What should I do if I've lost my passport and can't extend my Thai visa before it expires?

Mar 10, 2024
9 months ago
Sean ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi All

Advise please

I have lost my passport and the earliest I will get my new one is mid April. My multiple entry Thai visa requires me to extend for 30 days from the 18th March. But with no passport I assume I can’t do this. I applied for an emergency passport so I could leave in time but they won’t issue me one as it’s just to keep my visa. They will only issue to send me back to the UK.

If I overstay until I get my new passport will I be blacklisted for future visas?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user has lost their passport and is unable to extend their multiple-entry Thai visa before its expiration due to this issue. They are concerned about the consequences of overstaying their visa until they receive a new passport, and they are exploring their options. Various responses suggest that the user should consult Thai immigration for assistance, consider returning to the UK to obtain a new passport, and be aware of the legal risks of overstaying, including fines and potential future visa issues.
Mark *************************
The problem lies with your embassy, they do not understand the meaning of an emergency passport. Embassies are there to help their citizens, not fuck shit up for them when they are in trouble.
Dan ********
When it happened to me, not even 2 years ago, I was told the emergency passport is valid to enter maximum 7 countries, on a pre determined itinerary, on your route home. So the emergency document lists the countries/stops, in chronological order by the sounds of things. But I never took one, as I had found my passport, 18 days later. If I were you, I would call the embassy again, speak to a different person. Ask about this 7 countries/stops rule. I think its a worldwide policy. Tell them you have a short itinerary, all pre-booked and paid, and you're going to meet family, in Malaysia, before returning to Thailand and flying out of bangkok and you'll never afford to come again, and just try and charm the emergency passport from them. Otherwise, how long overstay will you have ? 3-4 weeks ? And you would have been just extending your stay/visa locally on 18 March ? They 'should' transfer visa to your new passport, and extend that, but any overstay will come off the extension period. I'm not sure what happens after the 30 extension has lapsed also ? Certainly if you apply for any visa, they give you a 7 day exit stamp, which us not a good look. But certain immigration will let you back in. Firstly, if not already, report passport as lost/stolen with tourist police, and capture evidence of this, photo of/and crime report paper copy. Also capture any emails with the embassy, as further proof of lost passport. Just be wary that taking the emergency document may impact your passport application, ie cancel it.
Roman **********
Why are so many people losing their passports?

Put them in your suitcase at the hotel. Carry a photocopy and pictures on your phone.

DO NOT CARRY YOUR PASSPORT IN PUBLIC!!!
Christopher *************
Pretty pathetic if April is the best they can do.
Peter **********
The emergency passport they will give you is at best a “Laissez passer” document, “Let him pass” (… on his way back home). I’m afraid you’re out of luck.
Adriana **********
i would contact thai embassy/consulate in your country actually, as they will know more about the laws of both your country and thailand for your situation. this is what i have done for another country in the past
Andrew ***********
You say they won't issue you a emergency passport to renew your visa? Only to go home. That doesn't seem right to me and makes no sense. Or just get the emergency passport and then go to immigration or order a fast track passport. Good Luck
Kool *******
Here's what you face if you overstay, not counting the bt500 a day fine, that maxes out at bt20,000. If you are caught on overstay, and not on your way out of Thailand, you will be arrested and placed in immigration detention until you pay the fine, and purchase your return home ticket, then deport you for 5 years. You also would not be able to get an Elite/Privilege visa if you wanted to in the future, plus a few other visa options. If you don't get caught before your new passport gets here, then you will pay your overstay fine when you get your current visa transferred to your new passport. I'm not sure about when you would have to leave to get another entry on your visa. The same overstay restrictions would apply as I mentioned. That's what you face by overstaying in your situation, and the risk of doing it that long.
Christopher *************
How do you mahnage to lose a passport? or daren't you say/
Sean ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Christopher ************
thank you

I did try all these things but no joy

I have decided to return to the UK to avoid any potential future visa issues

I will be back very soon!
Bart **************
@Sean *****
try the bank again. A passport can't just disappear. They know the importance of it and bank employees should be amongst the first people you can trust.
Sean ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Christopher ************
pretty sure I left it in the bank when I deposited my cash
Ian *********
@Sean *****
I assume you’ve been back to the bank and made sure they’ve not got it (make sure the person fully understands what you’re asking). Failing that, try the nearest Police Station to the branch. It may have been handed in there. Other than that, check the consulate to make sure it’s not been returned. Last ditch, check all Thailand/BKK-related expat social media sites. People often post ‘found’ posts online in the hope that the owner will see. Good luck mate
Sean ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kool ******
thank you - it seems the sensible thing to do is go back to the uk before my visa runs out and start again
Kool *******
@Sean *****
that might be the best option. Thailand is too nice of a location to risk not being able to come here.
Seb ***********
Go back to the UK and get a fast tracked passport. Then come back, you'll need to get a new visa tho
Steve *********
This is why I always make copies of passport and new visa. If I don't carry the passport at least have a photo copy on your phone
Todd *********
@Steve ********
doesn't mean shit if you are flying out
Sean ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve ********
i have copies of everything
Jeffrey *******
I agree with the two options already discussed for assistance - your embassy and your immigration office that you use. Maybe one more option to consider is an agent, yes it'll cost IF they can help, but you need to decide for yourself. Wish you luck to get this sorted out soon.
Michael **********
I hear many people mentioning about an emergency passport which will be given within a few days but with the validity of a year only. I guess you should do that first, do your border bounce and then apply for a regular passport. just my 2 cents
Neil ********
Annoying but you have proof of the visa etc all at immigration. Go back to them and ask for copies if you don’t have them and then go to the embassy who should be able to sort this and save you returning. After all they are there to represent the British people in Thailand.
Gorgon *****
suggest trying to confirm PP #..visa copy should be easy to d/l from original application..and actually have both your visa # and pp#..and effective dates. Also bring any communication docs you may have had with your embassy..
Michael ********
Yes i think british one is a get home passport only. Dont overstay chalk it up to experience and a lesson learned to take better care of your passport.
Janne ***********
breaking the law knowingly is never agood thing!
Sean ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Janne **********
I am trying not to!
Robert *********
Go talk to immigration .
Damo ***********
@Robert ********
It is sad that we have to give this kind of advice to people... anyone with half-a-brain would have already been to Immigration.
Andy *******
@Damo **********
It’s a friend he needs

Not some pillock like you

I wish you nothing but bad luck
Peter **********
@Andy ******
Don’t lower yourself to his level. Wish him well and maybe some day he might start to carry good wishes forward.
Robert *********
@Damo **********
I think it's better to just either try to help or not answer ...for me
Sean ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Damo **********
thanks for that Damo - i have already tried to talk to immigration but they just refer me to the British embassy!
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