Introduction
Understanding Re-Entry Permits
A re-entry permit is a critical document for foreigners residing in Thailand who wish to leave the country temporarily and return without jeopardizing their current visa status. Essentially, this permit maintains the validity of your existing Thai visa, allowing you to re-enter and continue your stay in the Kingdom for the remaining period of your visa. Without a re-entry permit, exiting Thailand would result in the automatic cancellation of your visa, even if it hasn’t expired
Why is a Re-Entry Permit Important?
For foreigners living in Thailand under various types of visas, such as work, marriage, or retirement visas, a re-entry permit is indispensable. It ensures that their ongoing visa validity is not disrupted by travel outside the country. This is particularly crucial for those who have been granted a longer-term stay in Thailand and need the flexibility to travel internationally without losing their Thai visa status
Benefits of Having a Re-Entry Permit
- Continuous Visa Validity: Ensures your current Thai visa remains valid throughout its original duration, despite any international travel.
- Flexibility in Travel: Allows you to travel in and out of Thailand without the worry of visa cancellation.
- Peace of Mind: Reduces the risk and inconvenience of re-applying for a new Thai visa upon every re-entry into the country.
Types of Re-Entry Permits in Thailand
Single Re-Entry Permit
A Single Re-entry Permit is designed for those who plan to exit and re-enter Thailand only once within the validity of their current visa. It’s an ideal option for individuals who have sporadic or unplanned international travel needs. The cost for this permit is generally 1,000 Baht, but fees may vary based on the location of application, such as at airports or local immigration offices
Multiple Re-Entry Permit
For foreigners who frequently travel outside of Thailand, a Multiple Re-entry Permit is more suitable. This permit allows unlimited exits and re-entries within the validity period of your existing visa. It offers greater flexibility for those who need to travel internationally on a regular basis, be it for business, family, or leisure reasons. The cost for a Multiple Re-entry Permit is typically 3,800 Baht, and similar to the Single Re-entry Permit, the fees can vary depending on where you apply
Both types of re-entry permits are crucial tools for maintaining your legal status in Thailand while accommodating your travel needs. It’s important to choose the type of permit that best aligns with your travel frequency and visa conditions.
Eligibility Requirements for Re-Entry Permits
General Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a re-entry permit in Thailand, applicants must adhere to the following basic requirements:
- Valid Non-Immigrant Visa: You must hold a valid non-immigrant visa with a longer validity period than your desired re-entry permit. This is to ensure that your re-entry into Thailand aligns with the existing visa conditions.
- Specific Visa Requirements: Different visa types may have unique requirements. It’s essential to comply with the specific criteria associated with your particular visa type, whether it’s a work, marriage, retirement, or other non-immigrant visas.
- Financial Resources: Demonstrating sufficient financial resources is often necessary to support your stay in Thailand. This requirement varies based on the type of visa you hold and is a standard procedure to ensure that foreigners can sustain themselves during their stay in the country.
Key Considerations
- Visa Type and Duration: The type and duration of your visa significantly impact your eligibility for a re-entry permit. Longer-term visas such as one-year extensions (for work, marriage, or retirement) often necessitate a re-entry permit for any international travel during their validity.
- Financial Proofs: The nature of the financial proofs required can differ. It’s advisable to check the latest requirements from the Thai Immigration Bureau or consult with immigration experts to prepare the necessary financial documentation.Additional Criteria: Depending on your visa type, there might be additional eligibility criteria that need to be met. Staying updated with the Thai Immigration Bureau’s guidelines is crucial to ensure compliance.
Application Process for Re-Entry Permits
Preparing the Necessary Documents
To apply for a re-entry permit in Thailand, you need to prepare the following documents:
- Passport: Ensure your passport is valid and has sufficient pages.
- Completed TM.8 Application Form: This form is specifically for re-entry permits. Attach a recent passport-sized photograph (4×6 cm) that is not older than six months.
- Photocopies of Passport Pages: Include copies of the bio-data page, passport expiration date page, any personal information edits, the last entry permit stamp, and, if applicable, the extension stamp to stay in the Kingdom.
- Departure Card (TM.6): If available, include the original and a copy.
- Proof of Financial Resources: Depending on your visa type, this might be required.
