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The Thai Visa Re-Entry Permit Guide

For those who have decided to make Thailand their long-term (or semi-long-term) home, there’s always the issue of balancing your visa type with the frequency you’d like to leave the Kingdom.

And while it’s not the most exciting topic, I know that the visa re-entry question can cause plenty of confusion.

To simplify your re-entry permit process for easy travel in and out of Thailand, I’ve compiled this helpful guide that will help you determine if, when, and how you should apply for a re-entry permit in the near future.

Is the clock ticking on your time in Thailand? Read on.

thai-re-entry-permit

What Is a Re-Entry Permit?

If you’ve made the move to stay in Thailand for an extended period of time, you’ve likely already gone through a lengthy process to obtain a visa of one kind or another.

And, as you probably know, entering and exiting the Kingdom without the proper measures in place may invalidate your current visa, leading to a lot of headaches, paperwork, and payments at border control.

Fortunately, a Thai re-entry permit, stamped on your valid visa, allows holders to travel in and out of Thailand without jeopardizing the validity of their current visa.

Note that if you need a re-entry permit and do not get one, your visa will no longer be valid.

Who Needs a Permit?

Because the Thai immigration process is a bit convoluted, the re-entry permit eligibility is as well.

If you are a tourist and the holder of a Single Entry Tourist Visa or a Single Entry Non-Immigrant Visa, you require a permit.

If you have gone from a Non Immigrant O Visa to an extension based on marriage, which permits you to stay in Thailand for a year without leaving and requires 90-day reporting, then you will need a re-entry permit when you leave the country to ensure the extension remains valid.

If you are on a retirement visa extension, you will need a re-entry permit to leave and return while keeping your extension valid.

If any of the above apply to you, you can obtain a re-entry permit and simplify your travel in and out of the kingdom.

Who Doesn’t Need a Permit?

You won’t need a permit if you have a Visa On Arrival or a Visa-Exempt Stamp from specific countries.

You won't need a re-entry permit if you’re in possession of a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa or a Multiple Entry Non-Immigrant Visa.

How Long Does a Re-Entry Permit Last?

The permit doesn't have an expiry date because it is linked to the validity of your visa.

Let's say you have a single entry Tourist Visa that lasts 60 days. On day 30 of your holiday in Thailand you want to go to Singapore for a few days. You would obtain a re-entry permit so that upon leaving Thailand your visa does not become invalid.

The re-entry permit doesn't freeze the visa validity at the point of exit; it simply keeps the visa alive, so to speak.

Now let's say you are enjoying yourself so much in Singapore that you decide to stay for a month. Doing so would mean that your single entry Tourist Visa (kept valid by your re-entry permit) has now expired.

In this case you would have two options. 1. Re-enter Thailand as a tourist and receive the standard 30-day exemption stamp. 2. Apply for a new Tourist Visa from a Thai Embassy.

Are There Different Types of Re-Entry Permit?

Yes. Eligible applicants can apply for either a single re-entry permit or a multiple re-entry permit, depending on their current visa status and their travel requirements.

If you obtain a single re-entry permit, be warned that you’ll be able to leave and re-enter the kingdom once with the stamp on your current visa.

Any time you need to leave the country again, you’ll have to apply for another permit, which will cost you 1,000 THB each time.

If you’re planning on leaving and returning to the Kingdom more than four times a year, a multiple re-entry permit is certainly more cost effective.

What Are the Requirements for a Re-Entry Permit?

You’ll have to go to your local immigration office or the immigration counter at an international airport in Thailand.

Be sure that you bring your boarding pass (at the airport), a 4×6 cm photo of yourself, a completed TM.8 form, photocopies of all of your documents (including your passport photo page, your current and valid visa, and your TM.6 departure slip), and cash to pay for the permit.

What Is the Cost of a Re-Entry Permit?

Those applying for a single re-entry permit must pay 1,000 THB.

Those purchasing a multiple re-entry permit will pay 3,800 THB, making it the more cost efficient option for frequent international travelers.

What Are the Benefits of a Re-Entry Permit?

Whether you’re an avid adventurer, you have an international family, or you’re chasing opportunities in neighboring countries, there are numerous benefits of a Thai re-entry permit — namely, that your visa will still be valid after you’ve left and re-entered the country.

Tourists will find this especially helpful as the re-entry permit allows them more flexibility than their original visa may have offered.

Those teachers, students, and retired expats who are looking to travel or pursue opportunities in different places will now have the opportunity to do so easily.

And finally, the re-entry permit is a fantastic resource for emergencies. If you need to leave the Kingdom quickly to deal with an issue, but don’t have the time to pack up your entire life and leave suddenly, a re-entry permit is invaluable.

Those who have gone through the hassle of applying for a visa will know that any stamp allowing them to escape a voided visa is a great option.

Where Do I Apply for a Re-Entry Permit?

If possible, prepare your application for a re-entry permit ahead of your trip!

You can apply at one of Thailand’s many immigration offices:

Bangkok

Bangkok’s Division 1 Immigration Office in Chaengwatthana is open to those seeking permits Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Here's a map to help you get to the office:

Chiang Mai

Those based in Thailand’s northern city of Chiang Mai should venture to Promenada Mall for their permit; the location is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Here's a map to help you get to the office:

Phuket

Those living in the tropical paradise of Phuket should head to the main immigration department in Phuket Town, which is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Here's a map to help you get to the office:

Can’t make it to one of the major cities?

Don’t worry: there are plenty of Thai immigration offices in airports across the Kingdom. You can use this map to find your local department.

Tips for Getting Your Re-Entry Permit at an Airport

As mentioned above, you can also apply at one of Thailand’s many international airports.

But be forewarned: when applying at an airport, you must be flying out of the kingdom on the same day that you apply for a re-entry permit. So get to the airport in plenty of time.

