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.
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.
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.
Last Updated on
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?
Aug 20, 2019 at 8:58 pm
Dave says
Sorry typing mistake….
Can I apply a Re Entry permit 2 months in advance
Aug 04, 2019 at 5:24 pm
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.
Aug 13, 2019 at 12:26 pm
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?
Jul 28, 2019 at 3:36 pm
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.
Jul 29, 2019 at 4:22 am
kamrul says
Dear, sorry for disturb you again, i have a few queries more
@ can i get Cambodian visa from Pattaya Or Direct from poipet border
Jul 15, 2019 at 11:29 am
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.
Jul 15, 2019 at 2:22 pm
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.
Jul 13, 2019 at 8:40 pm
TheThailandLife says
Yes you can. It takes about 3.5 hours by minivan.
Jul 14, 2019 at 9:18 pm
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
Jul 10, 2019 at 4:40 am
TheThailandLife says
To volunteer in Thailand you need a volunteer visa. You can enter with visa on arrival as a tourist but not to work or volunteer. If you enter as a tourist you can stay 14 days, then leave and travel elsewhere, and then re-enter for the rest of your holiday. See more about volunteering here: https://www.thethailandlife.com/volunteer-thailand
Jul 10, 2019 at 5:55 pm
Leo says
Hi. As a Norwegian citizen I dont need a visa for single entry up to 30 days. I stayed 5 days in june. Can I reenter for 16 days in August?
Jun 21, 2019 at 12:47 pm
TheThailandLife says
Yes.
Jun 21, 2019 at 5:03 pm
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 July
Thank you,
Anca
Jun 19, 2019 at 7:04 pm
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.
Jun 20, 2019 at 12:24 am
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?
Jun 12, 2019 at 1:45 am
TheThailandLife says
If you aren’t going to need the Non Immigrant visa anymore once you leave Thailand then you can just re-enter on a 30-day stamp. If you want to keep the visa active then get a re-entry permit.
Jun 12, 2019 at 11:40 pm
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.
May 30, 2019 at 12:18 am
TheThailandLife says
Correct. You have multiple entry. Re-entry permit is only required for single entry.
May 30, 2019 at 12:22 am
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
May 30, 2019 at 2:47 pm
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?
May 30, 2019 at 5:02 pm
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. 😛
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!
May 31, 2019 at 11:28 pm
Juna says
I am in bangkok now, want to go phuket do i need for re entry ?
Example i leave May 31back june 1
May 30, 2019 at 12:08 am
TheThailandLife says
No because you are not leaving Thailand.
May 30, 2019 at 12:22 am
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
May 28, 2019 at 1:56 am
TheThailandLife says
Yes you can, and it is open 24 hours (should be!).
May 28, 2019 at 2:04 am
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.
May 22, 2019 at 1:58 pm
TheThailandLife says
I have never heard of applying for two at the same time. I think they’d probably advise the multiple.
May 22, 2019 at 6:29 pm
Hiro says
Thankk you!!
May 25, 2019 at 2:37 pm
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
May 20, 2019 at 3:38 pm
TheThailandLife says
You can come back in to any airport.
May 20, 2019 at 4:33 pm
Khaja Sarfaraj Mansur says
Thanks a lot for your valuable information.
Regards
Khaja
May 20, 2019 at 5:26 pm
Guy says
Is an electronic boarding pass okay to bring with the required documents? I’d prefer to skip the check in line as I’ve checked in online and only have a carryon bag 😉
May 19, 2019 at 4:51 pm
Kawsar Hasan says
For taking re-entry visa from Don Mueang Airport immigration office, is it open 24/7 or it’s closed on Saturday & Sunday same as other immigration offices in the city?
May 15, 2019 at 9:36 pm
Rose Marie says
Hello! I’ve got a re-entry permit last 21st of March 2019, but my Non B visa expired on May 4,2019.
Is there a possibility to travel in Thailand?
May 15, 2019 at 7:40 pm
TheThailandLife says
Your visa has expired. You can re-enter Thailand but you’ll be re-entering as a tourist, unless you get a new visa.
May 15, 2019 at 9:04 pm
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 permit
1. 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 expired
3. 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
May 10, 2019 at 9:08 am
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.
