.png)
Stress-Free Visa Extensions: Why Central Chiangmai Beats the Airport for Foreigners
Updated: 4 days ago
With its temples, mountain scenery, and vibrant night markets, Chiang Mai is one of Thailand’s most popular destinations, and it’s common for travelers to extend their stays. Extending your visa in Chiang Mai used to primarily mean a trip to the airport’s immigration office. However, many visitors don’t know that a second, far more convenient option is available: Central Festival Mall Chiangmai.
We have extended several times, both at the airport and Central Festival Mall. We think the mall is the best way to go for a faster (by Thai standards) and easier experience. This blog will guide you through the process, requirements, and tips for extending your visa in Chiang Mai’s Festival Mall, saving time and simplifying your stay in this beautiful city.
In This Post...
● Introduction to Visa Extensions in Chiang Mai
● Why Central Festival Mall is a Convenient Alternative for Visa Extensions
● Comparison – Airport vs. Central Festival Mall
● Step-by-Step Guide to Extending Your Visa at Central Chiangmai
● Common Reasons for Visa Extension Denials
● Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Visa Extensions
Travel Resources & Offers
Please note that some of the links in this post are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links, which helps support our blog and keeps it free to use. Tap here for more information.
Introduction to Visa Extensions in Chiang Mai
Visa extensions are common in Chiang Mai, especially for tourists who fall in love with the city’s laid-back lifestyle and want to explore more of Northern Thailand. Whether you’re extending a Tourist Visa or a Visa-on-Arrival, Thailand's visa extension process for eligible visitors can often seem a little chaotic.
Many travelers are familiar with the airport immigration office as a default option for visa extensions, but Festival Mall presents a lesser-known alternative that’s more convenient, in many cases faster, and also with the option of chilling at the mall while you wait.
Why Central Festival Mall is a Convenient Alternative for Visa Extensions
Central Festival Chiangmai's immigration office is gaining popularity among visitors for its accessible location, easy parking, and more streamlined experience. Located on the 2nd floor of the shopping complex, the immigration office provides easy access to services, dining, and activities that make the wait more comfortable. You are also able to park directly outside the office on parking level 2.
Instead of navigating the airport’s high traffic, and disjointed offices, Central Festival Mall gives you more of a relaxed, spacious environment with plenty to do while waiting for your visa extension to be processed.
Comparison – Airport vs. Festival Mall for Visa Extensions
⪢ Benefits of the Central Festival Chiangmai option
1. Less Traffic: With fewer people aware of this option, wait times are typically shorter.
2. Convenient Location: Situated just outside of Chiang Mai centre, Festival Mall is a convenient stop for most tourists. It is right on the main CM highway and has ample parking, which is free to use.
3. Amenities and Entertainment: The mall setting allows you to enjoy coffee shops, shopping, and rest areas while waiting.
4. Streamlined Process: Changes have been made in recent times to improve the process, which involves a 'screening' option, which checks documents to ensure everything is as it should be for the immigration officers. Many people come with missing paperwork (more on that later), so this has made a huge difference.
⪢ Disadvantages of the Chiang Mai Airport Option
1. High Traffic: The airport often sees higher foot traffic, leading to longer queues. The process is also fairly disjointed, with the need to visit several different offices. There is also a distinct lack of indoor waiting space, which means you are queuing up outside for the most part.
2. Limited Amenities: Unlike Festival Mall, the airport offers fewer comfort options for those waiting. You will not find any refreshment or food options at the immigration area, which is not ideal if you are due for a long wait and do not have a car.
3. Distance: For those staying in central Chiang Mai, reaching the airport alone can take additional time. Traffic is typically pretty hectic at peak hours, and can easily add an hour or two to your journey.
Visa Extension Requirements for Festival Mall
Familiarizing yourself with the main requirements for a visa extension will help streamline your visit and prevent potential issues.
⪢ Key Visa Extension Requirements
1. Valid Passport: Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity.
2. Completed Application Forms: Fill out the visa extension forms accurately to avoid delays.
3. Passport Photo: A recent photo meeting Thailand’s passport standards (4x6 cm with a light background).
⪢ Photo Requirements
Thailand requires a standard passport-sized photo for visa extensions. Be sure your photo is:
● Taken within the last six months.
● Free of headgear (unless for religious reasons).
● Light or white background.
