9 Things You Should Know to Confidently Prepare for Your Passport Application
Let's look at some important points before applying for a passport. What should you prepare before submitting your passport application? What interesting and useful information do you need for a smooth passport application? We have the answers for you.
Nowadays, visiting other countries has become easier due to reduced international restrictions and relatively low travel costs, making travel an essential part of modern life. However, before anything else, you need to have a passport, as it is a crucial document that serves as your identification when you are abroad. For those who have never applied for a passport before, we have compiled a list of things to know before applying for a passport to help you prepare for a hassle-free application process.
1. Prepare all necessary documents to avoid more than half of the problems.
When applying for a new passport, one of the most important things is the documentation. Applicants must prepare the essential documents. So, what documents do you need?
- For those aged 20 and above, only an ID card is required. If there has been a name or surname change, bring the original evidence as well.
- For minors under 20 years old without an ID card, bring the original birth certificate. Those in this category must also bring the ID cards of both parents, who must be present to sign consent for the officials. If the parents cannot be present, a consent letter for traveling abroad must be provided. For more details, visit consular.go.th
2. There is a fee for passport application.
One thing you must not forget before applying for a passport is money. The application fee for a new passport is 1,000 baht, and you should also prepare an additional 40 baht for postal delivery if you want the passport sent to your home.
3. If you want to look good in your passport photo, prepare your hair and makeup.
Although the photo on the passport only shows from the neck up, if you don’t prepare your makeup or hairstyle well, you might end up with an unflattering photo. So, make sure to do your hair and makeup, and wear something that makes you look good. Even if the photo is black and white, you can still look great in your own style.
4. Allocate at least 2-4 hours.
The process of applying for a passport has become much easier and more convenient, but there are still many applicants each day. Therefore, you should set aside 2-4 hours for your passport application.
5. What are the steps to apply for a passport?
The steps to apply for a passport are not complicated, as follows:
- Submit your ID card or birth certificate to receive a queue number and application form for a new passport.
- Fill out the application form with accurate information and wait for your queue to be called.
- When your number is called, submit your ID card or birth certificate along with the passport application documents.
- Verify your personal information, record biometric data such as height, fingerprints, and take a passport photo. During this time, the officials will allow you to check your appearance in the mirror and adjust your hairstyle and clothing before the photo is taken.
- Pay the application fee of 1,000 baht for the new passport, and if you want it sent by mail, pay an additional 40 baht. If you want expedited delivery, there is an additional fee of 60 baht. Make sure to keep both receipts.
6. Receiving your passport.
Decide carefully which method is more convenient for you. If you can pick it up in person, you can do so after 2 business days (for those who applied in Bangkok). If you cannot pick it up in person, there is a postal delivery service that takes about 5-7 business days for both Bangkok and provincial applicants.
7. Where can you apply for a passport in Bangkok?
In Bangkok, there are several offices of the Department of Consular Affairs available:
- Department of Consular Affairs: 123 Chaeng Watthana Road, Lak Si, Bangkok 10210, Phone: 0 2981 7257, Open Monday-Friday from 08:00-15:30.
- Temporary Passport Office at Pinklao: SC Plaza Building, Bangkok Bus Terminal (New Southern Line), Borommaratchachonnani Road, Phone: 0 2422 3431, Open Monday-Friday from 08:30-15:30.
- Temporary Passport Office at Bangna-Srinakarin: Thanya Park Shopping Center, Srinakarin, 2nd Floor, Zone E, Phone: 0 2136 3800-01, Open Monday-Friday from 08:30-15:30.
- Temporary Passport Office at Minburi: Big C Shopping Center, Suwinthawong, 2nd Floor, Minburi, Bangkok 10510, Phone: 0 2024 8362, Open Monday-Friday from 08:30-15:30.
For provincial applicants, there are also locations available for submitting passport applications:
- Temporary Passport Office in Khon Kaen: Khon Kaen Government Center, Khon Kaen Road, Phone: 0 4324 2707, 0 4324 2655, Open Monday-Friday from 08:30-16:30.
