This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

Should I carry my passport with me while living in Thailand?

passport requirements living in Thailand expat advice Thai visa immigration regulations proof of identity safety tips for expats traveling in Thailand

Dec 27, 2025

a day ago

Not so much a DTV question but do you carry your passport with you? I never leave our home without it but fiance thinks its not necessary. I’ve been asked for my passport several times on days I didn’t think id need it and continue to carry it daily

6,456

views

8

likes

137

all likes

67

replies

0

images

48

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion revolves around whether it is necessary for expats in Thailand to carry their passports at all times. Many contributors suggest that while the law technically requires carrying an original passport, it is common practice to carry a photocopy or a digital version on one's phone instead. Some expats prefer to keep their passports secured in a safe, citing safety concerns about losing it. Experiences vary, with some having never needed to produce their passport in casual situations while others have faced checkpoints where having it on hand was beneficial. Ultimately, the decision to carry a passport seems to be a personal choice influenced by individual circumstances and comfort levels.

Pelle Eriksson

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted Thai Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Anonymous ******************

Never, and never needed it

Like

Reply

Melissa ********

I’m confused. for those thing in hotels, you think it’s better to leave it there then keep it on your person?

Like

Reply

John *****

I always bring with me passport, IDP, national driving license and national ID. Everything secured from rain.

Like

Reply

Pontus ****

19 years in Thailand and never once been asked about passport.

Like

Reply

Ilion ********

NEVER once in 16 years in Thailand has my passport left the safe on a casual outing.

Like

Reply

Ossie *********

I have my main page and visa on my mobile my PP I keep at home in my safe

Like

Reply

Phil ******

Definitely not. Take a pic of the biostatistics page and also your visa page and save under a label

Like

Reply

Relevance *********

Never!

My Thai license has my passport number on it.

Like

Reply

Anonymous ******************

I never bring it outside unless I have to go to immigration or something. A picture of it on your phone is good enough. Keep it safe.

Like

Reply

Esra ***********

I've been living in Thailand for 6 years and I only carry it when I really need to use it. Other times, I have a picture on my phone and a copy on my bad.

Like

Reply

Unlock ****************************************

I’ve seen this play out both ways. Law says one thing, street reality says another.

My move: original passport stays locked and dry.

I carry a clear scan + entry stamp in a digital wallet that works offline—not just my camera roll.

If asked, I can identify myself immediately and protect the one document I can’t easily replace.

This isn’t about being right on the internet. It’s about being prepared in real life.

Like

Reply

James *******

I carry my Thai 5 year driving licence and Thai bank card only.

Like

Reply

Paul *******

I carry a copy

Like

Reply

FirstNam*********

Only carry it if driving though check points as they do ask to see it

Like

Reply

Dom ********

I don’t think my passports ever left my accommodation other than for immigration reasons or travel.

Have a pic of it in ur phone and it’ll be sufficient for most situations.

The hassle, especially around coupling it with your visa, of getting a new passport isn’t worth it

Like

Reply

Anonymous ******************

Never. No issues. Driving license is usually ok

Like

Reply

Chris *********

Of course not. What a stupid question. For what reason you were asked for your passport? Ridiculous

Like

Reply

David ********

I agree As many have already said, photocopy and picture of it on your phone should more than suffice 😊👌🏾

Like

Reply

Ade ********

Photo card driving license. For ID. 👌🏻

Like

Reply

Anonymous ******************

TRIPLE LAMINATED COPY

Like

Reply

Nick *********

Just keep a photo of it on your phone as that's accepted by hotels and other things. Youl need to to get on a plane however or for immigration stuff. Photograph the page with stamps in also in case a policeman ever wants to check your not overstaying a visa. (However I just drove 1600 miles without a single police stop so that might not even be an issue depending on where your travelling and how)

Like

Reply

Paul *******

Miles? Sure it wasn't km, considering this is Thailand?

You won't need to show your passport throughout most of Thailand except near the Burmese border in Tak province (occasionally Kanchanaburi as well) and at the moment, near the Cambodian border.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Paul *******

Reply

Anonymous ******************

I print my passport on white and grey t-shirts and wear them daily so I don’t have to carry it. Just go to a t-shirt shop at MBK mall and they will do it for you. Good luck 👍

Like

Reply

Benjamin *********

Never. Just keep a picture in phone.

Like

Reply

Jef ********

I just have a photo on my phone traveling around the city.

