thailand
Ask question

Can my wife use her Thai passport to enter Thailand after leaving the USA on her US passport?

Thailand VisaThai PassportDual CitizenshipUS PassportImmigration RulesVisa ExemptionsTravel Advice
Mar 31, 2018
7 years ago
Gordon *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you for letting me join this group, My wife is going back to Thailand for 5-7 months to build our house. She has Thai and USA passports, some have told her to use her USA passport when leaving the USA but enter Thailand with her Thai passport, ok that means she doesn't need a visa to stay but leaving she neither has a USA visa on her Thai P. or entry stamp on her USA P. what am I missing here? is there a way around this scenario ?
2,422
views
3
likes
103
all likes
62
replies
0
images
11
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around the travel plans of a dual citizen (Thai and US) who intends to return to Thailand. Key points include the necessity for her to exit the USA using her US passport and to enter Thailand on her Thai passport. Travelers highlighted that she should present both passports during check-in and be prepared to show them if questioned by immigration authorities. Concerns were raised regarding potential complications or misunderstandings due to dual citizenship, such as the absence of an exit stamp from Thailand when using her US passport. Overall, the consensus indicates that as a Thai citizen, she can enter Thailand without needing a visa with her Thai passport.
Nanthana **********
Hi! I am Thai live in USA.

1.Leave 🇺🇸 with USA passport also return in USA with USA passport

2.Enter Thailand 🇹🇭 with Thai passport also Leaving Thailand with Thai passport.

3.connection flight show USA 🇺🇸 passport.🤗
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Gordon *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
thank you
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Adam *********
Said in the first two posts.
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Adam *********
Reply
Tod *********
Just so we're clear on the topic of whether thaiz can hold dual citizenship, they can, there is NOTHING in thai law stating they can't.

The rule says IF a thai who has dual citizenship is asked by the thai gov't to choose a nationality they will pick one.

As far as I know, in the history of thailand NO one has ever been asked.
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Gordon *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I appreciate all the advice given here ....my wife concludes with everything you guys have said.....I should have listened to her but this has been a good discussion and a great way to start my membership here, thank you all.
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
She has to leave the US on the passport that she entered on. Of course, as a Thai citizen, she can enter Thailand on her Thai passport
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Al *******
@Tony *******
 if my wife has both passports, how can we not be ready?
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Tony ********
@Al ******
 thats why I said you better be ready
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Al *******
@Tony *******
 we have been splitting our time between Thailand and the US for a number of years now. Sometimes they ask and sometimes they don’t.
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Tod *********
@Tony *******
, correct (y) in fact checking in is usually the ONLY time you need to have and show both passports.

