Are immigration offices open during Songkran?

Immigration Bureau Opening & Closing Times During Songkran 2026

Thailand welcomes Songkran, the Thai New Year, with days of water fights and family gatherings across the country. The festival brings the country to a festive halt, and government office schedules shift to mark the occasion. Travelers and expats often wonder how this affects crucial visits to the Immigration Bureau (IB) to handle visa extensions, 90-day reporting, or other document processes. If you have urgent business at a Thai Immigration office around Songkran, timing your visit is crucial. Here’s what you need to know about Immigration Bureau opening times during Songkran 2026.

Songkran 2026: Immigration Bureau Office Closures

The Thai government recognizes Songkran as a national public holiday. Most government offices, including Immigration Bureau locations, temporarily close for several days in April. This affects both the main offices in Bangkok and every provincial immigration bureau across the country.

Official Closure Dates

• Closed: Saturday, April 11th through Wednesday, April 15th, 2026
• Reopening: Thursday, April 16th, 2026

You will not be able to visit Immigration Bureau offices in person for routine services during this period. This includes popular locations such as the Chaeng Wattana Immigration Office and IT Square Laksi, along with all regional offices (Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui, and other provinces).

Who does this affect?

Anyone planning to:

• File a visa extension
• Complete 90-day address reporting
• Request re-entry permits
• Process work permit motions involving immigration sign-off
• Handle changes to visa type or other administrative paperwork

All these services pause during the Songkran holiday closure.

Normal Office Hours (Outside Songkran)

• Monday–Friday: 08:30–16:30
• Lunch Break: Closed 12:00–13:00
• Closed: Weekends and official public holidays

Immigration offices can be crowded before and after any public holiday. Arrive early if you need service right after Songkran.

Exceptions: Immigration at Airports and Border Crossings

While administrative offices close, airport and border checkpoint immigration services do not stop for Songkran, or any other public holiday. International and domestic airports, as well as most land border crossings, continue to operate as usual.

• Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang Airport, and Phuket Airport Immigration counters: Open 24/7, all year round
• Land crossings (e.g., Nong Khai, Aranyaprathet, Mae Sai): Follow normal border operation schedules

If you plan to enter or leave Thailand during Songkran, you will clear immigration at the airport as usual. Flight schedules during Songkran can be busy, so book and arrive early for check-in.

Planning Tips for Immigration During Songkran

• Finish urgent tasks early: If your visa expires or the 90-day report is due near Songkran, handle it before April 11th, 2026. Avoid waiting until the last minute.
• Late penalties apply: Delays outside your control due to government closure are typically not excused. Arrive before closure or on the next open day to avoid fines.
• Check digital options: Some services (like 90-day reporting) offer online submission. Confirm current eligibility and platform status beforehand.
• Busy periods: Expect queues both before and after Songkran at major offices. Plan extra time for paperwork and processing.
• Provincial differences: Provincial immigration office schedules may align with national holidays, but always verify with your local office for unexpected changes.

Alternatives for Travelers During the Songkran Holiday

The Songkran festival doesn’t stop travel in and out of Thailand. Airport immigration counters remain staffed and efficient. If you’re looking for things to do while in Bangkok waiting for the offices to reopen, visit some of the city’s best night markets or explore the top museums. For those seeking to travel during this busy season, our Bangkok activity guide highlights tours and local experiences available during Songkran.

Outside the main cities, the Songkran break could be a chance to visit Thailand’s national parks or check out the best of Krabi. Plan ahead for public transport as train and bus tickets sell out early.

FAQs: Immigration During Songkran

• Can I file urgent immigration paperwork online?
• A few services allow online filing, but not every task. For visa changes and extensions, an in-person visit is still required.
• What if my visa expires while the office is closed?
• Arrive early on April 16th. Thai Immigration rarely excuses overstays unless you made every effort to comply.
• Will border/airport Immigration be crowded?
• Yes, especially in tourist areas. Expect longer queues at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and Phuket during the holiday.
• Will public transport run during Songkran?
• Major routes still operate, but schedule changes and holiday crowds are common.

Key takeaways

• Immigration Bureau offices close April 11–15, 2026 for Songkran
• Administrative services resume April 16, standard office hours
• Airport and border checkpoints stay open as normal, 24/7
• Plan visa renewals and 90-day reports around Songkran in advance