But if you are traveling between provinces/ city’s I would take it with you

Like

Reply

Dragiša *******

I never carry it with me, I leave it in the hotel safe, I have a picture of my passport on my phone.

Like

Reply

Mike **********

In 40 years i have never carried my passport. When i first came to thailand i carried a photo copy. Now i have a copy on my phone.

Like

Reply

Elky *****************

Don’t carry it with you, make a photocopy of it, and take a picture of it.. that’s enough. UNLESS you’re running an errand that will require your passport

Like

Reply

Jeff *******

Never. Thai driver's license is accepted everywhere.

Like

Reply

Paul *******

Well, nearly everywhere. Depends on the circumstances, but for the most part you are correct.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Paul *******

Reply

Waqar ********

I know they ask for passport all the time but believe me, you are not REQUIRED to carry it. A police officer, random checkpoint, traffic officer, sudden raids, whoever asks you; just reply the passport is in hotel/ room. You must have your local ID/ license to prove identity and a picture of passport in mobile is enough.

Like

Reply

Dan *******

Uh , you’re wrong. Feel free to argue with strangers in the internet.

The correct answer is :

Legally, yes, you must carry your original passport in Thailand as proof of identity

It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt

Like

Reply

Waqar ********

please follow your own advice Sir.

I have been stopped numerous times by LEAs. I simply show my home country ID or DL, that's enough. Only once they further asked for passport and I replied, "it's in my room".

Like

Reply

Dan *******

Dumb

As

A

Rock 🪨

Like

Reply

Paul *******

Depends where you are and the reason why your passport is being requested. In most cases, you are correct. In some cases, you must be able to produce your passport, especially near the Burmese and Cambodian borders, if asked by the military.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Paul *******

Reply

Elías ********

My country has no embassy, nor consulate whatsoever in Thailand, so if I lose or damaged my passport, I'll be cooked. Said so, it never ever leaves my place unless I'm traveling abroad.

Like

Reply

Waqar ********

@Elías *******

I thank you in my personal capacity for you always reply positively to community questions. Thanks for helping all of us with your experiences.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Waqar ********

Reply

Dany ********

i allways carry a copy + thai driving license.

Like

Reply

Victor **********

Not really, I keep the passport in the safebox and if someone asks I show them a photo

Like

Reply

Andrew ********

I take a picture of my ID part and current stamp and save it in drop box so I can access it anywhere - phone - computer anywhere

Like

Reply

Steve *******

I have pictures of my passport info page and my latest stamp. That's all I've ever needed, outside of immigration offices, in 8 years here.

Like

Reply

Christopher ***********

I carry mine always. It's the only original proof of photo ID I possess except for my pink foreigners Thai ID card.

Like

Reply

Mercy *********

Just keep a copy or have it on your phone unless you're going somewhere you know you'll need it. Less chance of it getting lost or damaged.

Like

Reply

Greg ********

Get a CC card size copy.

Like

Reply

Anonymous ******************

I don't but have my thai driving license always with me in case of emergency or police checkpoint.

Like

Reply

John **********

I usually take mine if I'm going a long distance and have been asked for it at a couple of checkpoints but not normally

Like

Reply

Paul *******

@John *********

Yep, especially near the Cambodian and Burmese borders, passports are definitely required. Normally, prior to the current conflict with Cambodia, you generally didn't get asked for your passport at checkpoints near the border but that has changed. Whereas near the Burmese border, it's been common for years but has become standard practice since early this year due to scam center crackdowns.

Like

Reply

Dan *******

Yep. They do ask at checkpoints.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Dan *******

Reply

Marianne ********

Technically legally required to keep it with you on your person.

Most people have a copy.

Like

Reply

Phil ******

@Marianne *******

no the Thai govt amended the law to allow for a cop u of the bio page and visa stamp

Like

Reply

Andrew ********

@Marianne *******

my government says the exact opposite... as they own the Passport, I can use it as a citizen... Only carry when necessary is what they say...

Photocopy of ID page sufficient or if you are paranoid take a photo of the ID and your Visa ...

Like

Reply

Shane *****

youre not getting cash at an exchange booth or banking services in person without one

Like

Reply

Anonymous ******************

I exchanged money without a passport numerous times 🤷🏻

Like

Reply

Reply to

Anonymous ******************

Reply

Robin *********

@Andrew *******

Thai law technically requires you to carry it, allthough it's not enforced

Like

Reply

Dave ****

@Robin ********

That is not correct. Immigration have officially confirmed that a photocopy is acceptable for the exact reason being the risk of loss or damage if your carrying it daily.

