Ask question

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.

2,019

views

6

likes

59

all likes

19

replies

0

images

5

users

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.

James *********

JAMES MILLER IS AWESOME 👌

Like

Reply

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.

Like

Reply

Crypto *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

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

Like

Reply

Crypto *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

🎯

Like

Reply

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.

Like

Reply

Tod *********

@Daniel *********

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

Like

Reply

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. 🙏🏼

Like

Reply

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 😛

Like

Reply

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 🙂

Like

Reply

Reply to

Tod *********

Reply

Declan ********

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

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

Like

Reply

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

Like

Reply

Declan ********

thanks

Like

Reply

Crypto *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

Like

Reply

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 🙂

Like

Reply

Crypto *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

got it. Thanks.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Crypto *******

Reply

Crypto *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

thank you for your help.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Crypto *******

Reply

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.

Like

Reply

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.

Like

Reply

Crypto *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

thank you so much for your help. 🙏🏼

Like

Reply

Reply to

Crypto *******

Reply

Thai Visa Advice

... members · 40% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.

Thai Visa Advice

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice

What is the best visa option for a 6-month to 1-year stay in Thailand?

16 comments

2 months ago

What is the best visa for a 6-9 month stay in Thailand?

95 comments

6 months ago

What visa options are available for a 6-month stay in Thailand starting in November?

9 comments

6 months ago

Do I need a 90-day visa before applying for a tourist visa to stay in Thailand for 4-6 months?

35 comments

7 months ago

What type of visa do I need to stay in Thailand for 5 to 6 months on holiday?

8 comments

8 months ago

Is it possible to stay in Thailand as a tourist for a year?

56 comments

8 months ago

How can I stay in Thailand for 6 months on a Tourist Multi Entry Visa?

20 comments

9 months ago

Can I stay in Thailand for 6 continuous months on a METV visa with a USA passport?

3 comments

9 months ago

Can an American citizen apply for a 6-month METV while in Thailand?

16 comments

10 months ago

What visa options are available for an American wanting to stay in Thailand for 6 months or longer?

52 comments

a year ago

What is the easiest way to obtain a 6-month visa for Thailand without frequent exits?

11 comments

a year ago

Can I extend a 6-month multiple entry tourist visa in Thailand?

24 comments

a year ago

What is the best way for a Canadian to stay in Thailand for 6 months as a tourist?

24 comments

a year ago

What is the best way to obtain a visa for a 6-month stay in Thailand?

66 comments

a year ago

What are the best options for staying in Thailand for 6 months without a visa?

9 comments

2 years ago

What is the best visa option for staying in Thailand for 6 months or more?

3 comments

3 years ago

What are my visa options for a 6-month stay in Thailand?

1 comments

3 years ago

Is it possible to obtain a 6-month visa for Thailand?

48 comments

3 years ago

What type of visa should I apply for a 6-month stay in Thailand, and do I need to leave after 3 months?

11 comments

5 years ago

What Is The Best Tourist Visa For A Long Trip To Thailand As A US Citizen?

10 comments

5 years ago

Can I use a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa to stay in Thailand for 7 months?

3 comments

5 years ago

What Are the Visa Options for Staying in Thailand for 6 Months?

6 comments

5 years ago

Can you obtain a 6-month visa for Thailand?

21 comments

5 years ago

How can I extend my stay to nine months using a six-month visa in Thailand?

3 comments

6 years ago

What do I need as a US citizen to obtain a 6-month visa for Thailand?

9 comments

6 years ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.