Is it safe for my partner to travel to Thailand with a passport expiring shortly after our return?

Aug 2, 2022
2 years ago
Allie ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I have a question if anyone has experience this. Myself and my parnter are flying in sept from USA. For 30 days my passport covers the visa.

How ever I just saw my partners passport will expire at the end of oct the 31st. we will return to the USA on oct 13th.

I have read online it’s “RECOMMENDED “ to have 6 months before expiration date on passport. But have also read if his return ticket shows before expiration date he will be ok.

Does anyone have experience with this ?

It’s too late for the expedient passport service In the USA. 
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user asked about the implications of traveling to Thailand with a passport that is set to expire shortly after their return. They noted that their passport allows for a 30-day stay without a visa. The advice from commenters highlighted that while Thailand does not enforce a strict 6-month passport validity rule, airlines often do, and passengers may be denied boarding if their passport does not meet this guideline. Recommendations included applying for an expedited passport service or considering an emergency passport to avoid potential travel disruptions.
Cherie ********
And you can normally get same day if you bring it in first thing..need to bring copy of itinerary too
Braulio *********
@Cherie *******
you share the truth, and the person can get an appointment on line, at least at the seattle office.
Cherie ********
@Braulio ********
I am not surprised at the number of people who are just realizing that their passports have less than 6 months validity..people haven’t traveled for almost 2 years. And no one seems to know that most big cities have a passport office
Cherie ********
Depending on where you live, there might be a US passport office close to you…better than mailing the passport in
Bob **********
Get a new passport
Glyn **********
I'd get an emergency passport.
Michael *******
Not worth it too many horror stories. It's not too late for expedited passport. But you'll have to use a private company not the post office. It will cost but you'll have it in time!
Gary **********
Why take the chance get a new passport
กะลาสี *****
My daughter had a ticket to Italy to visit a friend. She flew domestic to NYC and the airline would not allow her to board the international flight because her passport expired in 4 months. Subsequently she lost her airfare and acquired unforseen expenses with regard to local accommodations and transportation back to her hometown. IMO your partner needs to apply for an expedited passport, if that is possible.
Brandon ************
@กะลาสี ****
Italy's rules and Thailand's rules are not the same
กะลาสี *****
@Brandon ***********
my point was that the airline would not allow her to board the plane.
Brandon ************
@กะลาสี ****
Italy has an actual rule that says you must have 6 months. Thailand does not.
กะลาสี *****
@Brandon ***********
as you said in your original post "the problem is that there is a very high chance your airline will not allow them to fly." This was my point too.
Brandon ************
Thailand doesn't have a 6 month validity rule for flying there. You cannot purchase a visa from a consulate in your home country unless your passport has at least 6 months left, but if you are entering visa exempt that's not an issue.

The problem is that there is a very high chance your airline will not allow them to fly.

Many countries do have a 6 month rule, and most airline staff just apply it to everywhere. They have the final say on if you can fly or not, so you need to check with them. But if you're able to get to Thailand, just have proof that you'll be leaving within your 30 day visa exempt and before the passport expires and it shouldn't be an issue.
John **********
Just as an aside my son, a UK citizen, recently returned to the UK from Australia. His passport had less than 6 months remaining and the airline wouldn't accept it because he was transiting via Singapore which has a 6 months rule (even though he wasn't entering Singapore). Luckily they told him in enough time to get an emergency travel document.
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