Can I travel domestically in Thailand with just a photocopy of my passport during my visa transition?

Thailand Visa ED Visa Domestic Travel Passport Copy Visa Transition Immigration Rules

Feb 5, 2022

3 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Due for a trip to bangkok for some medical stuff and had the bright idea I would do it while my ed visa transition stuff was being done.  Then remembered they keep your passport for three weeks.  I vaguely recall hearing you could do domestic travel stuff with photocopies- is that true?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The original poster is concerned about traveling to Bangkok for medical purposes while their passport is being held during an ED visa transition process, which they believe could last three weeks. The community members suggest that it is possible to travel using photocopies of the passport, but some emphasize the importance of having an official letter from the local police confirming the validity of the copies. There are mixed experiences regarding how long passports are held by immigration, with several commenters stating that it should not be held for three weeks, raising questions about the school's warning. Ultimately, having a photocopy or alternative ID may suffice for domestic travel, though experiences can vary.

Anthony *********

Yeah, I was with one of my hostel guests taking a flight to bkk from surat few years ago, he had left his passport at my hostel and they let him board with just his driver's licence, I think photo I. D is all that's required for domestic but I'm not sure if it's an actual rule that is followed everywhere or if it's one of those things that some will let you and others won't

3 years ago

Jonathan *******

Why would they keep your passport? When I first came to Thailand I had an Ed visa and the only time my passport was away from me was at the immigration office when I was getting the stamp so maybe an hour tops.

Is it the school or an agency taking it?

3 years ago

Jack ****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jonathan ******

the school is warning me that immigration will take it. My last extension they (immigration) kept it as well. The school had several locations and has been around many years. I suspect it is a “worst case scenario warning”

3 years ago

Jonathan *******

@Jack ***************

ah ok fair enough then. Good luck mate

3 years ago

Reply to

Jonathan *******

Gillian ******

I’ve read people on here say they’ve had their passport taken for 3hrs at the immigration office, but not 3wks surely

3 years ago

Steve *******

No one keeps your passport for 3 weeks unless it's a dodgy visa/extention of stay. Immigration certainly dont keep it

3 years ago

Stacey *******

@Steve ******

Agreed 💯

3 years ago

Reply to

Stacey *******

John-Paul ******

You should be fine. Just have your entire passport pages copied on your phone... the more ... paperwork.... for them to see the more bored they will be. But picture page and Visa page and 90 day etc will what they will want to see. Have done it many times without issue. However! Be ready for the one plod that will be a problem and simply. Not know the rules suggest you get a letter from IM stating that you passport copies are real? But never heard on 10 years of that being done.

3 years ago

Bonnie *******

Won't you need it for your medical stuff too?

3 years ago

Jack ****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Bonnie ******

nah, hearing aid stuff

3 years ago

Reply to

Jack ****************

Bobby ********

Who keeps your passport for three weeks?

3 years ago

Darren *******

@Bobby *******

several people I'd imagine, including an agent, a postman or two, immigration officer until brown envelope is provided etc.

3 years ago

Bobby ********

@Darren ******

. That's what I was thinking. I never realised immigration kept your passport. The very few people I know who went onto ED visas went to immigration with a rep from the school and the required paperwork and got their visas on the spot. There again, they weren't in Bangkok, applying through Khon Kaen immigration for a school in Phuket, so I guess that explains the delay 😆😆😆

3 years ago

Reply to

Bobby ********

Dan ************

My friends have done it before, they just went to the local police station and got a letter from them that says the photocopy is valid. I assume they still do this, but I’m not sure.

3 years ago

Reply to

Dan ************

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What should I know before traveling abroad with a Thai Education Visa (ED visa)?

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