Visa Guide for Tourists in Chiang Mai

Visa extensions in Laos are handled at Immigration Bureau offices, and there are offices accessible from Chiang Mai in the Chiang Mai area. The standard tourist visa extension adds 30 days to your stay for a fee of 1,900 THB (approximately $55 USD), payable in cash only at the immigration office. To apply, you need your passport with at least 6 months validity remaining, one passport-sized photo (4x6 cm, available from photo booths often located near immigration offices), a completed TM.7 application form (available at the office), and a photocopy of your passport photo page, current visa stamp, departure card (TM.6), and entry stamp. Arrive early in the morning — popular immigration offices near tourist areas can have wait times exceeding 2-3 hours, especially on Mondays and after public holidays. The extension takes effect from the date of your current visa's expiration, not from the date you apply, so you can apply up to 45 days before your visa expires without losing any days. Overstaying your visa in Laos results in a fine of 500 THB per day (maximum 20,000 THB) and can lead to detention and a re-entry ban of 1-10 years depending on the duration of overstay.