The Koh Samui Immigration Office serves one of Thailand's most popular islands for both tourists and long-term residents. The Koh Samui Immigration Office, located in the port town of Na Thon on the west coast, is the island's sole immigration facility. It handles visa extensions, 90-day reporting, re-entry permits, and all other immigration services for foreigners on Samui, and often serves visitors from nearby Koh Phangan and Koh Tao as well.
Being an island office, it operates on a smaller scale than mainland facilities like Bangkok or Chiang Mai. This guide covers everything you need for a successful visit, including practical considerations unique to island life.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Koh Samui Immigration Office (Surat Thani Immigration, Samui Branch) |
| Address | Na Thon, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84140 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Closed | Weekends and Thai public holidays |
| Phone | 077-421-069 |
| Queue cutoff | Approximately 3:00 PM |
| Payment | Cash only (THB) |
| Scale | Small office — expect a more personal but slower process |
Location and Address
Official Name: Surat Thani Immigration Office, Koh Samui Branch
Address: Na Thon Town Koh Samui, Amphoe Ko Samui Surat Thani 84140
In Thai: สำนักงานตรวจคนเข้าเมืองจังหวัดสุราษฎร์ธานี สาขาเกาะสมุย นาทอน เกาะสมุย สุราษฎร์ธานี
Google Maps: Search for "Koh Samui Immigration Office Na Thon" — the pin is well-placed near the Na Thon pier area.
The office is located in Na Thon, the island's administrative center and main port town on the west coast. It sits near the waterfront area, a short distance from the ferry pier where boats arrive from the mainland and other islands.
How to Get There
| Transport | Details |
|---|---|
| Grab | Available on Samui. From Chaweng: 200-350 THB, 20-30 minutes. From Lamai: 150-300 THB, 20-25 minutes. From Bophut/Fisherman's Village: 150-250 THB, 15-20 minutes. From Maenam: 100-200 THB, 15-20 minutes. |
| Songthaew (shared taxi) | The main form of public transport on Samui. Flag one down on the ring road heading toward Na Thon. Cost: 50-100 THB depending on distance. Not always reliable on schedule. |
| Motorbike/scooter | The most popular option for island residents. Na Thon is well-signed from the ring road. Parking is available near the office. Ride time from Chaweng: 20-25 minutes. |
| Private car | Limited parking near the office. Arrive early if driving. |
| Taxi | Fixed-price taxis operate on Samui. Fares are posted at taxi stands. From Chaweng to Na Thon: 400-600 THB. Negotiate if possible. |
GPS coordinates: 9.5345, 99.9422
Navigation tip: Na Thon is the main town on Samui's west coast. Follow the ring road (Route 4169/4170) toward Na Thon. The immigration office is near the pier area — look for government building signage. Asking locals for "im-mi-gray-chun" will point you in the right direction.
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday - Friday | 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Saturday - Sunday | Closed |
| Thai public holidays | Closed |
Queue number cutoff: The office generally stops accepting new applications for extensions by 3:00 PM. For 90-day reporting and simpler services, slightly later arrivals may be accommodated, but it is not guaranteed.
Lunch period: Staffing is reduced between 12:00-1:00 PM. The office remains open but processing slows during this window.
Best time to visit: Tuesday through Thursday, arriving by 8:00-8:30 AM. As a smaller office, the queue is shorter than in Bangkok or Pattaya, but processing times per application can be longer due to fewer staff.
Full moon party impact: During full moon party periods on nearby Koh Phangan, some visitors from Phangan and Koh Tao travel to Samui for immigration services. This can increase wait times around full moon dates, particularly for tourist visa extensions.
Services Available
| Service | Notes |
|---|---|
| Extension of stay (all visa types) | Tourist, retirement, marriage, business, education |
| 90-day reporting | In-person filing |
| Re-entry permits | Single and multiple |
| TM30 filing | For hotels, guesthouses, and property owners |
| Visa cancellation | For those departing Thailand |
| Address change notification | When moving within the Samui area |
| Overstay processing | Fines and documentation |
Services for Koh Phangan and Koh Tao Visitors
While Koh Phangan has a small immigration office that handles basic services, many foreigners from Phangan and Koh Tao travel to Samui for visa extensions and more involved immigration work. If you are coming from another island, factor in ferry schedules and travel time when planning your visit.
