What is a re-entry permit
A re-entry permit (TM.8) is a document filed with Thai immigration that allows you to exit and re-enter Thailand while maintaining your long-stay visa status. Without a permit, exiting Thailand causes your visa to be automatically cancelled, and you would need to re-apply for a new visa upon return.
The permit essentially tells immigration that you are temporarily leaving but intend to return and continue your stay under the same visa. It protects your visa status during your absence, whether you are traveling for a short trip, business, or returning to your home country for an extended visit.
Who needs a re-entry permit
You need a re-entry permit if you hold any long-stay visa and plan to exit Thailand before your visa expires. Long-stay visas include:
- Retirement visas (O-A)
- Digital Nomad visas (DTV)
- Education visas (ED)
- Elite visas
- Non-O work visas
- Non-B work visas
- Other temporary resident visas
Short-stay tourists on tourist visas or visa-exempt entry do not need re-entry permits because these visa categories are intended for limited stays. If a tourist exits Thailand, their visa naturally ends, and they can return on the same visa type if they meet eligibility.
Critical: Forgetting a re-entry permit is a common mistake. If you exit Thailand without one, your visa is cancelled immediately. You must apply for a new visa to return, even if your original visa had months remaining. Always file before departure if you are holding a long-stay visa.
Single entry vs multiple entry permits
Single entry re-entry permit (1,000 THB)
A single entry permit allows you to exit Thailand once and re-enter once while maintaining your visa. After you re-enter Thailand, the permit expires and is no longer valid. If you need to exit again, you must file a new single entry permit before departing.
Single entry permits are useful for one-time trips, weekend border runs, or short absences. They are cost-effective if you are only traveling once or twice during your visa validity period.
Multiple entry re-entry permit (3,800 THB)
A multiple entry permit allows unlimited exits and re-entries for one year from the date of issue. You do not need to file a new permit each time you travel. Once the one-year period expires, you must file a new multiple entry permit if you continue to travel.
Multiple entry permits are ideal if you travel frequently or plan frequent trips to neighboring countries. The cost is higher, but the convenience and the protection of not accidentally forgetting a permit makes it worthwhile for regular travelers.
Single entry: 1,000 THB, valid until first re-entry. Multiple entry: 3,800 THB, valid for one year from issue. Choose single if traveling once or twice yearly; choose multiple if traveling frequently (monthly or quarterly).
💡 Pro Tip: Before you leave, save your visa expiry date
How to file a re-entry permit
Step 1: Obtain the TM.8 form
The TM.8 form is available at all immigration offices and on official websites. It is a one-page form in English and Thai. Complete it carefully with your passport number, visa type, current visa expiry date, and travel plans.
Step 2: Gather documents
Bring your original passport with your current long-stay visa. You will also need one passport-size photograph (4x6 cm). Some immigration offices require a copy of your passport bio page, but this is not universally enforced.
Step 3: Visit immigration office
Go to your local immigration office before your travel date. For Chiang Mai, visit the main office at 71 Moo 3, Airport Road, Suthep Sub-district, Muang District, Chiang Mai 50200. You can also apply at the Central Festival secondary office (limited services available). Processing is quick, typically 15 minutes to 1 hour depending on queue length. You can apply on the same day as your departure if necessary.
Step 4: Submit and pay
Submit your completed TM.8 form, passport, and photograph. Specify whether you want a single or multiple entry permit. Pay the fee (1,000 THB for single, 3,800 THB for multiple). You will receive a receipt and your re-entry permit stamp in your passport.
Step 5: Keep your permit documentation
Immigration will stamp your re-entry permit in your passport. Carry this documentation when traveling. If you lose your passport or your permit is damaged, inform immigration upon re-entry with an explanation.
Re-entry permit validity and expiry
| Permit Type | Cost | Validity | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Entry | 1,000 THB | Until first re-entry | One-time trip or occasional travel |
| Multiple Entry | 3,800 THB | One year from issue | Frequent travel or regular border runs |
A single entry permit is valid from the date of issue until you re-enter Thailand. The moment you pass through immigration upon re-entry, the permit is consumed and no longer valid. Multiple entry permits remain valid for 12 months from the issue date, regardless of how many times you exit and re-enter.
If your multiple entry permit expires while you are in Thailand, you do not need to renew it immediately. However, the next time you exit Thailand, you must obtain a new permit before departing. Many residents file new multiple entry permits a few weeks before their current one expires to avoid issues.
What happens if you exit without a re-entry permit
If you hold a long-stay visa and exit Thailand without a valid re-entry permit, your visa is automatically cancelled. Immigration treats this as an abandonment of your visa status. Upon return to Thailand, you cannot use your original visa because it no longer exists.
You would be required to apply for a new visa based on your intended purpose of stay. This process takes time and requires full re-documentation (financial statements, employment letters, etc. depending on visa type). You cannot simply use your original visa credentials.
Cancellation also creates a gap in your immigration record. Some immigration officers may ask why your previous visa was cancelled, and repeated cancellations (especially if accidental) can raise flags. For this reason, filing a re-entry permit before any travel is essential.
Applying for a replacement re-entry permit
If your multiple entry permit is expiring soon, you can apply for a new one at any time. Immigration will cancel your old permit upon issue of the new one, and the new permit's validity period starts from the issue date.
There is no penalty for filing a new permit before your current one expires. Many residents proactively file new multiple entry permits 2 to 3 weeks before expiry to ensure continuity for planned trips.