thailand
Ask question

What should I do if my passport was stolen while on a Non-O retirement visa in Thailand and my visa is about to expire?

Non-O Retirement VisaPassport TheftUK Embassy ProcessesImmigrationEmergency Travel DocumentsVisa OverstayPolice ReportPassport Renewal ProceduresThailand Visa Help
Mar 20, 2023
2 years ago
Andy ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi. I am living in Thailand on a non O retirement visa.

I have just had my passport stolen and am waiting for an appointment at the UK embassy for a new passport.

As far as I know it takes 3 months to get a new passport and my visa runs out on the 7th of May which obviously means I will be in overstay.

Just looking for any advice really
3,510
views
6
likes
97
all likes
59
replies
0
images
29
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user living in Thailand on a Non-O retirement visa has encountered a challenge as their passport was stolen, and they are waiting for a new passport from the UK embassy. The current visa expires soon, risking overstay. Community members suggest expediting the passport processing, obtaining a police report, and exploring emergency travel documents while providing reassurance that the process may not take as long as expected. The conversation includes various personal experiences with passport services, advice on dealing with Thai immigration, and considerations for managing potential overstays.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Peter *******
You might need the help of an agent to smooth the way if the new passport is delayed due to the strike
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Taz **********
Many years ago I ordered a new passport in similar circumstances, I did a police report, and attended immigration, immigration said they couldn’t do anything until my new passport arrived, by that time I was on overstay, went to immigration to sort it out, they said either I fly out of the country and pay the fine or they detain me until I did fly out, my booked flight was 4 months away, they got me to buy a ticket for the next day, flying out, using their computer, then offered assistance exiting Thailand with an immigration friend at bkk, for a donation, still got an overstay stamp, and 20,000 baht fine, my visa was a marriage visa issued in Australia.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Taz **********
Just wanted to Add, I was fortunate enough that my girl was very switched on, smart and new what to say, I went into immigration alone and she waited outside, immigration police said I had to leave Thailand and they needed to detain me until my flight, I asked her to come and talk to them, then all of a sudden there were options, first was go to Laos, then they said better if I can fly out, because everyone goes to Laos, so we booked a flight out to KL for the next day on my immigrations computer, let go, met an IO off duty in BKK, who escorted us through immigration to receive what I was told a good bad overstay stamp, 20,000 baht fine, then purchased 2 handbags duty free for someone on the top of the ladder, using our passports, plus a closed envelope to the one who escorted us, inside was at my discretion
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Andy ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Taz *********
 thanks for that. Can I come back in to Thailand on an emergency passport or do I have to wait somewhere for a replacement passport
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Taz **********
@Andy ***********
 you will need to get a new pp as not sure about UK , but Aus emergency passport about 6 weeks (or 6 months) can’t recall, but I think 6 weeks, it’s designed to get you home quickly and I think it’s like supposed to be only 2-3 days to receive.

Make sure you document everything you can, police reports, anything you can get on your visa ect.

Try to keep original letters & give copies to anyone who wants or needs a copy.

Not sure how you got your visa, I know when ppl get a new pp they take old one to get the visa transferred. If can be done without old passport but maybe papers from your embassy ect.. ok, but if a headache to do, maybe quicker to do again from home country or come back in on a new (full term 5 or 10 year po) & do in Thailand.

All the best with it, as unless your embassy can get you a new po with more than 6 months before you overstay, I would get the emergency one.

Maybe even if you get the emergency one if you have time, can try to get the visa out in it & then have it transferred again in a full po.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Andy ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Taz *********
 thanks Taz. I will apply for a new passport here and go into overstay. My contact at immigration says that's fine as long as its below 90 days. I have an appointment in Bangkok next week for the new passport. My visa runs out in 6 weeks so hopefully I'll have the new one in time. Otherwise I will get a temporary passport to leave if I run out of time
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Andy ************
Reply
Taz **********
This was just before they implemented the overstay bans.

I could have ordered an emergency passport, this would have allowed me to leave an not occur an overstay, however I opted for replacement passport which by the time I received it was in overstay.