The US passport shows the airline that you as a thai can get into the US without needing a visa in your thai passport, and comin here the thai passport shows the airline you can get into thailand without needing a thai visa in your US passport. ;)
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Tony ********
@Al ******
 when departing on a trip to thailand you better be ready to show the thai passport to the airline ticket agent or they wont let you board as there is no visa in the us passport
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Al *******
Steve Greir yes, Thai citizens can hold dual citizenship.
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Al *******
@Tony *******
 always use the US passport except when entering and departing Thailand.
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Tod *********
@Steve ******
 A thai loses NO rights as a thai when they acquire citizenship from another country. :/ Who ever told you they did was totally misinformed about it.
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Tony ********
@Gordon ********
 those two guys will be up on any changes
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Gordon *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tony *******
 It will be at least a year before I retire there , rules can change pretty quick just need to be ready to adjust
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Tony ********
@Steve ******
 lol!
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
@Tony *******
 Well she's Thai and that's what she told me, I guess she would know.
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Tony ********
@Steve ******
 do you know that for a fact?
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
@Gordon ********
 You never give up the 'citizenship', just some of the rights that come with it
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Tony ********
@Gordon ********
 tod on here and ubonjoe on thaivisa seem to have the advice on retirement visa that is easiest to comprehend. 90 day Non-O to start and apply for 1 year extension once you arrive and get the money in the bank and/or the proof of income from your embassy
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Gordon *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
She will never give up her Thai citizenship...anyway we intend to retire over there so I will be back on here looking for advice on the routine of maintaining visas.
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Tony ********
@Steve ******
 well i have no idea what she's on about. my wife doesnt seem to have lost any
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
@Tony *******
 Id guess any rights they have as a Thai only citizen. A Thai friend of mine was quite dubious about obtaining UK citizenship because she'd would lose all rights as a Thai only citizen
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Tony ********
@Gordon ********
 why would she not keep her thai citizenship?
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Gordon *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Non-Thai cannot own land so that is one good reason to keep her citizenship
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Tony ********
@Steve ******
 what rghts do they lose. never heard of that. they used to lose the right to own land but that was changed years ago
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
@Tony *******
@Gor***
 could be right, Im not sure if Thais can hold dual citizenship, they dont lose their Thai citizenship just some of the rights that come with it in Thailand
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Tony ********
@Gordon ********
 then they would demand proof of relinquishment
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Gordon *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I just seem to remember something in her naturalization application that says you have to relinquish your citizenship of your home country as a condition of receiving US citizenship but cannot find any info in her file to back it up.
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Tony ********
@Gordon ********
 no problem, just follow advice given
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Tony ********
@Steve ******
 probably not but my wife feels that she is treated with more respect by immigration officials when they see her non-thai passport. especially during transfers at other airports
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Gordon *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
She is a naturalized US citizen and acquired her US P. two years ago but this would be first time going back to Thailand..
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
Tony Dadson Maybe, I dont know the scenario, the OP didnt mention that she'd just aquired a US passport
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Tony ********
if a new immigrant comes in on their home country passport and then acquires a US passport, they can leave on the US passport
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Tony ********
Reply
Gordon *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Why not show Thai immigration both passports?
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Stephen *******
@Tod ********
 Yes but what a hassle for nothing!
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Al *******
My wife and I have been doing this for a number of years with no problems. When we enter Thailand I keep my wife’s US passport so if immigration asks, I have it. We just want to make sure that immigration does not accidentally stamp her into Thailand on her US passport. If that happens, she would only get a 30 day visa free entry and would have to deal with immigration as a US citizen for that entire visit.
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Tod *********
@Stephen ******
 IF a thai with dual nationality gets stamped in on their foreign passport they DO not get fined for overstay. In fact, if they want they can go to the immigration office show their thai passport, pay 1900baht and get a year extension stamped into the foreign passport because they're thai.
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Tony ********
@Stephen ******
 or ignore it and leave on the thai passport
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Stephen *******
There was a recent case on here where a Thai with dual passports showed both on arrival and the IO stamped the foreign passport for 30 days. She was going to have to leave and return to not be on overstay. Don't give them the chance to stuff it up.
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Tony ********
@Gordon ********
 they wont ask and in any case: U.S. law does not mention dual nationality or require a person to choose one nationality or another. A U.S. citizen may naturalize in a foreign state without any risk to his or her U.S. citizenship. However, persons who acquire a foreign nationality after age 18 by applying for it may relinquish their U.S. nationality if they wish to do so. In