At Bangkok’s Survarnabhumi Airport, you’ll need to arrive at least three hours early — going through immigration could take as long as 45 minutes.

Head to the immigration section of the departure halls; the booth is open 24 hours a day.

Because this is a last-minute process, you may have an additional administrative fee tacked onto your permit charge. Expect to pay at least 200 THB more.

You’ll have an easier time at Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport, where processing a re-entry permit may take as little as 10 minutes. You can find the immigration counter after the passport control station — it’s also open 24 hours a day.

If you’re heading out of Thailand’s Jewel of the North, you can get your re-entry permit at Chiang Mai International Airport, in the international departure zone.

For those departing from Phuket: there has been a lot of contention as to whether or not travelers can obtain a re-entry permit from the Phuket Airport. Be safe and get it from the immigration office in Phuket Town instead.

How Long Does It Take to Process a Re-Entry Permit?

You never really know quite how long your permit processing will take, so be sure to dedicate at least a few hours to the process.

If you’re visiting your local immigration office, your permit will likely be validated between one to six hours. You may want to drop the documents off and come back at the end of your work day to avoid standing in line.

At the airport, the process will likely be much quicker, but you should also leave a substantial amount of time before your flight in the event that it isn’t.

Immigration experts recommend arriving at least three hours prior to your flight’s departure, if you’re looking to obtain a re-entry permit before flying.

You may also want to call the immigration departments of your local airport to see if they can provide any information about the wait time that day.

How Do I Use a Re-Entry Permit?

When you re-enter Thailand with the permit, make sure that the immigration officer knows you are in possession of it by either opening your passport to the re-entry stamp or by pointing to the visa.

If the immigration officer misses the stamp, your visa will be revoked and you’ll be responsible for paying the 500 THB-per-day overstay fee, so take care!

When returning to the kingdom, always write your re-entry permit number on any immigration forms or questionnaires. This will ensure that everything runs smoothly.

Now that you’ve gotten your re-entry permit, you’re free to travel in and around Southeast Asia — and beyond — without the fear that your life in Thailand will be disrupted!

Got any questions or comments about the process? Leave them in the comments below.

Comments Sort by : newest | oldest

  1. JEAN says

    Hello,
    I have a question about the re-entry permit:
    I have a one year retired 0 visa. (will expire in 2023/03)
    Actually I am in France and will come back on 14/02
    Last time, before leaving Thailand, I paid for a re-entry permit.
    I said I was coming back 2 months later, but I had to stay 4 months... and the date of re-entry is perimated. What will happen when I return to immigration? Thank you for your reply.
    Reply

    • Gary farmer says

      Hi Jean,
      Your reentry permit usually lasts a year from date of issue or until your Non Imm O visa expires if before one year. If your Visa is valid until march and you are returning in February I dont see a problem going by the information you have supplied. Personally I would return and apply to obtain a new o visa at the same time you attend immigration. You will be within the 45 days of the old one expiring and will have a new TM6 so they can issue a new one and record change of TM 6 ready for future on line 90 day reporting so it's a win for you as long as you have the resources to cover the new application ( bank deposits etc) . But that's just my view from experience.
      Reply

  2. Mae says

    Hello, thank you for this helpful article.
    I am working in Thailand and need to review my visa, which expires in Dec 31, annually. This also means my re-entry visa expires on Dec 31. And the visa renewal outcome will be around Jan 3. If I need to travel out of the country in Dec and return mid-Jan, what is the best way around the 31 Dec expiration date?
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Your passport must have at least 6 month's validity remaining from your date of entry into Thailand. When you get a new passport, having left the country, keep hold of the old one with the visa and re-entry stamp inside for when you return. You can then explain at immigration. They may stamp you in on the old passport or the new one, but will most likely tell you to go to an immigration office to get the visa updated into the new passport. In short, just hand on to it.
      Reply

  4. Jay says

    Hi, I’m heading to Thailand on October 13th, where I’m staying for 12 days, then I’m looking at flying to Cambodia for 5 days, then back to Thailand for another 16. Will I be alright doing the first 12, then leaving, and then coming back in for the 16? Or will there be any issue with that? Basically, my total travel will be 33 days, with the first 12 in Thailand, then 5 in Cambodia, and then back to Thailand for 16. An exciting trip. Will I need to get a re-entry permit? If so, where and when is best to get it? :) Thank you for taking the time to read and respond :)
    Reply

  5. Alan Railton says

    I have had a retirement visa for past 5 years but left Thailand in May and hope to return for a couple of months in November. I font intend to spend as much time in Thailand from now on but would like to visit 3 or 4 times a year for a month.
    How many times per year can I can in on a 30 day tourist visa ? Do they count the number of times in a calendar year ? Or a 12 month period . Thank you
    Reply

    • JamesE says

      By "30 day tourist visa" you really mean 30-day visa exemption, right? If so, there's really no limit. You could enter on a 30-day stamp, get on a plane to Singapore without leaving the airport, get back on a plane to Bangkok without leaving the airport in Singapore, and get stamped in for another 30 days. (It might raise some eyebrows but you could do it...)
      Reply

  6. Andrew says

    Hi Peter,

    I am planning a holiday from Australia to Thailand which I will be eligible for a 30 day tourist visa on arrival.

    Because most flights are cheaper or only originate out of Thailand to nearby countries such as Cambodia and Laos.

    If I was to stay a few days in Thailand and then travel to Cambodia and then come back to Thailand for another few days, will I still be eligible for another 30 day tourist visa on return? Or will I need some type of re-entry permit due to returning under such a short timeframe?

