Updated: 27 January 2023

Visit the PCEC’s Thai Visa & Immigration website pages for information on entry and extension of stay in Thailand as well as address reporting requirements.

This page contains the latest information we have on Thai Immigration matters that may be temporary or otherwise not included in our Thai Immigration webpages.

The information presented here relates to requirements or practices of at the Chonburi (Pattaya) Immigration Office which may not yet be included on the PCEC’s website.

CHONBURI IMMIGRATION OFFICE (JOMTIEN SOI 5) REQUIRES YOU TO WEAR A FACE MASK TO GAIN ENTRANCE INTO THE BUILDING

CHONBURI (PATTAYA) IMMIGRATION NOW HAS A PLACE IN PARKING AREA TO GET A QUEUE NUMBER FOR DESK 8 - RETIREMENT EXTENSIONS - NO WAITING IN LINE AT THE ENTRY DOOR

UPDATE: We have received two subsequent reports (27th & 28th January) that for Retirement Extensions, you can go to the "Exit" door and tell the them you are there for your retirement extension.

You will be allowed to enter and get a queue ticket without having to wait in the long line outside.

Previously, we had a report on 18 January that there was a desk outside next to the 90 day report desk to get your queue ticket for Desk 8 (Retirement extensions) -- It appears that the above method is now being done instead of the outside desk.

CHONBURI (PATTAYA) IMMIGRATION NOW HAS REPORTING DESK FOR TM.30 ADDRESS FORM LOCATED IN THE PARKING AREA

Pattaya immigration office has now established in the car park a new base for newly-arrived tourists to register their address on form TM30. This is a requirement where the hotel or condo owner doesn’t do so, usually online and with an immigration receipt.

The paperwork required with the TM30 is a copy passport (visa and ID page) and proof of residence which is typically a hotel receipt or condominium ownership certificate. Proof of TM30 registration is needed to apply for visa extensions or any other immigration service during the stay in Thailand.

Click here for the Pattaya Mail article.

BORDER RUNS TO CAMBODIA FROM PATTAYA - BEST TO USE A SERVICE

Pre-Covid, those in Pattaya entering by Visa Exempt or Tourist Visa, after getting their one permitted extension of stay at Thai Immigration would do a one day trip referred to as a "Border Run" - traveling by vehicle to a land border crossing with Cambodia, cross over, turn around, and reenter Thailand getting getting a Visa Exempt entry [Note: Land border entry is limited to two times during the year then and now].

But post-Covid, it is recommended that you register with a Pattaya tour and minibus operator in advance of travel to the border. The company must then send a passport copy to the border post of choice to check that the applicant is eligible for the new permission. Unregistered individuals arriving at the frontier under their own steam will not be allowed to return the same day and would need to spend several days or a week in Cambodia pending a review of their application.  Click here for the article in the Pattaya Mail.

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ADDS 9 NEW EMBASSIES/CONSULATES USING eVisa SYSTEM

CHONBURI (PATTAYA) IMMIGRATION - 90 DAY REPORTING DESK

If you encounter a long queue at the entry door, you can use the outside desk to file your 90 day address report.

It is located to the right after the entry gate. They will take your passport inside and then return it with the new 90 day reporting receipt and due date.

Click here for information doing the 90 Day address report online or by mail.

THAI IMMIGRATION TESTING ONLINE SYSTEM FOR EXTENSIONS OF STAY (CURRENTLY ONLY IN BANGKOK)

Thai Immigration is setting up an online system for extending one's stay in Thailand, but it currently is being tested only for those using Bangkok Immigration with an expectation for future roll out to other locations.

Note: It DOES NOT include extensions based on retirement.  Click here for the Pattaya Mail article, Click here for The Pattaya News article. Click here for Barry Kenyon's article in the Pattaya Mail giving a reason for retirement extensions not being include.

TM.6 ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE CARD TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED

The Thai Cabinet has agreed to temporarily exempt the use of immigration forms “Tor Mor 6” for foreigners entering and departing from Thailand.

For those entering at all international airports. The suspension does not apply to entry at land borders.  Click here for the The Pattaya News article.

EU ACCEPTS 'THAILAND DIGITAL HEALTH PASS'

The European Union has accepted Thailand Digital Health Pass, issued by the Public Health Ministry on Mor Prom application.

Thailand is now connected to the EU Digital Covid certificate system and Thai travelers can use Thailand Digital Health Pass as a proof of Covid-19 vaccination to enter 60 countries and territories.

Click here for the Pattaya Mail article. Click here for The Pattaya News article.

OBTAINING AN EXTENSION OF STAY AFTER ENTERING WITH AN e-VISA

In the past, visas were a sticker which the applicant placed in his or her passport. But this system has been replaced by a new e-visa which is sent to applicants in a detailed email prior to flying to Thailand.

This email should be retained after arrival in Thailand. A copy is required by the immigration bureau if and when a foreigner applies for an extension of stay.

Click here to read the article. Click here for Ministry of Foreign Affairs eVisa portal.