May 10, 2019 at 2:01 pm
otrebibo says
you just made my day brighter than the sun… i have a peace of mind now and know exactly what to do. A million thanks to you @TheThailandLife
May 11, 2019 at 5:50 am
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 🙂
May 02, 2019 at 1:16 am
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.
May 02, 2019 at 3:37 am
Maria mendigo says
I am a Filipina with a re-entry permit for Thailand on a non immigrant education visa, my passport has 5 months validity, is it ok…I got the recently visa on 10th April this year
Apr 24, 2019 at 9:52 am
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?
Apr 24, 2019 at 6:34 pm
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
Apr 17, 2019 at 1:56 pm
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?
Apr 16, 2019 at 9:44 am
TheThailandLife says
What visa do you have?
Apr 16, 2019 at 6:11 pm
Swallow Lwin says
I have Non-immigrant type-O visa
Apr 19, 2019 at 8:43 pm
Steve Varela says
I’m heading back to the USA and would like to know how long does the re-entry permit allow me to be gone until I return.
May 13, 2019 at 6:39 pm
James E says
Until your visa expires.
May 13, 2019 at 10:19 pm
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?
Apr 13, 2019 at 5:13 pm
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.
Apr 11, 2019 at 9:04 am
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.
Apr 23, 2019 at 11:52 pm
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?
Apr 10, 2019 at 3:57 pm
TheThailandLife says
You can’t get a re-entry permit once you have left. Just re-enter and you’ll be given 30 days again.
Apr 10, 2019 at 5:20 pm
Anup Deherkar says
I arrive from SINGAPORE at DMK, my return flight is from SUVARNABHUMI .
On 7TH MAY 2019 will I get a RE entry permit AT DMK?
Apr 05, 2019 at 9:46 pm
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.
Apr 05, 2019 at 10:16 pm
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
Apr 05, 2019 at 9:37 am
TheThailandLife says
The re-entry permit will only be valid if the current visa is valid.
Apr 05, 2019 at 6:09 pm
KH says
Hi there, are you able to confirm if Chiang Rai airport can process a re-entry permit purchase, or do we have to go to immigration or do it in Bangkok? Thanks!
Apr 03, 2019 at 1:42 pm
TheThailandLife says
Re-entry permits are only available at airports if you are departing from that airport on an international flight. It would be best to go to immigration.
Apr 03, 2019 at 5:14 pm
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
Mar 29, 2019 at 8:40 am
TheThailandLife says
According to the rules, yes you can get a re-entry permit. But do check with the embassy in San Jose before you leave.
Mar 29, 2019 at 7:16 pm
Carol says
Thank you! perfect! Pura Vida
Apr 04, 2019 at 12:46 am
Sean says
Any Idea where I can find the TM-8 form online? The link on the Thai embassy website doesn’t work.
Mar 26, 2019 at 3:42 pm
TheThailandLife says
I found this PDF: http://bangkok.immigration.go.th/download/form_tm8.pdf
Mar 26, 2019 at 6:35 pm
Khandaker Rizwan says
Hi can I apply as soon as I arrive in Bangkok Airport so later on i dont have to rush before i leave?
Thanks
Mar 18, 2019 at 1:58 pm
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?
Mar 23, 2019 at 11:12 am
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.
Mar 24, 2019 at 7:28 am
Carla says
Is the reentry still 24 hour service
Mar 12, 2019 at 8:46 pm
TheThailandLife says
At the airport, yes.
Mar 13, 2019 at 12:16 am
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.
Mar 01, 2019 at 8:02 pm
TheThailandLife says
yes, no problem.
Mar 02, 2019 at 12:22 am
ayush shrivastava says
thanks so much
Mar 03, 2019 at 1:03 pm
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
Feb 26, 2019 at 6:11 pm
TheThailandLife says
Yes, no problem.
Feb 27, 2019 at 8:05 pm
Jonathan says
Same kind of a question. Planning to land in Phuket and leave Thailand in 5 days from Krabi with an onwards journey to Philippines and retun after 10 days from Philippines to Bankok and leave Thailand after 4 days.
