Should I renew my US passport in Thailand?

[leosmith]

I'm a US passport holder on a 6 month multi country trip. I'm currently in Thailand on a 60day single entry tourist visa, which expires in about 2 weeks, and I plan on extending for 30 days at that time. My flights have me in Laos Jan 13-21, Cambodia Jan 21-29, and the Philippines Jan 29 - Mar 16. My passport expires on Jul 24.

 

I realised that I'd be under the standard 6 months validity for both Cambodia and Philippines before I left the US, but I thought it was ok. I read that as long as I have 6 months validity from the date of arrival in Cambodia, I'd be ok (http://www.embassyofcambodia.org/faq.html). And I also read that 6 months validity aren't required for US passports by the Philippines (http://www.immigration.gov.ph/faqs/travel-req). Unfortunately today I read some conflicting information, so I thought I'd post this and see if you've had any experiences traveling with less than 6 months validity.

 

My window for renewing my passport here is 30 days, and the embassy says they need about 3 weeks to do their part. The 30 days is over Christmas and New Years, so I'm concerned. If I choose to go this route, any tips?

[tonray]

Do it...you get to keep your existing passport for travel until you pick up the new one at the embassy. I think mine was ready in 11 days.

[Sheryl]

I did mine over Xmas last year, was afraid the holidays would slow things but got in in about 2 -2 1/2 weeks.

[Rhys]

Just be nice to the guards at the front..

[gk10002000]

9 hours ago, tonray said:

Do it...you get to keep your existing passport for travel until you pick up the new one at the embassy. I think mine was ready in 11 days.

oh.  So you can keep the passport while waiting for the new one.  Nice.  I had  a passport replaced here in the USA because it was slightly damaged but I had to mail it in with the application for the new passport.  If you get a renewed passport, is it the same passport number?  I know that may sound like a dumb question but I don't want to assume anything

[tonray]

15 minutes ago, gk10002000 said:

oh.  So you can keep the passport while waiting for the new one.  Nice.  I had  a passport replaced here in the USA because it was slightly damaged but I had to mail it in with the application for the new passport.  If you get a renewed passport, is it the same passport number?  I know that may sound like a dumb question but I don't want to assume anything

No different number...which is always an issue...because now you have to change every record....bank, phone, etc....or keep using the old number for old services which is easier.

o

Just to clarify....if you want your renewal by post then you need to send in your old passport and wait. But if you are willing to pick up new passport in person, then you can bring it when you retrieve the new one.

 

 

Details:

 

https://th.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/passports/adult-passport-renew/

Edited November 30, 2017 by tonray

[mtls2005]

A neighbor just renewed his passport last week, the new passport was available in seven (7) calendar days; they must have some daily drop to Portsmouth, NH? There were no holidays during this period. When I renewed mine a few years ago I dropped the app. off on a Thursday, and picked up my new passport the following Wednesday. No clue how they even manage this sort of turnaround?

 

Passport cards take three (3) weeks. You can separate orders for a passport and a passport card.

 

If you choose the option to have your new passport mailed to you (+100 THB) then you must leave your old passport. If you plan to return to pick it up then you can keep your current passport. You do not need an appointment to pick up your passport.

 

https://th.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/passports/adult-passport-renew/

 

Your new passport will have a different/new number.

[taxout]

As said, the turn-around can be about a week for a new passport.

 

To do this, they must electronically transmit your photo and application to the passport factory. No other way it can be done that quickly.

[leosmith]

Thanks for your replies. I just found out that regardless of the immigration policies of the Philippines, Malaysia Airlines will not allow me to fly with a passport validity of less than 6 months. I guess I'm going to Bangkok :)

[khwaibah]

On 12/7/2017 at 4:17 PM, leosmith said:

Thanks for your replies. I just found out that regardless of the immigration policies of the Philippines, Malaysia Airlines will not allow me to fly with a passport validity of less than 6 months. I guess I'm going to Bangkok :)

 

All passport information including photo is sent secured encrypted to Pennsylvania. The date you apply for it will be your date of issue. The actual passport is sent back to Thailand by diplomatic mail. You have to go on line and make an appointment with the US Embassy or Consulate. I renewed my passport back in 2014 at the US Consulate in Chiang Mai. Had my new passport in my hands in 6 days. I would avoid the US Embassy in Bangkok.

[leosmith]

My passport arrived after about 10 days. I'm going to pick it up tomorrow morning, then I have to go to Thai Immigration to get the stamp transferred. Quick question - what is the closest Thai immigration office to the US Embassy?

 

(edit - I'll be in a taxi with my girlfriend driving from Pattaya, and plan on getting there before it opens)

Edited January 2, 2018 by leosmith

[tonray]

2 hours ago, leosmith said:

My passport arrived after about 10 days. I'm going to pick it up tomorrow morning, then I have to go to Thai Immigration to get the stamp transferred. Quick question - what is the closest Thai immigration office to the US Embassy?

 

(edit - I'll be in a taxi with my girlfriend driving from Pattaya, and plan on getting there before it opens)

You will be going to Chaengwattana office in north Bangkok. Not really near the embassy figure about 200-300 baht taxi fare.

[leosmith]

Mission accomplished! 30 min in the US Embassy, 1 hr taxi ride to immigration, 2.5hrs in immigration. Thanks everyone.

Edited January 3, 2018 by leosmith