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Should I get my re-entry permit at immigration or at the airport in Thailand?
Apr 12, 2026
19 days ago
Daniel ********
ORIGINAL POSTERDo you prefer getting re-entry permits at immigration or the airport? Or is the difference so minuscule that it doesn’t matter?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion centers around the preference for obtaining re-entry permits either at the immigration office beforehand or at the airport. Opinions vary significantly, with some expats favoring the airport for its convenience and speed, while others express concerns about the potential risks, such as delays or unforeseen issues at the airport. Many suggest it is safer to secure the permit well ahead of travel, ideally alongside other visa-related tasks, to avoid last-minute issues. The conversation highlights differing strategies based on personal experiences and considerations regarding timing and convenience.
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Peter **********
Which airport?
Peter **********
Good question.
I would prefer applying at Thailands Immigration Bureau.
I would prefer applying at Thailands Immigration Bureau.
James **********
I get mine at 711, saves the queuing
Tongjun **
James Mitchell
Is this a wind up
Is this a wind up
James **********
Tongjun yes
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James **********
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Jonny *********
Easier doing it at the airport, but be aware that immigration is at the beginning of the airport (gate 3 I think) so if you are checking in in row 21, be prepared to walk some 😅
Sue **********
Multiple always in advance and on the same day we apply for the yearly EoS
Joey ***********
Before, we used to get it from immigration office. We tried it at Suvanabum Airport, it's easier and more convenient. More so if there were just few of you getting it.
Malcolm **********
Most people book their flight months in advance yet you want to leave it until a couple of hours before the flight to get the necessary documentation to get back into Thailand. This just doesn't make sense to me unless you are more than 100km from the nearest Immigration office even then I would still got and get it and make a day out of it. That's if you didn't know when you last went to the Immigration office like for doing the 1 year extension. All you need is a bit more traffic than normal and you might miss your flight because you need that permit and they coulld be busy.
Martyn ***********
Airport is quick, but what happens the day it's closed for some reason or computer problem etc...? I've been at Suvarnibumi when they had a power blackout for nearly 2 hours.... If anything did happen, you've got no back up plan, your going without... I know you would have to be unlucky.. But it's a worry for me...
Jim *********
Those of you who do at the airport then good luck it's right for you. For me it just adds an element of risk. I like to get to the airport, relax and have a beer. I dont want to risk getting delayed on the way there, a queue at check in and have to rush to get the permit. For me I prefer to get weeks before at immigration. Just my choice, it doesn't make it the right one.
Mikael **********
Jim Skinner Totally agree on that one, I will never take the risk to forget it at the airport.
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Mikael **********
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Ling *****
Can you get a multiple re entry permit at the airport?
Vladimir **********
Ling Gah yes, you can
Sue **********
Ling Gah no only one re-entry permit
Ling *****
Sue Heimchen thanks, I didn't know that. Cheers.
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Ling *****
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Gregor **********
look, if on the day you get your 1-year extension of stay issued, and you know that you will at least make one journey to abroad, then ya oughta buy the re-entry permit right there on Immigration
Stephen ********
Airport. No brainer
Mark *******
Stephen Howell I prefer to do things casually beforehand than having extra chores at the airport. Up country immi offices takes a few minutes. Am I supposed to follow that with 'no brainer'?
Mark *******
really, just got here? Never heard of upcountry? Thats a no brainer, look at a map, up ^ is up country. Maybe get a child to help you if its too tough.
Stephen ********
Mark Isiab I don't know where "up country" is, all I do know is ten minutes at the airport is 100% no brainer! You actually walk right past the re-entry permit desk. But heyho - to each their own! 👍👍👍
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Stephen ********
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BC ********
Stephen Howell or at immigration, can also be no brainer.
I always do a multiple re-entry the day I do my yearly extension.
I always do a multiple re-entry the day I do my yearly extension.
Stephen ********
BC Farang Yes if you do it at extension time. Otherwise airport is best. I mean, you walk right past the desk!
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Stephen ********
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Phil *******
Airport every time.
Bob **********
Airport much faster
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Bob **********
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