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What should I do when reentering Thailand with a new passport and a visa in my old passport?
Jun 11, 2021
5 years ago
Pamela ********
ORIGINAL POSTERHello everyone. I recently came back to my country and got a new passport. When the time comes and I reenter Thailand, is it enough to simply show both passports or is there something else for me to do?
TIA.
TIA.
TLDR : Answer Summary
If you have obtained a new passport but still hold a valid visa and re-entry permit in your old passport, it is advisable to bring both passports when reentering Thailand. You may need to show both documents at immigration, where officials may place a stamp in your new passport indicating your visa status is retained in the old one. Furthermore, to avoid issues, it's recommended to check with the Thai embassy about any specific requirements related to re-entry procedures or transfer of visas.
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Terry ********
Email the Thai embassy in your country and ask what are their requirements for a COE (Certificate of Entry). It does vary from country to country.
Andrew ********
You do not need to transfer a valid visa you just show the old and new passports.
Frédéric ******************
@Andrew *******
That's how it works with US visas, but not sure for Thailand. Most countries of the world want you to transfer long validity visas to your new passport.Andrew ********
@Frédéric ****************
I went to Thai immigration and checked. I needed my Thai visa in my new passport to apply for a Chinese visa. Chinese rule. Thai immigration didn't want to do it at first as it's not necessary. I then explained about the Chinese regulations. You must have a current visa for the country you are applying FROM in you current passport. Australian going to China from Thailand. Same going to UK and Nigeria carry old and new passports, no problems at all. I travel a lot.Frédéric ******************
@Andrew *******
As I mentioned, not sure if it's a requirement Thailand ask to go back to the realm. It's for sure a requirement inside Thailand when your old passport is cancelled and you got a new one, you must transfer your immigration files to your new passport.Reply to
Frédéric ******************
Reply
Steve *******
@Andrew *******
For sure. You CANT transfer a VISA.Andrew ********
@Steve ******
you can and I did but only if it's a requirement of the country you are going to. Thailand to China.Frédéric ******************
@Steve ******
We transfer extension of stay and re-entry permits every time we get a new passport.Reply to
Frédéric ******************
Reply
Steven ****************
Yes can show both. They will maybe take you to one side and put a stamp in the new passport to say visa is in your old one. I don't even bother going changing visa stamp and just carry both.
Dave ******
I think you should ask the Thai embassy closest to you.
Frédéric ******************
Embassy is the only office outside of Thailand able to put the re-entry stamp to the new passport or give you the correct guidelines. Call them and ask for the procedure.
Pamela ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dave *****
thank you. Will do!Reply to
Pamela ********
Reply
Garrett ***********
If you have a valid visa and reenty permit in the old passport, bring both. When you leave your country, don't show the airline your new passport.
Steve *******
@Garrett **********
The OP wont be going anywhere if she doesnt show her new passport. She CANT travel on the old one!Keith ******
@Garrett **********
She would have to show the new passport to be able to travel as the old one will be cancelled and she can’t travel on it…Pamela ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Garrett **********
why not?🤔 the empty pages of the old one have been stamped with something like "no longer in use"Reply to
Pamela ********
Reply
Paul ********
Yes show both then I went into Jontiem immigration and the transferee the stamp to my new one but I think some may need a letter from their Embassy because they asked me for one. Until an official told them I did not need it
Bob ********
@Paul *******
I renewed my last passport when I went home to Ireland for a holiday through the post method. I travelled back to Thailand using my still valid old passport and when my 90 day sign in was due I had to go to the Irish Embassy to get a verification letter for the new passport. It always struck me as a bit of a "rip off". Had to pay 1,000 Baht to the Irish Embassy to have my passport verified... that had been issued to me by the Irish Government?PS. Often wondered, if I had produced my new passport when returning to Thailand (along with my old one for the stamps) at the airport and got it stamped, wouldn't that have been a verification in itself.
Paul ********
@Robert *******
welly passport was in a mess because the thing had got wet so I had a few pages left so could have stretched it a couple more times but was advised by immigration in England to get it done. Again back in England had it renewed but as you say came in on new one. When I was at immigration in Jontiem the (what I would call helping staff that are not in uniform) told me I need letter from Embassy. I then said it has an entry stamp and I came in on it so it’s legal. Then a uniform officer came over and told her don’t worry he don’t need. Maybe if it had not got a stamp at immigration coming in then I might have had a problem.TiTReply to
Paul ********
Reply
Pamela ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul *******
yes! This is my current problem. My visa agent asked for this letter but I didn't get the passport through the embassy and the entity that emitted my passport does not give a document of such kind. Paul ********
@Pamela *******
don’t use the agent so it yourself Frédéric ******************
@Paul *******
She is outside of Thailand.Reply to
Frédéric ******************
Reply
Paul ********
@Pamela *******
so go into immigration and say you don’t have a letter and you just want the stamp transferring and maybe they will do it for youPamela ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul *******
thank you so much. I just wanted to know if I could enter the country without this letter. Paul ********
@Pamela *******
yes I came with both no problems Paul ********
I only needed the letter to get my visa transferred to my new passport but it was done without it
Reply to
Paul ********
Reply
Niclas ***********
Bring the old it is sometimes needed at the bank etc where you gave the old. I don't know why but it is TIT.
Keith ******
@Niclas **********
I have never had any problems at any bank in Thailand because I had a new passport. They simply took a copy of the new passport number, date of issue & expiry and added the details to my account detail…I have dual citizenship, with passports from both countries & even this never caused any problems…
Noon **********
@Keith *****
The old passport and new passport have different number. That’s why the bank need both passport. Steve *******
@Noon *********
You dont need the old passport. You just register the new passport number with the bank.Noon **********
@Steve ******
Thank you. Keith ******
@Noon *********
I have never had to produce an old passport at any bank branch. The passport number will be different but the passport holder’s details remain the same. The bank keeps a copy of your passports on file & are aware that they occasionally expire. I’m not saying don’t take the old one with you but I am saying I have never needed or been asked for the old one.Noon **********
@Keith *****
Thank you. Reply to
Noon **********
Reply
Michael ********
Do you have a valid visa with re entry stamp in old passport ?
Pamela ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Michael *******
yes, I do. Michael ********
@Pamela *******
ok i am not sure of process, just thought you needed to clarify it in the postReply to
Michael ********
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