thailand
Ask question

What are the current immigration rules for transiting through Bangkok for a short layover?

Transit Rules ThailandVisa RegulationsBangkok AirportImmigration ProcessShort LayoverThailand PassCovid-19 Travel Restrictions
Nov 21, 2021
3 years ago
Michelle *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
If anyone can help with the following is really appreciate it... I'm a bit stuck as to where to find advice on this!?

I'm traveling back to the UK in January and I've got a direct flight from Bangkok booked. I live in Cambodia and will fly from Phnom penh to Bangkok and then to go through immigration and check in for my new flight in Bangkok.

Has anyone done anything like this recently, I used to do it all the time but I'm just not sure of the rules on this right now? I will be in the country for a maximum of about 12hrs, I won't be leaving the airport but I will have to go through immigration to collect my luggage and check in again.
728
views
0
likes
23
all likes
16
replies
0
images
7
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster is seeking guidance on the immigration rules for transiting through Bangkok, as they have a layover of about 12 hours after arriving from Phnom Penh on their way to the UK. Several commenters question the necessity of going through immigration, suggest booking a flight that avoids this requirement, and mention the complications that have arisen due to pandemic-related regulations, including the need for a Thailand Pass and possible quarantine if not vaccinated.
Marc ********
you cannot transit in BKK

Unless you get the thailand pass and stay 1 night in quarantine hotel if you are vaccinated.

Then you could take the flight the next day.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Marc ********
@Michelle ******
 Serious? Better you transit in Singapore
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Michelle *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Marc *******
 OK thanks, I was thinking that might be the best way
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Michelle *******
Reply
Nigel *********
Just rebook another flight where you stay airside.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Osama ************
In pre pandemic this was ok but now it is difficult to say.

I was going to suggest the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh but I they are not really of any help.

Your best source for answer is Trunk. you can join their group ThailandPass, Visas & Sandbox and post your question there for an answer.

Good luck!
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Michelle *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Osama *************
 thankyou
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Michelle *******
Reply
Tara **********
Why do you need to go through immigration to get on another flight at the same airport? Are you bringing more than a carry on?
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Wannikea *********
You'll need to apply for a Thailand Pass.
***************************************************
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Michelle *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I have a business in Cambodia and I need to bring things back from the UK that is impossible to get here, otherwise I'd have taken just hand luggage. It's crazy but it's actually a difference of about $400 to book my flights this way!
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Tara **********
@Michelle ******
 You really don't think you can pair down your wardrobe for three weeks so it can fit in a carry-on? That said I don't think it'd be difficult to do what you're trying to do (so long as you have enough time in between flights - like an hour or two). It's an easy thing to prove to immigrations/customs (proof of your next flight). You're not trying to actually enter Thailand (which is their main concern, no? people entering who shouldn't be), you're just trying to grab you bag so you can check it and yourself in to another flight. I mean they'll probably be like 'why the hell would this person book their flights this way', but I don't think it'll cause you much strife...that's just my opinion, though.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Michelle *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tara *********
 3 weeks
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Tara **********
@Michelle ******
 How long are you traveling to the UK for?
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Michelle *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tara *********
 because it's a different ticket and the luggage won't be checked through and I won't be checked in. I have to check in again and in order to do that you always used to have to go through immigration, I've done it many times, but not since the pandemic.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Michelle *******
Reply
John ***********
Why would you book it like this 🙈 why not just book it from Phnom Penh and transit through BKK avoiding immigration
3 years ago
Like
Reply
John ***********
@Michelle ******
 ah I see, good luck hope it works out
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Michelle *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John **********
 it's actually because I didn't want to have to change flights in the Middle east right now. There are no flights currently from Phnom penh that just stop in Bangkok, they all stop somewhere else too. Things are still so unsure at the moment and If I was going to get stranded anywhere for any reason I'd just rather it be uk or Bangkok rather than the middle east. I've actually done this many times before the pandemic to save money, it's usually about $300-400 cheaper to book 2 tickets and fly from Bangkok than to book a flight from Cambodia on 1 ticket.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Michelle *******
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
Do I need a separate transit visa for a self-transfer at Bangkok airport when traveling domestically within Thailand?
8 comments
a year ago
Do I need to go through immigration at DMK if I'm transiting to Cambodia?
16 comments
a year ago
Can I check my bags through from Chiang Mai to Tokyo, and do I need to go through immigration in Bangkok?
5 comments
2 years ago
Should I get a transit visa for my short stay at Suvarnabhumi airport returning to Melbourne from India?
5 comments
2 years ago
Do I need a visa for a layover in Thailand if I have to collect my baggage and check-in again?
8 comments
2 years ago
What are the current travel requirements for unvaccinated travelers flying from Thailand to the US and back?
16 comments
2 years ago
What are the current transit rules for Bangkok (BKK) when departing from Phnom Penh to Norway?
8 comments
2 years ago
What are the current requirements for transiting through Bangkok, Thailand, in terms of Covid insurance and the Thailand Pass?
5 comments
3 years ago
What are the latest Covid-19 entry requirements for transiting through Bangkok if I'm traveling from Cambodia to the UK?
34 comments
3 years ago
Do I need a Thai Pass and a transit visa for my layover in Bangkok on my way to the UK?
25 comments
3 years ago
Do I need COVID travel insurance and a Thailand Pass for a 4-hour transit in Bangkok?
14 comments
3 years ago
What are the immigration and visa requirements for a long transit in Bangkok with a flight change?
9 comments
3 years ago
Will I clear immigration in Bangkok if I fly from Phnom Penh to Phuket with a stopover?
16 comments
3 years ago
Do I need a Thai pass for a 2-hour layover in Bangkok between Colombo and Phnom Penh?
34 comments
3 years ago
Do I need a hotel and PCR test if I am only transiting through Bangkok Airport?
4 comments
3 years ago
Do I need to meet entry requirements for a 10-hour layover in Bangkok if I'm not entering Thailand?
4 comments
3 years ago
How does the transit process work for a flight from Bangkok to Brazil with a stop in Cambodia?
8 comments
3 years ago
How do I handle the Thailand Pass application for a layover if I'm leaving before the second COVID test is due?
8 comments
3 years ago
Can I self transit through Bangkok airport without quarantine on my way to Phnom Penh?
9 comments
3 years ago
Do I need a transit visa and COVID test while transiting through Bangkok on my way to India?
4 comments
3 years ago
What are the requirements for self-transfer passengers in Bangkok if they have a layover with separate tickets?
27 comments
3 years ago
Can I connect to a flight in Bangkok to Phuket while traveling during November and what are the current regulations for transit?
3 comments
3 years ago
Will I need to quarantine if I have a layover in Bangkok while traveling from Chiang Mai to Koh Samui?
3 comments
4 years ago
Do Bangkok airports offer a transit visa for short layovers between international flights?
48 comments
5 years ago
Can I transit through Bangkok without a visa if I have a separate onward flight?
17 comments
7 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.