Answered4 years ago

What should I do with my ED visa and passports after renewing my US passport in Thailand?

ED Visa Passport Renewal Thai Immigration TM-30 TM-6 Visa Transfer

Steve *********

asked Apr 18, 2023

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I am a US citizen currently in Chiang Mai on an ED visa. Stamp expires June 6th.

I mailed my passport and application packet to the US embassy in Bangkok last week for passport renewal. It is a few years early, but roughly 8 pages left so I wanted to do it now.

They said I should receive my new passport (and old passport) to my Chiang Mai address in 3-4 weeks.

My question is, is there anything I need to do at Thai immigration once I receive them? Do I need to have a stamp transferred to the new passport? New TM-30, TM-6, etc?

This was written at the bottom of the renewal instructions website when I was doing my application:

"As of April 10, 2023, the Embassy/Consulate will no longer issue passport linkage letters with newly issued passports. If a Thai government office requests one, your cancelled passport and your newly issued passport will suffice."

I'm just not sure what, if anything, I need to do with my passports at Thai immigration, or, if after my ED visa is canceled, do I just exit the country with both passports?

Thank you for your help, my Google searching hasn't found me the answer. Might be searching the wrong terms.

Answer summary

The user, a US citizen on an ED visa in Chiang Mai, inquired about the necessary steps at Thai immigration after renewing their passport. After sending their application to the US embassy, they wanted to know if they need to transfer any stamps to the new passport, submit a new TM-30, or handle the TM-6 differently. A commenter confirmed that it's essential to transfer the stamps to the new passport and recommended submitting the TM-30 with the new passport. No action is required for the TM-6, and the embassy letter is no longer needed for the process.

6 repliesnewest first

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Ellie *******

You need to transfer your stamps to your new passport. You don't need the embassy letter if they don't issue one.

You cannot cancel your extension based on studying without transferring to the new passport.

Also better to submit TM30 with your new passport as well.

No need to do anything with TM6.

Here is the general list of requirements to transfer your stamps. But check with your local office for detail.

4 years ago

James ********

I believe that the OP has the answers needed. We wish him success in the transfer of stamps to his New passport and in his further plans for staying in Thailand.

Comments Closed

4 years ago

Steve *********

@Ellie ******

Another quick question: Will my new passport have each extension stamp transferred since my last entry or do they only put one stamp in the new passport?

4 years ago

James ********

@Steve ********

another point of information...

When you arrive into Thailand, the Thai Immigration Officer will be able to see your complete Thai Immigration history .. as the Thai Immigration computer system matches All of your passports held by you. They use facial recognition software and your fingerprints.

In other words, getting a new passport does not hide the prior entry stamps, Thai visas and varied extensions you obtained in the replaced passport that you now hold.

IF you have a recent history of staying in Thailand during COVID-19 with use of various visas and COVID extensions, plan your NEXT steps carefully.

Obtaining a New Thai Visa from a Thai Embassy or Consulate is no guarantee you will be allowed to enter Thailand. That decision is at the discretion of the Thai Immigration Officer who greets you on arrival.

4 years ago

Ellie *******

@Steve ********

They'd transfer the latest extension stamp and permitted until stay stamp.

4 years ago

Steve *********

@Ellie ******

Thank you.

4 years ago