What to Bring
Essential Documents for Every Visit
- Passport (original)
- Photocopies of: biographical page, current visa or extension stamp, most recent entry stamp, departure card (if applicable)
- One passport photo (4x6 cm, taken within 6 months)
- Cash for fees (no credit or debit cards accepted)
- Pen (blue or black ink)
- Sign all photocopies in blue ink
Extension of Stay (Tourist Visa or Visa Exemption)
- TM.7 application form (available at the office or download beforehand)
- 1,900 THB fee
- Passport photo (4x6 cm)
- All passport photocopies
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, guesthouse receipt, or rental agreement)
Extension of Stay (Retirement Visa)
- TM.7 application form
- 1,900 THB fee
- Passport photo
- Bank letter from a Thai bank showing 800,000 THB balance (dated within 7 days)
- Updated Thai bank passbook (original and copy)
- Previous extension stamp copies
- Proof of address (rental agreement or TM30 receipt)
- Map to your residence
Extension of Stay (Marriage to Thai National)
- TM.7 application form
- 1,900 THB fee
- Marriage certificate (certified copy and original)
- Spouse's Thai ID card (copy)
- Spouse's house registration / Tabien Baan (copy)
- Financial proof (400,000 THB in bank or 40,000 THB/month income)
- Bank letter and updated passbook
- Photos of you and your spouse together (2-3 recent)
- Map to your residence
- Spouse must attend in person
90-Day Reporting
- TM.47 form
- Passport (original)
- Previous 90-day reporting receipt
Re-Entry Permit
- TM.8 application form
- 1,000 THB (single entry) or 3,800 THB (multiple entry)
- Passport photo
- Passport (original)
The Queue Process
How It Works
The Koh Samui office is smaller than mainland facilities, so the process is slightly more informal but follows the same general structure:
- Arrive at the office in Na Thon
- Present your documents at the front desk — Staff will do an initial review
- Receive a queue number or be directed to wait in the seating area
- Wait for your turn — The waiting area is indoors with air conditioning
- When called, proceed to the officer's desk
- Submit your documents and answer any questions
- Wait for processing — This can take 30 minutes to over an hour for extensions
- Collect your passport with the new stamp
Estimated Wait Times
| Service | Typical Wait |
|---|---|
| 90-day reporting | 10-30 minutes |
| Re-entry permit | 15-45 minutes |
| Extension (tourist/exempt) | 1-2 hours |
| Extension (retirement/marriage) | 1.5-3 hours |
These times assume a normal weekday. During busy periods (high season, full moon party weeks), times can increase by 50% or more. The office processes fewer people than larger facilities, but it also has fewer staff, so individual wait times can still be substantial.
Tips for a Smooth Visit
Before You Go
- Prepare all documents before leaving your accommodation — Na Thon has photocopy shops, but they are small and may not have everything you need. Make copies at your hotel or a local shop.
- Pre-fill application forms — Download TM.7, TM.47, or TM.8 forms from the Immigration Bureau website and complete them at home.
- Bring extra passport photos — Photo shops in Na Thon can produce passport photos, but bringing your own saves time and guarantees you have them.
- Withdraw cash before arriving — While there are ATMs in Na Thon, having cash ready for fees and photocopies avoids delays.
- Check ferry schedules if coming from another island — If you are visiting from Koh Phangan or Koh Tao, ensure your ferry schedule allows you to arrive at the office by 8:30 AM and return the same day.
At the Office
- Arrive by 8:00-8:30 AM — The office is small and processes applications sequentially. Being among the first in line makes a significant difference.
- Have documents organized — Present a neat, complete package. The officers appreciate applicants who have everything in order.
- Be patient — Smaller offices can mean longer processing times per application. The staff are thorough and may take time with each case.
- Stay nearby while waiting — Na Thon's waterfront has cafes and shops, but do not wander too far. When your number is called, you need to be available promptly.