- Application Fee: 1,000 Baht for a single-use permit and 3,800 Baht for a multiple-use permit.
Application Submission
The application can be submitted in person at:
- Immigration Offices: For those living or operating businesses in Bangkok, the application is typically filed at the Immigration Division 1, located on the 2nd floor of Building B (south side) at the Government Complex on Chaengwattana Road.
- Airport Passport Control (International Departures): This is a convenient option for those leaving the country, allowing you to file your application at the airport on your departure date
Application Approval and Receipt
Once the application is submitted along with the required documents and fees, the re-entry permit is generally processed and approved by the Immigration Office. It’s important to ensure all information is accurate and complete to avoid any delays or issues in the approval process.
After obtaining your re-entry permit, you should keep it safe and carry it with you during your travels, as you will need to present it upon exiting and re-entering Thailand.
Fees and Processing Time
Fees for Re-Entry Permits
The cost of obtaining a re-entry permit in Thailand varies depending on the type of permit:
- Single Re-Entry Permit: The application fee is typically 1,000 Baht. This is a cost-effective option for individuals who plan to leave and re-enter Thailand only once during the validity of their visa.
- Multiple Re-Entry Permit: For those requiring multiple exits and re-entries, the fee is around 3,800 Baht. This option is more suitable for frequent travelers
Processing Time
The processing time for re-entry permits can vary but is generally as follows:
- Single Re-Entry Permit: Usually processed within 3-5 business days.
- Multiple Re-Entry Permit: The processing time for this permit is typically around 5-10 business days.
It’s important to plan ahead and allow sufficient time for the processing of your re-entry permit, especially if your travel dates are approaching. Applying well in advance of your intended travel date is advisable to avoid any last-minute complications.
Validity and Extension of Re-Entry Permits
Validity of Re-Entry Permits
The validity of a re-entry permit in Thailand is closely tied to the validity of your current visa. This means:
- The permit allows you to exit and re-enter Thailand within the existing period of your visa.
- It does not extend the visa’s validity period but merely preserves it during your time outside Thailand.
Extension of Re-Entry Permits
- Re-entry permits in Thailand cannot be extended. Once the validity of your current visa expires, the re-entry permit also ceases to be valid.
- If you need to travel outside Thailand again after your current visa expires, you would need to apply for a new visa and subsequently a new re-entry permit if required.
It is crucial to keep track of your visa and re-entry permit validity to ensure continuous legal status while in Thailand.
Important Notes and Regulations
Carrying the Re-Entry Permit
- It is mandatory for travelers to carry their re-entry permit along with their passport when exiting and re-entering Thailand. This document is essential for immigration officials to verify your permission to re-enter the country under the same visa.
Consequences of Losing the Re-Entry Permit
- Losing your re-entry permit can lead to significant complications. It may invalidate your current visa, necessitating a new visa application process upon your return to Thailand.
Overstaying Regulations
- Overstaying your visa in Thailand can result in fines and potential deportation. It’s important to be vigilant about the expiration dates of both your visa and re-entry permit to avoid overstaying.
Adhering to these regulations is crucial for maintaining your legal status in Thailand. Non-compliance can lead to legal difficulties and potentially impact your ability to stay or return to Thailand in the future.
Additional Resources
For further assistance and detailed information regarding re-entry permits in Thailand, the following resources can be invaluable:
List of Immigration Office Locations
Bangkok Immigration Office
- Bangkok Chaengwattana Immigration Office
- Bangkok Imperial World Lat Prao Immigration Office
- Bangkok Major Hollywood Suksawd Immigration Service Center
Phuket Immigration Office
- Phuket Immigration Main Office
- Patong Immigration Office
- Address: 78/5-6 Sai Nam Yen Road, Patong, Kathu, Phuket, Thailand
- Phone: +66 76 342 725
- Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm (Closed from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm for lunch)
Samui Immigration Office
- Address: 333 Maenam Road, Soi 1 Moo 1, Tambon Maenam, Amphoe Koh Samui, Suratthani 84330
- Contact: 0-7742-3440-1
- Working hours: Friday, 8:30 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 4:30 pm
Official Thai Immigration Bureau Website
The Bureau’s official website offers up-to-date information on immigration policies, procedures, and necessary forms, including the TM.8 application form for re-entry permits.