Can I get a re-entry permit at 4am at CNX?

[QPRFC]

Hi, 

 

I have an ED visa which I extend every 90 days. 

In between extensions, I need to visit family overseas. 

My flight out of CNX is at 6am and I've been highly recommended to obtain the single re-entry permit at the airport as it is much quicker/efficient than Immigration Office. 

 

This is my first time obtaining a re-entry permit and I'm wondering if the office (or wherever I get one) will be open before my flight around 4.30am at Chiang Mai Airport? 

 

Thanks

[ubonjoe]

Are you leaving on a international flight from CNK?  The re-entry permit office is in the international departures area of the airport.

 

[QPRFC]

2 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

Are you leaving on a international flight from CNK?  The re-entry permit office is in the international departures area of the airport.

 

Yes, my 6am departure is an international flight to HKG.

 

I wondered if I could visit the airport before my flying day? 

Where is the office? After needing to show any flight documentation?....in which case I couldn't go earlier than my flight day. 

[ubonjoe]

3 minutes ago, QPRFC said:

I wondered if I could visit the airport before my flying day? 

Where is the office? After needing to show any flight documentation?....in which case I couldn't go earlier than my flight day.

You can only get the re-entry permit on departure from the country at the airport.

Not sure where the office is located. It is after security as far as I know. It is only open when there are international flights leaving.

Moving your topic to Chiang Mai forum for local input.

 

 

[naboo]

The desk is up the escalator from the international check in counters, U-turn through security and before you get to the immigration counters, on the left. 

 

If nobody is staffing the desk, the immigration officers will come over from the exit gates. I flew out at about the same time to Qatar earlier this year, it was busy. I'd personally get it done at Promenada the day before to save the hassle in the morning.

[CMBob]

2 hours ago, QPRFC said:

I wondered if I could visit the airport before my flying day? 

Where is the office? After needing to show any flight documentation?....in which case I couldn't go earlier than my flight day. 

No, you can't get a re-entry permit the day before...only right before your flight after you have your boarding pass.  Given you're on an international flight, the re-entry desk is supposed to be open (I used to leave on KA at 23.59 and it was open).  As noted, the re-entry desk is on the second floor (the floor above where you check-in) and you enter the area showing your passport and boarding pass and then go through the security line.  The re-entry counter is just to the left (it's plainly marked) and, as noted above, one of the immigration officers from one of the booths will come over and handle your re-entry permit if there happens to be no officer at the re-entry counter.  DO NOT go through the immigration booths before you get your permit.

 

There have been a couple reports that some people are allowed to go back to the general airport area once they have secured their re-entry permits so, if you have extra time, you can try that if you want to do so; however, once you go through the immigration booths, you won't be allowed back out. 

 

To save you time and hassle, you ought to have all your paperwork and photo with you.  I've heard at least a couple of reports that they can't do your photo up there.  As to what exactly you need, I believe there is a pinned topic on that (if not, search for it). 

[evenstevens]

13 hours ago, CMBob said:

 

13 hours ago, CMBob said:

No, you can't get a re-entry permit the day before...only right before your flight after you have your boarding pass.  Given you're on an international flight, the re-entry desk is supposed to be open (I used to leave on KA at 23.59 and it was open).  As noted, the re-entry desk is on the second floor (the floor above where you check-in) and you enter the area showing your passport and boarding pass and then go through the security line.  The re-entry counter is just to the left

 

 

 

just for further clarafication purposes, the above mentioned Second floor,  could be very easily be  called  the  First floor,  depends which country,  you hail from ,  a nice morning to all

[THAIJAMES]

after checking in go up to the escalators to go through security check and then on to passport/check immigration.  Right before the immigration check on the left, there is a counter/office.  It is usually not staffed so you will need to ask one of the officers checking passports that you need a re-entry permit.  This process takes 15-30 minutes depending on how busy they are.   Make sure to have all your documents.

[silverhawk_usa]

I can't see why someone wants to leave something as important as their reentry to the last minute.  You can go to Promenade far in advance, get it done, and not have to worry about any of the above questions.  I am leaving on a trip next month.  I went to Promenada last month, in the afternoon, and it took about 20 minutes to get my re-entry permit.  It would have been less if the signing immigration officer would have got off his mobile phone.  

