Answered3 years ago

How can I maximize the duration of stay on a Multi Entry Tourist Visa (METV) in Thailand?

MULTI ENTRY TOURIST VISA METV Thailand immigration US passport visa extension re-entry rules

Steve *******

asked Jun 27, 2023

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METV (Multi Entry Tourist Visa) Questions:

US passport if it matters. 

1. I have read you can get up to 9 months on this visa if you do it right, is this true? What is the procedure? I’m assuming it involves extending at the right moment and then leaving. 

2.  You have to exit every 60-90 days? Are there ever any issues on re-entry via air with this visa (BKK or DMG)?

Answer summary

A Multi Entry Tourist Visa (METV) is valid for 6 months, allowing for multiple entries into Thailand. Each entry grants a 60-day tourist stamp, which can be extended for an additional 30 days. To maximize your stay up to 9 months, enter Thailand, apply for the 30-day extension, leave after 90 days, and re-enter to receive a new 60+30 period. However, it's important to note that re-entry is subject to the discretion of immigration officers, and prior travel history may impact your chances of being allowed entry.

7 repliesnewest first

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Graham ******

Yes it's valid for 6 months and you get 60 days per entry. Yo enter as close as possible to the expiry date then get an extension to get close to 9 months from it. It's multi-entry so no issues re-entering.

3 years ago

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

A METV is valid for 6 months from the day it is issued. This can only be applied for and received from your home country or a country you have permanent residence in.

During that 6 months, every time you enter Thailand you will be given a 60 day tourist stamp. Each entry is also eligible for a 30 day extension.

So you enter Thailand the first time and get 60 days, and then apply for a 30 day extension. Then after 90 days you leave and re-enter and get another 60+30. Then right before the visa expires you do one final exit and re-entry getting a final 60+30. That's about 9 months.

ALL entries to Thailand are at the discretion of the passport control officer you are standing in front of. If you have an extensive history in Thailand, covid extension stamps in your passpart, a previous ED or Volunteer visa, or the immigration officer is having a bad day, you could potentially have issues entering the country.

3 years ago

Steve *******

Brandon Thurkettle I have a bit of a wrinkle I’m running out of pages in my passport so I would come in with the METV but I would have to get another passport (with I’m assuming, a new passport number). Is that going to cause any issues? I would think the original METV would be linked to my original passport number?

3 years ago

Steve *******

Yes you are 100% right I doubt I’ll be in the US long enough to get a new passport I might have to go for the 60 day. Can that visa be extended for 30 days?

3 years ago

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

@Steve ******

why would complicate things like that? Get a new passport before you come.

3 years ago

Henrik ****

@Brandon ***********

, are you absolutely sure that you will be able to get each entry extended by 30 days? There are reports in other visa groups that at least some Immigrations will only extend your METV once (by tourist extension)...

3 years ago

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

@Henrik ***

I haven't seen any of those reports. You should be able to one on each entry.

The only type of visa I've seen a limit with was the multiple entry non-O and only being allowed to do the family visit extension one time during the visa period.

3 years ago