- Bring water and a snack — The office area has limited food options compared to mall-based immigration offices.
Island-Specific Tips
- Ferry schedules matter: If you are coming from Koh Phangan or Koh Tao, plan around ferry times. The first ferries from Phangan typically arrive in Na Thon around 7:00-8:00 AM, which works well for an early immigration visit. However, check return ferry schedules to ensure you can get back the same day.
- Wet season considerations: During the wet season (October through December), rough seas can occasionally disrupt ferry services. Have a backup plan if you are traveling from another island.
- Smaller staff, personal service: The Samui office has fewer officers than mainland facilities. This means the queue is shorter, but processing time per person can be longer. Officers tend to be thorough and may ask detailed questions, especially for retirement and marriage visa extensions.
- TM30 for island accommodations: Hotels and guesthouses on Samui generally handle TM30 filing. If you are renting a private villa or house, confirm that your landlord has filed TM30 before your immigration visit. The office does check.
- Banking on the island: If you need a Thai bank letter for a retirement extension, Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn Bank both have branches in Na Thon and Chaweng. Request your bank letter a few days before your immigration appointment to allow processing time.
- Full moon party periods: The week around the full moon party on Koh Phangan can bring additional visitors to the Samui immigration office. If possible, avoid visiting during these periods.
- Limited visa agent options: Unlike Pattaya or Bangkok, Samui has fewer visa agents. Some exist, but the selection is limited. Ask at your hotel or check expat groups for current recommendations.
Nearby Services in Na Thon
| Service | Location |
|---|---|
| Photocopy and photo shops | Na Thon town center, near the pier |
| ATMs and banks | Multiple banks along Na Thon main street |
| 7-Eleven | Na Thon town, within walking distance |
| Cafes and restaurants | Na Thon waterfront area |
| Ferry pier | Adjacent to the immigration office area — convenient if arriving by boat |
| Pharmacies | Na Thon main street |
| Post office | Na Thon town center |
Koh Phangan Immigration as an Alternative
Koh Phangan has a small immigration office in Thong Sala that handles basic services:
| Service | Available at Koh Phangan? |
|---|---|
| 90-day reporting | Yes |
| Tourist visa extension | Sometimes, but capacity is limited |
| Retirement/marriage extensions | Generally no — referred to Samui or Surat Thani |
| Re-entry permits | Yes |
| TM30 filing | Yes |
For full visa extensions and complex immigration matters, Samui is the primary office for the Gulf Islands. If you are on Koh Tao, you will need to travel to either Samui or Surat Thani on the mainland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment? No. The Koh Samui office operates on a walk-in basis. There is no appointment system.
Can I extend my visa on Koh Samui if I entered Thailand through Bangkok? Yes. You can process visa extensions at any immigration office in Thailand, regardless of your point of entry.
How do I get to the office from Koh Phangan? Take the ferry from Thong Sala to Na Thon. The immigration office is a short walk or motorbike taxi ride from the Na Thon pier. The first ferry typically departs around 6:00-7:00 AM. Check current schedules with Lomprayah, Seatran, or Raja Ferry.
Is the office air-conditioned? Yes. The main office and waiting area are air-conditioned.
What if I need a service the Samui office cannot provide? For rare or complex immigration matters, you may be referred to the Surat Thani Immigration Office on the mainland or to Bangkok. The Samui staff will advise you if this is the case.
Can I process immigration for my stay on Koh Tao at this office? Yes. Koh Tao falls under the same provincial jurisdiction. Many Koh Tao residents travel to Samui for immigration services, as it is the nearest full-service office.
Can I pay by credit card? No. All immigration fees must be paid in Thai Baht cash.
Final Thoughts
The Koh Samui Immigration Office in Na Thon is a compact but fully functional facility that serves the island's substantial foreign population as well as visitors from Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Its smaller scale means shorter queues than Bangkok or Pattaya, but also fewer staff and potentially longer per-person processing times. The key to a smooth experience is thorough preparation: bring every document, arrive early, carry cash, and allow extra time if you are traveling from another island. With the right preparation, a trip to Samui immigration is a straightforward half-day affair.
