Answered2 years ago

Can I apply for a Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa in Thailand while on an exemption visa?

Thailand Visa Rules Exemption Visa Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa Visa Application Process Stay Duration and Entry Regulations Tourist Visa Information

Giulia ***********

asked Dec 3, 2024

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Hello everybody, hope you are doing good.

I have a couple of doubts that I hope you skilled people can help me resolve.

I’m planning on entering Thailand with an exemption visa in circa a week from Vietnam through Bangkok airport. I was thinking, once there, maybe after a month or something, asking for a Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa. 

First question is if you think it is possible to ask for this type of visa while already in the country with an exemption visa. 

Second question is I’ve read that the visa is six months long for up to 60 days stays, i was wondering if it means that I can entry the country for 6 months or I can stay in the country 6 months. What I mean is what if I stay 60 days in the country and 30 in another country and then get back for other 60 days etc, would it work for more then a year? Just trying to understand how it works. 

I hope my question was clear as English is not my first language 🙂

Thank you in advance!

Answer summary

The user is inquiring whether it is possible to apply for a Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa (METV) while in Thailand on an exemption visa, and seeks clarification on the stay duration associated with the METV. Responses indicate that the METV must be obtained from a Thai consulate before entering Thailand; it cannot be applied for while already in the country. The METV allows for unlimited entries over six months, with each entry granting a 60-day stay, which can be extended by 30 days. The maximum stay possible through careful timing and exits is 9 months.

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Don *************

No problem to go and back in thailand,have entry visa 60 days witch can extend 30 days ..after you go other country..and go back Thailand no problem

2 years ago

Graham ******

@Don ************

"no problem", are you sure? (read posts above)

2 years ago

Michael ********

@Graham *****

this is the general rule and holds true if you enter via air.

2 years ago

Don *************

@Graham *****

as I travelled in and around Asia for more than 15 years..yeah!

2 years ago

Tony *********

How old are you? If you are 50 or older you could go down the non o based on retirement route.

2 years ago

Giulia ***********

@Tony ********

30, too early I’m afraid 😂

2 years ago

Neil ********

Sounds complicated very interesting

2 years ago

Tod *********

You've got a few wires crossed 😕 But your question is totally understandable (y)

Tourist visas are bought at thai consulates in other countries BEFORE you wing your way to thailand, sadly you cannot get one after you're in the country.

Now as far as the 6 month METV (multi-entry tourist visa) you get that from a thai consulate in your country (or a country you hold long term residency in)

What that means is IF you legally live in Vietnam on a long term visa (what ever that might be) you could apply for the 6 month METV from either HCMC or Hanoi before you come here otherwise you would get that visa at the thai consulate in your country

The 6 month METV works like this.

- It is valid for 6 months from the date it's issued

- You can enter thailand an unlimited number of times during the validity

- Each entry is for 60 days

- Each entry can be extended once for 30 days inside the country at the immigration office where you live.

No matter whether you're in or out of thailand that visa runs down it's validity. The most you can possibly wring out of it is a 9 month stay, you do that by getting the visa as close to when you're traveling as you can, bouncing out/back to activate another 60 day entry on the visa and just before the visa itself expires you exit/re-enter one final time giving you a 60 day stamp )taking you to 8 months) and then get the 30 day extension on that (taking you to 9 months)

2 years ago

Giulia ***********

@Tod ********

Oh I get it! I guess it’s not a possibility then, thank you for the clarification!

I’m trying to understand if it’s possible for me to stay in the country for a year or so that it’s not with an educational visa learning Thai, as I would like to travel around other country in Asia from time to time, and I think you cannot exit the country with the ed visa?

I would like to rent an apartment for a year as they’re better and cheaper, but what if after the first 90 days I go to Japan for a month for example and when I go back they don’t let me in the country? What about my stuff in the apartment? 😂

I’m sorry if my questions are stupid but I’m trying to navigate this whole visa situation and I don’t find proper information on legit websites!

2 years ago

Tod *********

well you're unlikely to live here for a year milking free 60 day entry stamps w/30 day extensions, so I wouldn't even go down that road.

You'd get a couple entries but eventually they'd deny you entry (and they don't care about your stuff or your apt)

Your best bet is to come here on the free 60 day entry stamp and look around for a long term visa solution.

Sadly this isn't the group for the "what visa should I get" questions 🙁

post on a group related to where you would live in thailand and ask for recommendations.

Sincerely good luck in your endeavor

2 years ago

Tod *********

@Giulia **********

I will offer out something you should look in to (by googling around and reading f/b groups/posts) and that is the Destination Thailand Visa. It might be a solution for you, look at the requirements read the stories of people who have applied, and see if it's a fit

again, good luck with your endeavor (y)

2 years ago

Giulia ***********

@Tod ********

Thank you for you help :)

2 years ago