Here’s a fun one..
- I’m in Vietnam
- Came to get a tourist visa (which I got)
- My (american) passport has water damage and I was refused my flight back to thailand
- I’m getting an emergency passport that will get me to Thailand
My plan is to enter on an exempt using the emergency passport.
What are my options with the tourist visa stamp? It was issued after the damage and is clean. Is it something I can get moved to the new passport, once I’m in the kingdom?
If so, where would I go (in Chiangmai) and what’s the procedure?
* Update *
I'm writing this from a comfy spot in Chiangmai. Here's what I can share and know to be true (based off my experience).
- American emergency passports are valid for 1 year and can get you in, out, and around most places (apparently different depending on the passport)
- There is no changing of visa's at the airport, or need to
- I showed both passports, explained the situation, they stamped the emergency with 2 months (technically only got 59 days but whatever), and the TR in the old/void passport as used
- No fuss, no drawn out process, the IO called over to someone, and the person was able to give instruction without coming over or seeing the passports
- I'll need to show both passports when asked for the duration of my stay and upon exit
- People in these groups will say whatever comes to mind, whether it seems true, is true, is valid, or relevant
- People want to be helpful, even if most have no idea what they're talking about, are going off old information, or it's literally here-say and antidotal
- Most can't be bothered or won't take the time to actually read what's actually being asked
- Thick skin and discernment is required if you're to get any real insight or guidance here
That is all. Thanks everyone 🌿
TLDR : Answer Summary
The individual in this post faced complications with a damaged American passport while attempting to return to Thailand from Vietnam. They obtained an emergency passport and successfully entered Thailand using both their emergency passport and the visa from their damaged passport. The process was straightforward, involving showing both passports and receiving a 60-day stamp on the new passport. They advise that, despite conflicting advice from others regarding emergency passport restrictions and visa transfers, presenting both passports clearly to immigration can be effective.
