Wondering how to get a visa extension at the immigration office in Koh Samui? In this guide, I’ll give you information so that you can head to the Koh Samui immigration office to get a visa extension without forgetting anything.
The Thai islands are so beautiful that you won’t want to leave. Well – this happened to me. As a Canadian passport holder, I had up to 30 days when I first entered Thailand by flight.
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In Thailand, it’s quite easy to extend your visa for an extra 30 days by visiting one of the immigration offices. Forget about the visa run; you can extend your stay without leaving Thailand.
From October 1st, you might be able to get an extra 45 days extension, but this hasn’t been confirmed just yet.
If you’re like me and you are considering extending your visa for Thailand, here is a list of immigration offices. Most big cities have their own offices.
As I was based in Koh Phangan, the best option for me was to head to Koh Samui to get my visa extension. It would also be the case for those based in Koh Tao.
You can also take a look at our other posts regarding different Immigration offices in Thailand:
Koh Samui Visa Extension | The Process
If you’re planning on extending your Thai visa from Koh Phangan in Koh Samui, here’s an easy step-by-step guide.
Note that you could basically do the whole thing in one day, but you could also decide to spend one night in Koh Samui while you’re there. (That’s what I did!)
Koh Samui Immigration Office | Opening Hours & Map
| Monday | 8:30AM–12PM, 1–4:30PM |
| Tuesday |
8:30AM–12PM, 1–4:30PM |
| Wednesday | 8:30AM–12PM, 1–4:30PM |
| Thursday | 8:30AM–12PM, 1–4:30PM |
| Friday | 8:30AM–12PM, 1–4:30PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
How to Get to Koh Samui from Koh Phangan
There are several ferries that will bring you from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui. As I was closer to Thong Sala, I took a ferry from there to reach Koh Samui.
You should know that there are different routes and ports, which will bring you on different spots in Koh Samui. As you’ll be going to the Immigration Office, you should opt for the closest pier in Koh Samui, which would be Nathon Pier.
From there, you’re only 20 minutes away from the Immigration Office.
When it comes to finding the cheapest ferry company, it might be a tricky one. It’s either you chose a fast company or a cheap one. Also, you should keep in mind the different times if you want to do it in one day.
The cheapest tickets are TBH 150, but it won’t bring you to Nathon Pier. You can expect to pay around TBH 300 for a one-way ticket with Lomprayah.
You can either book them online or book them directly at the pier.
Either way, you’ll have to check-in before boarding the ferry.
I personally took the ferry with Lomprayah – which is known to be the fastest ferry company and also the only company that brings you closer to the Immigration Office.
From Thong Sala Pier (Koh Phangan), the Lomprayah ferry departs daily at 7h20, 12h00 and 14h30.
From Nathon Pier (Koh Samui), the Lomprayah ferry departs daily at 11h15, 13h30 and 17h30.
That being said – yes – you could do the whole trip in one day.
How to Get to Koh Samui from Koh Tao
If you’re doing the same trip from Koh Tao instead, the ferry tickets start at TBH 500.
To reach Nathon Pier, you can expect to pay around TBH 700. You can check the options and schedule here.
How to Get the Visa Extension Koh Samui
Once you reached Nathon Pier, you can either rent a scooter or get a driver to reach the Koh Samui Immigration Office. It’s a short drive (around 20 minutes).
The local transport will likely charge TBH 150-200 for one way (of course, this depends on your bargain skills). Therefore, it’s going to be cheaper to rent a scooter.
You can rent a scooter a few minutes walk away from the pier. As soon as you reach the main road, you’ll find plenty of options for scooter rentals.
As you won’t be able to leave your passport as a deposit, you can leave a cash deposit. (They asked for TBH 2000.) For a 24 hour rental, you should pay around TBH 200. We paid 300 for about 36 hours.
Also, you should remember to wear your helmet while driving in Koh Samui as the police officers are more strict on Koh Samui.
So, you got your scooter, now what? You can now head towards the immigration office.
What You’ll Need to Extend your Visa in Koh Samui
As I’m always pretty unprepared when I travel, I only brought my passport with me. I knew there would be a possibility to fill-up the form, get copies, and take a photo next to the Koh Samui Immigration Office.
As soon as we got there, we spotted this little shop that provides you with photos, copies, and forms.
In Thailand, every office has its own shop located next to them to make it easier for us! (Thanks!) You can make copies for TBH 20, and you can get a photo for TBH 100.
Here’s a list of the Thailand visa requirements you’ll have to provide:
- Photocopy of your passport
- Photocopy of your current visa and immigration card (if you have one – in 2022, I didn’t receive any immigration card on arrival)
- Photo
- Visa extension form (you’ll get the form next to the Koh Samui Immigration office as mentioned above)
- TBH 1900 in cash
Once you have everything ready, you can then enter the Koh Samui Office, give your paperwork to the staff, pay the fee, and you will then receive a number.
They told me to come back an hour later so I could pick up my passport. It obviously took a bit longer than an hour.
Before you leave the Koh Samui Immigration Office, make sure to double-check the visa!
Koh Samui Immigration Office Etiquette
It’s important to remember to dress up appropriately when visiting the immigration office in Thailand.
This means you should wear long shorts (tiny shorts won’t cut it) or pants, and you should cover your shoulders.
Alternatively, bring a jacket or a sarong to cover up.
If you don’t follow these rules, you might need to leave and return another day.
While You’re in Koh Samui
If you’re like me and you’d rather make the most of Koh Samui while you’re there, you should check out the coast, go for a swim and drive across the jungle.
Koh Samui is a pretty big tropical island that is known for its beaches, its great diving options, and its waterfalls.
Where to Stay in Koh Samui
Are you planning on staying in Koh Samui? Here are a few options for every budget.
Hostels:
Mid-Range:
Luxury:
Final Thoughts On Koh Samui Visa Extension
The process to extend your visa in Koh Samui is quite easy.
The most complicated part is organizing the transportation there.
More importantly, enjoy your time in Thailand!
Visiting Thailand soon? Read one of the following guides:
