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What is a re-entry permit and what are its benefits for expats in Thailand?

Re-entry Permit Visa Extension Visa Validity Long-term Visa Immigration Rules Thailand Visa Expat Life in Thailand

Dec 22, 2023

2 years ago

Tommy ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I've just noticed something from another post on here.

What is a re-entry permit ?

Is there a benefit of having one

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A re-entry permit is an essential document for foreigners with long-term visas or extensions in Thailand, allowing them to leave the country and return without voiding their current permission to stay. Without this permit, leaving Thailand can invalidate one's visa status, requiring a reapplication process upon return. It ensures that long-term visa holders maintain their legal status during temporary travel, particularly beneficial for expats planning trips abroad.

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James ********

I believe that the OP has the answers needed for his question.

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2 years ago

Tommy ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks

2 years ago

Dannie ***************

A re-entry permit allows you buy a permit to maintain your long-term visa status, which you have already paid for, by purchasing a permit that allows you to travel out of Thailand temporarily and return without losing your legal status on the long-term visa which you already paid for.

It’s a “Hey, I am coming back, so don’t invalidate my visa because I have left.”

2 years ago

Lloyd ********

@Dannie **************

please don't use the term "long term visa" it is misleading and wrong. Use extension of stay, it means something quite different.

2 years ago

Tommy ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Dannie **************

so not available on 'visa on arrival?"

2 years ago

Dannie ***************

@Tommy *******

I guess it might be possible for a VOA, but check with your local immigration office FIRST before making any travel arrangements.

2 years ago

Reply to

Dannie ***************

James ********

2 years ago

Tommy ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@James *******

thanks mate

2 years ago

Reply to

Tommy ********

Wannikea *********

If you have a long term visa or extension and need to leave the country and expect to return before your current permission to stay stamp expires then a re-entry permit will keep your current permission stamp alive, otherwise your permission is voided the moment you stamp out of Thailand. The re-entry permit isn't practical in most cases for a tourist class entry stamp.

2 years ago

Tommy ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Wannikea ********

thanks

2 years ago

Lloyd ********

@Wannikea ********

If you have a long term VISA it would be multi-entry and you would not require a re-entry permit!

2 years ago

Reply to

Lloyd ********

If you have an extension of stay and you wish to leave the country, you purchase a re-entry permit and that allows you to leave and re-enter and maintain your current extension of stay. If you did not purchase a re-entry permit and left, when you re-entered your current extension would be invalid and you would have to start the whole Visa then extension process again.

2 years ago

Tommy ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Lloyd *******

gorrit now thanks

2 years ago

Reply to

Tommy ********

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