Answered5 years ago
Should I renew my passport before moving to Thailand in July/August if it expires in December?
I was just in Thailand for 90 days. I'm going back to live in July/August. My passport expires in December. Should I renew now or do it there ? I will be getting non o then retirement visa. I called Embassy in Chicago but couldn't understand them.
Answer summary
The consensus among commenters is that it is advisable to renew your passport before returning to Thailand, especially since your current passport expires in December. Many expats emphasize the importance of having at least six months' validity on your passport upon entry to Thailand and when applying for a Non-O retirement visa. A new passport will avoid complications with visa durations and travel requirements. While some shared experiences indicated that renewing a passport in Thailand could be faster, the general recommendation is to manage this renewal while in the United States to minimize any potential issues abroad.
37 repliesnewest first
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Jim ********
If you don't want to wait 4 months Pay extra and get expedited processing
Eric *******
Definitely get a new passport now and in the US (otherwise, any visa that you'd get would only be valid till the expiry date of your current passport in December max).
Furthermore, you definitely NEED to get your Non -O visa in the US before coming to Thailand, it indeed will be wayyyyy easier, way cheaper (cause you won't need any agency assistance) and headaches free compared to what could be the procedure for it here in Thailand (where you'll need the assistance of a local agency, with the current situation and being your first Non -O and not just an extension of it).
Plus, you can't even travel any country with less than 6 month of remaining validity on your passport.
Take care.
Furthermore, you definitely NEED to get your Non -O visa in the US before coming to Thailand, it indeed will be wayyyyy easier, way cheaper (cause you won't need any agency assistance) and headaches free compared to what could be the procedure for it here in Thailand (where you'll need the assistance of a local agency, with the current situation and being your first Non -O and not just an extension of it).
Plus, you can't even travel any country with less than 6 month of remaining validity on your passport.
Take care.
Joe *********
Mine took 3 weeks in US but I paid the expidate fee.
Gary *******
OP@Joe ********
I did that 9 ***
years ago. 13 trips to Thailand and 4 to Costa Rica I decided it's Thailand for me
Dave *********
Renew now in your home country then you get all the visas new in your passport..you know what theye like over here getting visas tranfered.. more just time wasting for you ..so I would get a new passport and visas unless you like going to immigration 😂🤣
Johanna ********
Renew now you need 6 months on it
Bruce *********
Renew your passport while in the States. Due to Covid in Thailand, you may find it challenging at the American Embassy. Plus you are expected to have six months validity before you travel abroad.
Billy *********
Use Washington DC embassy
Lurcho ********
What do you reckon ?
You already know the answer.
You already know the answer.
Mark ******
Do it now - any visa or extension you get will expire when your passport expires.
Otto *********
Avoid hassle, get your new passport at home.
Terary **********
I found it easier to renew my passport in Thailand than in USA. I thought it came quicker and may have been a little cheaper. However, my experience is from pre-covid era.
George *************
@Terary *********
Yes, interestingly renewing your passport is quicker outside the US than inside (at least it is in Thailand). I think this is because when renewing your passport in Thailand you basically get expedited service without having to pay extra on the assumption that passport holders in Thailand are using or potentially needing to use their passports all the time. It's taking about 10 days for applicants in Thailand, which is really quick when you realize that passports are only created in the US and must be mailed or couriered to US Embassy Bangkok.However, I wouldn't be running around with a passport with less than six-months validity, especially if I lived outside the US and especially during a pandemic during which no one has a clear idea of what's going to happen from one month to the next. Not to mention the overriding concern that Thai Immigration won't give you a permission to stay that exceeds your passport validity. I think getting it now in the US is the sensible thing to do.
George *************
There is no special rule about "fresh" passports. Your passport can do anything from the moment it is born. I can't imagine what you've heard to the contrary.
You definitely need a new passport and that's easier to get in the US now. If you think there's something in your current passport that's still useful to you then take it with you when you travel, but you definitely need a new passport.
You definitely need a new passport and that's easier to get in the US now. If you think there's something in your current passport that's still useful to you then take it with you when you travel, but you definitely need a new passport.
Kool *******
The embassy will only give you a visa for as long as the passport is valid. If you apply for a one year visa, then immigration will set the expire date the day your passport expires, much less than one year, so get it renewed before you return.
Kevin ***********
Definitely now.
Gary *******
OP@Kevin **********
I've been getting conflicting info. I can travel to Thailand with freshly renewed passport?
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
@Gary ******
Seriously, have some of these people ever left their parents basement bedroom?
Frédéric ******************
@Gary ******
of course you can. Fresh teenage travelers have all blank passports.Kevin ***********
@Gary ******
Yes I've done it. Not a single stamp in it, absolutely brand new. 
Bob **********
Re new now
Gary *******
OP@Bob *********
so I will be ok with a freshly renewed passport? I've been getting conflicting infoMark ******
@Gary ******
no problem at all. You can always carry your old passport too if you have any doubts.Bob **********
@Gary ******
yes 
David *********
Travel to any country you need a passport valid for at least six months. If your passport is valid for less than one year than when you apply for a retirement visa it will only be valid to the date your passport expires. Thus you will not have a retirement visa valid for one year.
Gary *******
OP@David ********
even a passport renewal? Aren't they identified somehow to show renewed? Seems odd that having a passport all those years and a renewed passport is like starting over. Rules are rules tho. Kinda puts me in a bind. David *********
@Gary ******
you do not renew your passport. Just before your expiry date you need to apply for a brand new passport which has a new number. No passport is identified as renewed. In fact when you pick up your new passport your old passport is stamped canceled 
James *********
I may be wrong but - I think you need a passport that is valid at least another six months upon entry.
Jason ********
@James ********
I think to travel to any foreign destination a passport must be valid for another 6 months 🤷♂️
Peter *********
Renew now before go
Gary *******
OPIt's ok then for a passport to be new ? I thought I remember reading it has to be at least 2 months old.
Roland ****
@Gary ******
I believe the rule in most countries is that you must 6 months validity left. In European countries for sure...Eric *******
@Gary ******
, No, a new passport is ready for any Thai visa right away. 
Greg ********
@Gary ******
No such rules about new passports. Good advice from other. Get new one in USA now and save hassle of applying overseas and transferring visas
Mike ************
Yep got to have six month and enough pages left for all the stamps
Ken ***********
If you can get it done in the U.S. before your planned flight, that would be best.
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