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Answered9 months ago

Why do some people prefer to get their re-entry permits at immigration instead of the airport?

James ************
asked Jan 19, 2026
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Is there a reason people dont get re entry permits at the airport? Ive always went to immigration. But the lines are insane lately. I never see anyone waiting to get the stamps in the airport
Answer summary
Many expats in Thailand prefer to get their re-entry permits at immigration offices rather than at the airport due to concerns about processing time and potential delays. Although some travelers report that acquiring a permit at the airport is quick and has little to no wait time, others express anxiety over possible queues and the risk of missing flights. Additionally, some believe it's more efficient to handle all immigration-related paperwork, such as extensions and re-entry permits, in one visit to the immigration office.
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Ian **********
Ian **********
I used to always get it from the immigration office, but last time I was forced to get it from the airport, and it couldn't have been easier. Tell the IO you need a re-entry permit, and they will direct you to the desk. There was one person in the queue.
Larry ***************
Larry ***************
Five or six years ago myself and a friend were on our way to the Philippines. We always get multiple reentry when we extend our retirement Visa so it was no problem for us. At the desk in the corner I'm not sure if it's located in the same place anymore there was somebody who could issue you a reentry permit there at the airport. But this particular day there was a guy milling around looking a bit nervous no one at the desk to issue the reentry permit. We're waiting in line to get stamped out and this guy you could just see the panic in his face don't know if he was able to get it done and get checked in but it's not a chance I would take. I would get it at immigration or give it to an agent and give them an extra 500 and they'll get it done for you to be picked up the following day most agents do this
Deslea ********
Deslea ********
Mostly because it rules out morning flights. While you can often turn it over in an hour, you need to allow three. So if you’re getting on a ten hour flight after that, getting it at the airport may limit your flight options or rule out budget flights.
Tony **********
Tony **********
I think many people like to get as much bureaucracy out of the way before their travel days as possible.
Stuart ***********
Stuart ***********
Exactly Tony. Imagine being delayed in traffic and not having enough time to get the re-entry permit at the airport.
Carlos *********
Carlos *********
I always get it at the airport. No line and still took forever
Stuart **********
Stuart **********
I always get at the airport, never a queue and never a problem
Adam *****
Adam *****
If you're there to get your extension, might as well get your re-entry permit at the same time.
Michael ********
Michael ********
Biggest queue i seen at re entry desk was 2 people in front of me
Taki****
Taki****
Depends on if the counter is busy. Last time I got re-entry permit at airport took 30 minutes
Pat *****
Pat *****
I always do it at the airport, 10 minutes. Except when i have to go to immigration for yearly extension.

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