    Thanks
    Andrew
    Reply

  7. Nick says

    Hi all
    Quick question about OA Visa.
    I have one and have sucessfully renewed it with multiple reentry earlier this year.
    I am now in the UK ready to make the big move next month to Thailand for good.
    Do I need a return ticket? I have always had one before so never even a question I have considered.
    I have no intention of returning to UK so have no need for a return ticket!
    I just want to make sure I do not miss a stupid regulation!!
    All other paperwork is done and ready....i just need to buy flight ticket!!!
    I do not recall ever being asked to show a return ticket but it would have been in the folder I handover at the desk normally so may have been checked everytime but I was not aware!
    Thank you in advance.
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Nick, you don't need a return (onward) flight ticket if you have a valid visa such as an OA visa.Just make sure your OA is valid. You get a year when stamped in on arrival in Thailand. You can then come and go (multiple entry) during that year. If you re-enter just before your visa expires you can get another year's stay in Thailand. But if you leave, remember that your visa has already expired, so it will not be valid when you return. Please see this post and the comments section if you have any questions on this. https://www.thethailandlife.com/o-a-visa-guide
      Reply

    • Michael Short says

      Hi Elena,
      You need to report to immigration that you are back so to speak, as you should always do when you have arrived to your destination unless you stay at a hotel. Then they report you to the immigration.
      I understand you can do this online (you could before), but you can also go there.
      This seems to differ from what places there are such as Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Khon Kean etc. A friend of mine never go, I have to go and they complain the next time I see them if I haven't reported I'm back.
      Reply

  11. Michael Short says

    When you apply for re-entry you write what date you leave and come back.

    Is this important dates I must follow or can I enter Thailand on a later date like a week later?

    The re-entry only says valid to 20 Sep, same as my Visa.
    Reply

    • Gary Farmer says

      You can leave and return anytime up until the day your visa expires there are not set dates. The re-entry permit expires on the day your visa expires that is why it shows the same date. If you have a single entry permit its cancelled on your return and if multi entry it noted but not cancelled. As a foot note dont forget to contact your local immigration office when you get back home in thailand as you need to register a TM 30 and they will record a new TM6 ( if you were given one which currently maybe suspended) . Failing to give them a new TM 30 can lead to a fine later as I found out first hand.
      Reply

      • Winston says

        I have a retiree valid visa and a multiple entry permit. Last month I travelled to Philippines and after returning I went to my local immigration office. It was past the 90 days and the clerk insisted i pay the fine of 2000 baht for not reporting before the 90 days expiry (though i know there is a grace period of 7 days after the 90 days expiry to do the reporting). He said he would make a concession and i could pay 1000 baht. I told him and showed him my return entry stamp from the Philippines (I know my 90 days reporting starts from the time i re-enter the country) but he still insisted i pay the fine. I didn't have the money so I returned home and brought the 1000 baht. Luckily while i was waiting for the same clerk, another lady asked me to go to her. she looked at my passport and told me that i didn't need to pay any fine coz my 90 days begins from the time I re-entered Thailand. Only if i stay for 90 continuous days in Thailand do i have to report. I asked her if i need to have any document or proof. She said i didn't have to report to them that i have returned. I just calculate my 90 days from my last re-entry and when I report to them for my 90 days I should just open my passport to the last re-entry stamp and show them and they will issue me the paper with my next 90 days reporting date.
        Reply

  12. Mick says

    I have read several blogs now, no one is saying how long the Re-Entry permit actually lasts for and how much time out of the country you are allowed.

    So if I buy a re-entry visa on the way out, how many days does it last? Does it expire?

    For example, if I want to fly home for 60 days, would a re-entry permit still be valid when I return to Thailand 61 days later.
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      The re-entry permit lasts for the length of your visa. The re-entry permit prevents your visa from being deemed invalid when you leave, in that it enables you to leave and re-enter on the same visa. But if your visa expires while you are out of the country, then the visa is no longer valid anyway.
      Reply

  15. Thea says

    Just noticing that now during pandemic time, if you HAVE yr re entry, visa notyet expired for several month, BUT abroad you must go AGAIN to Thai embassy, COE and all the other requirements,like taking a new visa!! what does then the re entry permit help???
    Reply

  16. Tony says

    Good useful content on this subject thank you. You mentioned a single re entry permit obtained at Suvi airport, used on same day of departure. If I get a re entry permit at my nearby immigration office, does this have to be on day of departure too?. I'm concerned with having some complication at airport and missing my flight.
    Reply

  17. Graeme Drake says

    I have a multiple entry O visa married to Thai.
    After my initial 90 days Immigration could not extend my time due did not recognize our NZ marriage certificate, so getting sorted, gave me 60 day stay extension.
    Do I need a re entry permit as have to leave Thailand for business reasons in July 2021 then will return , remembering have O visa Non Immigrate multiple entry which expires Jan 2022.
    Reply

      • Barry Rowe says

        Hi Peter, I am enquiring for a friend of mine who has a Non - O Visa based on Retirement that has been extended twice and will expire in April 2022, he also has a Single Re-entry Permit issued yesterday 03/11/21.
        He is English, 78 years old and lives in Phuket he wants to go to England for about 5 weeks to visit his Family over the Xmas and New Year period.
        He has already purchased a return flight ticket leaving on 09/12/21 and returning around the 13/01/22 I think.

        He is getting so confused and in a muddle about the requirements for his return to Thailand in 2022.
        I have not left Thailand since I returned from Australia in January 2020 so cannot advise him of current policies. He has had so many different answers and gets confused and is worrying all the time.

        1. Is he required to get a Certificate of Entry before he comes to Thailand?

        2. Is he required to get a Covid- 19 Insurance Policy with 3,000,000 thb Covid Insurance and for how long, (at 78 he has not got many choices and will take out a policy in Thailand before he goes if it is needed)?

        3. Does he require a Covid test no more than 72 hours before returning?

        Any help would be greatly appreciated, I am going to suggest that he goes to Phuket International Airport and speak to the Immigration Office to get an answer but not sure where his return flight lands so I'll wait for your reply.

