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Can you get a METV (Multiple Entry Tourist Visa) while in Thailand?
METVTourist VisaVisa ApplicationThailand ImmigrationVisa RegulationsTraveling to ThailandVisa StatusExpat Life
Feb 18, 2026
2 months ago
Wayne ********
ORIGINAL POSTERDoes anyone know if you can get the METV in country? Like when I arrive there?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The consensus among the comments is that the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) must be applied for from your home country or a country where you have residency, and cannot be obtained while already in Thailand. However, there are anecdotal reports of people successfully obtaining the METV from nearby countries like Laos and Vietnam, though this is not the standard procedure and may vary by individual circumstances.
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Hari ****
No .. only outside ( official)
Proficien**********
My mate applied last Thursday in Vietnam for METV got it this Wednesday 6am
Requested another bio photo Monday 11AM
Passport photo Tuesday 11AM
Resent same as originally used and they were accepted
Requested another bio photo Monday 11AM
Passport photo Tuesday 11AM
Resent same as originally used and they were accepted
Greg ***********
You cannot apply for a touristic visa when you are already in Thailand. Normally, the METV can only be applied for in your home country (where your residence is) only the SETV can be applied for just anywhere. However I remember having read reports that the Thai embassy Hanoi, Vietnam, has issued the METV to applicants who were not residents in Vietnam. I would say this needs more clarification
Robert *********
No.
Terary **********
Now see - this will stir some debate.. I have gotten a few, while in Thailand, exited then returned and was able to use them, no problem.
However, the fine print says you can not be in-country to apply for the visa. I figure, how are they going to know. Sure they could launch a detective squad and an international man hunt, but they wont.
In short, it has worked for me in the past a few times... though not entirely recommended :)
However, the fine print says you can not be in-country to apply for the visa. I figure, how are they going to know. Sure they could launch a detective squad and an international man hunt, but they wont.
In short, it has worked for me in the past a few times... though not entirely recommended :)
Jeremy ********
No
Petrov ********
Can get from Laos
Graham ******
Petrov Petrov There has been a rare report of this happening and also reports of a few being obtained from Vietnam but do not rely on this as these, up to now, are the exception not the rule. A METV has always had to be applied for from your country of residence.
Petrov ********
Graham Seal may be rules are change but 2023 and 2024 get two times visa ones from Malaysia and ones from Laos using an agency ( visa run from Samui and Bangkok.)
Graham ******
Petrov Petrov I don't know what rules you talk about but all Embassies have a high degree of independence to adopt or make their own rules regarding visa requirements and issuance.
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Graham ******
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Brandon ************
You can't get a tourist visa while you are inside of Thailand. That wouldn't even make any sense.
Stephen ********
You can only apply from your country of citizenship, or from a country where you have residency status
Graham ******
Stephen Howell That is the norm but there have been a few recent posts where a METV has been obtained from nearby SEA countries
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Graham ******
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Gary ***********
No must be in advance
Will ************
Can ONLY be applied for in your home country.
Ashley ********
@Will ***********
wrong. If you are working and resident in Laos with stay and residency permit you can apply within Laos for example.Graham ******
Ashley Austen If you are working in Laos then that is your "home" in this respect ;)
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Graham ******
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