[QPRFC]

I can't see why someone wants to leave something as important as their reentry to the last minute.  You can go to Promenade far in advance, get it done, and not have to worry about any of the above questions.  I am leaving on a trip next month.  I went to Promenada last month, in the afternoon, and it took about 20 minutes to get my re-entry permit.  It would have been less if the signing immigration officer would have got off his mobile phone.  

Ok, it's just that I was told that Promenada can take hours to get a re-entry permit and best to get at airport.
So could you please tell me what documentation and photos I need? Document at Promenada or do I need to obtain? Blue or white photo background, small or large head size etc?

[MrBrad]

This link should answer all of your questions.  It's very thorough.

https://togethertowherever.com/re-entry-permit-chiang-mai-immigration/

[silverhawk_usa]

Just GO! The girls at the table in front of the Immigration office will give you the most up to date application form and point you to the copy and photo shop who know what you need.

[evenstevens]

2 hours ago, QPRFC said:

Ok, it's just that I was told that Promenada can take hours to get a re-entry permit and best to get at airport.
 

cobber from my own experiences.when taking everything into consideration .the airport procedure is better by a country mile.  i have always been processed inside 10 mins.providing you have your paper work etc etc in place        a nice stan bowles arvo to you

[silverhawk_usa]

3 hours ago, evenstevens said:

cobber from my own experiences.when taking everything into consideration .the airport procedure is better by a country mile.  i have always been processed inside 10 mins.providing you have your paper work etc etc in place        a nice stan bowles arvo to you

And if there is a problem of any kind, and you can never be sure with immigration, and it can't be resolved before your flight what then?  To each their own, but personally I don't like leaving things to the last minute if it can be avoided. 

[NancyL]

Just hope there isn't someone on overstay ahead of you at the "re-entry permit" desk at the airport.  The same staff processes the paying of fines and blacklisting of overstayers and that process can take 20 minutes or longer depending on the mood of the Imm. officers.  It's at least a 20 minute process even for a very compliant elderly person who simply stopped doing annual extensions because of dementia and is polite and kind to the Imm. officers at the airport.  

 

And those folks can't go and "turn themselves in" at Promenada ahead of the flight to get this paperwork done in advance.  It has to be done at the airport; otherwise Imm. Prom. would have to arrest and detain them -- something they don't want to do with elderly, infirm and handicapped foreigners.  

[CMBob]

Other than an unusual situation such as mentioned by Nancy above, it's never taken me more than 5 minutes to get a re-entry permit at the airport.  As for what you need to get one:

 

1.  TM 8 - completed and signed. You can obtain the form from the Thai Immigration website:  https://www.immigration.go.th/download/  (the TM8 form is #15).  Neatly print your telephone and email address just below your signature.  Paste/glue your photo over the photo box area on the form  (4cm x 6cm....which is not the size of the box on the form...with a medium blue background).

2.  Photocopies of passport pages:  (ALL COPIES MUST BE SIGNED)

            a.  Photo/Identification page

            b.  Current visa (or extension) page

            c.  Entry date page

            d.  Departure (TM6) card

3.  Original passport.  

4.  Fees:  1000 baht for a single and 3,800 baht for a multiple.

Edited May 9, 2018 by CMBob

[evenstevens]

1 hour ago, NancyL said:

Just hope there isn't someone on overstay ahead of you at the "re-entry permit" desk at the airport.  The same staff processes the paying of fines and blacklisting of overstayers and that process can take 20 minutes or longer depending on the mood of the Imm. officers.  It's at least a 20 minute process even for a very compliant elderly person who simply stopped doing annual extensions because of dementia and is polite and kind to the Imm. officers at the airport.  

 

And those folks can't go and "turn themselves in" at Promenada ahead of the flight to get this paperwork done in advance.  It has to be done at the airport; otherwise Imm. Prom. would have to arrest and detain them -- something they don't want to do with elderly, infirm and handicapped foreigners.  

in my view  a very  polarised opinion of the services of the dept of immgration . at  cmai airport..and prom to receive a re-entry visa .may i asked have you ever processed one  at the airport yourself personally???

Edited May 9, 2018 by evenstevens

[Scott]

Post reported and removed.  

[NancyL]

15 hours ago, evenstevens said:

in my view  a very  polarised opinion of the services of the dept of immgration . at  cmai airport..and prom to receive a re-entry visa .may i asked have you ever processed one  at the airport yourself personally???

I've not done a re-entry permit at the airport, but I've served as a travel escort for several elderly expats who were voluntarily returning to their home country and were on overstay, so they had to be processed by immigration at the same counter that also processes re-entry permits.  As I said, it's at least a 20 minute process and I've watched as people stack up behind them, waiting to get their re-entry permits.

