enough to want to stay longer in. The math is not hard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I extend more than once?

No. You get one 30-day extension per entry. After that, you need to leave Thailand and re-enter (by air for a fresh 60-day stamp, or with a new tourist visa). See our Thailand visa guide for strategies on longer stays.

Does it matter which immigration office I use?

No. You can enter Thailand through Bangkok and do your extension in Chiang Mai, or enter through Phuket and extend on Koh Phangan. Any immigration office in the country can process your extension regardless of where you entered.

What if I apply on the last day?

You can apply on the very last day of your permitted stay and it is technically fine. But if anything goes wrong -- office is closed, you are missing a document, the system is down -- you have no backup plan and will overstay. Apply at least a few days early.

Can I leave and re-enter Thailand instead of extending?

Yes. Flying to a neighboring country and returning by air gives you a fresh 60-day visa exemption stamp, which is more time than the 30-day extension. This is sometimes called a "visa run" and can work out cheaper if you find a budget flight. The trade-off is the travel time and cost versus spending one morning at immigration. See our guide on visa requirements for border run details.

What if I entered by land? Can I really not extend?

Correct. Land border visa exemption entries (30-day stamp) cannot be extended as of 2026. You have 30 days and that is final. If you want more time, you need to leave and re-enter by air (60 days, extendable) or apply for a tourist visa before your trip.

Do I need to bring proof of a flight out of Thailand?

For the extension process, no. Immigration does not typically ask for proof of onward travel when processing a 30-day extension. They may ask for proof of accommodation, but outbound flights are not a standard requirement at this stage.

What happens to my departure card (TM.6)?

Your original departure card stays stapled in your passport throughout the extension process. They do not replace it. Guard it carefully -- losing it causes complications when you eventually leave Thailand.

Can I do the extension for someone else?

No. You must appear in person. Each person extending needs to be at the immigration office with their own documents, form, photo, and passport.

After Your Extension: What Next?

Your 30-day extension gives you up to 90 days total in Thailand (60 original + 30 extension). When those 90 days are approaching their end, you have several options:

Option 1: Leave Thailand. The simplest path. Fly to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, or anywhere else. Many backpackers use this as a chance to explore a neighboring country.

Option 2: Fly out and back. If you want to return to Thailand immediately, fly to a nearby city (Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City, Vientiane) and fly back the same day or a day later. You will receive a fresh 60-day stamp on re-entry by air.

Option 3: Get a tourist visa. If you know you want an extended stay, apply for a tourist visa at a Thai embassy or consulate outside Thailand before your next entry. This gives you another 60 days, extendable to 90.

Option 4: Consider the DTV. If you are working remotely, the Destination Thailand Visa offers 180 days per entry, extendable to 360 days. It is the best option for long-term stays.

For detailed strategies on extending your time in Thailand beyond 90 days, check our complete Thailand visa guide.

The Extension Process: A Real-World Timeline

Here is what a typical extension morning actually looks like, based on doing this at the Chiang Mai Promenada office:

7:45 AM -- Arrive at Promenada Mall. Doors are not open yet. A small queue of people is already forming outside the immigration office entrance.

8:30 AM -- Office opens. Walk in, take queue number. Number 47 in line (yes, 46 people arrived before you -- welcome to Thailand immigration).

8:40 AM -- Sit down, open book. The number display board shows they are currently serving number 12.

9:15 AM -- Number 47 called. Walk to counter, hand over documents. Officer flips through everything, glances at the TM.7 form, checks the photocopies, looks at the photo. Asks "Where you staying?" I answer. She staples the photo to the form and says "Wait please."

9:20 AM -- Back in the chair. Resume book.

10:30 AM -- Number called again. Quick photo taken at the counter. Officer points to payment window.

10:32 AM -- Pay 1,900 THB. Get receipt.

10:40 AM -- Passport returned with a beautiful new stamp. Check the date -- correct. Walk out into the Chiang Mai sunshine with 30 more days.

Total time: about 2 hours. Most of that was sitting and reading. The actual interaction with officers was maybe 5 minutes combined. Not bad for an extra month in Thailand.

Summary: Your Extension Game Plan

7-14 days before your visa expires: Gather your documents (passport copies, photo, TM.7 form, 1,900 THB cash)
The day before: Fill out the TM.7 form at home. Sign all photocopies. Pack your documents, a pen, a book, water, and a snack.
Extension day, 7:30-8:00 AM: Arrive at immigration. Take a number. Submit documents when called.
Wait 1-3 hours. Read, relax, people-watch.
Pay, collect passport, verify the stamp. Walk out with 30 more days.

That is the entire process. It is bureaucratic, a bit tedious, and completely manageable. Thousands of backpackers do this every single week across Thailand. The immigration officers have seen it all before and the process is well-oiled. Show up prepared, be patient, be polite, and you will be fine.

Now go enjoy your extra month.

Related Guides

Thailand Visa and Entry Requirements: Complete 2026 Guide -- full overview of all visa types, border runs, and long-term stay strategies
Thailand Visa Checker Tool -- check your nationality's visa requirements instantly
Thailand Budget Breakdown -- plan your finances for those extra 30 days