Can I apply for a 3-month tourist visa in Vietnam if my METV is not approved before my flight to Thailand?

METV 3-month tourist visa Thailand visa rules SETV visa application process immigration advice expat tips

Jan 2, 2024

10 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Applying for METV, got 9 working days left until flight into thailand. If i dont get it in time can just apply for the 3 months tourist visa in vietnam even if the other one is still not accepted/declined?🙏

993

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is concerned about the timing of their METV application as they have only 9 days until their flight to Thailand. They are exploring the option of applying for a 3-month tourist visa in Vietnam if the METV is not approved in time. Responses suggest that if the METV is not granted, they might be issued a SETV instead or they could enter Thailand on a free 30-day entry stamp and then apply for a single-entry tourist visa in Vietnam if necessary.

James ********

I believe that the OP has the answers needed for his question.

We wish him success in obtaining the METV multiple entry tourist visa and being admitted into Thailand on arrival.

Comments Closed

10 months ago

James ********

As posted in Another Post...

Read this...it might Apply to you with your extensive history of staying in Thailand.

"Just an aside, IF you do have an extensive entry/stay history to thailand, about all you can do is have the 3 proofz

proof of 20K baht or the equivalent in CASH

proof of onward travel in the number of days you'll get stamped in for

proof of lodging (at least for a week)

IF they're going to pull you aside, question you about your entry history and possibly deny you entry, they'll ask for onward travel FIRST and showing them that you're flying out in 30 days (the number of days you get on a visa exempt entry) is about the only thing that might sway them from shipping you back out on your dime 😕 /

Sincerely good luck with it, safe travels"

10 months ago

Wannikea *********

As an addition, if the METV isn't granted, most likely you'll be granted a SETV instead, you can use it as Tod described if already in Thailand by exiting and re-enter and presenting the printout to the border immigration officer.

You are applying for the METV from your home country?

10 months ago

Raphie ****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Wannikea ********

Thanks, yeah right, i read about that.

Applying from my homecountry but flying to vietnam in a few days and from there to thailand.

lets see how it goes. Still hoping that they wont check the Computer so much and just look at the empty pass when checking.

If i have to worrie at every border crossing probably would make more sense to make the 3 months and than education visa instead of re enter every 2-3 months and having to worrie every time. Super annoying.

10 months ago

Reply to

Raphie ****

Tod *********

I would say IF you don't get the METV approved before your flight here and you come from a country that gets in to thailand on a free 30 day entry stamp, just come here and WAIT for the visa to be approved or rejected

If it's rejected, then you can run over to one of the thai consulates in Vietnam and get a single entry tourist visa

10 months ago

Raphie ****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

Thanks for the fast answer!

So if im in Thailand and it got approved its automatically activated or i still need to go to another country and reenter to activate it?

Got many stamps last 2 years and some problems before because of that, got a new (empty) passport now and 3 months in germany (ED school recommondation). You think i will get through with a 30 day entry stamp? (are the chances same as with a tr visa anyway?) Border will be Vietnam Flight to DMK🙏

10 months ago

Tod *********

Ok if you're IN thailand and the visa is approved you would have to print that PDF file they email you <- seeing as that is your visa, then exit/re-enter the country, which you could do by land with a service which would lower the risk of being denied entry comin' in by air

AND

Just so you know, a new passport isn't gonna erase your entry/extension history in the computer when you go to stamp in to thailand. Nor does having a tourist visa (single or multi entry) guarantee you get in to the country.

10 months ago

Raphie ****

ORIGINAL POSTER

I see, one last thing. First time doing metv, isnt it suboptimal with a big stamphistory because of the amounts of stamps you get every 2 months?

Want to do Education visa anyway, just thought its better to get 6-9 months beforehand than only 3 with the single entry tr.

But dont want to worrie every 2 months also if they let me in again or not..

10 months ago

James ********

@Raphie ***

DO NOT FLY INTO THAILAND when you Bounce out to Vietnam. RETHINK your plan...Use ONLY LAND BORDER ENTRIES... AVOID POIPET BORDER CROSSING.

Read this recent reply...

"Just an aside, IF you do have an extensive entry/stay history to thailand, about all you can do is have the 3 proofz

proof of 20K baht or the equivalent in CASH

proof of onward travel in the number of days you'll get stamped in for

proof of lodging (at least for a week)

IF they're going to pull you aside, question you about your entry history and possibly deny you entry, they'll ask for onward travel FIRST and showing them that you're flying out in 30 days (the number of days you get on a visa exempt entry) is about the only thing that might sway them from shipping you back out on your dime 😕 /

Sincerely good luck with it, safe travels"

10 months ago

Tod *********

@Raphie ***

believe me using an METV like it's designed to be used, (exiting and re-entering every 60-90 days) isn't gonna be any more "suboptimal" than you having an extensive entry/stay history in the immigration computer🙂

And as I said, bounce out and back by LAND borders to get those new entries on the METV not by air

10 months ago

Reply to

Tod *********

Thai Visa Advice

... members · 40% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.

Join the Group

Thai Visa Advice

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice

What happens to my METV application if I use the 60-day visa exemption upon entering Thailand?

21 comments