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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 visa 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.



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  1. At edge of Empire says

    Are US passport holders getting a 60 day stamp uponn flying into the country? I read something posted May of last year saying that it is now 60 days. It used to be 30, then 45 then back to 30. now ?? I would like to know for sure before I go to Thailand this coming October. I read about the new Digital thing That went into effect May1 but I missed the info on how long the stamp is good for currently
    Reply

  2. Samuel Hartford says

    Hi. I am a USA citizen. I entered Thailand and was given visa exemption stamp for 60 days.
    - I left Thailand, to go to Laos for 7 days. Then returned (within 60 days before first stamp expred), Thailand put in a new second stamp that was again 60 days more of on the arrival date from Laos into Thailand.
    - I am leaving Thailand again to go to Indonesia and returning to Thailand before the first stamp date expires two days beforehand.
    - I already have hotel accommodation confirmation for the two days before I depart Thailand for the first 60 days stamp expires and also a flight departure out of Thailand before the first 60 day stamp expires.
    - I do not plan to return Thailand.

    Will i be allowed entry into Thailand after coming back from Indonesia? Or will I need to get a single entry re-rentry permit if I have only a visa exemption and did not stay over 60 days?

    thank you
    Samuel Hartford
    Reply

    • Gary Farmer says

      Hi Samuel, you don't need a re entry permit as you don't actually have an issued visa for it to protect. you are entering under visa exempt each time so don't worry about the permit it's for issued visas only. you might be asked why you arrived and left so often but maybe not depon the immigration officer you see at arrivals. Don't forget to complete your TDAC 3 days before coming back as that's all you need do . Enjoy your travels .
      Reply

      • Samuel Hartford says

        ah...many thanks!..I did get questioned and the officer after like 25 mins asked me what I did for a living and what my travel plans were after. Luckily I printed out copies of my plane tickets and visa application to prove my case.

        I am just paranoid that I am doing this again but luckily I am not returning.

        Great blog btw and really appreciate the help!

        thank you
        Samuel Hartford
        Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Joy, the permit doesn't have an expiry date because it is linked to the validity of your visa. 90-day reporting can only be done inside Thailand. The permit keeps your visa valid, so that it isn't cancelled when you leave the country. However, if your visa expires while you are out of the country, then the permit can no longer keep the visa valid because the visa has expired.
      Reply

    • Gary says

      No, you are no longer in Thailand so the 90 day report does not apply. on your returnto Thailand you need to submit your on line TDAC 3 days before arrival followed by either a TM 30 ( on line or in person)when you get to your Thai residence or à hotel will submit it on your check in . The 90 ( TM47)resets to Day one when you enter Thailand again but you need to go in person to your local Immigration office when you are completing the reset 90 day period, for the first 90 day report they will not accept an on line submission.
      Reply

    • Winston says

      Hi Joy, Just bear in mind the 90-day reporting rule. You have to report to immigration in Thailand ONLY if you have lived continuously in Thailand for 90 days. Let's say on the 89th day you happen to leave Thailand. Then the 90-day reporting will only begin from the day you re-enter Thailand. Your visa has to be valid to re-enter.
      Let's say you leave Thailand on the 60th day or any day before your 90-day reporting, and then return the next day or whenever. You next 90-day reporting will only begin from the day you re-enter Thailand. Your visa has to be valid to re-enter.
      If your visa is expiring before the next 90-day reporting after your re-entry, then you need to renew your visa ahead of time and then follow again the 90-day reporting rule as stated above.
      Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      No, a re-entry permit cannot be added to a Transit (TS) visa. Transit visas are for short stays (typically up to 30 days) and are not eligible for re-entry permits. If you leave Thailand, you would need to apply for a new visa to re-enter.
      Reply

  5. Cat says

    Hello! :) If I already got a Re-Entry Permit in Immigration Office (Multi Re-Entry). So when I go to Airport of BKK, should I anyway go to the re-entry office (between security check an passport control) for the additional stamp near re-entry permit? Or I can receive that stamp right in the passport control then? And the second thing - should I bring photo and TM8 to the airport just to get that stamp (near multi re-entry permit)? Thank you so much!
    Reply

    • Polly says

      May I ask if I would like to apply for a multiple re-entry permit in advance, where could I get the TM 8 form and TM 6 departure slip? And if I am not applying at the airport, I will not be able to have the boarding pass. Thanks for your advice and assistance.
      Reply

      • Gary farmer says

        Hi Polly you local Immigration office will help with all current forms. The TM 6 is no longer required. The TM 8 and your passport with either 1000 baht single or 1800 baht multi reentry permit should be straight forward.
        Reply

        • Polly says

          Thank you for your reply. I heard that, May I ask if I got a single Non Immigrant ED plus visa, there is no need to apply for re-entry permits anymore if leave Thailand for school holiday and back to Thailand afterwards to continue my study. Is this true? Thank you in advance.
          Reply

          • Gary farmer says

            I will admit my knowledge of the ED visa is limited but here is a consular quote .

            They will be allowed to stay in Thailand for a period of up to 90 days, counting from the date of entry. During the 90-day period of stay, if they wish to leave and re-enter Thailand, they are required to apply for a re-entry permit (single or multiple) before departure.

            going by that quote it appears you would still need a re entry permit or your visa is used up and finished the moment you leave the Kingdom of Thailand.. I believe there may also be a limit of visa renewals with this visa, possibly the five in total unless this has been changed recently but as I said my ED visa knowledge isn't great as I use a Nin O retirement visa myself. A multi re entry permit takes away any worry of losing visa status when going away and returning.
            Reply

  6. Andrew Glyn Schofield says

    I have a thailand retirement visa at present & I need to have it stamped 3 months after issue which is 1st April 2024. Do i need to go to same immigration office & can i go before this date?
    Also i am travelling back to the UK on 24th April & have got a re-entry permit how long is this valid? As i understand it will i have to be back in Thailand by 1st July for next stamp (90 days) or could i possibly stay in UK longer?
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      You don't have to go to the same immigration office but it helps, since it was issued there and the process might be smoother.A single re-entry permit is for a single journey. The expiration date will be the expiration date of your latest extension of stay. Upon arrival, Thai Immigration will stamp the permit as “USED” to show it is no longer valid.
      Reply

    • Winston says

      Hi Andrew,
      I am just replying to this part of your question "As i understand it will i have to be back in Thailand by 1st July for next stamp (90 days) or could i possibly stay in UK longer?"
      You don't have to return by July 1. The 90-day reporting rule is ONLY if you have lived continuously in Thailand for 90 days. So once you leave Thailand, irrespective of when your did your last 90-day reporting, your next 90-day reporting will only begin from the day you re-enter Thailand. Your visa must be valid to enter Thailand.
      Reply

  7. Annie says

    We are NZ Citizens and have just had our 30 day tourist visa extended to 60 days by going to the Immigration office in Bangkok. How long can we exit Thailand before we can get back into Thailand by air ? Ps: great information on website.
    Reply

  9. Kath Bailey says

    Hi
    My daughter leaves for Thailand this Friday and does not have a visa. She is travelling from the UK
    She is staying in Thailand for less than 30 days then flying out of the country but returning in December.
    Can she do this without any documentation?
    Thanks in advance
    Reply

  10. Layla says

    Hello! I've recently moved to Pattaya as a teacher and have a non immigrant b visa for 3 months, which will later be extended to a year.
    Can I get a multiple reentry permit now for this visa before it becomes a one year visa, or do I have to wait?
    I've read in some places saying you have to wait and others not saying that.
    Thank you in advance!
    Reply

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