I recommend getting an emergency passport, leaving an coming back, better to pay associated cost with that then to risk overstaying
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Taz **********
Reply
Karim ****
that's why i hide our passports in odd places, preferably high up since i'm 6ft2 and most asians won't reach there by accident.

hope you get it sorted, major headache
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Dennis ***********
Always make a copy of your current passport,leave original plus extra copy at hotel reception desk safe.I would recommend that you visit nearest Immigration office and explain your situation.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Josette ****************
I don't quite understand why you would need to do a Visa run if you're on a Non-O long term visa 🤔 In any case, if you do police report and forward this to your embassy and to Thai immigration, they will resolve it for you. Very important to report it to Thai immigration as well as your visa stamp/# is inside that passport.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Nick ******
I made a replacement passport here in Bangkok. It took me 9 weeks to get this from the UK. Through the embassy and then trendy. If you can wait that long great. If not have a emergency document made to get you home. Go to the passport office and have it back in 24 hours.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Anthony ***********
A few years ago we had all our passports stolen from our car in Malta (I know it’s a different country) we went to the embassy and they made us 4 new passports the same day, we had to go and get passport photos taken and the passports were not cheap
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Scott *******
You will get your new passport way before May.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Bob *******
Sadly the Passport staff are going on strike for 5 weeks starting at the beginning of April.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Abbie ********
This happened to me a few years ago during COVID, my passport was stolen and I had to over stay and got a new one sent out from the UK to Thailand, it was very stressful and the overstay fine was very expensive but it all worked out well in the end
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Andy ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Abbie *******
 thanks Abbie. Nice to have a bit of reassurance
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Andy ************
Reply
Phil ******
@Andy ***********
 uk embassy will arrange temporary docs. You did police report? Why how did you get your pp stolen? Mines under lock and key
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Della ********
@Phil *****
 ours were under lock and key. He ripped the safe out the wall...
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Phil ******
@Della *******
 asking Andy sorry
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Della ********
@Phil *****
 Yes I know. Was just saying, you think everythings safe locked away but theze days nothing is.... Luckily for us 12 months later they got the guy and brought him to our bungalow. He got 5yrs jail
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Della ********
Reply
Steve *******
VFS Global at the Trendy building Bangkok for UK passport renewal NOT the British Embassy
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Bob **********
It won’t take that long but you better do it now
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Richard ********
@Bob *********
 They are saying anywhere from 12 to 16 weeks and that's if you have your existing one to turn in.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Richard ********
Reply
Ron *******
Why are you making an appointment at the UK embassy?

The UK embassy has absolutely zero to do with issuing new passports.

They only issue emergency travel documents. You cannot stay here on one of those.

You need to make an appointment at Trendy building.

There is no fast issuing of passports outside of the UK, no matter if you're heading for overstay or not.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Ron *******
@Andy ***********
 10 days for an appointment is pretty quick.

They did start a walk-in service but for some reason that's been suspended.

I need a new passport but am going back to the UK to get it.

It's taken me 3 days to get an appointment in the UK for a same day service. The earliest appointment in the UK near where I am staying is the 8th of April.

I can't wait 10 and 12 weeks for a passport.

The UK appears to be flooded with passport applications
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Andy ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ron ******
 I have emailed HMPO at the trendy building
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Andy ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks for all your help Ron. I have just received an email reply from HMPO and have asked for an appointment on the 30th of March which is the earliest available date.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Ron *******
@Andy ***********
 you need to do the online application.

******************************************
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Andy ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ron ******
 thanks a lot
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Ron *******
@Andy ***********
 just be aware that replacing a stolen passport can take longer.

It's also 2 trips to Bangkok.

One to lodge the application and one to collect the new passport.

They do not post out passports.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Ron *******
Reply
Chang *****
Why not call immigration??
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Andy ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chang ****
 I have spoken to Thai immigration and until I have a replacement passport I cannot do anything
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Andy ************
Reply
Eric *******
It doesn't take 3 months to get a new passport, but closer to 3 or 4 weeks FOR AN EXPAT (it can be longer in your home country, depending on the region you apply for it), cause as so you have priority.

If you go pick it up in Bkk, it will take around 3 weeks to the Embassy to receive it from England. If they send it to your address here in Thailand, it will take close to an additional week for you to have it.

When you'll go to the embassy to apply, they will see your visa issue and take it into consideration too.

BUT, you will keep your old passport during the whole process anyway (cause you live abroad and always need one at any time ). You will only have to give them your former passport back once you go back to pick up the new one.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Bill *********
@Eric ******
 you have to pick it up in bkk. They will not post a passport
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Gordon *********
@Eric ******
 how much do they charge at the embassy and do you half to make an appointment
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Eric *******
@Gordon ********
 It should be £82,50 and yes, you always need an appointment.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Gordon *********
@Eric ******
 thank you for your information
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Eric *******
@Gordon ********
 You're welcome.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Gordon *********
@Eric ******
 everything can be done one day and
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Eric *******
@Gordon ********
 No, it can't.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Gordon *********
@Eric ******
 would l better getting a agent to do it as l would have to get to BKK stay over have
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Gordon *********
@Eric ******
 so one day thanks again for the information
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Gordon *********
Reply
Andy ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Eric ******
 thanks Eric
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Eric *******
@Andy ***********
 You're welcome.

