Which should I renew first: my US passport or my non-O visa for retirement in Thailand?

December 18, 2017
7 years ago
Greetings,

My American passport 13, March 2018 and my non-O visa (retirement) needs renewal by 13, March 2018.

Which should I renew first and how soon should I get going on this?

Thank you.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user inquires about whether to renew their US passport or non-O visa first, both expiring on March 13, 2018. The community responds unanimously recommending to renew the passport first as immigration cannot process a visa extension with an invalid passport. It takes approximately two weeks to receive a new passport from the US embassy in Bangkok, and it is essential to get an official document from the embassy to transfer existing visa stamps to the new passport.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
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Charles ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Lastly, any Americans here know how long it will take to process a new passport if I go in person to BKK?
Jeremy ********
@Charles ***************
when you apply for your passport at the embassy you have to ask them for that form, then have them explain to you the requirements for your designated person to pick up the passport for you they will not tell you about it...I’m sure there are some couriers in Pattaya that can pick up passports at a nominal fee...
Charles ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jeremy *******
, thank you so much for your kindness.
Jeremy ********
@Charles ***************
yes they will not send it to you...but you can fill out a form for someone verified by you to pick it up, they just have to produce the form and govt issued ID card...
Charles ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks so much. Hopefully lastly, will I have to pop up there again (from Pattaya) to get it or will they mail it to me?
Jeremy ********
But if you go right now with Christmas and New Years coming up it may take longer...
Jeremy ********
They say 2weeks as the standard response...I received mine in 10 days..
Charles ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks.

I'll have to research, but I think I can get the US passport done a few months before the due date.
Bim *******
I agree with the above. Passport first. Just done my UK one. Transfer stamps to new passport and then get ext of stay. And ask for the letter for immigration from your embassy to transfer your existing stamp to your new passport.
Davie ********
Do you not need a passport to get a visa?
Charles ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks Parmentier. I'll be keeping an eye out for your questions to the forum and reply in kind.
Johnsuma ******
ROFL
Johnsuma ******
not forget to ask the document for new passport, imm. will ask it.
Jeremy ********
Get the passport first, it takes 2 working weeks to get the passport back from the Embassy...pay the extra money get the 52 page 10 year Passport for like $100 or get the 2-year passport for visas for $106....but if y9ou want to travel most countries won't let you in with a passport that expires under 6 months....
เดวิด **********
Actually the US Department of state website says anyone applying for a new or renewal passport outside the USA will automatically get the 52 page version.
Jeremy ********
@Tod ********
and of course they don't tell you that
Tod *********
@Jer***
, only IF you mark the box for the large passport on the application :/
Jeremy ********
@Tod ********
wow the US Govt is actually giving us something free of charge....mind is blown
Tod *********
umm, there is no extra money for the 52 page passport. IF you renew a passport overseas you get it for the same price as the small one. all you have to do is mark the box for the large one
Jim *******
Passport
Robert *******
The best option is to get NEW passport from your Embassy and after that you can apply for an Extension Of Stay, if you meet all the requirements, at a local Immigration Office. Immigration can not give you time to stay inside Thailand if you have an invalid passport, so other way around is not possible.
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