A re‑entry permit is an official stamp issued by Thai Immigration. It enables foreign nationals holding a valid Thai visa to leave Thailand temporarily and return on the same visa, rather than voiding it upon departure.
Why You Need One
1. Preserve Your Visa When Departing
If you have a single‑entry Thai visa—be it Tourist, Non‑Immigrant, Marriage, Retirement, Work, or Student visa—leaving Thailand without a re‑entry permit automatically cancels your visa when you exit. A re‑entry permit ensures your visa and any existing stay extensions remain valid.
2. Avoid Costly and Time‑Consuming Visa Re‑Applications
Without a permit, you’ll need to apply for a new visa at a Thai embassy or consulate abroad, or rely on visa‑exempt entry or visa‑on‑arrival schemes—which aren’t available to all nationalities.
3. Maintain Continuity for Residency Purposes
For individuals with long‑term visas (e.g., retirement, marriage, work, study), a re‑entry permit allows travel without interrupting your legal status in Thailand.
4. Support for Emergencies and Flexible Travel
Whether for unexpected family emergencies or spontaneous trips, a re‑entry permit offers peace of mind by letting you exit and re‑enter Thailand without jeopardising current visas.
Types of Re‑Entry Permits & Costs
| Permit Type | Description | Fee (immigration office) | Fee (airport) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single‑Entry | Re‑enter Thailand once. Cancels upon exit. | 1,000 THB | ~1,200 THB (with service) |
| Multiple‑Entry | Multiple exits and returns within visa validity period. | 3,800 THB | ~4,000 THB |
Who Needs One—and Who Doesn’t
- Need It if you have a single‑entry visa and plan to leave and return before it expires.
- Don’t Need It if you have a multiple‑entry visa, visa‑exempt entry, or visa‑on‑arrival stamp, provided they remain valid.
How to Apply
- At a Thai Immigration Office: Any provincial office during weekdays; bring Form TM.8, photo(s), passport copies (photo page, visa page, latest entry stamp, stay extension if any), and TM.6 (arrival/departure card) copy.
- At International Airports: At your departure airport’s immigration kiosk (e.g., Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hat Yai) on the day of travel, typically before passport control. Arrive early to allow 15–45 minutes for processing.
Key Considerations
- The permit’s validity aligns with your visa or extension; it doesn’t reset or lengthen stay time.
- No set limit on how long you can be outside Thailand—just ensure your permit and visa remain valid.
- Immigration discretion: Officers may scrutinise frequent travellers on certain visas (e.g. volunteering, education). One traveler shared: “The re‑entry permit will be stamped as valid until the last day of your current visa… anytime you enter the country, it is up to the individual immigration officer” .
- Always confirm your re‑entry stamp on return, as missing it can lead to loss of status or unexpected fines.
In Summary
A re‑entry permit is essential for foreign nationals in Thailand on single‑entry visas who wish to leave and return without cancelling their visa status. It:
- Preserves existing visas and extensions;
- Saves time, money, and paperwork;
- Enables uninterrupted residency or long‑term stay plans;
- Provides flexibility and peace of mind.
To secure one, apply via a Thai immigration office beforehand or at your departure airport (on travel day), ensuring you carry the proper documents and funds. Safe travels!
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