Answered4 months ago
How can I overcome issues with the Thai immigration app not recognizing my US passport?
This is not visa advice, per se, but an immigration question. The new Thai immigration app has come out and can be downloaded. I downloaded it from the Apple App Store and was trying to set it up, to be ready for my next trip. In the setup process, it has you take a picture of your biometric page. Mine (with a current design US passport) keeps getting rejected with a message to remove what is covering the picture. There are two things covering the picture: a) the hard plastic that is covering the entire page and b) embedded in it or below a clear sticker with a holographic aspect to it. Both are part of the passport and are not things you can or should remove. I assume b is the issue. Has anyone found a way around this problem?
Answer summary
A user is experiencing difficulties with the new Thai immigration app rejecting the biometric photo of their US passport due to protective elements on the passport page. Various community suggestions have been shared, including adjustments to angle and lighting, as well as alternative methods like photographing the passport or using a photocopy. Some users mention similar problems with other passport types and suggest being patient with the app's setup as it may take numerous attempts to succeed.
29 repliesnewest first
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David *********
Just persevere. I had all sorts of problems but just moved locations, adjusted lighting, indoors, outdoors, changed the photo angles, must have tried 40 or 50 times, including failing NFC or face recognition putting me back to the start. You get there in the end, just be patient and imaginative with lighting conditions.
Nigel **********
Had the same issue with my new UK passport. Tried everything and still the same issue. Gave up.
I’ll try again in a few months.
I’ll try again in a few months.
Stanley **********
I was able to load my parents passports easier than mine and I have the old passport
Bill **********
Once in Thailand, IO had no problem accepting it.
David **********
Ensure the page is free of shadows.
Mark *********
I use both Apple and Android devices. if I am traveling I stick to my Android device.
Bobby *********
They won’t allow foreign developers to work here so hey... Goodluck with the dated and difficult websites as well as the brand new non functional apps I guess 😬
Mike ******
Most new Thai apps take time to iron out the glitches; usually about five years.
Michael ********
Mike Bell And then they scrap it for another one..
Jean ************
This app is not compulsory. Do the declaration online, and everything is fine.
Roger *********
Jean Pacquement we know it's not compulsory but they're saying that in time all immigration issues will be grouped together on this one App and advise getting used to it is all. It's currently not an alternative or replacement for DTAC which still must be completed and submitted by ALL non Thais each time entering the Kingdom.
Bill ******
Roger Scarlet They say a lot of things.
This is basically the foreigner tracker they’ve been wanting to force people to use since the foreigner SIM card got shot down a decade ago.
It’s spyware.
I’m not using it until they publish the source code or someone installs it and then reports on what telemetry data it’s collecting and transmitting to both the Thai government and a third party software developer.
Here’s the privacy policy section.
Location-related data, including real-time or periodic location information, collected through the Application or User device permissions, where required for the provision of specific Services.
This is basically the foreigner tracker they’ve been wanting to force people to use since the foreigner SIM card got shot down a decade ago.
It’s spyware.
I’m not using it until they publish the source code or someone installs it and then reports on what telemetry data it’s collecting and transmitting to both the Thai government and a third party software developer.
Here’s the privacy policy section.
Location-related data, including real-time or periodic location information, collected through the Application or User device permissions, where required for the provision of specific Services.
Jean ************
Roger Scarlet definitely. The OP has a problem just now and can easily solve it. So he or she, all of us, including myself, will see what has to be if it is compulsory. My own passport is not recognized by the THIM.
Ron ******
Just registered with NZ passport, no issues, took all of 3 minutes to complete.
Jita****
I had no problem with the app recognizing US passport
Lee *************
It is there exactly for that reason, unable to duplicate
James *******
Maybe if you photo copy it and then scan it, as the only thing the app does is read all the information and put it in the system. It saves typing all the information into the app.
Uschi *********
I have same problem with German EU-passport. No chance to take a picture THIM is accepting. I tried several hours with different angles and lightnings. It didn't work.
Uwe *******
Uschi Schreib my first guess: the embedded security feature (bundesadler) overlapping thevrightcside of the picture might cause that problem with german passports .. .??
Uschi *********
Uwe Storm Maybe.
Wannikea *********
Definitely adjust the angle and lighting so that all the text is readable and reflections are minimal if possible.
Wayne *********
Maybe getting a reflection? Try different distance.
Worked first try with Australia passport.
If you can not. Just do the TDAC via site dont need to do it on Thim.
Worked first try with Australia passport.
If you can not. Just do the TDAC via site dont need to do it on Thim.
Doug ******
I’ve tried using their app to scan the passport page multiple times without success
Davo *********
try taking a photo then scanning the photo. obvs need 2 devices
Stu ******
Davo Thurlow or try scanning then take a photo of the scan?
Davo *********
haha, not sure mate. i saw this same question on another visa page, and the consensus was that a photo takes away the glare and the hologram problem, so the app can scan properly. worth a try
GreyEle*******
I have heard Thai banks having problems with US passports and there is a method but the poster did not say what the method was. Just that another bank staff member said is that a US passport? Then proceeded to take over the scan and it worked.
I can only suggest trying different angles and lighting.
I can only suggest trying different angles and lighting.
Bernd ***********
GreyElephant🐘 I had the same problem, as mentioned here keep try different angles and lighting. Worked for me....
Gregory ********
GreyElephant🐘the new ones are rather crappy, focusing more on hidden anti-counterfeiting measures than clarity.
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