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Is it a problem to return to Thailand with a passport that has less than six months of validity?
Visa RulesRe-entry PermitPassport ValidityImmigration RegulationsThailand Retirement VisaExpats in ThailandAirline Policies
Jan 28, 2023
3 years ago
Roger **********
ORIGINAL POSTERI 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?
TLDR : Answer Summary
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.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Kevin *********
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 ********
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 *******
Get your new passport in Canada. Job done, you're going back anyways!
Michael ********
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 *******
Approx 1 week in Canada when I got a new one in 2022. Easy to transfer visa over to new passport
Brett ******
Immigration might not issue the re-entry permit because of the expiry of your passport
Jeffrey ************
Renew when you're back in Canada....
John *******
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 **********
Get a new passport when your home
So ********
When are you going to Canada? Can’t you have your passport renewed in Bangkok before you go?
Steve *******
Sophie Bastin Why? Get it renewed in Canada!
Edna *******
@Steve ******
in America one can pay extra and have it expedited ,. Do it in Canada and carry official documents that you have. Copy your current PP, or take your chances and do it in Canada by mail after returning home. Must be done anyway, one way or another.Steve *******
@Edna ******
Got to be easiest to do it in Canada.Reply to
Steve *******
Reply
Stuart *********
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.
Stuart *********
@Daniel ***********
Passport validity 6 months.Stuart *********
like many rules it may not be enforced.
Reply to
Stuart *********
Reply
Daniel ************
@Stuart ********
even if there is a valid visa insideStuart *********
@Daniel ***********
Visa is irrelevant. Passport validity is the issue. The airline is well within their rights to deny boarding if the passport has less than 6 months validity.Daniel ************
@Stuart ********
i believe the requirements are not 6months anymore for most of the Western countries
Stuart *********
@Daniel ***********
That could be. The rule is 6 months. The airline may enforce it. I don’t know. The OP may get away with a passport less than that but it’s a coin toss.Reply to
Stuart *********
Reply
Todd *********
@Stuart ********
especially if boarding in Canada.Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
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