Is it a problem to return to Thailand with a passport that has less than six months of validity?

Question

I am Canadian living in Thailand for over 15 years now on a Retirement non o visa. Both my visa and passport expire on Sept 4 2023. I need to go back to Canada for a funeral.I'll get a re-entry permit but when I return on March 10 or so I won't have 6 months on my passportonly 5 and three qurters.Is that a problem ? Once back . I will get my new passport in Bankok and transfer my visa. How strict are they. I will be travelling with my 11 yr old daughter Thai and Canadian passports so maybe that will help?

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user, a Canadian expat living in Thailand on a Retirement non-O visa, is concerned about returning to Thailand with a passport that will have less than six months of validity upon their return. While there is a general rule requiring six months of validity for entering Thailand, responses indicate that the airline's policies may be more critical than immigration's. Some users suggest renewing the passport in Bangkok before traveling, while others share experiences of traveling with less than six months of validity without issues. There are also suggestions to contact the embassy regarding potentially obtaining an emergency travel document.

Kevin ********* · Answer

Hi just done it with my daughter and was told that if she had a visa and was not coming as a tourist she was fine to come with 3 months left on her passport. She came back from Australia at Christmas and neither the airline or immigration raised a single question.

She entered Australia for Christmas no problem and returned in Jan no problem.

She entered Australia for Christmas no problem and returned in Jan no problem.

Bjorn ******** · Answer

Question: can you request the new passport at the Bangkok embassy with delivery in Canada? Then get the “emergency travel documents” the embassy will provide to get you back to Canada. Like they provide in case of a lost or stolen passport.

Might be worth giving them a call. The new passport most likely is produced in Canada and sent to Thailand for a renewal abroad, anyway.

Might be worth giving them a call. The new passport most likely is produced in Canada and sent to Thailand for a renewal abroad, anyway.

Steve ******* · Answer

Get your new passport in Canada. Job done, you're going back anyways!

Michael ******** · Answer

The airline gives you trouble they won’t let you border the plane as they are responsible for you in case your get rejected  and the airline must pay that

Rhonda ******* · Answer

Approx 1 week in Canada when I got a new one in 2022. Easy to transfer visa over to new passport

Brett ****** · Answer

Immigration might not issue the re-entry permit because of the expiry of your passport

Jeffrey ************ · Answer

Renew when you're back in Canada....

John ******* · Answer

You probably won't get back if you are under 6 months on your passport. I would get a new one before you go.

Bob ********** · Answer

Get a new passport when your home

So ******** · Answer

When are you going to Canada? Can’t you have your passport renewed in Bangkok before you go?

Stuart ********* · Answer

The issue will probably be with your airline. They may not let you travel with a passport less than 6 months validity. The rule for Thailand is 6 months validity. Generally immigration probably won’t care but your airline may.

Is it a problem to return to Thailand with a passport that has less than six months of validity?

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