⪢ Application Form
You can fill out the Visa Extension Application form when you arrive at the immigration office. Make sure all personal information is accurate to avoid unnecessary back-and-forth.
Note: This form is now available to download and print online, which is advised to help save time. You can find this, along with other essential forms here.
Step-by-Step Guide to Extending Your Visa at Central Festival Mall Chiangmai
Now that you know Festival Mall’s advantages, let’s break down the extension process, and what documents you need to get it right first time.
Step 1 – Preparing Your Documents
Before heading to Central Festival Mall, gather all required documents to ensure a smooth process.
⪢ Essential Documents
● Passport: Your passport must have a minimum validity of six months.
● Passport-Sized Photo: Bring a recent passport photo (4x6 cm), though you can also have one taken in the mall.
● Photocopies: You are required to provide photocopies of both passport pages, and your passport photo. You will have time to do this while waiting for line 2. There is a tour desk that offers photocopies for 5 baht. They can also provide a pen (for 5 baht), as each copy needs to be signed and dated.
● TM.6 Departure Card: The small card stapled in your passport upon entering Thailand.
● TM.30 Notification Form: A form that requires landlords and Airbnb owners to report the stay of non-Thai nationals in their properties. This is required for 90-day reporting and any type of visa extension.
● Visa Extension Application Form: Available at the immigration office; you can fill this out on-site. You can also download this online and complete prior to arrival to save time.
● Visa Extension Fee: The standard fee for a tourist visa extension is 1,900 THB. Note that this is cash only.
⪢ Additional Documents You May Need
Depending on your visa type or recent travel history, you might need:
● Proof of Onward Travel: In some cases, proof of a return ticket or onward travel may be requested.
● Hotel Booking or Proof of Residence: If asked, this can serve as proof of your residence during your stay.
Step 2 – Arriving at Festival Mall
Once your documents are ready, head to Central Festival Mall and locate the immigration office.
⪢ Location Details
The immigration office at Central Festival Chiangmai is on the second floor along with the post office, and the mall’s dedicated government services area. Signage within the mall and elevator areas makes it easy to find the immigration section.
Address: 99, 99/1 99/2 หมู่ที่ 4 Lampang - Chiang Mai Superhighway, Fa Ham, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand
Website: centralchiangmai.com
Phone: +66 5399 8999
⪢ Operating Hours
Central Festival Mall’s immigration office generally operates from 9am to 5pm, closing between 12pm and 1pm for lunch. It is open Monday through Friday, with closures on public holidays.
Step 3 – Checking In and Submitting Your Application
Upon arrival, follow these steps to check in, get in line, and submit your application.
⪢ Understanding the Queue System
The immigration office uses a queue ticketing system. Take a ticket as soon as you arrive and wait for your number to be called. Mornings are usually less crowded, so try to arrive early to avoid a lengthy wait.
There are 3 queuing areas:
● Line 1: This is to the left of the main desk, and is where you will receive your number card. Depending on how busy it is, they may also check your paperwork here.
● Line 2: This is the main desk you see, marked 'Document Preparation'. Note that ticket numbers are upheld, and if you cannot skip this stage, even if you are told in line 1 that your documents are ok. This is also where your payment is checked, and your documents clipped together.
Note that if you are asked to return after 1pm, there is no way to skip the line before this, and you can only be seen when your number is called.
● General Waiting Area (3): After your documents and payment are checked, they will then be taken by the staff member to the immigration officers, and you will be moved on to the general waiting area. Here you will await your ticket number. Should your application be going smoothly, your first call will be for a photo, and then after you will be called to receive your passport and paperwork.
⪢ Presenting Your Documents
Staff will review everything before processing the extension. Make sure your documents are organized and complete to avoid delays or being turned away.
Step 4 – Paying the Visa Extension Fee
The visa extension fee for tourists is 1,900 THB. This fee is payable in cash only, so have the exact amount ready to expedite the process. Note that you cannot pay for 2 extensions, and each applicant must pay independently.
Step 5 – Waiting for Processing
Processing time can range from 15 minutes to a few hours, depending on the day and volume of applications. Unlike the Airport however, you are in a mall! There is plenty to check out while you wait, although bear in mind the main mall does not open until 10am (the ground floor food court opens at 9am though).
⪢ Using Mall Amenities During the Wait
Central Festival Mall offers a variety of amenities, making it easy to pass the time. You can grab a coffee, shop, or relax at one of the seating areas while waiting for your visa to be processed. It is also well air-conditioned, unlike the offices and waiting areas at the airport!
