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Do I need to transfer my SEBV and entry stamp to my new passport?
Feb 16, 2020
6 years ago
Kellen *******
ORIGINAL POSTERHi all. I've read up on old threads and here is my understanding regarding transfers to new passports:
Visas (the sticker obtained at an embassy or consulate outside of Thailand) are NOT transferred to new passports while extensions of stay (the stamps given at immigration/Chaengwattana/within Thailand) ARE transferred to new passports.
Here is my confusion. The following excerpt is direct from the US Embassy website and seems to contradict my understanding. Should I assume that the US Embassy website is simply wrong and/or erroneously grouping visas together with extensions of stay?
*"Thai immigration law requires entry/exit stamps and Thai visas be transferred into new passports. After receiving your new passport, please visit any Thai immigration office to have the visa transferred. You must take your new passport, canceled passport, and visa transfer letter."
*I'm currently on a SEBV so I'm not sure if I need to go to immigration after getting a new passport or not. The only relevant "stamp" I have would be the entry stamp from the day I entered on my SEBV. The excerpt above would make it seem like this stamp and the SEBV needs to be transferred but other posts I've seen are adamant that I wouldn't need to go to immigration at all.
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Visas (the sticker obtained at an embassy or consulate outside of Thailand) are NOT transferred to new passports while extensions of stay (the stamps given at immigration/Chaengwattana/within Thailand) ARE transferred to new passports.
Here is my confusion. The following excerpt is direct from the US Embassy website and seems to contradict my understanding. Should I assume that the US Embassy website is simply wrong and/or erroneously grouping visas together with extensions of stay?
*"Thai immigration law requires entry/exit stamps and Thai visas be transferred into new passports. After receiving your new passport, please visit any Thai immigration office to have the visa transferred. You must take your new passport, canceled passport, and visa transfer letter."
*I'm currently on a SEBV so I'm not sure if I need to go to immigration after getting a new passport or not. The only relevant "stamp" I have would be the entry stamp from the day I entered on my SEBV. The excerpt above would make it seem like this stamp and the SEBV needs to be transferred but other posts I've seen are adamant that I wouldn't need to go to immigration at all.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking clarification on whether it is necessary to transfer their Single Entry Business Visa (SEBV) and entry stamp from an old passport to a new one, citing conflicting information from the US Embassy regarding Thai immigration laws. Community members provided insights that suggest only extensions of stay are transferable, and that carrying both the old and new passports may be sufficient for exiting the country.
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James ********
Thanks All for your helpful replies to Kellen. Commenting closed.
Ron *******
Thailand Elite visa is treated differently. They are issued in 5 year blocks. BUT if you only have 3 years left on your passport, the visa is issued for 3 years. Then, once you have a new passport, a new visa is issued for 2 years.
Tod *********
okay
IF the O/P is not getting an extension on their SEBV <- which I can only hope means "single entry business visa" they got stamped in for 90 days when they entered on the visa and they just show BOTH passports when they go to stamp out.
@Tong ****
the elite visa (AND diplomatic visas) ARE moved to new passports. :O however every other kind of visa is NOT.. IF the O/P is not getting an extension on their SEBV <- which I can only hope means "single entry business visa" they got stamped in for 90 days when they entered on the visa and they just show BOTH passports when they go to stamp out.
Kellen *******
ORIGINAL POSTERThank you for the reply, Tod.
Kellen *******
ORIGINAL POSTERYes, single entry business visa.
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Kellen *******
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Tong *****
The Elite visa rep who met me at the plane on my last entry seemed to suggest my visa should go in new passport. Not sure I fully understood her so I'll ask the question before my next entry. Not the first time Ive heard this though so there may be a move to get all visa stickers put in new passports. Until then just carry old and new passport.
Jeremy ********
Just carry both passports
Benjamin ******
The US government is not the experts on Thai visa laws. Trust the Thai government (who makes the laws) over the US government (who just reports what they think the law is)
Robert *******
Do I make friend when I say, the website is wrong.
A visa, the sticker in your passport can not be removed and transferred to a new passport.
A visa, the sticker in your passport can not be removed and transferred to a new passport.
Joe ***********
I did my first renewal by mail to the American Bkk Embassy... Easy - Peasy
James ********
Are you living in Thailand year round?
I assume you hold a SE Asia Business Visa ?? Am I correct ?
If you are on a ...90 day non immigrant visa and aren't going to get an extension you can just show both passports when stamping out
Just like on a SETV no need to go transfer the stamps if you're not getting an extension
I assume you hold a SE Asia Business Visa ?? Am I correct ?
If you are on a ...90 day non immigrant visa and aren't going to get an extension you can just show both passports when stamping out
Just like on a SETV no need to go transfer the stamps if you're not getting an extension
James ********
You are welcome. Hope we have helped you.
Kellen *******
ORIGINAL POSTERNo, I am not going to be applying for an extension of stay on this visa. Thank you for your replies, James!
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Kellen *******
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James ********
Keep it simple...
Just take the letter you received from the US Embassy when you obtained your new US Passport addressed to Thai Immigration... They will know what to do.
Bring both old and new passports with you.
Just take the letter you received from the US Embassy when you obtained your new US Passport addressed to Thai Immigration... They will know what to do.
Bring both old and new passports with you.
Kellen *******
ORIGINAL POSTERSorry - should have mentioned in the OP that I'm on a SEBV which is why I'm asking.
If my original understanding is correct, I wouldn't need to go to immigration at all because it does not concern them. Unless I would need to go to immigration simply to transfer my entry stamp from the day I entered on my SEBV? I've seen other posts saying I can just leave the country with my old passport and new passport in hand at the border.
If my original understanding is correct, I wouldn't need to go to immigration at all because it does not concern them. Unless I would need to go to immigration simply to transfer my entry stamp from the day I entered on my SEBV? I've seen other posts saying I can just leave the country with my old passport and new passport in hand at the border.
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Kellen *******
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