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Is it possible for a New Zealand citizen to spend 8 months in Thailand using a 6-month multiple entry visa?

Thailand visa multiple entry visa New Zealand citizen long-term stay visa extension travel planning METV border runs

Jul 21, 2023

3 years ago

James **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I'm a New Zealand citizen who wants to spend 8 months of the year in south east asia with as much of that time as possible in thailand. I'm thinking about applying for a six month multiple entry visa for this. Could somebody please outline if this is possible and give an example of how i would plan the travel in and out of thailand to achieve this ?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A New Zealand citizen can use a 6-month multiple entry visa (METV) to stay in Thailand for nearly 9 months with strategic planning. The process involves entering Thailand and receiving a 60-day stamp, after which the traveler can either extend for 30 days at an immigration office or leave the country and re-enter to receive a new 60-day stamp. This cycle can be repeated until the visa expiration date, allowing for a maximum stay of around 9 months.

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Ellie *******

OP seems to get good information about METV. If anyone have something to add or ask related to the original topics, please contact one of the moderators to reopen this post.

Thank you for your advice.

3 years ago

Tod *********

A 6 month METV will give you almost 9 months of stay in thailand (in 60-90day increments) IF

You get the visa as close to the time you're coming here as you can (because that 6 months validity starts running down the day the visa is issued)

You enter get stamped in for 60 days,

when that 60 days is over you;

a - take a 30 day extension

or

b - go to the border bounce out and back to get a new 60 day entry stamp

when that 60 days is over you;

a - take a 30 day extension

or

b - go to the border bounce out and back to get

just before the VISA itself expires (the date on the visa not on an entry stamp) you

bounce out and back one final time to get your last 60 day entry and then extend that a final time at the immigration office for 30 days for 1900baht

That gives you 9 months of stay

3 years ago

Tina *******

@Tod ********

will this work for Canadian’s?

3 years ago

Ellie *******

@Tina ******

, METV works the same regardless of the Issuer embassy.

Tina *******

thank you

Wannikea *********

keep in mind you must show the need for the METV typically with a ticket out of Thailand within 60 days of your initial arrival and another ticket returning sometime after that.

3 years ago

Tina *******

@Wannikea ********

okay thank you.

3 years ago

Reply to

Tina *******

Tony *********

@Tod ********

As a kiwi about to retire to Thailand I investigated both SETV and METV on the NZ Thai embassy website and found the requirements pretty onerous. I suggest the OP looks at the website.

3 years ago

James **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

thank you very much 🙏

3 years ago

James **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

thanks Tod, i began to pursue a retirement visa but think the plan you succinctly outline is all i need for 8 months

3 years ago

Tod *********

@James *********

it's totally a workable plan, just get the visa close to when you're comin here so you don't burn the validity down not being here 🙂

3 years ago

James **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

understood, my next task is to estimate the turn around time of the thai embassy in Wellington to get as much out of this as possible. With the METV under my belt, what requirement is there for my return air ticket date please?

3 years ago

Tod *********

@James *********

as a rule you have to show onward travel OUT of thailand about 60 days after your first entry to get that visa (at least using the online eVisa system you should show WHY you need an METV)

Now you won't be asked for anything once you land here at passport control because you're entering with a valid visa.

Go to the website of the thai consulate you're applying at and read the requirements for the METV or email/call them and talk to them about it

3 years ago

Liam *****

...and this can be done with a cheap flight to a neighbouring country. You don't need to show travel all the way back to NZ

3 years ago

Reply to

Liam *****

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