Answered2 months ago
Can I enter Thailand on a 30-day visa and extend it while waiting for my METV?
I recently apply for a 6 month multiple re entre tourist visa and submitted it with all the forms needed. My flight is Monday and I don't think that I will get it in time for a three month holiday.Will I be able to enter on the 30 day visa and whilst there extend it for another 30 days and do a border run for another 30 days ?
Answer summary
The user is concerned about the timing of their 6-month Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) application being processed before their flight. They inquire whether they can enter Thailand on a 30-day visa exemption, extend it by another 30 days, and then do a border run. Responses indicate that entry on a visa exemption is possible, typically granting 60 days upon arrival, which can be extended for another 30 days at an immigration office. Additionally, it is mentioned that if one's METV is approved while still on the visa exemption, a 30-day extension can still be obtained without any issues. However, one must re-enter to activate the METV once approved.
22 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
James ********
Update please ✅
Walter *************
OP@James *******
i received it after two weeks in ThailandJames ********
@Walter ************
you rolled the dice 🎲🎲 and won by returning to Thailand while your application was still pending a decision. Enjoy 😊
Chris **********
Is the problem when Thailand introduces new laws etc. Their systems aren't ready to implement them. The Australian Consulate in Canberra says to apply 4 weeks before planned entry but your visa might take 6 weeks to be issued. I remember during COVID they decided everybody on short term visas had to leave. People were posting that their families were crying because they didn't know when they would see them again. One Saturday the car park at Big C in Pattaya was full then next week half empty. Then the government decided too late that everybody could stay.
Kyle ********
You will get on the day you fly, i did and many more the same, they are busy
Graeme *******
@Walter ************
Can you ring them and ask the question. Otherwise get on your flight and receive 60 day visa excempt stamp, which can be extended.Graeme *******
How long ago did you apply
Walter *************
OP@Graeme ******
1 monthWalter *************
OPThe communication is bad.Yoy cannot phone them and they don't respond to e mails
Andy ********
@Jon *****
great tip social media seems to be the best way to get an answer.
Jon ******
@Walter ************
You might check the Embassy/Consulate website. Mine had a QR code to add them on LINE. They responded fairly quickly when I messaged them on LINE. Maybe too late now, but maybe helpful for future referrence.
Haydn *******
This happened to me as well. It turned out that when I uploaded the scan of my passport page it miss-spelled my name and the application was rejected. It took over a month to find that out. You can still enter in a 60 day exemption though and then apply to extend that for another 30 days while you're here
Walter *************
OP@Haydn ******
sorry misunderstood.Walter *************
OP@Haydn ******
I'm flying on Monday the 17 th.Not enough timeKyle ********
@Walter ************
If their was a problem with your application they would have notified you already, relax, they are busy and they will make sure you have it by the day you flyKyle ********
@Walter ************
I can't answer that, i can just say is they are busy and you'll get it on the day you fly like my self and many others, i was in the same position and wondering if it would turn up too & don't panic if you can't get it printed out before you fly, if immigration asks for a hard copy tell them you didn't get the email until you where ready to fly out, they understand, if your flying out of Melbourne, you can get a print out on the first floor baggage claim, a chic at the desk will print it out for youWalter *************
OP@Kyle *******
only time will tells.Why not send a e mail saying approved a few days before the flight?James ********
If you are eligible for visa exempt entry, you will be stamped in for 60 days on arrival into Thailand. AND you can go to your local Thai immigration office and apply for the added 30 days extension for 1,900 Thai baht.
The proposed reduction of the visa exempt entry from 60 days to 30 days has not yet taken place. Awaiting the publishing in the Thai Royal Gazette... and when it's published, the New rules take effect 15 days AFTER the date it's published.
Additionally..
When the METV multiple entry tourist visa application is approved, you will need to leave Thailand and reenter to activate it.
You will not be able to get a 30 day extension of stay for your visa exempt entry if you have received approval for the METV multiple entry tourist visa.
You will have to leave Thailand and reenter to activate it.
The proposed reduction of the visa exempt entry from 60 days to 30 days has not yet taken place. Awaiting the publishing in the Thai Royal Gazette... and when it's published, the New rules take effect 15 days AFTER the date it's published.
Additionally..
When the METV multiple entry tourist visa application is approved, you will need to leave Thailand and reenter to activate it.
You will not be able to get a 30 day extension of stay for your visa exempt entry if you have received approval for the METV multiple entry tourist visa.
You will have to leave Thailand and reenter to activate it.
Johnny *******
@Greg **********
my cousin did it 2 weeks ago. He entered visa exempt because his METV hadn’t been issued yet. The METV was then issued, but since he was still on his visa exempt, he could get a 30 day extension no problem. Stop making up rules you know nothing about boy.Walter *************
OP@James *******
thanks,I though it changed to 30 days .In that case I will be OK.cheersJames ********
@Walter ************
Safe travels and Enjoy Thailand 🤗Johnny *******
@James *******
you can still get a 30 day extension for the visa exempt even if you have a METV you haven’t used yetActivity
9 joined9
people
Related
25Can I extend my 30-day visa exemption for another 30 days while in Thailand?
4.9k28911mo
What are the current visa conditions for US passport holders arriving in Thailand by air and border run options?
1.5k9151y
Can I do another border run in Thailand after using my initial visa exemption and returning from Laos?
5k25532y
Can I get a free 30-day visa upon re-entering Thailand after leaving for Laos?
2.2k2132y
Can I get a tourist visa in Thailand if I can't complete an e-visa application?
2.1k1883y
Can an American citizen apply for a 6-month METV while in Thailand?
2.6k16303y
Can my husband and I stay in Thailand for 60 days without a visa by using the 30-day extension rule?
2.6k14373y
What is the best way for a Canadian to stay in Thailand for 6 months as a tourist?
3.1k24273y
What is the time frame for applying for a 30-day visa extension after entering Thailand on a visa-exempt entry?
1.2k6143y
Can I enter Thailand on a 30-day visa exemption and extend it for a total of four months with border runs?
1.1k6104y
What are the options for extending a visa after the initial 45 days on arrival in Thailand?
2.1k17124y
What is the best way for an American in Vietnam to obtain a tourist visa for Thailand?
2.4k15284y
How do we navigate visa options and requirements as Australian and Dutch passport holders traveling to Thailand for two months?
1.3k894y
Can I extend my tourist visa in Thailand after a recent extension and border run?
1.3k7134y
Can I extend my 30-day visa exemption in Thailand, or must I do a border run?
9133104y
Should I apply for a 60-day tourist visa or enter Thailand on a 30-day visa exemption and extend it later?
804355y
Can I enter Thailand with a one-way ticket and extend my stay without a tourist visa?
4.5k39365y
Can I extend my 30-day visa-free stay in Thailand to 90 days, and how?
1.1k697y
How many days can I extend my 30-day visa exemption in Thailand?
3717y
Can I enter Thailand on a 30-day visa exemption and then extend my stay if I have a return flight within 60 days?
1.9k14127y
Can I Do a Border Hop for a Visa Extension in Thailand and What Should I Expect?
3.5k24418y
What are my options for extending a 30-day visa in Thailand from Chiang Mai?
1.3k1048y
Can I re-enter Thailand from Laos and get another 30-day extension on my visa?
1.2k1029y
Can you get a tourist visa upon arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport before exiting immigration?
1.3k7119y
What are my options for extending my 30-day visa exemption in Thailand?
1.6k11109y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served