Answered3 years ago

Can I get a SETV after using a METV for 8 months if I return to the UK?

Visa regulations METV SETV Visa exemption Thailand immigration Visa extension

Alex *******

asked Jan 9, 2024

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Hi, using a METV for approximately 8 months by leaving Thailand twice and extending by 30 days twice. If I return to the UK for 2 or 3 weeks after last visa extension, am I likely to be granted a SETV straight after? Failing that, could I fly back re-enter on a visa exempt and maybe extend that? 

Thanks in advance for any insights.

Answer summary

The user asks if they can obtain a SETV after using a METV for approximately 8 months while frequently leaving and re-entering Thailand. Responses suggest that applying for a new visa (SETV) from the Thai embassy in the UK should not pose problems, but entering Thailand on a visa exempt status may lead to scrutiny from immigration officials due to their extended use of tourist visas. It is advised to keep evidence of travel and purpose to support entry, and it's recommended to allow a gap of at least three months between trips to minimize issues.

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Tore *********

Personally id leave at least 3 months between the trips. You’ll get the visa but may be pulled aside and questioned at immigration, and possibly even denied entry.

3 years ago

Steve ********

What age are you?

3 years ago

Alex *******

@Steve *******

I'm not retirement age but I'm hoping to have a job offer in Thailand starting later this year. Maybe if I have a work contract in hand to show the official I can explain I will be changing over to a Non-B when the job starts.

3 years ago

Steve ********

@Alex ******

Job offer won't cut any ice with immigration. If you're coming in as a tourist, it's your bona-fide tourist cred they'll be looking for. Bouncing in and out of the country doesn't auger too well. A buddy of mine did the same - got almost nine months from an METV, returned to Australia, waited a month and applied for another METV, which was turned down. Perhaps give it a few months before returning

3 years ago

Alex *******

@Steve *******

Noted cheers

3 years ago

John **********

You'll certainly stand a better chance with a visa than visa exempt but it will be down to the official you stand in front of. Have the three proofs as that is what they will try to use to deny entry should they so choose

3 years ago

Alex *******

@John *********

Cheers!

3 years ago

Brandon ************

I wouldn't expect any problems if you apply for a new visa from the London Thai embassy, since the last visa you received was 8 months ago.

You may start running into issues trying to enter Thailand though, both with tourist visa or visa exempt. Basically it shows you are trying to live in Thailand with tourist entries, and you're likely at a bare minimum to get pulled out of line and questioned about what you're doing and warned to get a long term visa if you want to stay in Thailand. Worst case is they just deny you entry and send you away.

3 years ago

Alex *******

Thanks

3 years ago