Thailand Re-Entry Permit Planner
Plan your Thailand travel without accidentally cancelling your visa or extension status. Find out whether you need a permit, which type, estimated costs, and the safest timing.
Enter your travel details
Visa type, expiry date, and departure date are required.
Fill in visa type, expiry date, and departure date to continue.
How Re-Entry Permits Work in Thailand
What a re-entry permit does
A re-entry permit (Form TM8) protects your current extension of stay when you temporarily leave Thailand. Without one, leaving cancels your extension and you must re-enter on a fresh visa. It does not extend your visa validity — it only preserves existing status.
Visa validity vs. permission to stay
These are two different things. Your visa validity is the stamped date in your passport. Your permission to stay is the extension granted by immigration after entry. A re-entry permit protects the extension, not the visa validity date.
Single vs. multiple permits
A single re-entry permit (฿1,000) allows one departure and return. A multiple re-entry permit (฿3,800) allows unlimited trips until your extension of stay expires. If you travel more than once per year, the multiple permit is more cost-effective.
Airport vs. immigration office
Both locations process permits. Immigration offices (available nationwide) are generally faster with shorter queues. Airport counters are available on departure day but can be busy. Apply at an office 1–7 days before departure if possible.
Who does NOT need a re-entry permit
DTV, Elite/Privilege, and tourist visa holders do not need re-entry permits. Visa exemption holders reset their stay allowance on each arrival. Always verify your specific visa category before assuming.
Common mistakes to avoid
Leaving without a permit (cancels extension), applying at the airport too late, confusing DTV/Elite rules with non-immigrant visa rules, and confusing visa expiry with permission to stay. When in doubt, visit an immigration office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Thailand re-entry permits for visa holders.
Related Tools & Guides
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About This Thailand Re-Entry Permit Planner
This free tool helps Thailand visa holders — including retirement, marriage, work, and education visa holders — determine whether they need a single or multiple re-entry permit (TM8 form) before leaving Thailand. Enter your visa type, expiry date, departure, and planned return to get a personalised assessment of your travel risk and permit requirements.
Re-entry permits are critical for non-immigrant visa holders on extensions of stay. Departing Thailand without one permanently cancels the extension, forcing re-entry on a new visa. The planner also highlights timing risks — such as visas expiring while abroad — and recommends the optimal application window at an immigration office or airport.
For official guidance, visit the Thai Immigration Bureau or read our full Re-Entry Permit Guide.