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Can I travel to Thailand for 6 months as an American tourist?

Tourist Visa METV Thailand Travel Visa Application Visa Extension Immigration Regulations

Feb 20, 2023

2 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello, I am an American wanting to travel as a tourist to Thailand this May. I’d like to stay for 6mos. 

Is this possible?

If so, how? 

I’ve tried to look, but I’m a bit confused. 

Thank you or your kind replies.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

An American looking to travel to Thailand for 6 months can consider applying for the METV (Multiple Entry Tourist Visa) through the Thai Embassy or Consulate. This visa allows for significant stays, potentially totaling up to 9 months with border re-entries. Alternatively, one might use a combination of a 60-day tourist visa followed by a 30-day extension, in addition to border bouncing for further extensions.

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Kathy ********************

I frequently stay for 5 months with no issues - 60 day tourist visa, 30 day extension. Border bounce for 30 days and another 30 day extension.

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Crypto *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Kathy *******************

We can still do 2 border bounces a year, right?

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Crypto *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

🎯

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Crypto *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I saw that METV, but I don’t have the $7,000 in my bank account. That’s a barrier, for sure.

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Tod *********

@Daniel *********

correct you are allowed TWO visa exempt entries by land in a calendar year (Jan 1 - Dec 31)

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Crypto *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

so it’s possible to stay 6mos on a regular tourist visa? I don’t mean to beat a dead horse. I just want to make sure I’m understanding this correctly. My next step will be to book my ticket if I’m understanding this correctly. 🙏🏼

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Tod *********

@Daniel *********

come in on a 45 day entry stamp, take the 30 day extension, that's 75 days, go to a consulate nearby and BUY a single entry tourist visa, stamp in get 60 days, take the 30 day extension that's 90 days

75+90=165 days <- a pretty good stay on a free stamp, a tourist visa and two 30 day extensions 😛

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Tod *********

@Daniel *********

there is no way to stay IN thailand the whole 6 months, you'd have to exit/re-enter to activate another entry on a 6 month METV, but really most people can get close to 9 months of stay out of that visa; by getting it as close to when you travel as you can and then just before the METV expires bouncing out and back to get a final 60 day extension (that takes you to almost 8 months stay) and then extending that last entry by 30 more days at the immigration office for 1900baht to get you the 9 months of stay on a visa valid for 6 🙂

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Tod *********

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Declan ********

@Kathy *******************

what is the 60 day tourist called ? Do you apply online for this ?? Thanks in advance

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Tod *********

@Declan *******

it's a single entry tourist visa and IF you're in your home country and they use the eVisa online system you apply online, OR if they don't you apply at the thai consulate in your country.

If you're already here you go to a thai consulate in a nearby country and apply

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Declan ********

thanks

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Crypto *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I’m in Palm Springs, CA. I’ll try the online application. Once again, for your help.

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Tod *********

@Daniel *********

then you apply online using the eVisa website and selecting the LA thai consulate

****************************

AND if you have more questions you need to make your own post about it 🙂

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Crypto *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

got it. Thanks.

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Crypto *******

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Crypto *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Kathy *******************

thank you for your help.

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Crypto *******

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James ********

Suggest you apply for the METV multiple entry tourist visa with your Thai Embassy or Consulate online using the Evisa application system.

With planning it will give you up to 9 months stay in Thailand with a couple Border Bounce re-entries into Thailand.

Be sure to read the replies from

about how to apply for the METV multiple entry tourist visa. Important that you do as he says or you will only be issued a SETV single entry tourist visa.

I have placed the TOPIC of METV multiple entry tourist visa on your post.

CLICK on it and all posts about the METV will pop up to read.

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Crypto *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I looked at the requirements. I don’t have a bank balance of $7,000 for the last 6mos. I’ll keep trying.

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Crypto *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

thank you so much for your help. 🙏🏼

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Crypto *******

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