Answered4 years ago

Am I eligible for a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) after three years of staying in Thailand?

Thailand Visa Multiple Entry Tourist Visa Visa Extensions Long-term Stay Travel and Visa Options

Rusty ************

asked Feb 12, 2023

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Hi guys 😃

I'm afraid I have a question that might not be answerable but I'll ask anyways. 

I've been here for 3 years, one year of covid extentions and 2 years of employment extentions. I'd like to take time to travel before securing my next job, so I'm looking an the mev which would give me ample time to explore and find out where I'd like to live next.

My concern is whether I'm eligable for this visa considering the length of time that I've already been in the country.

Any insights are appreciated.

Thanks all!

Answer summary

The user inquires about their eligibility for a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) after residing in Thailand for three years, which included extensions due to Covid-19 and employment. Comments suggest using visa-exempt entries to extend time in Thailand and caution about potential issues at consulates regarding the user's travel history.

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Tod *********

@Rusty ***********

you could use the two free visa exempt entries you are allowed by land in a calendar year (and the 30 day extensions each of those entries would give you) that'd buy you some time.

You would most likely have to use a service to bounce you out and back for those visa exempt entries given your lengthy entry/stay history but it's doable

Right now the visa exempt entry program is 45 days and you could extend that by 30 giving you 75 before you'd have to bounce out and back again.

It seems that both Vientiane and Savannakhet have tightened up their tourist issuing policies and if they see a pile of covid extensions they're gonna turn you away, and I'd consult with a visa run company about your entry/stay history before you use one to take you to a consulate to apply

4 years ago

Lloyd ********

Whether you will be issued with an METV is down to the consulate that you deal with, remember you can only get an METV in your home country or a country in which you have permanent residency.

4 years ago

Rusty ************

@Lloyd *******

Ok thank you, I did not know that. I'll look into visas that I can apply for in Laos, ED is always an option but I understand that they're tightening the reigns on those. I'd just like at least six months of freedom here before I jump back into the classroom.

4 years ago

Bobby ********

@Rusty ***********

Unlikely you'll get six months of freedom on an ED visa. These days you have to attend class at least a couple of times a week, and extend every 90 days. You'll get 60+30 off a SETV, and then with a border bounce another 30+30, so you're getting close to your target

4 years ago

Rusty ************

@Bobby *******

That's single entry tourist visa correct? That was my original plan so that'd be ok. I imagine I'd get it with my employment history. Thanks for the advice. I just want to be sure as my whole life is here basically.

4 years ago