Benefits of dual nationality for visas?

[ChomDo]

Hi,

I was wondering would there be any benefits in having two passports (dual nationality from two EU countries) when applying for various kinds of thai visas. For example can I get one tourist visa in one passport and then the next one in my other passport and go on with this cycle instead of having the problem with multiple tourist visas in one passport?

Thanks!

[paz]

For one not all the EU countries are the same for Thailand, so you have to check on that.

I think that if you want to stay continuously on tourist visa that is not a great idea no matter how many passports. However some people does it even with a single one.

[ChomDo]

Oh these two countries have the same full rights for thai visas. Yes who wants to live here on tourist visas but they are narrowing down the options. Getting multiple tourist visas in one passport will become a problem after a few consecutive ones, but I was just thinking that can it be done with two passports so in one passport you would have 3 months in 3 months out and so on..

[ubonjoe]

You could use different passports to get the visas but you would have to the passport swap by air. It is not possible to do it at a border crossing.

[ChomDo]

Ok thanks for that note. So you mean I can't cross the border at Mukdahan to Laos for example with a French passport and then cross back to Thailand the next day with a Swedish passport? That doesn't help much then because I don't plan to fly every 3 months.

[ubonjoe]

You cannot do a passport swap at a border crossing because they look for entry and departure stamps for the other country. They do that to prevent somebody from just turning around and coming back without entering the other country.

[BritTim]

You cannot do a passport swap at a border crossing because they look for entry and departure stamps for the other country. They do that to prevent somebody from just turning around and coming back without entering the other country.

I have read this several times, but it seems illogical as long as you can show both passports and prove they are for the same person (i.e. you). Do all countries sharing a land border with Thailand really apply the rule that a passport swap is not permitted? How would this work if the validity of the first passport to travel into the destination country had expired but the second passport would be valid?

Note that I doubt it would be much of an advantage anyway as it would allow immigration to link the passports in their computer.

[losworld]

You cannot do a passport swap at a border crossing because they look for entry and departure stamps for the other country. They do that to prevent somebody from just turning around and coming back without entering the other country.

I have read this several times, but it seems illogical as long as you can show both passports and prove they are for the same person (i.e. you). Do all countries sharing a land border with Thailand really apply the rule that a passport swap is not permitted? How would this work if the validity of the first passport to travel into the destination country had expired but the second passport would be valid?

Note that I doubt it would be much of an advantage anyway as it would allow immigration to link the passports in their computer.

Ubon Joe generally knows his stuff and he is dead on. I have two passports and can tell you from personal experience that I was unable to do it as a land crossing. However, you could Air Asia into a nearby country and Laos should give you a double entry, Cambodia only one and Bali two. If I were you I would maybe go 3 or 4 than switch passports. Generally Laos consulates will allow 3 at each consulate before stamping or refusing.

I do think that when you have multiple visas you risk an officer refusing you at the border. Better to get another longer term visa if possible. That is what I did. I believe there is talk of a longer visa for visitors.

[ubonjoe]

One report comes to mind that was done by a member who got stuck on the bridge at Nong Khai after getting a new visa his 2nd passport. He went back and forth a few times and then just before the bridge closed Thai immigration let him in with his 2nd passport.

[PoorSucker]

As a dual citizen, you can send your other passport to your home country for a new visa. (via someone resident there)

Then just make a border pop by air to activate it, no need to apply in neighboring country.

[TerryLH]

"How would this work if the validity of the first passport to travel into the destination country had expired but the second passport would be valid?"

You have to leave the country on the same passport you entered it with.

"Note that I doubt it would be much of an advantage anyway as it would allow immigration to link the passports in their computer."

They'll be able to link them even if you don't show them both at the same time.

[Sophon]

As a dual citizen, you can send your other passport to your home country for a new visa. (via someone resident there)

Then just make a border pop by air to activate it, no need to apply in neighboring country.

But that would be illegal if the visa you are applying for is for Thailand and you are in Thailand while the visa is being issued.

Sophon

[kovaltech]

One report comes to mind that was done by a member who got stuck on the bridge at Nong Khai after getting a new visa his 2nd passport. He went back and forth a few times and then just before the bridge closed Thai immigration let him in with his 2nd passport.

It is not illegal to have two passports on two nationality's, therefore it is not illegal to enter Thailand for example with another Nationality as you left.

You have to carry the burden off course, if traveling by land, to show them the exit stamp in your other passport.

Since its known that many officers are not always fully aware off the applicable law, you could face some "hard" time explaining...

It is not illegal but it can be difficult