        Thanks in advance
        Reply

        • JamesE says

          As of right now all three of those items have a "yes" answer. But by January? Who knows. The Certificate of Entry is now called Thailand Pass but is essentially an automated CoE. The other caveat is that the Non-O currently has a general health insurance requirement for entry with a minimum in-patient/out-patient of ฿40K/฿400K. That coverage is likely to increase under new reported plans. The coverage is required for the duration of the entry, so until April, 2022.

          All of these answers are likely to change over the next few months so it's best to keep checking the embassy's website and the TAT news site for changes in the requirements.
          Reply

  18. Howard Crossfield says

    I am a retiree loving in Pattaya. I have just renewed my 1 year visa. I am planning to go back to the UK for an extended period. Are there any limits on how long you can remain out of the country using a single -re-entry visa.

    For example if I were to stay in the UK for say 3 months or in an extreme case say 11 months and return 2 weeks before my retirement visa expired- Is this acceptable provided I have maintained the necessary prescribed funds in a Thai bank.
    Reply

    • Gary Farmer says

      You are only limited on two fronts, the expiry date of your one year retirement visa or the expiry date of your single/ multiple entry permit which you purchased as each has the one year time limit. Which ever expires first you would need to be back in Thailand before that expiry date . The length of time you stay outside the country is not the issue it's those important dates you cant extend so 3 or 11 months would be fine if you have 12 months on each for example.
      Reply

  19. Margarita P says

    We've just got re-entry permit on the Phuket International Airport for 1000 Baht, we had already prefilled form and one picture with us. Everything was ready and it took only about 10 mins to get the re-entry permit arranged. The Immigration Bureau is located on the International Departures Terminal. First you need to make check in and then you go through the passport control. On desk number 1 there you can get the re-entry permit, before the security check (there was "Crew" sign on it). Note: Our passports are Bulgarian.
    Reply

  20. Leonard Levine says

    My extended stay visa expired in November, as I had returned to the U.S. in April and have been here ever since. My future plans are to live in the U.S. 9 months each year and in Thailand 3 months.
    I own my Thai condo(no mortgage or liens or back taxes) since 2010 and have over 1,000,000 baht in a Bangkok Bank savings account(continuouslyfor 8 years.
    What are my visa options in order to stay the 3 months each year?
    Reply

  21. Chit Su Soe Aung Tun says

    I have work permit and working visa for one year and I've planned to visit my country in April. I want to do single re-entry at Don Mueong Airport. Do I need to go and make in advance or flight date? I am afraid that I will not get it in that flight day. I will be in trouble. Please advise me. Thank You.
    Reply

  22. Ron says

    I got a Single Re-entry permit at the Phuket International Airport, 1,900 baht. This was a unplanned trip so I didn't have a picture. The officer asked me to have a seat, she completed the paperwork and returned my passport in a few minutes. Very pleasant experience. I asked, if necessary, could I have received a Multiple Re-entry and she told me that I would need to do that in Phuket Town.
    Reply

  23. Marce says

    Hi! I am in Krabi and have a tourist visa, i’m going to Indonesia and then to Bangkok, I need the re entry permit, but do you know if there is a immigration office at Krabi AirPort? And if its open 24/7 or the schedule? Thanks!!!
    Reply

  24. Tiaa says

    Hi,
    I have single entry visa for Thailand, we are first going to Phuket but now we decided to go to Cambodia for 2 days and then back to Phuket where we are catching flight to Croatia. Do you think I can still get re-entry visa in Phuket immigration office or no more? (Somebody told me that the law is changed)
    Reply

    • James E says

      My guess is no as there are a lot of pieces of information that would have to come together to flag you. BUT, if your visa was issued in support of your job - that is one of the documents you submitted was a letter of employment, and you got an immigration officer who was a stickler for detail, and it might appear that you were gaming the system - like quitting your job after a month, then you might be refused entry. But it just might be the visa, they may still let you in under a visa exemption.
      Reply

  26. Fiona says

    My 3-month tourist visa is coming to an end on the 23rd. My boyfriend is getting an extension here in Chiang mai while I am leaving to visit Laos and Vietnam for a couple weeks, then returning to Chiang mai so we can fly home together. I don’t leave for Laos until the 26th (a few days after my visa expires). Do I need to go to immigration and get an extension and a re-entry visa so I can return to meet back up with my boyfriend? Or do I get an extension until I leave for Laos, then when I fly back to Chiang mai, get a 30 day on arrival visa at the airport?
    Reply

    • James E says

      When are you stamped into the country until? That will be based on your arrival date and not the length of your visa. Under a tourist visa you are permitted a 60 day stay beginning during the 3 month validity of the visa. When did you arrive in Thailand? If your entry stamp is still valid on the 26th then you won't need an extension and you can just come back in on a waiver. If your entry stamp expires before the 26th then you will be on overstay and you'll have to either get an extension before it expires or pay the fine when you leave for your side trip.
      Reply

  27. George says

    Hello. My cruises ship will be on 24 in Thailand for one day and then I will fly back to Thailand on 28 December I have tourist visa in passport.Can I re-enter again on 28 ?My tourist visa will be valid or no valid ?
    Reply

    • James E says

      I'm not sure how it works in Thailand for cruise ships exactly but typically the whole ship if cleared in with a passenger manifest. You shouldn't even have to go through immigration and customs as an individual. You've got to spend as much time spending money ashore as possible. Your tourist visa should be untouched for your return on the 28th.
      Reply

  30. Simon says

    Hi , My wife is from Myanmar , we plan to fly back Techileik from Singapore to Chiang Rai and cross over MaeSai check point . Can I apply re-entry permit at Chiang Rai airport or MaeSai customas we plan to come back Singapore after one week visit her parent .
    Reply

    • James E says

      Not sure about *at* the airport but there is an immigration office just south of the airport. Note: On the Thai Immigration Offices website this office shows up in black and black is not described in the map key. Might want to send them an email to double check.
      Reply

    • James E says

      Whoever owns the place where you stay is responsible for filing a TM-30 within 24 hours. You've reported your return when you check in through immigration at the airport and your arrival card has your current address so no TM-28 is required.
      Reply

  34. ANIL says

    Hi,
    I am holding single entry tourist visa and plans to visit Da Nang from Chiang mai for a few days.

