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What are the current procedures for re-entry permits and immigration clearance at Thai airports?
Re-entry PermitVisa RegulationsImmigration ProceduresSuvarnabhumi AirportDon Muang AirportDuty-FreeThailand Expat IssuesLong-term Visa Policies
Jul 5, 2023
3 years ago
Michael ********
ORIGINAL POSTERNew one to me, seems to be some re organising going on. If come in Zone 3 need go through duty free and back to zone 2 after already clearing immigration. Apologies if this info has already been posted
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion centers on recent changes to the immigration and re-entry procedures at Thai airports, particularly regarding the handling of duty-free areas and the roles of re-entry permits. Participants share experiences and frustrations regarding the visa process, with some expressing confusion over the necessity of re-entry permits even for long-term visa holders. They also touch on varying experiences at different airports, highlighting issues such as long wait times and perceived bureaucratic inefficiencies.
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Henrika *************
Which airport is this?
Vic *********
The whole process is ridiculous. They could just increase the price of long term visas and end this whole thing and still collect the money. No one is going to not get the visa they need because it's a couple thousand more per year. Of course then this year because of the timing of my travel and the extension renewal, I just paid them 7.000 over the last 3 months for 3 single entries and now a multiple. Not to mention the wasted passport pages. Great scam I guess.
Martin **********
@Vic ********
Problem is mostly another visit to Immigration. One and a half hour line, last time.Vic *********
Martin Mairesse My latest experience was at Don Muang where you get the re-entry just past being stamped out. It was early morning and only took 15 minutes for my son and I. I went out of Suvarnabhumi a few weeks before and it was also a short wait. The whole thing is just a scam to take more money. Unfortunately governments have no idea about ROI and what it costs them to actually do it. But they don't care about how they spend taxpayer money.
Michael ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Vic ********
yes lets hope this new goverment shake up civil servants in all departments.Got work permit in Singapore recently they still had paperwork from previous one (20 years ago) all i had to do was updated CV.
No stamps in passport get ID card linked to permit. Still same number as previous ones
Reply to
Michael ********
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Andy ********
@Michael *******
thanks very much for this.Michael ********
What is actually a re entry permit ? Is it if I need another 30 days exempt stamp ?
David ********
@Michael *******
if you are on a long term visa you get a re entry permit that keeps your visa open when abroad ….if you don’t buy one and go abroad your visa is cancelled.Then it’s square oneJae *******
@David *******
I don't understand the purpose of re entry permits when they already know you have a long term visa, immigration knows when you enter and leave anyway... Maybe I've missed something?David ********
@Jae ******
oh yes no point in it just costs I think 2000 bht one entry 5000 multi Entry “cash in the tin”Reply to
David ********
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Michael ********
@David *******
great information! Thank you so muchReply to
Michael ********
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Jae *******
We went through suvarnabhumi last night and I noticed signs for reentry permits, it was clear and straight forward.
Allan *********
But don't you have to get re-entry permit before going through immigration??
Graham ******
@Allan ********
I thought that the re-entry permit desk was after security but before immigration in Zone 2 so, yesAllan *********
@Graham *****
that makes more sense, Graham. Technically, once you pass through immigration and go "airside" you are no longer "in" Thailand so I've always assumed that you would not be able to go back in through immigration. Could be wrong but I've always got my re-entry permits before going to the airport just to be safe.Graham ******
@Allan ********
In DMK I think that the re-entry permit desk is indeed after you get stamped out but you tell Immigration that you require one. I don't know if this sysyem at BKK is a similar set up for those that use Zone 3 and are subsequently sent internally to Zone 2 but, if the desk is before Immigration in Zone 2, then it's not accessible from airside.Reply to
Graham ******
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Garrett ***********
Makes sense, the more complicated and ridiculous the better
Reply to
Garrett ***********
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