A new passport does not automatically move the Thai immigration record printed in the old one. The correct action depends on whether you hold a physical visa, an e-Visa, an extension of stay or a re-entry permit.
What is transferred—and what is not
Immigration can reproduce or annotate the relevant entry, visa and permission-to-stay information in the new passport. An e-Visa itself remains an electronic approval connected with the passport used for the application; carry the approval and old passport until the responsible authority confirms the record. A new passport never extends the permitted-stay date.
Documents to prepare
- Old and new passports
- Embassy letter requesting transfer, where issued or required
- Copies of both biodata pages
- Copies of the latest entry, visa, extension and re-entry stamps
- Current address/TM30 evidence where requested
- Any immigration transfer form used by the office
Renewal, loss and damage are different
For routine renewal, preserve the cancelled old passport. If the old passport was lost or stolen, first obtain the police and embassy documentation required for replacement; Immigration may need to reconstruct the record from additional evidence. A damaged book should be handled before stamps become unreadable.
Travel before transfer
Do not assume the airline or border can see every record from the new passport number alone. Carry both passports and any e-Visa confirmation. A physical re-entry permit in the old passport should be addressed with Immigration before travel where possible.
TM30 and 90-day reporting
A passport-number change can cause mismatches in TM30 and 90-day reporting. Keep proof of the transfer and use the new number consistently. If an online report is rejected, do not let the reporting deadline pass while troubleshooting.
Frequently asked questions
Is stamp transfer free?
Thai government guidance states that transferring the relevant stamps to a replacement passport is free, but confirm the current local procedure and any separate service costs.
Can I discard the old passport?
No. Keep it, especially while it contains the visa, entry history, extension or re-entry evidence.
Does a new passport reset my stay?
No. The existing permitted-stay date remains controlling.
Official sources
Check the correct route before acting
Rules and document chains vary by visa, authority and individual case. Next Step Hua Hin can review your circumstances and prepare a case-specific checklist. Final decisions rest with the responsible authority.
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