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Lost Passport in Thailand: Police, Embassy, and Immigration Steps
How to report a lost or stolen passport in Thailand, obtain an emergency travel document, and reconcile your immigration record before departure.
Last reviewed: 2026-05-30 · by Anglo Siam Law Editorial Team · How we research this topic
TL;DR
Report immediately at the nearest police station to obtain a police report (ใบแจ้งความ). Take it to your embassy for an emergency passport or new full passport. Then visit Thai Immigration to transfer the entry stamp to the new document (TM87 procedure) and obtain a 'Lost Passport' immigration certificate before departure.
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Overview
How to report a lost or stolen passport in Thailand, obtain an emergency travel document, and reconcile your immigration record before departure. This guide explains what to expect, your rights, and the steps you should take to protect yourself in this situation.
Immediate Steps to Take
Report the loss at the local police station — request a written report (ใบแจ้งความ) with case number.
Bring the police report to your embassy with proof of identity and travel plans. Most embassies issue an emergency travel document within 1-3 working days.
Take the new document + police report + entry stamp record to Chaengwattana Immigration Office (Bangkok) or local provincial immigration to transfer the entry stamp.
If TM30 / 90-day reporting was current, update the records to reflect the new passport.
Keep digital copies of everything — police report, embassy receipt, new passport bio page — for departure.
Allow extra time at the airport on exit — secondary inspection is common when passport details have changed.
Legal Considerations
Important legal points to understand about this situation:
Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979) §40 — Foreigners must produce valid identification on request.
Immigration Bureau procedure — TM87 form covers re-entry permit replacement; equivalent procedure exists for entry stamp transfer.
Penal Code §367 — Refusing to identify oneself when lawfully requested is a minor offence.
Vienna Convention on Consular Relations 1963 — embassies issue and replace travel documents for their nationals.
Key Statutes
| Statute | Reference | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Immigration Act | B.E. 2522 (1979), §40 | Production of valid identification |
| Immigration Bureau | Procedure for lost-passport entry stamp transfer | Administrative — not statutory |
| Penal Code | B.E. 2499 (1956), §367 | Refusal to identify on lawful request |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Trying to depart without visiting Immigration to transfer the entry stamp — leads to a long secondary inspection at the airport.
- Reporting the loss only to the embassy — Thai police report is also needed for the immigration record.
- Travelling on an emergency travel document without checking destination acceptance (some countries refuse single-use travel documents).
- Buying a 'replacement stamp' service from a tout — only the Immigration Bureau issues genuine documentation.
- Forgetting to update TM30 / 90-day reporting after passport replacement.
Embassy Assistance
What Your Embassy Can Do
Embassies replace lost passports, issue emergency travel documents, and may verify identity through home-country records. Processing times vary: emergency documents typically 1-3 days, full passport renewal 2-4 weeks.
| Country | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|
| United States | +66 2 205 4000 | th.usembassy.gov |
| United Kingdom | +66 2 305 8333 | www.gov.uk/world/thailand |
| Australia | +66 2 344 6300 | thailand.embassy.gov.au |
| Canada | +66 2 646 4300 | www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/thailand-thailande/bangkok.aspx?lang=eng |
| Germany | +66 2 287 9000 | bangkok.diplo.de |
| France | +66 2 657 5100 | th.ambafrance.org |
| Japan | +66 2 207 8500 | www.th.emb-japan.go.jp |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave Thailand on an emergency travel document?
Yes, provided your destination accepts the document. Most home countries accept their own emergency travel documents. Transit through third countries can require confirmation in advance.
Do I need to pay the overstay fine if my passport is lost?
If your authorised stay has expired, overstay applies regardless of passport loss. The fine is THB 500 per day capped at THB 20,000 under Immigration Act §81.
How long does the embassy take?
Emergency travel document: typically 1-3 working days at most embassies. Full passport renewal: 2-4 weeks. Walk-in service is rare; appointments are required at most embassies.
What documents does the embassy need?
Typically: police report, photo identification (driver's licence, expired passport, copy of bio page), proof of citizenship (birth certificate or national ID), recent passport-style photos, and the embassy's application form with fee.
What if my visa was in the lost passport?
Thai Immigration transfers the entry stamp to the new passport. The visa annotation will be re-recorded based on the police report and embassy declaration. Multi-entry visas should be re-evaluated for any onward stamps you intend to use.
Expected Timeline
Police report (same day) → Embassy appointment (1-3 working days) → Immigration stamp transfer (1 day) → Departure clearance.
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