The Phuket Immigration Office serves one of the largest foreign populations in southern Thailand, including long-term retirees, business visa holders, and a constant flow of tourists extending their stays. Between long-term retirees, business visa holders, and the constant flow of tourists extending their stays, the Phuket Immigration Office handles a heavy workload year-round. The office in Phuket Town serves the entire island, processing visa extensions, 90-day reporting, re-entry permits, and all other immigration matters.
This guide covers everything you need for a smooth visit: the exact location, hours, what to bring, how the queue system works, and practical tips to save you time and frustration.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Phuket Immigration Office |
| Address | 482 Phuket Road, Tambon Talat Yai, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Phuket 83000 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Closed | Weekends and Thai public holidays |
| Phone | 076-221-905 |
| Queue cutoff | Approximately 3:00 PM for extensions |
| Payment | Cash only (THB) |
Location and Address
Official Name: Phuket Immigration Office
Address: 482 Phuket Road Tambon Talat Yai, Amphoe Mueang Phuket Phuket 83000
In Thai: สำนักงานตรวจคนเข้าเมืองจังหวัดภูเก็ต ถนนภูเก็ต ตำบลตลาดใหญ่ อำเภอเมืองภูเก็ต
Google Maps: Search for "Phuket Immigration Office" — the pin is accurate and well-reviewed.
The office is located in Phuket Town, not at the beach areas. If you are staying in Patong, Kata, Karon, or Kamala, plan for travel time across the island.
How to Get There
| Transport | Details |
|---|---|
| Grab/Bolt | The easiest option from any beach area. From Patong: 200-400 THB, 30-45 minutes. From Kata/Karon: 250-450 THB, 35-50 minutes. From Kamala: 250-400 THB, 30-40 minutes. |
| Motorbike/scooter | If you have a rental, Phuket Road is easy to find. Free parking is available outside the office. Ride time from Patong is 25-35 minutes. |
| Tuk-tuk | Negotiate the fare before departing. From Patong expect 400-600 THB. Tuk-tuks on Phuket are expensive compared to the rest of Thailand. |
| Songthaew (local bus) | Blue songthaews run between the beaches and Phuket Town. Cost: 30-50 THB. Not the fastest option but very affordable. Drop off at the bus terminal and take a short Grab to the office. |
| Private car | Parking is available at the office compound. Space is limited — arrive early for the best chance of a spot. |
GPS coordinates: 7.8807, 98.3881
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday - Friday | 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Saturday - Sunday | Closed |
| Thai public holidays | Closed |
Queue number cutoff: The office typically stops issuing queue numbers for visa extensions by 3:00 PM. For simpler services like 90-day reporting, numbers may be issued later, but do not count on it.
Lunch break: The office does not officially close for lunch. However, some counters have reduced staffing between 12:00-1:00 PM, which can slow processing.
Best time to visit: Tuesday through Thursday, arriving by 8:00-8:15 AM. Monday mornings are extremely busy due to weekend backlog. High season (November through March) is significantly busier than low season.
Seasonal note: Phuket immigration is noticeably busier during the tourist high season. If you have flexibility, handling immigration business during April-October means shorter queues.
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 landlords and accommodation providers |
| Visa cancellation | For those departing Thailand |
| Change of address notification | When moving within Phuket province |
| Lost passport assistance | In coordination with your embassy |
| Overstay processing | For those who have exceeded their permitted stay |
What to Bring
Essential Documents for Every Visit
- Passport (original — always)
- 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 (credit and debit cards are not accepted)
- Pen (blue or black ink)
- Sign all photocopies in blue ink before submitting
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 confirmation 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 balance of 800,000 THB (dated within 7 days)
- Updated Thai bank passbook (original and copy)
- Previous extension stamp copies
- Proof of address (lease 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 photos)
- Map to your residence
- Spouse must be present
90-Day Reporting
- TM.47 form
- Passport (original)
- Previous 90-day reporting receipt (if available)
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
- Arrive at the office and enter the main building
- Check in at the pre-screening desk — Staff will briefly review your documents and direct you
- Take a queue number from the machine for your specific service category
- Wait in the seating area — Air-conditioned with numbered display screens
- When called, proceed to the designated counter
- Submit your documents and wait for processing
- Collect your passport with the new stamp or receipt
Estimated Wait Times
| Service | Typical Wait |
|---|---|
| 90-day reporting | 15-45 minutes |
| Re-entry permit | 20-60 minutes |
| Extension (tourist/exempt) | 1-3 hours |
| Extension (retirement/marriage) | 2-4 hours |
During high season (November through March), add 30-60% to these estimates. Mondays and days following public holidays are the worst.
