Leaving Thailand temporarily while holding a retirement, marriage or other extension of stay? You may need a re-entry permit before departure to preserve your existing permission to remain in Thailand.
The correct arrangement depends on your visa, latest immigration stamp and intended return date. Our Thailand team can help you check what applies before you travel.
Ask about your re-entry permit on WhatsApp
What Is a Thailand Re-Entry Permit?
A re-entry permit allows you to leave Thailand and return using the remaining period of your current permission to stay.
It is separate from a visa. It does not create a new period of stay, renew an expired visa or extend the date on your immigration stamp.
Example: if your permission to stay expires on 30 June, returning with a valid re-entry permit does not start another year or another 90 days. Your permission still ends on 30 June unless you obtain a further extension.
When Might You Need One?
Check re-entry arrangements before departure if you want to preserve:
- A one-year retirement extension.
- An extension based on marriage or Thai family.
- An education or employment-related permission to stay.
- The remaining stay granted after using a single-entry visa.
- Another existing permission that would otherwise end when you leave.
Leaving without the required permit can end your current permission to stay. On your next visit, you may need a fresh visa or another entry arrangement.
Do Multiple-Entry Visa Holders Need One?
A valid multiple-entry visa may allow a fresh entry under its own conditions. This is different from preserving an existing extension of stay.
Do not decide solely from the words “Non-O,” “retirement” or “multiple entry.” Check your actual visa validity, latest permission-to-stay stamp and any extension or re-entry permit already issued.
If you hold a DTV or another multiple-entry visa, check the conditions for your next entry rather than assuming the same rules apply to every category.
Single or Multiple Re-Entry Permit?
| Permit | Use | Government fee |
|---|---|---|
| Single | One return to Thailand within the remaining permitted stay. | THB 1,000 |
| Multiple | Repeated returns within the remaining permitted stay. | THB 3,800 |
These are government fees. Professional assistance and any additional services are separate unless included in your agreed quotation.
A multiple re-entry permit is tied to your existing permission to stay. It is not automatically valid for a full year from the day it is issued.
What Documents Do You Need?
The standard application uses form TM.8. Prepare:
- Your original passport.
- A completed TM.8 application form.
- A recent 4 × 6 cm photograph taken within six months.
- Copies of relevant passport pages, including your biodata page, latest arrival stamp and extension stamp, where applicable.
- The government fee.
- Any additional arrival-record or supporting documents required by the office.
Confirm the current local checklist and plan to attend personally. Assistance with preparation does not automatically remove attendance requirements.
Where Can You Apply?
At an Immigration Office
Arranging the permit before your departure day gives you time to check the stamp and resolve any missing documents. Confirm appointments and submission arrangements with the relevant office.
For Pattaya and Jomtien assistance, contact our Thailand team with your departure date and current permitted-stay expiry date.
At an Airport Offering the Service
Re-entry permit services may be available at international airports before departure. Confirm availability, operating arrangements and the desk location for your airport in advance.
Allow enough time for the application as well as check-in, security and departure immigration. Do not assume every airport or border crossing can issue a permit.
How the Application Works
- Check your stamps: identify your current permitted-stay expiry and any existing re-entry permit.
- Choose the permit: decide whether you need one return or repeated trips.
- Prepare the documents: complete TM.8 and arrange the required photograph and copies.
- Apply before departure: follow the immigration office’s attendance and payment instructions.
- Check the permit: verify the type and expiry date before leaving the office.
What Should You Check When Returning?
Make sure your re-entry permit is still valid and that you return within the remaining permitted stay.
On arrival, check the new immigration stamp before leaving the checkpoint. If the date does not match the permission you expected to preserve, ask the officer to review it immediately.
You must also complete a new Thailand Digital Arrival Card for your return where required. A re-entry permit does not replace the TDAC.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Leaving before obtaining a required re-entry permit.
- Assuming a permit extends your stay.
- Returning after the permitted-stay expiry date.
- Trying to reuse a single permit after it has already been used.
- Assuming an old permit automatically covers a newly granted extension.
- Confusing a multiple-entry visa with a multiple re-entry permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need One for a Short Weekend Trip?
The length of the trip does not decide the requirement. If you need to preserve your existing permission to stay, check whether a re-entry permit is required before leaving.
Can I Obtain It After Leaving Thailand?
Arrange any required re-entry permit before departure. Do not assume you can restore an ended permission to stay by obtaining a permit afterwards.
Does It Extend My Retirement Permission?
No. Your retirement extension and re-entry permit serve different purposes. The permit preserves the remaining stay; it does not renew the extension.
What If I Already Have a Multiple Re-Entry Permit?
Check its expiry date and whether it covers your current permission to stay. If you have since obtained a new extension, do not assume the old permit remains sufficient.
Get Help Before You Travel
Send our Thailand team your visa category, latest permitted-stay expiry, departure date and planned return date. Tell us whether you expect one trip or several.
We can review the appropriate service and confirm the documents, attendance arrangements and quotation before you proceed.
Request re-entry permit help on WhatsApp
Official Information
Thai Immigration: re-entry permit application handbook
Thailand office: +66 38 420 313
WhatsApp: +66 80 102 2328
Website: Thai Visa Express Consultants
Service provider: Re-entry permit assistance is provided by Thai Visa Express Consultants Co., Ltd., our separate Thailand-based company. We are an independent consultancy and are not affiliated with Thai Immigration.
Information checked: 14 October 2026. Confirm the requirements for your immigration category and departure location before travelling. Permit decisions and admission are determined by the relevant Thai authorities.
