Can I re-enter Thailand with less than 6 months validity on my passport?

passport validity Thailand immigration visa rules expat advice travel restrictions passport renewal internal travel in Thailand

Aug 25, 2023

a year ago

Fabrice ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello! I am in Thailand on a Free visa 30 days stay and planning to leave Thailand in September for 3 weeks. My passport expires in 5 months by the time I re-enter Thailand. I have already applied for my new passport at my embassy and I’ll have the receipt and pick up paper for 3 days after my return date; as well as exit ticket one week later. 

Is it likely to give me issues to return with a passport with less than 6 months validity? Despite having proof of passport renewal in Bangkok and exit ticket? Would appreciate professional advice.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The main concern is that while Thailand might allow entry with a passport that has less than six months validity, most airlines typically won't let you board with such a passport. Additionally, the destination country you plan to visit may have similar restrictions. It is strongly advised to wait for the new passport before leaving Thailand to avoid any potential issues with airline regulations and immigration discretion.

John-Paul ******

WAIT for your new passport! It is the airlines that will give you the biggest problem. Also there are countries that will insist on at least 6 months on a passport. Though some same Thailand will allow you in.... it will depend upon the Immigration officer you deal with! They have their own discretion that can come into play. DON'T risk it!

a year ago

Martin *********

You wont get professional advice on this site more people personal experience

a year ago

Paul *********

@Martin ********

I gave advice given to me by the Thai embassy London once on this site to help someone and all the Facebook experts told me I was wrong as and the Thai embassy visa department London was also wrong 🤣🤣

a year ago

Martin *********

@Paul ********

sounds about right 🤣

a year ago

Reply to

Martin *********

I personally would just wait for your new passport and if you need to exstend then do it at your local immigration office.

a year ago

Brandon ************

Thailand will let you enter the country with a passport less than 6 months validity, but almost no airline in the world will let you fly without 6 months on your passport. You shouldn't leave Thailand because it's highly likely you won't be able to get back. Also the country you are traveling to may not allow you to enter there either without 6 months.

a year ago

John ********

@Brandon ***********

I don't think that he will have any problems going back to his home country

a year ago

Janne ***********

@John *******

never a problem going back to your home country, they can never refuse you.

.

a year ago

Brandon ************

@John *******

you can always travel to your home country even on an expired passport, but the op doesn't say where he's going