Extending a visa-exempt stay in Chiang Mai

Visa-free entry is now 30 days

Since 15 September 2026, travellers who enter Thailand without a visa under the visa exemption scheme receive a 30-day stay. That is enough for a holiday, but often too short if you are exploring Chiang Mai or waiting for a longer-term visa.

The good news is that you can apply once, inside Thailand, for an extension of 30 more days.

Who can extend

You can usually extend if:

• You entered Thailand visa-free (the stamp shows visa exemption)
• Your current stay has not yet expired
• You have not already used a visa-exempt extension recently

In our experience Chiang Mai Immigration allows only one visa-exempt extension within a 365-day period. If you have already extended once in that time, a second request is very unlikely to be accepted.

Timing matters

Apply at least 3 working days before your stay ends. That leaves room for photos, paperwork and any questions Immigration may have. Weekends and Thai public holidays do not count as working days.

If your stay has already expired, you are in overstay and the extension route is no longer simple. We do not accept overstayed cases for this service. See our overstay guide for what that means.

What you need

• Your passport
• Your TM30 receipt showing where you are staying
• A recent photo in the format Immigration asks for
• The application form, signed

If you do not have a TM30 receipt, we can arrange it for you using only your passport, usually on the spot. Read TM30 for foreigners to understand why it matters. Immigration may ask for additional documents in some cases.

How it works with NomadNest

1. Message us with a photo of your passport and entry stamp. We check eligibility.
2. Come to our office for photos, or we collect your passport and take the photos with you. We prepare all forms in advance so you only need to sign.
3. On the extension day, you go to Chiang Mai Immigration and we accompany you through the process.
4. The extension is completed the same day or the next working day, depending on when you start.

Our accompanied service is available in Chiang Mai only.

After you extend

Your new permitted stay date is stamped in your passport. Before it ends, you will need to leave Thailand or move to a different visa. If you want to stay longer, consider a DTV or one of the education visa options in Chiang Mai.

Get help

See our visa-exempt extension service. Message us for a quote.