 

Sometimes people waiting have asked me, "why didn't the person on overstay turn themselves in at Promenada to pay their 20,000 baht fine and get the paperwork taken care of ahead of the flight?"  The answer is that then Immigration would have had to take them into custody and they don't want to do that with elderly, frail, infirm and ill people and be responsible for their care.  They'd rather they go to the airport and take care of this just before leaving the country.

 

So, my question to the impatient person waiting behind the poor, frail overstayer is "why didn't you go to Promenada and get your re-entry permit ahead of the flight?"  

[evenstevens]

Many thks for your post, but the chances    of above happening   whilst  securing a re-entry visa  at the airport  would be very slim, to say the least

on the four ocassions that i have used this service it has been completed well under 10 mins  but  i make  a time allowance of  at least1 hour  in case of hitting any  snags etc etc such as your experiences that you have posted etc etc

From  my view and first hand experience  its a  lovely sail boat ride obtaining a re_entry visa at the airport then  going  to the Prom and BTW doing a TM30  update at the old zoo(airport office) is excactly the same, great fast attentive service,  have a nice day Nancy , you know   E/S  still luvs you

[thaibeachlovers]

I never found getting a permit at Promenada difficult. I doubt it's any easier at the airport and there is always the potential to not have everything they need and ending up without one, or, as Nancy points out, not have enough time to do it.

Personally, I'd never chance it, and my advice is to do it at Promenada.

[thaibeachlovers]

16 hours ago, evenstevens said:

in my view  a very  polarised opinion of the services of the dept of immgration . at  cmai airport..and prom to receive a re-entry visa .may i asked have you ever processed one  at the airport yourself personally???

She didn't say anything about the process of obtaining a permit, merely pointing out that other people may cause a delay in being processed. I have passed the desk while many people were waiting.

Remember, if doing it at the airport and there is a problem, you can end up without one and a cancelled visa.

[evenstevens]

9 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

She didn't say anything about the process of obtaining a permit, merely pointing out that other people may cause a delay in being processed. I have passed the desk while many people were waiting.

Remember, if doing it at the airport and there is a problem, you can end up without one and a cancelled visa.

with respect ,have many friends who do the same as me  ,and they recommended  this way  ,  trust them  before you

and apart from the above,     its very nice to have another option available    to secure a Re_Entry ,    and its  entirely up to  any indivual which route to take,  Prom  or  Airport

[Dante99]

get your multiple reentry when you extend your visa

 

exit whenever you want on a moments notice

[grin]

5 hours ago, Dante99 said:

get your multiple reentry when you extend your visa

 

exit whenever you want on a moments notice

Beat me to it on the suggestion. Also saves pages in your passport unless you only leave once a year.

[naboo]

Once you have checked in and your checked bags are on board, the airline will not leave without you until they have exhausted all searches for you. Unloading a bag causes a bigger delay than waiting for someone to get a re-entry permit.

 

I would get mine at Promenada before to avoid the stress on the day, but to suggest problems will come about and visas will be cancelled is a bit over the top. Has anyone ever been declined a re-entry permit? It's free money for immigration.

[NancyL]

What happens if someone shows up at the airport to apply for a re-entry permit but doesn't have a photo to put on the application?  There is no way to get a photo taken at the airport, is there?  

[Bill97]

What happens if someone shows up at the airport to apply for a re-entry permit but doesn't have a photo to put on the application?  There is no way to get a photo taken at the airport, is there?  

Should never be traveling international without 3 or 4 photos. Never know when you might need a couple. Flight problem at a transit point or change of plans. Having a few photos really is easier than remembering your jock.


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[NancyL]

6 hours ago, Bill97 said:

Should never be traveling international without 3 or 4 photos. Never know when you might need a couple. Flight problem at a transit point or change of plans. Having a few photos really is easier than remembering your jock.


Sent from my iPod touch using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

Well, I NEVER travel with a jock and I have traveled a few times without some small photos.

 

And I can speak from experience that many people don't travel with small photos.  I've assisted some tourists in hospital who needed to apply for medical visa extensions and couldn't come up with a small photo for the visa application.   Some of these were backpackers with a packed, multi-country itinerary.  You'd think they'd have some photos.

[Bill97]

Well, I NEVER travel with a jock ....

Finally we are getting to the root of the problem.


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