    Do i need to submit air-ticket for that journey ? If not, can i mention estimated dates of my departure and arrival from chiang mai to da nang and vice versa

    Thanks
    Reply

    • James E says

      Are you asking about adding a re-entry permit for the trip? Where are you trying to submit this info? If you're on a single-entry visa you'll burn your one entry arriving in Thailand. If you subsequently want to go out of the country and return you'll have to get a re-entry permit, get a new visa in Vietnam, or come back in on a visa waiver if your home country has that relationship with Thailand.
      Reply

  36. Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman says

    Hi, I'm a Bangladeshi, used to visit Thailand at least once a year under Tourist Visa. My next itinerary will be 12 - 15th Dec'19. On the day of leaving i.e. 15th Dec if I apply for re-entry visa at Suvarnabhumi Airport then for how long visa will be valid? Thanks.
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      The visa is valid for the same amount of time. The re-entry permit just makes sure you can still re-enter using the same visa. Without the re-entry permit a singe entry visa is void once you leave. In short: a re-entry permit does not extend a visa, it just keeps it valid.
      Reply

  37. Ann says

    Hello. I leave Thailand to Laos and come back into Thailand ( Chiang Mai) on the 31st october. My current non-immi B visa expire on 5th November. If I leave without a re-entry stamp and come back in to Chiang mai will the remaining 5 days be cancelled ? And will I then be able to enter on a 30 days tourist visa instead?? Does it work that way?
    Reply

  39. francoise says

    Just by way of a remark...

    A requirement to regularly report one's presence and location is usually reserved for convicted criminals.

    TM30 is the mandatory form a non-Thai resident must have completed for all internal overnight displacements, from A to B and back again, and complete within 24 hours.

    TM47 records all temporary absences from the kingdom.

    The official justification is on grounds of national security and to track tourist movements. Because terrorists and tourists are very unlikely to participate, these seem like very unlikely true reasons.

    Is it scapegoating? (Now I know what the Jews must have felt like.)

    Is it defending one's civilisation?

    Is there a desire to repulse the invader? To consciously make the foreigner feel unwelcome (whatever the cost to the economy)?

    Is it an expression of a government's insecurity, a mentality to control for the purposes of control itself? And why don't these requirements apply to Thai citizens, who account for most all acts of terrorism and onethird of tourist numbers?

    Or is it simply to facilitate financial demands from a group considered to be wealthy?

    Human Rights is a Western concept whose origins can be traced back to 18th century Europe. HR elevate the individual above the group, equality of treatment, liberty for the individual to run their own life without unnecessary and harmful interference, the rules apply equally to all ruled.

    The Thai people and The State are known for their kindness and tolerance. Like everyone the world over, people want to please and fit in. But the world is faced with increasingly complex problems, where peoples and their governments drift towards control and authoritarianism. Does Thailand want to follow its regional leader down this road?

    In my experience, the exercise of power should be benign and transparent and with the accord of a significant majority and recognising the feelings of minority groups. Without these principled limits, the ruthless will get to the top and will govern with increasingly clenched teeth and fists....until they don't anymore because swept away by the people.

    None of this understanding is obvious. It is counter-intuitive (it seems more obvious to believe that freedom leads to chaos...but it doesn't; or that planning promotes order and safety and prosperitu ... but actually too much planning stifles innovation and frustrates the people who can be counted on to know on the ground what is best.

    End of this long diatribe...

    What does anyone think is the true motivation for TM30 and TM47?
    Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          No, as long as you return before your visa expires. However, like James said: the re-entry permit does not pause your visa - the clock keeps running down on that. All it does is allow you to re-enter Thailand on the same visa. Without the permit your visa would be cancelled and you would be stamped in on a normal tourist stamp.
          Reply

  41. maria montero says

    I have a single entry visa for thailand. I want to go to cambodia and come back after a week to bangkok. I arrive on a weekend and I will leave on monday to cambodia. The only way to apply for a re-entry will be at the airport? At Don Mueang T1 airport is easy to do?
    Reply

    • Gary says

      Hi Dave, I obtained a multi Re Entry permit about 6 months ago and it lasts a year, so unless the rules have changed you should be able to obtain it and bank it until you want to use it on your next trip out of the country. I figured if it lasts a year then why wait until your leaving the country as you will have enough to worry about by then and its one less thing on your list.
      Reply

  43. Hans-Joachim Scharnitzky says

    I have a visa for one year and I have to notify the 90 days stay at 26 Aug. 2019.
    My RE--Entry PERMIT is used and signed by the Immigration Officer at the Airport at 11 July 2019.
    Had I to go after a long trip back from germany at the same day to the Thai Immigration to let they know that I am back to Thailand or it would be ok when I do it at 26 August, when I have to go there for the 90 days notification?
    Reply

    • James E says

      If you returned to Thailand on 11 July Immigration would have stamped you back into the country. You should also have a stamp with the exit date for your trip to Germany. Since you returned to Thailand on 11 July that would have reset your 90-day reporting clock so you wouldn't have to report until 9 October. If I misunderstood and you left on 11 July then just start the 90 day reporting clock when you return.
      Reply

      • Mimi says

        Hi James

        Returning to the kingdom resets the 90-day clock. Going through Immigration on re-entering the country is an act of 90-day reporting.