Common Reasons for Visa Extension Denials
While the extension process is generally smooth, there are a few common reasons for denial:
● Incomplete Documents: Missing or improperly filled-out forms will lead to rejection, with no exceptions.
● Incorrect Photo Specifications: Providing the wrong photo size or style may also delay processing.
● Overstays: If you have overstayed your visa without an extension, be prepared to pay additional fines.
● Yearly limit: Officially there is a 6 month maximum stay out of 12 according to the Thai Government's own immigration website, although this appears to be loosely enforced. That being said, there is a chance that this could cause a rejection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Visa Extensions at Central Festival Mall
What are the fees for extending a visa at Festival Mall?
The visa extension fee for a tourist visa is 1,900 THB. Remember that it is cash (Thai Baht) only, with no exception. Try to bring the exact amount to save time. You are not able to pay for someone else's application (even your partner).
How long does the visa extension process take at Festival Mall?
Can I extend my visa more than once in Chiang Mai?
Do I need an appointment to extend my visa at Festival Mall?
Is it safe to leave my passport during the visa extension process?
Are there any visa types that can’t be extended at Festival Mall?
Tips for a Smooth Visa Extension Experience at Central Festival Chiangmai
⪢ Arrive Early to Avoid Crowds
Mornings can tend to be quieter, so arriving early can save you time and help you avoid the midday rush. This is not always a guarantee though, so be prepared to be asked to come back after lunch (1pm).
⪢ Double-Check Documents Before Leaving
Ensure you have all required documents prepared to prevent delays. This is the biggest contributor to waiting times as many people arrive with missing paperwork, most commonly the TM30 form and passport photos. There is no leniency when it comes to the TM30 and officers will not accept a phone call with your landlord as validation.
⪢ Keep Copies of Important Documents
It’s wise to keep photocopies of your passport, visa, TM30 and other essential documents in case of emergencies. There is a small stall offering photocopies opposite the main queuing area.
Final Thoughts
Central Festival Mall offers a convenient, traveler-friendly option for visa extensions in Chiang Mai. With shorter wait times, easy access, and plenty of amenities, it’s a great alternative to the airport immigration office.
By following the steps outlined above, gathering the required documents, and arriving early, you can enjoy a seamless extension process that lets you stay longer and experience the best of Chiang Mai. Good luck!
Book Trains, Planes, Buses & Ferries in Advance with 12Go
Closer Lives has partnered with 12Go, a leading online travel booking platform for Southeast Asia and Europe, to offer a seamless booking experience for your transportation needs.
Through booking.closerlives.com, you can easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for trains, buses, ferries, and even flights within your desired journey. 12Go's user-friendly interface makes navigating options a breeze, ensuring you find the perfect travel solution for your trip.
Easily Find Hotels in Chiang Mai and Beyond
Use our interactive map to easily locate the top hotels nearby, sourced from a variety of reputable platforms such as Booking, Vrbo, Expedia, Get Your Guide, and Hotels.com.
Our map offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to zoom in and out, providing a comprehensive view of the area and enabling you to identify the most convenient hotel options based on your current location or desired destination.
Your FREE Interactive Map of Thailand
Check out all of the places we visited in Thailand courtesy of this interactive map from Wanderlog. Tap any of the numbers for more information including directions, our blog posts, links to reviews and much more.
Wanderlog is a free travel planning app for iOS and Android devices that allows users to create trip itineraries, organize flights, hotel and car reservations, view places to visit on a map, and collaborate with friends. It is super handy and has made a big impact on our travel planning. It saves time and is super easy to use!
Explore Top Thai Destinations with Klook
Klook offers a wide variety of tours to help you experience the best of Thailand. Whether you're looking to visit some of the famous sites, looking for airport transfers or even hotels, Klook can help. Klook offers great deals on top attractions and offers additional security behind your booking as a reputable and accountable company!
All tours are led by experienced guides who can help you learn about the history and culture of Thailand. Klook's tours are all-inclusive too, so you don't have to worry about anything but enjoying your experience!
FREE Asia Travel Guides
Save time on research; we have taken care of that for you! Enjoy access to our Travel Guides for FREE, including our latest blog posts and videos, visa information, culture and customs, top hotels, must-see destinations, transportation, health and safety and even handy interactive maps. No sign-up required.
.jpg)
