For those staying in Thailand long-term, understanding the visa re-entry permit process is important for hassle-free travel. Without a permit, exiting Thailand may void your visa, leading to unnecessary complications.
What is a Re-Entry Permit?
A re-entry permit is an official stamp or sticker that allows visa holders to leave Thailand and return without invalidating their visa. Many visa types, including single-entry visas and long-term extensions, become void upon departure unless a re-entry permit is obtained. This permit is essential for expats, retirees, and long-term visitors who travel abroad but wish to maintain their visa status. Without a re-entry permit, leaving Thailand results in the automatic cancellation of your visa, requiring you to apply for a new one upon return.
Who Needs a Re-Entry Permit?
A re-entry permit is required for anyone holding a single-entry visa or certain long-term visa extensions. This includes:
- Single Entry Visa Holders:
- Single Entry Tourist Visa
- Single Entry Non-Immigrant Visa
- Non-Immigrant O Visa (Marriage Extension) holders
- Retirement Visa Extension holders
If you fall under one of these categories and plan to travel outside Thailand, you must obtain a re-entry permit before departure.
Who Doesn’t Need a Re-Entry Permit?
Certain visa holders do not require a re-entry permit, including:
- Travelers entering Thailand on a Visa on Arrival or Visa-Exempt Entry (these visas expire upon exit anyway).
- Holders of a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa or Multiple Entry Non-Immigrant Visa, as these allow re-entry without additional permits.
Validity of a Re-Entry Permit
A re-entry permit does not extend your visa’s validity. It only ensures that your visa remains valid upon your return.
For example, if your 60-day Tourist Visa expires on May 30, a re-entry permit allows you to leave and return, but your visa will still expire on May 30 unless extended separately.
Types of Re-Entry Permits
There are two types of re-entry permits available:
- Single Re-Entry Permit
- Allows one exit and return.
- Multiple Re-Entry Permit
- Allows unlimited exits and re-entries during the visa’s validity.
- Cost-effective for frequent travelers.
How to Apply for a Re-Entry Permit
There are two ways to apply for a re-entry permit:
At an Immigration Office – Recommended for advance applications.
- Processing time: 1–6 hours.
At the Airport – Available only on the day of departure.
- Processing time: Varies by airport, can be unpredictable.
Required Documents:
- Passport with valid visa
- Photocopies of passport pages (biodata, visa, entry stamp)
- 4×6 cm passport photo
- Completed TM.8 form
- TM.6 departure card (if applicable)
- Boarding pass (if applying at the airport)
- Cash for the permit fee
Cost of a Re-Entry Permit
- Single Re-Entry Permit: 1,000 THB
- Multiple Re-Entry Permit: 3,800 THB
- Airport applications may include an additional 200 THB administrative fee.
Benefits of a Re-Entry Permit
- Ensures your visa remains valid when traveling abroad.
- Provides flexibility for tourists, expats, and retirees.
- Useful for emergency travel without visa cancellation.
Tips for Getting a Re-Entry Permit at an Airport
- Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok): Arrive at least 3 hours early; processing may take 45+ minutes.
- Don Mueang Airport (Bangkok): Faster processing (~10 minutes).
- Chiang Mai International Airport: Available in the international departures zone.
- Phuket Airport: Often unreliable—better to apply at Phuket Town Immigration Office in advance.
Processing Time
- Immigration Office: 1–6 hours.
- Airport: Usually faster, but delays are possible.
How to Use a Re-Entry Permit
- Show your permit stamp to the immigration officer when re-entering Thailand.
- Write the re-entry permit number on immigration forms.
- If the officer misses the stamp, your visa could be canceled, and you may face 500 THB/day overstay fines.
Re-entering Thailand? Don’t forget to file a new TM30—even if you’re returning to the same home ===> TM30 in Thailand: What Expats and Landlords Need to Know
Final Thoughts
A Thai Visa Re-Entry Permit is a simple yet essential document for long-term visa holders who travel outside Thailand. Planning ahead and obtaining the permit before departure ensures a smooth return without visa complications. Now you can travel freely without worrying about losing your Thai visa!