Can I transfer my visa stamp to a new passport without returning to the original immigration office?

Thai Visa Transfer Ed Visa Visa Regulations Immigration Concerns Re-entry Permit Chiang Mai Immigration Office

Jun 16, 2023

2 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello, I have some questions regarding visa transfer to a new passport. 

Do you think I can transfer my visa stamp from old passport to new passport without going back to the original IO which issued my ED visa? I am currently in Chiang Mai, and I must go out of Thailand next week for urgent family matters, using my new passport which was issued outside of Thailand. I came back into Thailand in May using my still-valid old passport and stamps in it. But I did not transfer the stamps as I did not have any previous plans to go out of Thailand until my current visa expiry date (September 2023). I will be back to Thailand next month.

Can I just get a re-entry stamp at the airport, go out and come back holding two passports? Or is it mandatory to transfer the stamps to a new passport before I go out of Thailand?

I tried reading the old posts on the same topic but couldn’t find answers regarding my current situation. My apologies if this is repeated. Thank you so much for your kind suggestions.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user inquires about transferring their education (ED) visa from an old passport to a new one without needing to return to the original immigration office that issued the visa. The community advises that typically, transferring visa stamps requires visiting the original issuing immigration office. It is emphasized that the user should consult their local Thai immigration office in Chiang Mai for assistance and ensure they have all necessary documents if they decide to leave Thailand with two passports.

James ********

Are you attending a Thai University? Or a Thai language school, or Muay Thai course of study?

Were you living in Chiang Mai when your Ed Visa STAMP was placed in your passport?

I assume that you are holding a passport from Myanmar.

2 years ago

Phyu ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you for the wise and kind answers James. I am attending a professional master course with more research components and that is why I don't have to be physically present in the study area full-time. I was doing on-site courses in the first half of the year and after that had to go out for a while because of other exams abroad. But I've been continuing my study online and still an official student. I just registered for a new academic year a few days ago. It's been only two months here in Chiang Mai since I'm back. But it happens that I have to go out for a month again and be back in July. I never had any Covid extensions or other tourist visa extensions. It's not a language school and I am not sure if it will make a difference.

But if it's mandatory to go back to the original IO, I think I have no choice but to get the stamps transferred in Issan. I hope it is doable within a day. Also, thank you so much for giving a heads-up on what's happening to people with ED visa going in and out of Thailand.

2 years ago

James ********

@Phyu *****

BEST wishes for your success at Chiang Mai Thai Immigration office .

Comments Closed

2 years ago

Phyu ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I did file my TM30 here again and I also have the receipt with me. I will definitely go to CM IO on Monday with all the docs and if needed, will go back to the original IO the same day. I'm so grateful that you are helping my queries real quick. Thanks again and wish you a lovely weekend!

2 years ago

James ********

@Phyu *****

Thank You for your helpful reply.

As you have university related study with your Ed Visa, Just be sure you have a re-entry permit to re-enter Thailand. Your most recent entry stamp is in your Old passport...

IF you leave Thailand and have not transferred the Ed Visa, be sure to have the old and new passport with you.

Getting the Ed Visa transferred to your new passport is BEST. Suggest you ask your local Thai Immigration office in Chiang Mai for their assistance. ...

Show them the course of study documents.

And I suggest you have the course documents with you upon re-entry if you are questioned by Thai Immigration Officers.

And have you registered with Thai Immigration office in Chiang Mai your current Address with the filing of the TM30?

I would start with Chiang Mai...

And if needed, then go to the Thai Immigration office which issued you the Ed Visa.

2 years ago

Reply to

James ********

Will ************

You will have to get your stamp transferred from wherever you got your last visa or extension. You MAY be extensively interviewed at the border/airport on entry enquiring why you are not in class. They may follow up with visits to your place of education and interview the staff.

2 years ago

Phyu ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Will ***********

Thank you Will, for your answer and kind suggestions. Mine is a special program and it's half on-campus and half off-campus with research components. I do hope they understand when I explain. But yes, I think I will have to go back to the original IO real quick.

2 years ago

Reply to

Phyu ******

James ********

I posted this in March 2023...

Suggest you read it...

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2 years ago

James ********

ASK your local Thai Immigration office IF they will transfer your Ed Visa extension of stay into your new passport.

Frankly I don't think that they will .. And will direct you back to the Thai Immigration office which issued you the original Ed Visa stamp.

AND had you read from other recent reports of leaving Thailand while under the Ed Visa and being questioned by Thai Immigration Officers upon arrival back into Thailand, I would advise you NOT to leave Thailand.

It appears from your post that you had recently in May left Thailand and reentered.

The caution flags 🤔 are Up IMHO.. you run the risk of being fed denied entry next time you LEAVE Thailand while you have a valid Ed Visa and extension of stay in it.

2 years ago

Phyu ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I will also give a visit to CM IO and see what happens. If they still redirect me back to the original IO, I have no choice but to go back there immediately.

2 years ago

Reply to

Phyu ******

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Do I need to transfer my visa stamps to my new passport before traveling out of Thailand?

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