Visa Validity and Period of Stay

Visa Validity is different from the Period of Stay.

Visa validity is the period during which a visa can be used to enter Thailand. In general, the validity of a visa is 3 months, but in some cases, visas may be issued to be valid from 6 months, 1 year or 3 years. The validity of a visa is granted with discretion by the Royal Thai Embassy and is displayed on the visa sticker.

Period of Stay is granted by an immigration officer upon arrival at the port of entry and in accordance with the type of visa as well as the Immigration Officer's consideration. The period of stay granted by the immigration officer is displayed on the arrival stamp.  Travellers who wish to stay longer than the given period of stay may apply for extension of stay at the Offices of the Immigration Bureau in Bangkok, located at Government Center B, Chaengwattana Soi 7, Laksi, Bangkok 10210, Tel 0-2141-9889 or at an Immigration office located in the provinces.  For information on application for extension of stay, see the Immigration Bureau website at www.immigration.go.th

Summary of visa validity, period of stay, and visa fee

Note: The immigration officer may not permit foreigner holding a valid visa entry into Thailand should the immigration officer find reason to believe that he or she falls into the category of aliens prohibited from entering Thailand under the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979).