        But is a 90-day report required if one is outside the country? Seems illogical. Is the fact of exiting the kingdom registered in some way with Immigration, stopping the clock?
        Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Kamrul, as I understand it you will need a visa prior to your trip:Citizens of the following countries should arrange a visa before travel, from their nearest Cambodian Embassy: Afghanistan, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Nigeria.I suggest applying for a visa to travel to Cambodia before you leave for your trip. You will need a visa to enter Thailand, so you should arrange the visa for Cambodia too. You can probably apply for a visa at the Bangladesh embassy in Bangkok, but I don't know how long it takes and this may delay your trip.
      Reply

  45. kamrul says

    Hello, I am a Bangladeshi citizen. Can i go cambodia from thailand pattaya. its just one day trip. I will go poipet from pattaya in the morning, after evening i will be back poipet to bangkok. If its possible. Ple let me know details. Thanks in advance.
    Reply

  46. Abilene Garcia says

    Hello, I´m from Mexico and intended to do some volunteer work for 14 days in Chiang Mai, then leave to Laos and Cambodia for a couple of weeks and finally return to explore Bangkok for about 4 days. Can I enter both times with an On arrival Visa or should i get the 30 day Visa with a re entry permit? Thanks
    Reply

  48. Anca Dumitrescu says

    Hi There! We will arrive in Thailand on the 3rd of July, stay there for 4 days, and then go and visit other countries (Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia). The plan is we come back to Thailand in Chiang Mai on the 17th July. If we will go to the Immigration Office in Phuket and get a re-entry permit we will be able to enter Thailand after 2 weeks, is that correct?We plan to get the on-arrival visa when we get in Thailand on the 3rd of JulyThank you, Anca
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Will you enter as a tourist? If so you don't need a re-entry permit to leave and come back. They will stamp you in on the 3rd July, you will leave and travel, and then come back and they will stamp you in again. The tourist exemption stamp gives you 30 days in Thailand.
      Reply

  49. Alice says

    Hey I have a single entry non immigrant visa as I’m volunteering for a few weeks near Phuket. I want to leave and travel round Cambodia and Vietnam but will need to return to fly home just for a few days. I’m from the UK, is it possible just to re enter on a visa waiver since I won’t need the remaining time on my visa or will I still need the re entry permit to get back in?
    Reply

  50. Chan says

    Hi, i applied for the non immigrant category ovisa with multiple entry based on marriage with the thai embassy in singapore. I enquired with the thai embassy about re entry permit, and they said that there is no requirement for TM8 re entry permit even if i enter and leave the kingdom regularly since my visa is a multiple entry right from the start.

    Please clarify about this. Thank you.
    Reply

      • Chan says

        Hi,

        Because i am confused. Some websites and articles say that it is still needed to have TM8 reentry permit despite having a multiple entry ovisa.

        So based on your earlier reply, it means that they are wrong right?

        Thank you so much for clarifying
        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          Which article says that? Think about it like this: you have a multiple entry visa. The purpose of multiple entry is that you can leave and re-enter. So why would you need a permit to re-enter?
          Reply

        • Martin1 says

          Hi Chan!

          Just my 2ct: I second both the Thai embassy and the TTL-Peter in this point!

          But don't worry, you will have to do with re-entry permits soon - when you move physically to Thailand.
          Then no multiple-entry visas will be issued. :-P

          I assume you have a one-year long valid visa?

          When you apply for a visa within Thailand they usually start with issuing a three-months visa. After that you would have to apply for another visa for 9 months, and re--entry permit again, of course.
          Like that they sell you two visas and two re-entry permits in one year.
          Brilliant, eh?

          Regards!
          Reply

  52. Arvind Gurung says

    I am a Nepali traveling to bangkok on the 29 of May and I have a single entry tourist visa valid till August but I have a flight to another country the very next day and I come back to bangkok on the 3rd of June...can I get a re entry permit at the airport and yes my flight reporting time is 3 am in the morning. Will the counter for re entry be open at that time..
    Thank you
    Reply

  53. Hiro says

    Hello, when applying re-entry permits, do you think I can apply 2 single entry permits at a time in the same immigration office?
    I am planning 44 days trip to Thailand and Laos with a Single Entry Tourist Visa, and want to go to and back from Laos twice in this trip. One is out from Chiang Khong to Huay Xai, and then back from Vientiane to Nongkhai. Another is out from Nakhon Phanom to Thakhek, and then back from Savannakhet to Mukdahan.
    I learned there is a multiple re-entry permit, but 2 single re-entry permits are cheaper than 1 multiple one. So, if I can apply 2 single re-entry permits at a time, I hope to save money, as well as time on the line in the office, maybe at Ayutthaya or Chiang Mai.
    I would be happy if I can have your advice. Thank you so much.
    Reply

  54. Khaja Sarfaraj Mansur says

    Hi, I am Khaja from Bangladesh. I have got a re-entry permit last month from Duong mang airport when I exit from Thailand.

    My question is, do I have to enter Through only Duong mang airport to use re-entry permit. Or I can use re-entry to any other air port?

    Thanks
    khaja
    Reply

  58. otrebibo says

    Hi, i am currently staying at Bangkok and planning to leave thailand this coming Monday, I graduated High School last year 2018 but I still have a Ed Visa/extension of stay that will expire on June 21 2019. I am planning to fly out in Don Muang Airport without getting cancellation letter from my former school nor re entry permit1. Would it be possible that the immigration officers just put a cancellation stamp on my visa without asking question?2. If they let me pass and exit thailand, is there any incoming problems in the future especially at the immigration because i am already enrolled in university and I am planning to go back in Thailand in July after my visa get expired3. If i get a re entry before i leave in Thailand and never use it until it expires together with my ed visa (June 21, 2019), will i be in trouble when i return back in bangkok?4. would it be better if i stay on my own country and wait until my ed visa expire (June 21, 2019) before i apply for my new ed visa at the thai embassy? so that my visa is already cancelled and clear.Hope someone can give me an idea on how to fix my visa so that i can be able to continue my education in Thailand.Please help me on how to avoid being fine and banned in thailand since my class will start this August.will Appreciate it a lot if someone can help me
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      1. It will be cancelled by default when you re-enter. You will be given the usual 15/30 day stamp, depending on which country you are from. 2. You would need to renew the visa. You'd still be enrolled at university but your visa status wouldn't be the same. 3. No. There is no legal requirement to use the permit. You pay for it and either use it or you don't. 4. Exactly. Just go home and get a new Ed visa from the embassy. Return to Thailand and continue your studies.Good luck.
      Reply