Would any of it be a issue? Would I still come under a single entry visa on arrival slab? Do you see any challenges here?
Mar 08, 2019 at 1:21 pm
Jonathan says
I am an Indian too and will be travelling with my companion.
Mar 08, 2019 at 1:23 pm
TheThailandLife says
You need a re-entry permit if you have a single entry non-immigrant visa. If you are arriving on an exemption stamp for 15/30 days then you won’t need one; just come in and go out, and then come in again.
Mar 09, 2019 at 12:07 am
Martin1 says
Yeah, that point IMHO can’t be stressed enough!
Re-entry permits only deal with visas! If one comes from e.g. the EU and is visa exempt they can come and go if they leave the country before 30 days.
Such people would only need a visa if they want to stay more than 30/45 days without leaving the kingdom.
Apr 24, 2019 at 12:02 am
Don Ross says
My retirement visa expires the end of March 2019 if I travel to the US with a reentry permit and come back in mid April , Will the reentry permit extend my visa or will it be void ?
Feb 24, 2019 at 12:24 pm
TheThailandLife says
The re-entry permit doesn’t extend the visa, it just ensures it remains valid once you re-enter. If you plan on re-entering once your visa has expired, it’s pointless getting a permit.
Feb 25, 2019 at 1:49 am
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!
Jan 31, 2019 at 4:52 am
TheThailandLife says
You should be able to get it from the Mall on Friday, within a couple of hours. If not, you can get one from the airport, but make sure you get there early.
Jan 31, 2019 at 7:46 pm
expat says
Your should report to the immigration bureau near the Chiang Mai airport.
It is no longer located at the Promnada. It was relocated back to its original location.
That is where you will get your re-entry permit.
Mar 04, 2019 at 1:23 am
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.
Jan 13, 2019 at 11:50 pm
TheThailandLife says
If the visa you have at the time you need to leave the country is multiple entry then you don’t need a re-entry permit.
Jan 14, 2019 at 3:37 am
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.
Jan 03, 2019 at 10:16 pm
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
Dec 22, 2018 at 10:52 am
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?
Dec 16, 2018 at 12:45 am
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.
Dec 16, 2018 at 10:55 pm
Kabir says
My Thai re-entry visa valid until 20 December 2028.
Now problem is I wat to visit Bangkok in 18 December 2018.
Now what will I do?That time visit possible or not?
Dec 09, 2018 at 11:18 pm
Ravi says
How many re-entries (visit back to Thailand) allowed on a multiple entry 1 yrs visa based on marriage?
Thanks
Nov 15, 2018 at 2:52 pm
TheThailandLife says
as many as you want within 1 year. You get 90 days per stay so roughly you get to do about 4 in outs within the 1-year validity of the visa.
Nov 15, 2018 at 6:02 pm
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.
Apr 24, 2019 at 12:09 am
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.
Apr 24, 2019 at 3:04 am
Lynn says
now what with the new law? how can you get a visa without the money in the bank. i have lived here almost 5 years. my son is here and grandchildren. i am a 79 year old widow. i am 5000 bt short a month.
Nov 10, 2018 at 7:56 pm
Jos Breesch says
Dear Lynn,
I suppose that if your 5000 THB/month short on your retirement money, you have to show a bankaccount with 60000 THB (5000 x 12) on it.
Nov 19, 2018 at 9:53 am
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,
Oct 11, 2018 at 9:41 am
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.
Oct 11, 2018 at 7:04 pm
Martin1 says
As far as I know in such a case, if Sunil enters Thailand on the last day of the validity of his visa, then he can stay 60 day more.
So, a 6 months visa can enable one to stay up to 8 (or even 9) months. 😀
Apr 24, 2019 at 12:12 am
TheThailandLife says
If you time it right on a multiple entry you can get an extra couple on months but you can’t extend from within the country if the visa has expired.
Apr 24, 2019 at 2:59 am
Gary says
Thanks very much for the quick and perfect answer. I was a bit worried they needed it filled in .
Oct 10, 2018 at 6:10 pm
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 ?
Oct 10, 2018 at 3:15 pm
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.
Oct 10, 2018 at 4:49 pm