Expats in Thailand will soon be able to extend their visas online

Good news for expats in Thailand who will soon no longer have to queue at immigration offices to extend their visas!

The Immigration Bureau has unveiled a new website that will facilitate visa extension applications for expats living in Thailand.

Police Chief General Damrongsak Kittiprapas said on Tuesday, November 8, that the new e-Extension service, which will allow foreigners to extend their visas online, will improve visa services.

The service covers the entire process, including fee payment, through a dedicated website, Thaiextension.vfsevisa.com .

It will reduce the application processing time from one hour to three minutes, General Damrongsak said.

According to the Bureau of Immigration, more than 200,000 expats seek to extend their visas each year for a dozen reasons, including vacation, teaching, studying, working for a government agency, or family ties.

The growing number of applicants has raised concerns that the process is cumbersome and inconvenient.

The e-Extension service will initially be piloted for expatriates living or working in Bangkok.

They will be able to submit an application online on the website mentioned.

However, they will have to appear in person to verify their identity and obtain a visa sticker at the Immigration Office located on Chaeng Wattana Road.

The Immigration Bureau plans to make this service available in all its offices nationwide in the future.

Update: Expats in Thailand confused by offer to extend visas online

See also:

Visas for Thailand: the different types

Source: Bangkok Post