- Temporary Passport Office in Chiang Mai: Chiang Mai Government Center, Chotana Road, Chang Phueak Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chiang Mai, Phone: 0 5389 1535-6, Open Monday-Friday from 08:00-16:30.
- Temporary Passport Office in Chiang Rai: New Provincial Administrative Organization Building, Government Center Road, Rim Kok Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chiang Rai, Phone: 053 175 375, Open Monday-Friday from 08:00-16:30.
- Temporary Passport Office in Songkhla: Old Provincial Hall, 1st Floor, Ratchadamnoen Road, Mueang District, Songkhla 9000, Phone: 0 7432 6510, Open Monday-Friday from 08:00-16:30.
- Temporary Passport Office in Ubon Ratchathani: Provincial Administrative Organization Building, Phone: 0 4534 4581-2, Open Monday-Friday from 08:00-16:30.
- Temporary Passport Office in Surat Thani: Community Hall, Front City Road, Mueang District, Surat Thani 84000, Phone: 0 7727 4940, 0 7727 4942-3, Open Monday-Friday from 08:00-16:30.
- Temporary Passport Office in Nakhon Ratchasima: Provincial Hall, Mahadthai Road, Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Phone: 0 4424 3132, 0 4424 3124, Open Monday-Friday from 08:00-16:30.
- Temporary Passport Office in Udon Thani: Multi-Purpose Center, Udon Thani Provincial Hall (opposite the City Pillar Shrine), Abhidhi Road, Mueang District, Udon Thani 41000, Phone: 0 4221 2827, 0 4221 2318, Open Monday-Friday from 08:00-16:30.
- Temporary Passport Office in Phitsanulok: Phitsanulok Provincial Hall, Theparak Road, Mueang District, Phitsanulok 65000, Phone: 0 5525 8173, 0 5525 8155, Open Monday-Friday from 08:00-16:30.
- Temporary Passport Office in Yala: Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC), Sukyang Road, Mueang District, Yala 95000, Phone: 0 7327 4526, 0 7327 4036, Open Monday-Friday from 08:00-16:30.
- Temporary Passport Office in Phuket: Phuket Provincial Hall, Narissorn Road, Mueang District, Phuket 83000, Phone: 0 7622 2080-81, Open Monday-Friday from 08:00-16:30.
- Temporary Passport Office in Pattaya: The Avenue Shopping Center, 1st Floor, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi 20150, Phone: 0 3842 2438, Open Monday-Friday from 10:00-18:00.
- Temporary Passport Office in Nakhon Sawan: Nakhon Sawan Provincial Service Center, Big C Shopping Mall, Phaholyothin Road, Mueang District, Nakhon Sawan 60000, Phone: 0 5623 3453-4, Open Monday-Friday from 08:00-16:30.
- Temporary Passport Office in Chanthaburi: Community Trading Building, Liab Nern Road, Wat Mai Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chanthaburi 22000, Phone: 039 301 706-9, Open Monday-Friday from 08:00-16:30.
8. You can book a passport appointment online.
The Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has opened online passport appointment booking, which will provide more convenience for applicants as follows:
- You can book an appointment 24 hours a day.
- There is a display of passport application statistics for the past 5 days to help you decide on the date to use the service.
- The location of passport offices, routes, and travel times to the passport office are displayed for your decision-making.
- You can book and register for a passport in advance and can change your information until 23:00 on the day before your appointment.
- You can choose how to receive your passport.
- You can check the status of your passport application at any office.
For those interested, you can find more details and start booking your online passport appointment at passport.in.th
9. If you have questions or need clarification, where can you find more details?
You can find more information about applying for a new passport at consular.go.th or contact the Department of Consular Affairs at 0 2981 7257.
Applying for a passport is not difficult, right? Just prepare your documents and get yourself ready, and you will soon have your passport to hold onto with peace of mind, whether you're traveling to neighboring countries or across the globe! :)
Note: Information may change, please verify again. Information as of July 26, 2016.
Thank you for the information from
consular.go.th, passport.in.th
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