A Re-entry permit is a stamp in your passport that allows you to leave and re-enter Thailand without your visa becoming void. This is especially useful for those on Single Entry Visas.
You can get this at your local Immigration Office or at the airport. The process is quick and easy.
How to Get a Re-Entry Permit
Getting a Re-entry permit in Thailand is necessary for most foreigners who want to travel or live in Thailand longer than 30 days and do not hold a visa-exempt stamp or Visa on Arrival. If you leave the country without a Re-entry Permit, your Thailand Visa will be automatically canceled, and you will need to start the visa application process all over again.
You can get a Re-entry Permit at the Immigration Office before your trip or at the airport. You will need a passport, a copy of your extension of stay/Permission to Stay, a 2″ x 2″ photo, and cash (either 1,000 Baht for a single Re-entry or 3,800 Baht for a multiple Re-entry).
Many Expats choose to get a Re-Entry Permit at the same time they apply for their annual extension as this allows them to leave anytime before the visa expires. The Immigration Officer will ask you when you plan on leaving again and be sure to answer that your planned departure date is in the future (or, if you’re not quite ready to leave yet, just say so). They will then stamp “Re-entry Permit” on page 3 of your passport.
You Can Apply for a Re-Entry Permit at the Immigration Office
A Re-entry Permit is a stamp given by the Thailand Immigration Bureau allowing you to leave and reenter the country before your visa expires. If you leave Thailand without one or the Immigration Officer doesn’t see it your visa will be canceled and you may have to pay for a new visa or overstay charges.
A re-entry permit is necessary for long-stay visa holders such as those on a Non-Immigrant O retirement or marriage visa, a multiple entry Non-Immigrant B work visa, or an extended one-year Non-Immigrant O or OA extension. However, it is not necessary for those on a Visa On Arrival or those with a Visa Exempt stamp.
You can apply for a re-entry permit at the Immigration Office by submitting a passport, a copy of your visa or extension letter, and a 2″ x 2″ photo. It can take 30 minutes to an hour for the officer to process your application and issue a re-entry permit.
You Can Apply for a Re-Entry Permit at the Airport
If you plan to leave Thailand on a short trip and don’t want your visa to be canceled, then you can get a single Re-Entry Permit for 1000 baht at the airport. It’s a lot faster than going to the Immigration Office and saves a lot of hassle. When you return to Thailand you should fill in a new TM6 Arrival/Departure Card and enter your Re-Entry Permit number in the place for your visa number.
Re-Entry Permits are especially helpful for holders of a one-year work permit or non-immigrant visa who want to travel or pursue opportunities abroad. If you leave the country without a Re-Entry Permit, your visa will be canceled. Then, you’ll have to reapply for a visa at an Embassy or Consulate of Thailand.
Getting a Re-Entry Permit at the airport is faster and more convenient than applying for a Re-Entry Permit at a Thai Immigration Office, but it’s best to apply in advance.
How Much Does a Re-Entry Permit Cost?
Getting a re-entry permit in Thailand is something that shouldn’t be taken lightly as it can save a lot of time and money. Especially for people on long term visas like work permits, extended marriage or retirement visas. Without one, leaving the country will cancel your visa and you would have to go through the whole process of applying for a new visa from a Thai Consulate or Embassy abroad.
Re-entry Permits cost 1000 baht for a single entry, or 3,800 baht for a multiple entry. It’s a small fee to pay to make sure that you can keep your visa valid when traveling around the world.
The process takes about 15 minutes or less at Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang International Airport. Alternatively, you can also get them at the Immigration Office. But it’s usually faster and more convenient to get them at the airport as there are often less people waiting to do so.
