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Can I renew my passport before a visa run while on a tourist visa in Thailand?

May 7, 2025
a month ago
Julia ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I have a tourist visa running out may 11

My US passport has only 2 pages left

I have a new teaching job offer to start May 13

Can I apply to renew my passport before i do a visa run, so process is under way when i return to begin work visa process with new school?

Or will i be unable to use my current passport to do a visa run if I apply for renewal?

Not sure how this works with school either. I am confused!!! Hope I outlined this clearly. What is best way to proceed..?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking advice on whether they can renew their US passport while using it for a visa run, especially since they have a new job offer starting soon. Key points include the importance of renewing the passport before the visa run, as it won't prevent the use of the current passport for travel. Community responses advise confirming the specific procedures with the US embassy, as different countries have varying rules regarding passport renewal and travel.
Brandi ********
Hi Julia! If your passport is not expiring, you can also get pages at the embassy. I have done this before.
Julia ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandi *******
that’s super helpful - i read online that isnt offered for US passport holders at rhe

Embassy here anymore - but not sure that is true.

I am going to likely just book an in person renewal appt when i return from Laos - and gather if you renew in person the turn around is quite quick…

I appreciate this input!!
Waleed *******
It's best to renew your passport before your visa run, as renewing the passport will not prevent you from using it for a visa run. You can travel with both your old and new passport with a valid visa for travel to the United States. This allows the passport renewal to be underway when you return to begin the work visa process, and your existing passport will still be valid for your visa run.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Renewing your passport:

You can apply to renew your passport at any time, including before it expires.

Visa run:

Renewing your passport doesn't prevent you from using your current passport for a visa run. You can use your old passport in conjunction with your new passport if your visa is still valid.

Returning for work visa:

Having your passport renewal process underway will allow you to return and start the work visa process with your new school sooner, once the new passport is issued.

Work visa:

Your new school should be able to assist you with the work visa application process. They may have specific requirements or procedures for hiring foreign teachers.

To summarize:

1. Renew your passport:

Start the passport renewal process as soon as possible to ensure it's underway before your visa run.

2. Proceed with your visa run:

Your existing passport will still be valid for your visa run, even if you have applied for renewal.

3. Begin work visa process:

Upon returning, your new school will guide you through the necessary steps for your work visa application.
Julia ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Waleed ******
thanks for sharing all of this info 🙏
Waleed *******
Julia ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Waleed ******
you are kind to write all of this out. I have read conflicting info on whether old passport is still valid while renewal process is under way

But i think you are correct - i can still use it.

I will to to the US embassy here tomorrow and get confirmed info.

Thanks so much!!
Julia ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you for these helpful responses! I will do a border run first and then begin renewal. I appreciate this thread!!!
Wayne *********
Have you done the 30 days extension on your tourist visa if not go do it tomorrow
Julia ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Wayne ********
yes i have. I Have to leave before the 11th.

I think my employer says i can begin passport renewal when i return from border run and it is no problem.

So appreciative of these responses!!! So helpful.
Carlein *******
You have enough to start the process
Carlein *******
Do after
Jason ******
Just applied for a new Irish passport ,had to show my current passport with 3 pages left at the Bangkok Irish consulate ,then I can keep it and use ,after 4 weeks the new one arrived ,I then collected it and they stamped my old one cancelled and new one is active ,but I keep the old one together with the new one ,to show my entry stamp in the old one when I exit .you have left yours to late to get a new one in time and with two pages left ,you may not get new stamps put in ,pretty bad organisation of your life really .
Julia ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jason *****
i have 2 full pages - so 4 pages. But thanks for jumping at the chance to tell me im failing at life 😅
Jason ******
@Julia *****
ok great ,you should be fine then but it read like it was two pages left which isn't enough and sounded pretty dumb for anyone to do,and I was hoping it might help you see the usual procedure of changing passport abroad ,but you just get offended at realities ,so no worries petal 😜🍻
John **********
Normally once you apply for a new passport your existing one can't be used to travel
Elías ********
You should mention what country passport is it, as each country might have different procedures. In my case, my Embassy would immediately void (and literally cut) the passport once you start a new passport application, be it because it has no pages or because it's expiring soon, so you become temporarily passportless until they get you the new one. For my country that normally takes 5-10 business days.
Mart ****
@Elías *******
he said my US passport
Elías ********
@Mart ***
she edited it later to add it
Mart ****
@Elías *******
ah sorry mate late to the party
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