How do I navigate immigration in Thailand with a new passport while on a spouse visa?

Thailand Visa Rules Immigration Spouse Visa Passport Renewal Re-entry Permit Visa Transfer

Aug 12, 2024

4 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello, I have a British passport and I’m on a spouse visa (married to foreigner working in Thailand). I need to get a new passport as I’m limited on blank pages — I go back to the UK in November and easiest option would be to get a new passport there. 

My question is, when returning back to Thailand, how do I navigate my visa getting through immigration? Would it suffice showing them my old passport and doing the transfer once I’m in? Thanks in advance.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

If you are renewing your passport while holding a spouse visa in Thailand, ensure to apply for a re-entry permit before leaving Thailand. When returning, present both your old and new passports at immigration. Verify that your entry stamp reflects your current visa extension. Once back in Thailand, visit the immigration office with both passports to apply for transfer stamps.

Tony *******

Yes

4 months ago

Anthony *********

I've just renewed my passport in the uk last month took 10 days from sending it off to getting the new one, but they will send the new one first then your old one at a later date, and that can take up to 8 weeks

4 months ago

Harriet ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Anthony ********

thank you! I’m doing the 1 day turn around to save the stress - I did that with my last passport and thought it was worth it!

4 months ago

Lloyd ********

@Harriet **********

Be aware as he just said, the new passport may come in one day, but the old one (which you need) may not. You have to stress to them that you need both.

4 months ago

Harriet ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Lloyd *******

thank you! That’s an important point! It might just be easier for me to get the new passport here in Thailand…

4 months ago

Rob *******

@Harriet **********

... yes probably. Apply through VFS Global, you keep your old PP and the new one is back in 2 weeks. I've done it several times over the years for me and my kids. That said, a same day turnaround at the passport office in UK should be ok.

4 months ago

Harriet ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Rob ******

thanks so much Rob! I’m going to go through VFS global — seems safer as I don’t want to spend unnecessary weeks in the UK especially in November 😂

4 months ago

Rob *******

@Harriet **********

... VFS are very efficient, I've used them in Chiang Mai, Bangkok and Saigon for 7 PP applications and 3 visa applications and I've had no issues at all ... Covid aside, when it took 3 months for my kids PP's to arrive, although that was expected.

4 months ago

Arve ****************

@Harriet **********

yepp.

Don't know if it will be easier, but will be safer tok get a new passport in Thailand.

Then you can transfer extention and re-entry stamp to the new passport before you travel..

4 months ago

Harriet ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Arve ***************

thank you so much I really appreciate this advice and support :)

4 months ago

Reply to

Harriet ***********

Ellie *******

Your understanding is right.

Don't forget to apply for a re-entry permit before you leave Thailand.

Show both old and new passports at the entry to Thailand. Make sure you are stamped in for the same date with your current extension with Non-RE on visa class on your entry stamp, before leaving passport control.

Once you are back at your address in Thailand, bring both passports to the immigration office that issued your extension to apply for transfer stamps.

4 months ago

Harriet ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ellie ******

thanks so much Ellie that’s reassuring! I have multiple re-entry and extension until Feb 2026 so I’m hoping all will be smooth coming back in! My husbands work should help me sort out the transfer of stamps too but I like to know all information myself too! Thanks again!

4 months ago

Reply to

Harriet ***********

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What should I do with my old and new passport when returning to Thailand after renewal?

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