How does the multi-entry tourist visa (METV) work in Thailand and do I need to show proof of onward travel?

Sep 26, 2017
7 years ago
Sarah **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I'm about to apply for the multi entry tourist visa but I'm slightly unsure of the rules. Does this mean I get six months without needing to leave the country? I'm also wondering about booking a return flight back to uk, the consulate said they don't require that info but I assume immigration want to see proof I'll be leaving so what's the latest date I should book? Any advice gratefully received
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The multi-entry tourist visa (METV) allows travelers to stay in Thailand for 60 days at a time, with the possibility of extending that stay through border runs. The visa itself is valid for six months from issuance, during which time the holder can enter and exit multiple times. Travelers do not necessarily need to show proof of onward travel upon entry, although having a return flight booked may be advantageous. It is crucial to time the visa application closely to travel plans, as the six-month period begins from the Visa's issue date.
Sarah **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Just to update this post, my METV has been approved so thanks so much for all the advice :)
Sarah **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
One more question... On the visa application form it asks how long I will be in Thailand. What should I put given that I intend to be there at least six months but obviously that will be broken up by leaving Thailand every 60 days
Sarah **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you :)
Thomas ********************
Good luck
Sarah **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks! I put six months and then had a mild panic that it was the wrong thing to do. Handing in forms this afternoon so just wanted to check
Thomas ********************
I put "6 months". I'm quite sure I asked the embassy the same question, and followed their advice.
Sarah **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Got all that. Only thing left to do is book flight
Joe ***********
METV, Obtained in your home country, show employment or business ownership and the equivalent of 7000 USD in a bank account
Thomas ********************
Employment/business is not required in all countries (Denmark, for example)
Sarah **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks for the help! :)
Tod *********
The way to get the most out of that visa is to:

get it as close to when you're gonna travel to thailand because the 6 months starts from the day they issue the visa at the consulate.

Then fly in get 60 days

when that's up, border-bounce to get 60 more

when that's up border bounce to get 60 more

just before the "enter before date" on the visa itself border bounce on final time to get the last 60 day entry (giving you almost 240 days) and then extend that last entry by 30 days at the immigration office for 1900 baht taking to really close to 270 days..
Tod *********
@James ******
it's actually enter on or before that date
James *******
On the last border bounce do you have to return the day before the enter before date ?
Tod *********
When you fly in on that visa the immigration people at passport control won't care if you have proof of onward travel or not.
Sarah **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you. Good to know. I think I'll just get a return though as it's not much more than one way... Safety net and all that!
Dori *******
When I applied for mine in London I only had a one way ticket to Thailand and then sorted my onward travel whilst I was here. That was in January, so maybe things have changed, but they were pretty easy in London
Sarah **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I was thinking to book the return for six months time after entering Thailand and adjust the ticket accordingly if I end up staying longer. For the stamp out and back in I'm planning to do the Penang visa run
Tod *********
You are also able to stamp out and back in at a land border to activate another entry on that visa too
@Sa***
, you don't have to fly out and back in.
Sarah **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Great. Thanks so much for the info. I'll get my flights booked now :)
Tod *********
nope, you can't stay 6 months without leaving the country.

It means the visa will be valid for 6 months from the date it's issued, and when you come into thailand you'll get stamped in for 60 days.

At the end of that 60 days stamp out of thailand, stamp in&out of another country and stamp back into thailand to get another 60 day stamp.

You do that for the validity of the visa itself (6 months). Most people who time the border-bounces <- (where you get stamped in for another 60 days) right can wring about 9 months of time in thailand out of that visa..
Thomas ********************
True. Just find CW more relaxing than minivan or bus for half a day+.
Tod *********
@Tho***
, right, that can be done too (y) , but it burns down the validity of the visa itself and doesn't add any time to your stay.

You can't get more than about 270 days out of it, no matter how many extensions you get on the entries.

It's only that last 30 days on your final entry just before the visa expires that helps you out. ;)
Thomas ********************
You can also go to immigration in, for example, chaengwattana (bangkok) and extend each 60 day stamp for another 30.

I prefer that to border bounces.
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