Does Thailand require a passport to be valid for 6 months for entry on a visa exemption?

Thai Visa Rules Passport Validity Visa Exemption Immigration Expats in Thailand Airline Regulations Travel Advice

Jan 8, 2025

10 days ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi all, 

A friend is coming to Thailand at the end of the month on visa exemption and has just realised her passport expires within 4 months since her entry in the country. She only plans to stay for 3 weeks on holidays and has a ticket back home. 

I believe Thailand does not apply the “6-month validity” rule but simply requires for the passport to be valid throughout the stay. 

I highly doubt she would have any issues at immigration once in Bangkok but the airline might refuse boarding. So I am looking for an official source stating that the passport only needs to be valid for the duration of the stay. Any leads on where to find it? 

Thanks! 

P.s. she has already applied for a new passport but might take too long.

3,081

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion revolves around whether Thailand requires a passport to have at least six months of validity beyond entry for those traveling on a visa exemption. Some users assert that while Thailand may not enforce this rule, many airlines do. The consensus is that although Thailand allows entry as long as the passport is valid for the duration of stay, airlines often deny boarding if the passport is not valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Official confirmation is sought regarding the requirements from relevant authorities, particularly for airline policies.

Holger **************

She might have Problems with the Airline at Check inn

8 days ago

Kenneth *******

Go to the US embassy and see what she can do. in Bangkok

8 days ago

Benjamin *********

Send an email to a Thai embassy asking for a letter/email indicating what you require.

9 days ago

Terary **********

The concern is the Airline - they tend to be more strict the the government.

9 days ago

David **********

Do not try to travel with under 6 months on passport. Almost certainly, the airline will refuse to allow you to board.

9 days ago

Eric *******

if your passport isn't valid 6month from your dearture, you will be not accept on board

9 days ago

Baz *********

Your passport must have at least 6 months left before it expires at the time of entry..

It's unlikely the airline will allow your friend to board the flight on that old passport.

You don't mention your friends passport country?

But some countries allow express passport processing for an additional fee..

And if they have a passport from a country that requires a visa BEFORE you fly then that also could be a problem arranging a last minute visa with limited time..

If they have a visa already on the old passport number that will not be valid anymore

9 days ago

Andy **********

If its a UK passport and shes still in UK then she can apply for a priority service think its £207 and you make your appointment online and upload the necessary then pick it up on the day of the appointment.

Expensive option but at least you are not relying on the pist etc