I edited my 1st message and added a very important paragraph (information):

BUT, you will keep your old passport during the whole process anyway (cause you live abroad and always need one at any time). You will only have to give them your former passport back once you go back to pick up the new one.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Paweł ***********
@Eric ******
 how can he bring stolen passport? 🤣😂🤣
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Paweł ***********
Reply
Della ********
When our where stolen we got a police statement then went to Trendy Buildings in Bangkok where they processed it within 10 days...
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Andy ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Della *******
 thanks. I'm hoping it will be quite fast but my friends passport just took 3 months
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Della ********
@Andy ***********
 Yes fingers crossed.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Della ********
Reply
Carl ********
I got my passport back in January in 2 weeks
2 years ago
Like
Reply
AxMdob *******
How did it happen to you ?
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Chriscee **********
@Frnc *******
 he ask a question and needed an answer/solution and your response was to ask another question,are you sure you read his post?I suggest you revisit the post please
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Chriscee **********
Reply
Mike *******
Uk passport office is on strike for 5 weeks soon, government is estimating 10 weeks waiting time.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Stefan ****
Go to the police and get a paper report from it , you may need it.

And bring (printed) pictures of your first passport page or even stamps , if you had them on your phone.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Andy ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stefan ***
 I have already reported it stolen
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Andy ************
Reply
Andrea ********
My passport (renewal not loss) took less than 4 weeks at Christmas time.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Andy ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andrea *******
 fingers crossed then 😀
2 years ago
Like
Reply
เจสัน ******
@Andy ***********
 HMPO on Strike for 5 weeks April-May 2023...

*****************************************************************************************
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
เจสัน ******
Reply
Paul *******
Your embassy should be able to provide you with a temporary emergency document until you receive your new passport.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Frank **********
Ask them to expedite it and get documentation from them to take to Thai Immigration. Also was it reported to the police?
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Frank **********
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
What should I do if I lose my passport while in Thailand and need to update my visa?
4 comments
8 months ago
What should I do if I've lost my passport and can't extend my Thai visa before it expires?
32 comments
8 months ago
What can be done when a UK citizen in Thailand faces visa issues due to a stolen passport and is unable to extend her Non-O visa?
15 comments
a year ago
What should I do if I've lost my UK passport before renewing my retirement extension in Thailand?
34 comments
a year ago
What should I do about my Thai retirement visa while waiting for a new British passport?
9 comments
a year ago
What should I do if my UK passport runs out of pages while on a NON-O visa extension in Thailand?
6 comments
2 years ago
What should I do about my extended stay and lost passport situation in Thailand?
36 comments
2 years ago
How can I apply for a retirement visa extension in Thailand with an expiring passport?
5 comments
2 years ago
How can I stay in Thailand until I receive my new passport and apply for a long-term visa?
10 comments
2 years ago
What should I do if my passport and visa are expiring while I'm in the process of renewal in Thailand?
21 comments
2 years ago
What should I do if my new passport hasn't arrived and I need to renew my visa in Thailand?
18 comments
3 years ago
What should I do if my passport is expiring soon and my embassy cannot issue a new one in time for a visa extension in Thailand?
16 comments
4 years ago
Do I need to report to Pattaya immigration with my emergency passport and apply for a new visa now or can I wait until March?
18 comments
4 years ago
What should I do about my Non-O visa application while waiting for a new passport?
6 comments
4 years ago
What should I do if my UK passport is expiring while trying to renew my retirement visa in Thailand?
7 comments
5 years ago
What Should I Do After Losing My Passport While on a 60-Day Visa in Thailand?
26 comments
5 years ago
What should a US passport holder with a Non-O retirement extension do after losing their passport before receiving a new one in Thailand?
9 comments
5 years ago
What should I do if my family's passports were stolen and they need their Thai visas reissued?
9 comments
5 years ago
What should I do if my passport is stolen while in Thailand and my visa is expiring soon?
8 comments
5 years ago
What are my options for extending my stay in Thailand with a non immigrant O visa and an expiring passport?
20 comments
6 years ago
What should I do if I've lost my passport, visa, and bank cards while in Thailand?
0 comments
6 years ago
What should I do about my overstay in Thailand if I am waiting for a new passport after my documents were stolen?
0 comments
6 years ago
What should I do if I lost my passport while preparing for a visa extension in Thailand?
0 comments
6 years ago
What steps should I take if I lost my passport and need to extend my visa in Thailand as a UK citizen?
8 comments
6 years ago
What is the process for obtaining an exit visa and emergency travel document in Thailand after losing a passport?
22 comments
7 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.