Passport pages ran out, But I only need stamps...

[maureeses]

Hello everyone,

I'm not sure how often people all of a sudden run out of passport pages, but I am certainly one that waits til the last minute to do something about it. I've been meaning to renew my passport. but my funds weren't immediately available and it would take two weeks to receive the new passport from U.S. So, my next option would be to add pages, also for a fee. I really would like to renew it.

My Lao visa runs out in tomorrow and I'd need to head back to Thailand. Once I arrive and have more time (one month) I can renew my passport there.

I skimmed thru the pages and found 2/3 of one page empty and also room for 3-4 stamps throughout my passport. These officials are so uncoordinated it's frustrating!!!

My question is: Now that I have no pages, will the Thai immigration allow me thru with the 1-month visa exempt waiver stamped on the empty spaces I found? I just need Thailand to stamp me in, then get to BKK and renew my passport.

[Mario2008]

They will stamp you in on the empty spaces. 2/3 pages is enough for that.

[Crossy]

Should be no problem, I'm not aware of any restriction on available space in your passport provided the immigration chap can shoehorn his stamp in somewhere.

[maureeses]

I just thought it was required that you have some minimum number of pages(plural) available- like, at least two pages. Not just scattered empty spaces... But if I can make it, then awesome!!

[ubonjoe]

There is no minimum page rule.

You only need enough space for the entry/permit to stamp.

If you were going to Laos you might have a problem leaving because they would know you did not have enough space for the VOA.

The average time to get a new passport at the embassy in Bangkok is about 10 days. You need to have an appointment to apply for it.

Info here: http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/passports.html

[maureeses]

Thanks as always, Ubonjoe for your clear info! I am leaving Laos and going to BKK. I will definitely bookmark the pages with empty spaces for the officials to see.

My friend living in Thailand just brought up another scenario. As they skim thru my passport, what if they take into consideration my history of waivers/extensions in the latest full year? Will that affect anything? I've been away for two months, now...

[ubonjoe]

You will not have a problem entering the country since you have been out for two months.

[TerryLH]

If you were in Laos two months, it might have been less of a hassle to get a new passport there.

[phuketrichard]

You can get the extra pages added while you wait if ur really worried.

Just make an apply online.