Tips for a Smooth Visit
Before You Go
- Prepare all documents and photocopies at home — The copy shop near the office is small and can have a queue of its own. Do not rely on it.
- Download and pre-fill forms — TM.7 and TM.47 forms are available from the Immigration Bureau website. Fill them out in advance.
- Bring extra passport photos — At least 3-4 photos. If you need an additional form or make a mistake, you will not have to leave to get more.
- Sign every photocopy — Blue ink, across each page. This is a standard requirement that trips up first-timers.
- Bring a power bank and something to read — Waits can be long, and power outlets are scarce.
At the Office
- Arrive by 8:00 AM — Queue numbers are distributed starting at 8:30, but the line to get a number forms earlier. Early arrivals often finish before lunch.
- Use the pre-screening desk — Let staff check your documents before you sit down. If something is missing, you can fix it immediately rather than losing your place.
- Stay close when your number approaches — The display screens cycle through numbers quickly. If you miss yours, you may need to start over.
- Dress appropriately — Modest clothing is expected at Thai government offices. Avoid beachwear, tank tops, and very short shorts.
- Be patient and polite — The staff handle hundreds of cases daily. A respectful attitude goes a long way.
Phuket-Specific Tips
- Travel time from beaches: Do not underestimate travel time from beach areas to Phuket Town. Patong to the immigration office takes 30-45 minutes depending on traffic, and morning traffic heading into town can be heavy.
- High season vs. low season: If you have any flexibility in timing, visit during the low season months (May through October). The difference in queue times can be dramatic.
- TM30 compliance: Phuket immigration enforces TM30 requirements. Make sure your accommodation provider has filed TM30 before you visit for any service.
- Retirement visa holders: Have your bank documentation current and thorough. Phuket officers are known to examine financial documents carefully.
- Agents: Several visa agents operate on the island and can handle extensions and 90-day reporting for a fee. Typical agent charges are 3,000-6,000 THB on top of government fees. Verify credentials before using any agent.
Nearby Services
| Service | Location |
|---|---|
| Photocopy and photo shop | Small shops near the immigration office entrance |
| Banks and ATMs | Along Phuket Road, within walking distance |
| Convenience stores (7-Eleven) | Multiple locations on Phuket Road |
| Restaurants and cafes | Phuket Town has extensive dining options within a short drive |
| Translation services | Available through agents near the office |
| Post office | Phuket Town post office is a short drive away |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment? No. Phuket Immigration operates on a walk-in basis with a queue number system. There is no appointment booking.
Can I extend my stay in Phuket if I entered Thailand through Bangkok? Yes. You can process visa extensions at any immigration office in Thailand, regardless of where you entered the country.
Is there a separate office for Patong or other beach areas? No. The Phuket Town office is the only full-service immigration office on the island. All visa extensions and immigration services must be processed there.
What if I am overstaying my visa? Report to the immigration office as soon as possible. Overstay fines are 500 THB per day, capped at 20,000 THB. Extended overstays can result in detention and bans on re-entry.
Can I pay immigration fees by credit card? No. All fees must be paid in Thai Baht cash. There are ATMs nearby if you need to withdraw funds.
Is Phuket immigration open during Songkran or Chinese New Year? The office closes for official Thai public holidays, including Songkran (April 13-15). Chinese New Year is not an official Thai holiday, so the office remains open.
Final Thoughts
The Phuket Immigration Office in Phuket Town is the sole full-service immigration facility for the island. While it can get busy during high season, proper preparation makes the process manageable. Arrive early, bring complete documentation with signed photocopies, carry cash for fees, and allow half a day for the entire process. If you are staying long-term in Phuket, consider using the online 90-day reporting system after your first in-person submission to save yourself repeat trips across the island.