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Gordon *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ok makes sense..but one more nickpickin Q. wont USA Immigration question why there is no Thai exit stamp on P? she cannot show her Thai P to them because the USA does not recognize dual citizenship and have the right to confiscate the second passport...or am I getting a little paranoid
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Tony ********
no need to and why make it more confusing for them than necessary. they dont care where she's going or coming from . the more info you give them, the more nitpicking they can get up to.
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Tony ********
Reply
Tony ********
leave US with us passport but show thai if they ask why no visa. enter thailand on thai passport. leaving, show both to ticket agent but thai to immigration. if transferring thru other airport, show us. we do it every year.
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Greg **********
We used US to board plane in US,Thai to enter Thai,US to board plane in Thai then Thai to depart Thai then US to enter US no problem.
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Adam *********
@Tony *******
 - and you also my friend.
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Tony ********
@Adam ********
 be careful
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Adam *********
@Tony *******
 - did the extra oxygen help you clear your mind?
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Tony ********
@Adam ********
 thats much better
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Adam *********
@Tony *******
 - breath my friend, breath. 🙂
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Tony ********
@Adam ********
 personal attacks wont do you much good here
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Adam *********
@Tony *******
 - some people are very slow. Take a breath and think what you are saying my friend. Maybe you should not be allowed to board due to mental challenges.
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Tony ********
@Adam ********
 no they dont
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Adam *********
@Tony *******
 - so then they ask for it! Hello!
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Tony ********
@Adam ********
 or unless they tell you that you cant board because you dont have the required visa
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Adam *********
@Greg *********
 - you never show another countries Passport unless it is asked for. Summary: Too much information.
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Tony ********
@Greg *********
 thats what we do
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Greg **********
Delta would not allow our kid to board the plane in the US with a US passport because no visa for Thailand over 30 day stay. So showed Thai passport no problem get on plane.
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Adam *********
Stop reading at the above 3-posts as it sums-up all you/your wife will need to do; and as my wife has also done for 10+years.
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Richard *****
Point to note. It’s a legal requirement to use the USA passport on entry and exit from USA. After that any passport can be used. I concur with the advice of Steven and Tony.
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Richard *****
Reply
Steven ***********
Shouldn't be an issue. Leave the USA on the applicable passport and Enter Thailand on the applicable passport. That's it....
7 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Steven ***********
Reply
Thai Visa Advice
... members · 40% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice
Can I enter Thailand with one passport and leave with another?
44 comments
2 months ago
What are the best practices for traveling with dual US-Thai citizenship regarding passport usage?
21 comments
3 months ago
Will my daughter face issues traveling back to Thailand on her US passport despite leaving on her expired Thai passport?
20 comments
7 months ago
Can I use my US passport to travel domestically within Thailand if I entered on my Thai passport?
27 comments
9 months ago
Can my wife's niece enter Thailand on her expired Thai passport and renew it while staying there?
33 comments
a year ago
What are the implications for a Thai-American dual citizen entering Thailand on a US passport and wishing to stay long-term?
67 comments
a year ago
Can my wife stay in Thailand beyond her 30-day limit if she receives her Thai passport before it expires?
2 comments
a year ago
Can my wife use her old passport with a valid visa to exit and enter Thailand with a new passport?
1 comments
a year ago
Can my sister enter Thailand with an expired Thai passport and a US passport?
29 comments
2 years ago
Will there be issues with airlines and immigration if my wife travels with two passports and a different name on her ticket?
36 comments
2 years ago
Should my Thai wife enter Thailand on her Thai passport or US passport?
10 comments
2 years ago
Can my mum with dual citizenship travel to Australia on her Australian passport and return to Thailand indefinitely on the same passport?
16 comments
3 years ago
Will my wife face issues entering Thailand with a different name on her Thai passport compared to her Australian passport?
34 comments
3 years ago
What passport should my Thai-American wife use when buying airline tickets and traveling to Thailand?
22 comments
3 years ago
How should I use my dual citizenship when entering and exiting Thailand and the US?
52 comments
3 years ago
What Name Should My Wife Use on Her Ticket if She Has Both US and Thai Passports?
2 comments
5 years ago
Which passport should a dual citizen use for a visit to Thailand?
4 comments
5 years ago
Can I travel with two passports after receiving a new passport while holding a Non-Imm O Visa in Thailand?
3 comments
6 years ago
What issues will arise if my son, with dual Thai-American citizenship, exits and re-enters Thailand using only his American passport due to an expired Thai passport?
10 comments
6 years ago
Can my wife use her Thai passport to exit Thailand without needing to renew her visa annually?
17 comments
6 years ago
Can my friend leave Thailand on her US passport and re-enter with it after exiting on her UK passport?
0 comments
6 years ago
Can I exit Thailand using my Thai passport if I booked my flight with my US passport?
21 comments
6 years ago
Can my partner travel to Australia using different passports for entering and exiting?
7 comments
7 years ago
Can a family enter Thailand using different passports and still go through immigration together?
5 comments
7 years ago
How can an American/Thai citizen return to the USA using both American and Thai passports?
28 comments
7 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.