  59. Lizzy says

    I am flying into Thailand for 3 days - on the third day I’m leaving (by land border to Cambodia) to travel around for over a month.
    Then I am flying into Thailand again (from Laos) to stay in Thailand for 65 days

    Thai embassy has told me that the Visa Re-Entry Permit stops the clock on the visa - so I could use 3 days and then re enter and use 57. But other people/blogs online all say that the permit doesn't stop the clock and so I would run out of time. What is your view?

    My only other option seems to be getting a Visa in Vientaine - which sounds very risky now with the new 2 week online appointment system - and I only have one day when I could do this.

    I don't want to have to get the METV which seems extreme just to solve the problem of these 3 days!

    Thanks for your help in advance :)
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      The re-entry permit doesn't freeze the visa, it just keeps the visa (single entry) valid so that you can re-enter the country. Once the visa expires it expires. If you get a 6-month multiple entry tourist visa you can enter and leave after 3 days, travel for a month, then re-enter and get stamped in for 60 days. To solve the issue of the extra 5 days, simple go to immigration before the 60 days is up - say on day 58 - and get an extension to stay a further 30 days for 1,900 Baht.
      Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      You would have needed 6 months left on your passport to apply for the visa. The rule is that you need a passport that will be valid for the duration of you visa, and generally without a visa you need 6 months on your passport. However, because you already have the visa and your passport must have had 6 months left on it when you applied you may be okay. But I can't say for sure. I would call your embassy in Bangkok and double check before you try to re-enter. Maybe someone else on here as experience with this?
      Reply

  61. Alan says

    1. Can I get a ‘non o’ multiple re-entry permit on the same day I Hope to renew my Retirement visa
    At Phuket Immigration Office .

    2. I have only 5 pages left in my UK passport . Is that acceptable to obtain my Visa and Multiple Re-entry Permit ?
    3. If I get a new UK passport will the Visa and Re-entry Permit in the old passport he accepted at immigration when I return to Thailand ?

    Thank you
    Reply

  62. Swallow Lwin says

    I had returned to Myanmar from BKK through Don Maung Airport and stamped a single re-entry. I will re-enter to BKK on 27th April. After re-entering into BKK, may I need to report within 24 hours or report as a 90-day report after 3 months?
    Reply

  63. Atanu Majumder says

    I am an Indian passport holder going to Bangkok directly with Single entry visa on 1st October. Then I will go to Cambodia for 3 days and again will return back to Bangkok on 7th through Flight to BKK airport. Now, what is my options?

    1. Can I take a re-entry permit from Immigration Office in Chaengwatthana before my travel to Cambodia?

    2. I go out from Bangkok on 3rd to Cambodia and return back to BKK airport on 7th and go for a Visa on arrival. In this case, will I be allowed to take a flight from Siem reap to BKK (I am not holding thai Visa that time) or I have to travel by land to enter Thiland from Cambodia and apply for visa on arrival at border?
    Reply

  64. Sam Scott says

    Let's assume I have a retirement visa And a re-entry stamp. How long can I stay outside Thailand and still be able to re-enter using the re-entry stamp? If more than 90 days, what about the mandatory 90 day reporting requirement? Is that simply waived while I'm outside Thailand. Thanks for your advise. I'm considering retiring to Thailand but I may need to return to Australia for a seven month period.
    Reply

    • Martin1 says

      Hi Sam!

      Those are easy to answer questions. Both the visa and the re-entry permits have the same valid-until dates.
      This is the last day you might enter the Kingdom.

      In regards to the 90 days reporting: Correct, we "only" need to do it if we consecutively stay 90 days in the Kingdom!
      If you always leave the Kingdom before 90 days, you will never have to do 90 days reporting.
      Every time you cross the border to Thailand the 90 days counter starts at 0.
      Reply

  65. Tess says

    My friend and I left Thailand last week and we wish to re enter on the 10th of may but we only have a single entry visa for 30 days ( we landed in Thailand on the 18th March). Can we obtain a re entry Vida from the Thai embassy in Hanoi?
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      You won't get one automatically. You only need a re-entry permit if you have a single entry visa (see the post details) and plan to leave the country and re-enter on the same visa. The re-entry permit keeps the visa valid. If you're just coming for a holiday and entering on an exemption stamp you won't need a permit.
      Reply

  67. John says

    I am in Thailand with a Non ) visa. It expires on August 5th of this year.
    I will be getting a new one year extension in July.
    If I buy a multi re-entry permit now...April...will it expire with my current extension to stay, or will it continue for one year with the new expiration date of August 5th 2020?
    Thanks
    Reply

  69. Carol says

    Hello, we are a family of 4, from Costa Rica with a Single Entry Visa, and want to know if we can as a Costa Rican citizens apply for a Re-Entry Visa, we want to visit Cambodia and Vietnam during our vacations in Thailand.
    Thank you
    Reply

    • Jim says

      Swasdi krap...I'm in Vietnam, my flight back to Canada departs Bangkok at 0630k Apr 33rd.
      I need to overnight in Bangkok, only stay in Bangkok for about 14 hrs.
      Do I need a visa re entry into Thailand to catch my flight home?
      Reply

