How often can I re-enter Thailand on a 6-month METV to maximize my stay?

Mar 14, 2018
7 years ago
Michel *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hey guys, I'm currently on a visa run in Hanoi, I got the SETV. Obviously you can the METV here as well, I thought I couldn't get that in Asia. (German)

They say I can stay maximum 60 days, but how often can I enter and get the 60 days ? It says it's valid for 6 months, does that mean I can stay for 6 months (with 2 re-entries)?

Thanks for your help!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is inquiring about the validity and re-entry options for the 6-month Multi-Entry Tourist Visa (METV) and the Single Entry Tourist Visa (SETV) while in Hanoi. They want to know how often they can enter Thailand using the METV and the total duration of stay allowed. Community responses clarify that while the METV allows for multiple entries, there are limits on the total time spent in Thailand per year and details regarding residency requirements for obtaining such visas from consulates in Southeast Asia.
Michel *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks everyone for your quick answers!
Tod *********
On a 6 month METV you can wring almost 9 months of stay in thailand out of it. They work like this

You get the visa enter thailand and get stamped in for 60 day

When that 60 days is winding down you border bounce and get stamped in for another 60 days

Just prior to the "enter before" date on the visa itself you border bounce and get stamped in one final time for 60 days (taking you to about 240 days) AND you extend this last entry by 30 days at the immigration office taking you to 270 days (9 months) .;)
Ashraf ********
So it is better and easier than one year non immigration visa :)
Ashraf ********
No ... it means you can use it first 60 days then re-enter for another 60 days then re-enter the last 60 days which mean total 6 months..... but put in your mind that you can not stay in thailand more than 180 days in a year ( as what i read here in different posts ) ... good luck :)
Ken *********
@Tod ********
Friend in US wants to check this place out. She's not near retirement age.
Tod *********
@Ken ********
, I know people on their third 6 month METV (but they were americans who got them in the US).

I posted further down how to wring out 9 months on the METV by border bouncing at the right times and extending the last entry by 30 days
Ken *********
Can this be extended? Can you do it twice or three times?
Tod *********
@K**
, for non residents you show your visa stamp into Australia instead. ;)
Tod *********
Ken *********
Go figure. What are the requirements in Australia, specifically?
Tod *********
@K**
, American, Brits, Germans, I have seen a LOT of nationalities get them from Australia
Ken *********
@Tod ********
If you are American, yes. One exception. :-)
Tod *********
@Ken ********
You can get the METV from the thai consulates in Australia without being a resident.
Ken *********
METV is available from your home country, not Thai embassies in other countries. Rules changed. The image is from 2015.
Ashraf ********
Then it is good news :)
Tod *********
@Ash ****
, and I'm telling you that there is NO such rule at all.

There was an old rule about no more than 90 days in a 180 day period of time on visa exempt entries but it was rescinded years ago
Biff *******
He got the SETV. Unless I misread the "I got the SETV" part?
Ashraf ********
You can check other post in this page
Tod *********
that is totally incorrect about the not more than 180 days in a year :/
Tod *********
AFAIK the ONLY consulate in S/E Asia that didn't have the resident requirements was the one in Kuala Lumpur and a member was there at the end of feburary to get a 6 month METV and was told they changed the policy and now have the residence requirement.
Biff *******
Probably because they're all the way in Australia and who would go all the way there just to get one?
Tod *********
@Biff ******
, most countries consulates require that you holding resident status (like legally live and work there). Right now the only place on this side of the globe that will sell METV's to non-residents are the thai consulates in Australia.
Biff *******
Unless you're resident in VN, right?
Tod *********
@Biff ******
right but he said "obviously you can get an METV there" and that is not correct. :/
Biff *******
He said he got the SETV
Biff *******
SETV Single Entry Tourist Visa. So, once.
Tod *********
Unless I'm wrong, you need to show that you are a legal resident of Vietnam to be able to apply for a 6 month METV at either thai consulate there.

It mentions it where it says permanent residence status, residence permit.

You can ask but IF they were issuing them people would have reported it.
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