Answered5 months ago
Can I apply for a DTV while holding a valid METV in Thailand?
Currently I'm in Thailand on a METV expiring in 3 weeks. I've planned to fly to KUL in the next days to apply for a DTV. In case it wouldn't get approved I could still return on the METV.
Now I've read that it's not possible to hold to visa. Does the embassy approve the DTV only after the METV expired? Or would they reject it right away because I still have a valid METV and I'd have to apply again after the METV expired? What could I do best to not loose too much time but still not risk anything?
Now I've read that it's not possible to hold to visa. Does the embassy approve the DTV only after the METV expired? Or would they reject it right away because I still have a valid METV and I'd have to apply again after the METV expired? What could I do best to not loose too much time but still not risk anything?
Answer summary
A user currently holding a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) in Thailand is considering applying for a Different Type Visa (DTV) in Kuala Lumpur. However, there's confusion about whether the embassy will accept the DTV application while the METV is still valid. Community advice suggests that the user must wait for the METV to expire before applying for the DTV to avoid rejection. Some users report that embassies have discretion, but generally, applications are denied if a valid visa is still held. There are inconsistent experiences shared, which indicate that policies may vary by embassy.
16 repliesnewest first
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GrayWal********
The best you could do and not risk anything except the 300$ fee is to wait your METV to expire. Everyone is telling you the same thing
John **********
Wait until the METV expires before applying
Caroline ********
We asked the Manila Embassy for a cancellation and they said that only the issuing embassy can cancel the METV.
The issuing Embassy flat out refused to cancel the METV and told us we had to wait for it to expire before applying for the DTV. The issuing Embassy was RTE Abuja.
So we had to wait.
I don't think I've seen a successful METV cancellation mentioned here but as with all things it seems the individual embassies have discretion.
Try asking the embassies yourself?
The issuing Embassy flat out refused to cancel the METV and told us we had to wait for it to expire before applying for the DTV. The issuing Embassy was RTE Abuja.
So we had to wait.
I don't think I've seen a successful METV cancellation mentioned here but as with all things it seems the individual embassies have discretion.
Try asking the embassies yourself?
John **********
@Caroline *******
pretty sure the reason they issue an METV is to prevent people from applying again until it has expiredCaroline ********
@John *********
Not in our case. We specifically applied for the METV from our home country in order to explore Thailand to see if we liked it before we made the decision to stay. After we decided we liked it here we chose to apply for the DTV. Couldn't apply for the DTV until the METV expires.Andi ***********
Have you checked the application process for KL? It's the most difficult embassy to gain approval. Far easier applying elsewhere in SEA.
Lilly ********
OP@Andi **********
I know. But as I had booked the trip already anyways I just wanted to try.Andi ***********
@Lilly *******
OK. Penang is considered easier to apply from if you are going to be near there in Malaysia.
Frank-Steven ***********
There seem to be different opinions on this. It seem to be one of those things applied inconsistently (like so many things in Thailand). Some people claim you cannot get another visa while still holding a currently valid visa. However, none of those people have ever been able to point to any law or official statement that supports that. So, it comes down to hearsay. It seems to me, some embassies will allow it, whole others won't. Here is a report of a guy that switched from active METV to DTV, just as a positive example:
*******************************************************************************************************
ข้าว ********
I heard you need to wait for it to end first.
James ********
@ข้าว *******
correct ✅
Elías ********
It must be expired, yes
Frank-Steven ***********
@Elías *******
Source of that claim?Elías ********
@Frank-Steven **********
I'm the source. I had a Tourism visa (not visa exempt) visa before the DTV. I had to apply only AFTER having used it or the expiration date passed, otherwise they couldn't apply the DTV nor any other visa.James ********
@Frank-Steven **********
Are you saying that it's okay to apply for the DTV visa while you still have a valid METV visa ?Lilly ********
OP@Elías *******
So if I apply before they would reject it? It’s said it takes 15 working days to process anyways?Activity
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