      • James E says

        Jim, BKK has an overnight lounge called the Miracle Transit Hotel. You'll probably have to pre-book but then you won't even have to clear into the country. If you've got checked luggage see if you can arrange a transfer to your CA bound flight otherwise you'd have to get stamped in under Visa Exemption, go back upstairs and check out. You can book direct or through Agoda.
        Reply

  73. ayush shrivastava says

    I arrived thailand on 19th Feb on NON IMMI B visa (90 days validity) for Employment,The visa is valid till 19th May. My company will extend it for 1 year on 19th April. I want to go to India during 13-16th april and come back on 17th april. Am i eligible to get the reentry permit ? Thanks.
    Reply

  74. Prak says

    Being from India , I shall be able to enter Thailand on Visa On Arrival" scheme. Said Visa is a single entry one, valid for 15 days.
    .Reaching Thailand on the 16th Mar and then depart to Jakarta on the 19th Mar.
    On 4th April I want to come back to Thailand again. When I reach Thailand, will Immigration issue me another Visa On Arrival, I have confirmed flight tickets, hotel bookings, etc
    Reply

  76. christian barrios says

    Hello!
    Im from Mexico and I will be in Thailand traveling around.
    Im flying from Chiang Mai to Hanoi and I want to ask for the re entry, my flight will be on 28th April that its Sunday.
    Can I go to Promenada Mall requesting my re entry on Friday and flight on Sunday without problem? Or is there any chance to get the re entry at the airport?

    Thanks a lot!
    Reply

  77. Mike says

    I hold one year Non-B visa with multiple re-entry permit. My visa is expiring on Jan 26, 2019 but my company asked me to do extension on Jan 15, 2019 together with other staff. I need to travel out of Thailand on Jan 19 and back on Jan 21 (before my visa expiry date). When I extend visa every year, I am always given one month consideration period and only after that period, I get one year visa (actually 11 months because 1 month consideration period is counted in one year visa duration). My question is - once I do extension on Jan 15 as my company asks, will my current multiple entry which is valid until Jan 26 will become invalid and do I need to apply for a re-entry permit for my leaving on Jan 19-21? Please advise.
    Reply

  78. Martin1 says

    Great article!

    I would like to add that above you focus much on the cost of single vs. multiple entry visas.
    There is another important aspect: re-entry stamps (and visas) fill up your passport quickly!

    To come to your cost aspects: in my country a 48 pages passport cost 120 Euro.
    That equals in 2,50 € p.p. (i.e. 100 THB) paasport pages cost.
    Reply

  79. GaryA says

    Dear TTL abd readers, if I'm on a Non-Immigrant O based on marriage to a Thai national, and need to leave Thailand temporarily with a Re-Entry Permit, does the 12 months initial O Visa validity granted, keep ticking away whilst you are outside the kingdom please? Thank you
    Reply

  80. Murshid says

    Hi I am issued with a single entry tourist visa on December 15th, 2018 and it is valid for 3 months. I plan to travel to Thailand on 23rd December 2018 and return on 29th December 2018 but I will be coming back to Thailand on 29th of January 2019 again. My question is: I will apply for the re-entry permit on the 29th of December 2018 when I return from Suvarnabhumi Airport, so when I apply for the re-entry permit what will the time allowance I will get to enter Thailand again? Will they give me 1/2/3 months time to enter the Kingdom or will they follow the validity time of the visa I got which is valid till March 2019? Will I get enough time so that I can enter a month later from the date I depart?
    Reply

    • James E says

      I think your best (and cheapest) option would be to enter in December on your existing visa and then after you leave get a new visa. Not sure where you are, but in the U.S. that total cost would be about US$80. Just a reentry permit from Thai Immigration costs over US$100 now. Plus you'll have to spend a day in Thai Immigration.
      Reply

      • Martin1 says

        Sorry! Is that answer really correct?

        In my case (same, Non-O Thai Wife) I was always allowed to stay until the validity of the visa (incl. 90 days reporting).
        But indeed, a re-entry permit is not required if one has a multiple entry visa - which you cannot get inside of Thailand, only at embassies outside.
        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          I have a multiple entry Non O Visa. I don't do 90-day reporting. I can leave and come back in as many times as I need to within the validity of the visa. I time the last entry so that I get 15 months out of the visa instead of 12.
          Reply

  84. Sunil says

    Hi Peter, thanks for the great tips, much appreciated.

    My Australian passport allows me 30 days without visa. My question is that if I depart and re enter after spending a week in a neighbouring country, would I need a re entry visa ?

    I am assuming that a fresh 30 day clock would restart when I re enter the country.

    I would appreciate your thoughts please.
    Thanks,
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Sunil, The 30 days that you get is provided without a visa, so there is no need for a re-entry permit of any kind when you leave. As you assumed, when you re-enter the country you will get another 30 days. However, if you leave and re-enter over a land border then you may only get 15 days. It's really easy to get a tourist visa, though. A single entry tourist visa will give you 60 days stay. A multiple entry tourist visa would give you 60 days stay, but a six month validity, which means that you could stay for 60 days and then leave and re-enter and get a further 60 days. You could do this again until the six-month visa expires. You can also extend for a further 30 days inside Thailand for a fee of 1,900 Baht.
      Reply

  86. Gary says

    Hi, Thanks for keeping the useful tips flowing and helping the rest of us to hopefully travel a little more smoothly.
    I have a question which relates to filling out the T M 6. I am arriving in 2 weeks time on a 60 visa with the intention of obtaining a retirement 1 year visa shortly afterwards. As far as filling out the departure side of the TM6 do I leave it blank or is the something I should put in there as I obviously hope to stay for the year and if successful might visit local countries before any future uk visit . Any advice ?
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Gary, you can leave it blank. I always do and I've never been asked to fill it out, except on exiting the country, obviously. Even if you did fill it out and your plans change due to the extension, you can just pick up a new one on the way out of Thailand.
      Reply

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