Like

Reply

Andrew ********

@Robin ********

Have Thai ID with my passport number... Only time I have been asked to show my passport was in Bangladesh... showed the photocopy.. no problem... 35 years in and out of Thailand never been asked to showy passport

Like

Reply

Robin *********

@Andrew *******

Yeah, practiclly it's not enforced

Like

Reply

Reply to

Robin *********

Reply

Robin ****

@Marianne *******

it's more dangerous to lose the passport instead paying 5$ penalty 😂

Like

Reply

Reply to

Robin ****

Reply

Paul *******

I just carry a copy and a copy of my visa.

I have a thai driving license.

I travel a lot and just don’t want the risk of losing my passport.

Always a personal choice.

Best of luck.

Like

Reply

James ********

Carry a copy of it... with a copy of the current entry stamp or Thai Visa/Extension stamp

Like

Reply

Cliff *********

Certainly not.

Have a photo on your phone.

Passport is your MOST precious possession when you are abroad.

Keep it clean dry and safe.

Like

Reply

Anonymous ******************

@Cliff ********

technically, your passport is kept "on the person" but who does that ? Saying that its better to err on the side of caution ⚠️

Like

Reply

Cliff *********

Anonymous participant 957 read my post please.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Cliff *********

Reply

Waqar ********

@Cliff ********

your selection of words for this answer are superb. ✅

Like

Reply

Cliff *********

Kap Khun Kap

Like

Reply

Reply to

Cliff *********

Reply

Kaspars ********

12 years abroad. 55 countries. Long periods in Thailand. Never with a passport with me

Like

Reply

Reply to

Kaspars ********

Reply

What should I do with my old passport after renewing it while holding a DTV visa in Thailand?

3 comments

21 days ago

What should I do if I have a new passport and a DTV visa on my old passport?

12 comments

a month ago

How does my passport's expiration date affect my DTV application as a digital nomad in Thailand?

4 comments

a month ago

What should I do if I need to renew my passport while holding a DTV in Thailand?

27 comments

2 months ago

Should I renew my passport before applying for a Thai DTV visa?

12 comments

2 months ago

What should I do when changing my passport after being granted a DTV visa in Thailand?

15 comments

2 months ago

Do I need to present my DTV physically printed when traveling to Thailand?

8 comments

2 months ago

How do I link my DTV when replacing my US passport in Thailand?

14 comments

2 months ago

What should you do if you lose your passport while on a DTV in Thailand?

23 comments

2 months ago

What should I do if I've lost my passport with a DTV visa issued in London?

11 comments

3 months ago

Do I need to visit immigration before leaving Thailand with a DTV visa?

20 comments

5 months ago

What should I know about traveling with two passports when renewing my DTV visa in Thailand?

2 comments

6 months ago

Does the passport affect the chances of getting a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) for Thailand?

14 comments

9 months ago

What are the steps to take if your passport is lost in Thailand?

5 comments

10 months ago

What should I do when I renew my passport while holding a long-term visa in Thailand?

32 comments

10 months ago

What should I keep in mind when showing my DTV to immigration officers in Thailand?

16 comments

10 months ago

Should I wait for a new passport before applying for a DTV in Thailand?

19 comments

a year ago

Why are police in Bangkok detaining foreigners for not carrying passports?

14 comments

2 years ago

Can I travel within Thailand and stay at a hotel without my original passport if it's being processed for a visa?

24 comments

3 years ago

Is there an approved electronic passport accepted by Thailand for US citizens?

20 comments

4 years ago

Can I use my Thai driving license as ID instead of my passport?

22 comments

4 years ago

Will a photo of my passport be sufficient for traveling to Phuket by car without the physical document?

29 comments

4 years ago

Do I need to carry my original work permit when flying out of Thailand for a short trip?

18 comments

7 years ago

Do I need to carry a certified copy of my passport and visa in Thailand?

0 comments

7 years ago

Should expats carry their passports and TM6 Departure Card at all times in Bangkok?

14 comments

7 years ago

What is the best cannabis dispensary in Bangkok?

7 comments

a month ago

Where can I find the best cannabis dispensary in Chon Buri?

9 comments

a month ago

What are the best dispensaries in Phuket?

21 comments

a month ago

What is the best cannabis dispensary in Surat Thani?

16 comments

a month ago

Where can I find the best weed in Chiang Mai?

8 comments

a month ago