Answered9 years ago

What are the rules regarding visa duration and passport validity for re-entering Thailand with a Non-Immigrant O visa?

Non-Immigrant O Visa Visa Duration Passport Validity Re-entry to Thailand SETV Immigration Rules Thailand

Lauren ****************

asked Sep 5, 2017

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Hi Tod and all! Two questions: 1. I have a non-immigrant O visa issued 25 Sept 2017. A friend with the same visa said my time clock starts ticking from date of visa issue, but my entrance stamp to Thailand (stamped 9 July 2017) says I have until 6 Oct 2017. Can you tell me if I really have until October 6, or is it 90 days from visa issue?

And, 2. I was planning to head to Penang this month to apply for a new SETV, but just realized my passport expires Feb 2018, which is less than 6 months. Am I going to have an issue re-entering Thailand on a visa with less than 6 months on it, if I have a valid visa?

Answer summary

The user is seeking clarification on two visa-related issues: first, whether their permitted stay in Thailand is determined by the issuance date of their non-immigrant O visa or the entry stamp date, and second, if they will face problems re-entering Thailand due to their passport expiring in less than six months. Responses indicate that the permitted stay is based on the entry stamp, which allows until October 6, 2017, and that a passport must have at least six months' validity when applying for a new visa.

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Tod *********

Umm Lauren Sept 25 2017 isn't even here yet :) You mean the visa was issued in 2016? What is the date of issue and the "enter before" date?

9 years ago

Lauren ****************

Thanks so much.

9 years ago

Tod *********

@Lau***

, sounds totally fine, you're allowed to be here until Oct 6th. I think what your friend was confused about is a single entry Non-Immigrant Visa is good for 90 days from the date it's issued meaning you have 90 days to enter thailand and get a 90 day stamp. You could have entered thailand on the "enter before" date which is stamped on the visa itself and you would still be stamped into thailand for 90 days.

I would get a new passport between now and Oct 6th when you need to be outta the country though or you're not gonna get a SETV from any thai consulate..

9 years ago

Lauren ****************

Hahaha oops!!! Issued June 26 (2017), enter before sept 25, and a stamp that says admitted until Oct 6.

Does the above advice sound right to you, Tod? Thanks!!

9 years ago

Lauren ****************

I'm reading that passport renewal in CM takes around 2 weeks - anyone know if that's accurate? (US Consulate )

9 years ago

Robert *******

It depends on the country of Origin. Not every Embassy and country has the same quickly or slow respons times at new passport applications. They even have different procedures.

9 years ago

Charles ********

I renewed mine last month...I applied one thursday and it was ready the next thursday....they tell you it may take two weeks...easy to do...form is on consulate site.

9 years ago

Robert *******

The only one who knows is your Embassy, you have 4 weeks left so go apply as quick as possible.

9 years ago

Robert *******

Your Visa is seen as an entry ticket to a country, based on that Visa you get an Admitted to stay period with an end date. In your case is that 6 Oct 2017 so you have to leave before or on that date. Requirements to obtain a Visa is a 6 months validity on your passport. Return to Thailand is no problem, to get the visa will be the problem.

9 years ago

Glen *********

Your "permitted to stay until"starts from entry, and you generally have 90 days from entry...depending if the particular officer gives you 90 days...as per your stamp you have until 6 Oct.

I know from the second issue, in Australia the Thai Embassy won't even issue a visa if you have less than 6 months on your passport.

9 years ago