If you live in Phuket, you can now apply online to extend your visa, according to Phuket Immigration chief, Itthiphon Itthisanronnachai.
But don’t get too excited… it isn’t applicable for all visa extensions and you will still have to visit the immigration office to get the relevant stamps in your passport.
The new way of doing things aims to streamline the visa extension process, making it more efficient and accessible, particularly during the busy peak season.
Known as “E-Extension” the new system will allow holders of 12 specified visa categories to extend their stays online. Paperwork can be uploaded and appointments scheduled online, with visa holders then receiving a physical extension stamp in their passport.
The online system was initially launched as a trial in Bangkok in November of last year. In addition to the capital, it’s now also in operation in Chon Buri and Chiang Mai, other equally popular tourist destinations. However, the Phuket Immigration office has yet to mention the service on its website.
Itthiphon says officials will monitor the system to check for potential issues and seek user feedback, to determine if changes are needed.
This month, Phuket Airport has seen its highest number of arrivals from Russia, with a daily average of 3,600. They’ve been closely followed by China, with an average of 1,500 daily arrivals, the UK, with 780, and India, with 720.
Tourism officials believe the island’s airport will welcome a total of 350,000 arrivals this month. The temporary visa waiver introduced for Chinese and Indian travellers is credited with the increase in numbers.
Thailand is hoping to get back to pre-Covid levels of tourism and has welcomed 24.5 million foreign visitors so far this year. While this means the government has achieved its target for the year, it remains far below the 40 million figure last seen in 2019.
Here’s the list of visas you may be able to extend online at Phuket Immigration in the future…
- Carry out duties for the government (Non-Immigrant and
Official visa) - Tourism
- Teacher, professor or expert in government educational institution (Non-Immigrant and Official visa)
- Study in government educational institution (Non-Immigrant and Official visa)
- Teaching practice or conducting training or research in education institution or research institution (Non-Immigrant and Official visa)
- Performing duties in the mass media (Non-Immigrant and
Official visa) - Skilled laborer, medical expert or practitioner of other professions (Non-Immigrant)
- Installation or repair of machines, aircrafts or ocean vessels (Non-Immigrant)
- Family member of a Thai residence (Non-Immigrant) – Only for family member of a foreigner (not Thai nationality) who has residence certificate and alien registration certificate of the alien granted residence permit in Thailand.
- Used to have Thai nationality or whose parent is or was of Thai (Exemption visa type), (TR 60 days) and (Non-Immigrant)
- Necessity case, Confirmation or request by embassy (any reasons), Exemption visa, TR 60 days, Non-Immigrant and Official visa
- Training case, Confirmation or request by embassy (Non-Immigrant)
- Person in charge of conveyance or crew of conveyance
(Exemption visa – Transit)
SOURCE: Visa Guide News
