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Is there an approved electronic passport accepted by Thailand for US citizens?
U.S. PassportThailand ImmigrationVisa RegulationsTravel DocumentationPolice ID RequirementPhotocopy of PassportElectronic Passport
Feb 16, 2022
4 years ago
Joey ************
ORIGINAL POSTERGetting my docuemention in order for my upcoming trip. Does anyone know if there is an approved electronic passport accepted by Thailand? So that I don’t have to carry my physical passport everywhere. I have a U.S. passport. Thank you 🙏🏻
TLDR : Answer Summary
A U.S. passport electronically is not available; travelers must carry physical passports or acceptable alternatives. While the law requires carrying a passport, many expats suggest carrying photocopies or images on mobile devices. In practice, police may accept these alternatives, but having the original passport on hand is advisable to avoid fines. Most expats share experiences of never being asked for the passport in daily situations, although legal obligations remain.
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Craig *******
No point carrying your physical passport....I have a scan on my phone of the photo page, entry stamp page and departure card.
Brook ********
There is no such thing as an Electronic US Passport.
As explained when you applied, the US Passport card is only valid for travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean by land or sea.
As explained when you applied, the US Passport card is only valid for travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean by land or sea.
Thomas ************
I have a picture of the photo page on my phone and in 7 years that's always been enough (apart from obvious exceptions like flying or opening a bank account)
Gordon ********
So if I have a new passport number should I go update my DL and pink ID?
Steve *******
@Gordon *******
Yep and your Thai bank account if you have one.Reply to
Steve *******
Reply
Yvonne *********
We only ever carry a copy of our passport main page. In all the years we have been going to Thailand and living there we have never carried our passport with us.
Passport is locked in a safe
Passport is locked in a safe
Dave ******
Been going to Thailand almost 30 years, and never had a cop ask to see my passport.
Lisa ********************
Easier to carry a photocopy.
Eric **********
I leave my Passport at home and carry my Passport "Card". Never had an issue. Get it from the same folks who issue your Passport...
Andrew ********
A copy of passport and visa is accepted by police as has been stated by the RTP many times.
17 years here and never been asked for any proof while out and about.
Even just a photo on your mobile is accepted at hotels.
Stop worrying.
17 years here and never been asked for any proof while out and about.
Even just a photo on your mobile is accepted at hotels.
Stop worrying.
Sad ********
Make half a dozen photocopies of the 'main information page' and the visa that you've have in your passport, then you should have no problems. Never carry your official passport with you, leave it in your room in the safe. Only if the Police ask to see the real passport, then you can tell then it's in your room and you can take them to your place of stay and show them, but a photocopy should be sufficient.
Xjwhudkwhry ********
In Thailand??? U won't be able to do this even in Sweden or Finland or any other technically advanced nation, you're a foreigner and you have to be able to identify yourself and your status(visa), unless they start to chip people like dogs, u have to carry internationally recognized ID with u at all times...of course most people don;t do that, but it's not technically legal
Chris *********************
By law you should carry your passport with you at police check points I have only been asked for it once best be on the safe side and carry it with you thai police can fine you if you don't have it with you
Garry ********
Hi, I never carry my passport , not even to change money , colour photo copy to about 64% then laminate, all good
Brandon ************
Technically the legal requirement is that you must always have your passport with you. Some get away with a signed copy of the data page instead, but if a police officer wants to give you trouble, this gives him all the reason he needs.
Gary **********
You can have a photo copy ...but not with driving licence ..
Brook ********
@Gary *********
AFAIK all new Thai drivers licenses are on an app now. No more physical cards as of last month.
Joey ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Gary *********
THank you. I'll just bring photocopy with me as to not lose original.Reply to
Joey ************
Reply
Tom ********
Can't say I have ever heard of this before
Quest *********
Does the US have an electronic passport system? I've never heard of this before
Reply to
Quest *********
Reply
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