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How can I apply for a multiple entry tourist visa (METV) to Thailand while retired in the UK?

Aug 11, 2025
2 months ago
Mark *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
METV questions.

When I last applied for an METV we sent passports off and had the 6 month multiple entry visa added to our passports. However I have read that it’s no longer added to the passport as it’s all done online. I’ve read the requirements but can’t find the application form or online portal. I’m applying in the UK. Please could someone enlighten me.

Myself and my wife have taken early retirement and can show proof of residency in the UK and proof of funds, but no longer have employment proof. How do we deal with this on the application?

Thank you
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TLDR : Answer Summary
This discussion revolves around the application process for the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) to Thailand from the UK. It clarifies that the METV is now processed online, eliminating the need to send passports for a physical visa. Users share insights on documentation required, suggesting retirees simply indicate their status as 'retired' instead of needing employment proof. Key documents mentioned include a biodata passport page, recent photographs, proof of accommodation, and travel confirmations. References were made to the Thai e-visa website for detailed requirements and guidance.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
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Simon *******
I had a mtv evisa last year done it all on line very easy to do you print the email confirmation off and show immigration when you arrive.
Nongnuch ********
TR-METV Visa Conditions

- TR-METV Visa is valid for multiple entries into Thailand for tourism purposes only.

- TR-METV Visa is valid for 6 months from the date of issuance with the condition that travellers must enter Thailand within the first 3 months of their visa.

-They will be allowed to stay in Thailand up to 60 days per entry, counting from the date of entry. The extension is possible for another 30 days. - If the TR Visa holder breaches the entry conditions (for example, if he/she engages in work-related activities), the stay permit will be revoked and he/she will be prohibited from entering Thailand in the future.

Required Documents.

Tourist (TR/Multiple entries).

Biodata page of Passport or Travel Document

Photograph taken within the last six months

- If the photograph does not reflect your current appearance you may be refused to enter the Kingdom of Thailand.

Document indicating current location

- Applicant’s local utility bills (shows applicant’s name and address) e.g. electricity bill/ gas / mobile phone / rental agreement.

Travel booking confirmation

- Flight details showing applicant’s name, departure date, all flights en route from UK/Ireland/UK territories to Thailand and onward ticket to another destination.

Proof of accommodation in Thailand, e.g. Accommodation bookings, invitation letters from family/friends in Thailand
Henrik *****
Make the relevant Embassy website a must read, no matter which country you travel to.

There is much great information to be found there, from the most reliable source.

The Thai e-visa website comes with its own usermanual in top right corner.
Graeme ******
Not sure why you need employment details, just put retired 🤔
Mark *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graeme *****
it’s one of the requirements. However we are not yet receiving a regular pension.
Nongnuch ********
@Mark ******
youare WRONG. . . . . an employment or an income proof is NOT required for the application to a Multi EntryTourist Visa . . . the E-Visa online system however can askyou to upload bank printouts showing three months of a minimum of equivalent of 20,000 THB in your home bank account
Max *************
@Nongnuch *******
At the London Embassy, employment is not required when applying for the METV,but there are still some countries in Europe where that requirement still exist. This guy might have picked wrong country.
Mark *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@M**
- I read references to the employment/income on these forums, clearly it was for other nationalities. It wasn’t clear which is why I asked here. Thanks for your help.
Max *************
@Mark ******
Are you maybe looking at wrong visa?
Mark *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi
@M**
, No I don’t think we are looking at the wrong visa. We will be in Thailand initially for several weeks, then will be going to either Cambodia or Malaysia for a few weeks before returning to Thailand for another 6 weeks or so. We know this can be done on visa exemption entries, but depending on how our plans go 45 days may not be enough - yes we know we can get 30 days extensions. However we have used visa exemptions several times over recent years and 4 times in the past year or so. Thai immigration are encouraging tourists frequently entering Thailand for longer periods to use appropriate visas. Having read Thai immigration’s recent advice, we think the METV is the correct option for us this time. I’m happy to hear any other views on this.
Max *************
@Mark ******
I was actually asking because of the requirements about employment you mentioned. Did you by any chance pick wrong country?
John **********
@Mark ******
how long were your previous visa exempt entries for? 4 entries in the past year or so could be almost an entire year
Mark *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
*****
was something like 2 months, 2 months. Last year was 1 month, 2 months, 2 months. This year we had 2 months already and plan 2 months, plus 1 month into January. We have several weeks gap between each entry, so we are actually using Thailand as a base hub for Asia between October/November and February/March. On average we spend about 3-4 month a calendar year in Thailand. We don’t intend on living here, it’s just for travel. I’d prefer to continue with visa exemption, but happy to go for METV if it’s more appropriate. What do you think?
John **********
@Mark ******
I would say the METV is designed for what you want to do
Mark *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
thank you
@Jo**
Nongnuch ********
@Mark ******
the requirements for the application to a METV are listed on this website. Read it carefully and check out if you are able to handle the online application. If not, use an agency service
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Nongnuch ********
@Mark ******
you will have to apply for the METV in your home country, through the online E-Visa system of the Royal Thai Embassy London. The requirements should be posted on their website. You will have to upload the required documents (scanned in the form of a .pdf or as a super-sharp .jpg) into the online application. In case you are not proficient with a computer, use the service of an agency. You do not have to prove any employment, however you need to prove three months of a minimum of equivalent of 20,000 THB in your home bank account
Graeme ******
@Mark ******
to apply for a multi entry tourist visa using the e visa system in London there is no requirement for employment?
Max *************
@Graeme *****
I think he picked wrong country. There are still countries in Europe where the METV still requires employment.
Brandon ************
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