Answered10 months ago
Is there a tourist visa in Thailand that lasts for 12 months?
I have been to Thailand 8 times in nearly 3 years. Last trip the Customs officer asked how long I was staying 'this time'. I am back in April 2026 but I am a bit concerned they may knock me back. I have never overstayed and purely come to see friends as a tourist. I am near retirement but not in need of a retirement visa yet. I plan to have 2 trips on 2026.
Is there a tourist visa that lasts 12 months?
I don't want any unnecessary problems.
Is there a tourist visa that lasts 12 months?
I don't want any unnecessary problems.
Answer summary
The original poster is concerned about their immigration status as a frequent visitor to Thailand, specifically seeking a tourist visa that lasts 12 months. Responses indicate that while there isn't a standard one-year tourist visa, options like the DTV (Digital Tourist Visa) and METV (Multiple Entry Tourist Visa) can provide extended stays. Discussions also suggest that frequent visits are generally acceptable if there are sufficient gaps between trips. Some commenters recommend considering a retirement visa if the user is eligible and to prepare thoroughly for each entry to avoid issues.
57 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Kirsten *********
Chill out. They are doing what nearly every immigration in the world does. Ask you how long you are staying. Been in 5 times this year with no problem. Just smile and answer questions
Gary ********
Immigration is not targeting you just have answers ready; and reason that you must return to you country
And be prepared for theses exact questions have flight number and date or flight reservation and
That’s how you deal with each entry travel digital card filled out on your phone
you will be ok 😁☺️
And be prepared for theses exact questions have flight number and date or flight reservation and
That’s how you deal with each entry travel digital card filled out on your phone
you will be ok 😁☺️
Jim *******
@Gary *******
Does not sound right. Return to where you came from, OK. If I came from Japan, what fcuking power IO has to send me to Australia, my passport, where I have not been for 25 years?
Hans *********
Get a dtv visa it's a deal
Leslie ********
Yes I had a retirement visa for12 years just come and go just get a re-entry. I now do the stamp on arrival stay 60 days as a tourist have a return ticket no problem
Ian ********
I would do a non o for your next visit and come visa exempt any other times next year
Tom ********
We visited immigration with the same questions and were told not to worry about it. Tourists are welcome. It's the border running long stayers that they are after.
Jo **********
Nothing to do with how many times a couple of friends have entered 12 times this year. Each time for 7-10 days. They are genuinely tourists. It’s the pattern as if you enter 60 days and extend 30 days to a one day border bounce and repeat, and that is one example of what could get you in trouble.
Kenneth *******
I just do my E visa on line 6 weeks before I leave the questions they ask are easy complete on computer 🖥 wait 4 days then it is sent print out have hard copy with passport get 90 first one 60 second entry oh and copy return ticket witch is on your E tick any way when fill in
Ralph *******
@Kenneth ******
90 days tourist visa? That doesn’t exist.Kenneth *******
@Ralph ******
where did i say you get 90 days I said the E visa gave me 90 on print out you get 60 days then 30 extend that = 90 then the second one it says on the E Visa 60 days 🙄 so I got here and it gave me 60 days . If you read clearly I was saying about doing the E Visa before you leave fill out on site they ask all the questions as I said then yes you have your entry ( and when I arrived on 4th December full airport they came down the line asking if had A Printed copy of E visa 😉 I had she asked me to follow to fast lane they stamped used ) thankyou for you commentsRalph *******
@Kenneth ******
You said “get 90 first one”.
Matts *************
It seems that you actually are in need of a retirement visa
If you’re over 50 and have the money, you can come and go whenever you want for the rest of your life
I’d get one just for the convenience of having a Thai bank account
If you’re over 50 and have the money, you can come and go whenever you want for the rest of your life
I’d get one just for the convenience of having a Thai bank account
Kirsten *********
@Matts ************
he doesn’t need a retirement visa to visit friends twice a year!
John *********
@Matts ************
It's 50 or overMatts *************
@John ********
true, as I said“over 50” doesn’t mean 51+
it means 50 years or older
50 years exactly is fine
Andreas *********
. on your 2nd birthday, your third year starts. On your 49th birthday, you 50th year starts . . which means, on your 50th birthday, you are already "over 50" because that's when your 51st year begins 😂😎😂
Andreas *********
@John ********
since you turn 50 on your 49th birthday, it cool to say "over 50" (you enter your 50th year on your 49th birthday) 😃😎 . . the one who needs education is youJohn *********
@Matts ************
You said over 50 which doesn't include 50 now you have been educated 555
Marcel **********
This is my 4th stay in 1 year and i never had any problems.
Addy ***********
NO..
Wannikea *********
Could you please state when you plan to come and for how long you wish to stay.
Rob *************
OP@Wannikea ********
Holiday to see friends. Around 45 days. I try and go back every 3 to 4 months.Wannikea *********
@Rob ************
you exhibit the pattern of the typical tourist you have zero to worry about entering on visa exempt stamps.
Tony ***********
If you haven't done anything wrong don't worry about just go as normal and enjoy.
Rob *************
OP@Tony **********
they seem to be cracking down. I have never done anything wrong. I always have money. I don't do border runs or overstay. The last customs officer just concerned me and I have seen people being denied. I can't really see why I would be a problem.Tony ***********
@Rob ************
well then nothing to worry about then
Deepak *******
There is no tourist visa for one year. Which other countries have you visited for one year as a tourist?
Pat ******
Use the fast track- leas questions asked …
Joanne *********
I am worried too. We will be entering for the third time in 12 months in January. Our stays in 2025 were six weeks, eight weeks, six weeks.
Luc ************
@Joanne ********
20 weeks is 140 days. You still can come in for another 40 days but after that they will ask you to get a proper visa.
John *********
@Joanne ********
so no extensions then, all within the permitted 90 day visa exempt, did you return to your home country after each visit? If so shouldn’t have a problem if you are just visiting and staying within the 90 days dyor as usual
Adam ********
@John ********
they have been here 5 months out of 12 in 2025 I think they will get questioned at the very least…Wannikea *********
@Joanne ********
it's not only how long you stayed, it's what did you do in between the times you stayed. Immigration is looking for patterns in people who are basically trying to live here on exempt stamps etc.Joanne *********
@Wannikea ********
mostly come home to New Zealand im betweenWannikea *********
@Joanne ********
you have zero to worry aboutJo **********
@Wannikea ********
exactly this is factualGardar ***************************
You can still apply non-o based on retirement even if you not going for the extension. Gives you 90 days on arrival and immigration officer can't say anything.
****************************
cost about 80$ and gives you peace of mind
Christopher **********
I thought the immigration officer could always say something, even if you have a visa.
Mary *******
@Gardar **************************
thank you great informationGardar ***************************
@Mary ******
much welcome 😊
Stephen *******
@Gardar **************************
This is the option I am using now. A 90 day non-o based on retirement is $AUD120 and if you meet the financial requirements easy to get and worry free.
Rick ************
@Stephen ******
is it possible to get a re-entry permit with the Non-O?Gardar ***************************
@Rick ***********
correct, can do. You either obtain reentry permit at immigration or the airport when leaving ThailandRick ************
@Gardar **************************
yes, I know the Non-O is 90 days. Reason I ask, is enter on Non-O, establish bank account, then leave and return later, within the 90 day period. No point staying the whole 90 days if you dont have too. Go somewhere else, then come back with re-entry permit and proceed with the extension process.Gardar ***************************
@Rick ***********
Yes you can get reentry permit but the first non-o last 90 days but also extend it 1 year if you have the other requirements
Tom ********
Thats the one i use ..Peace of mind is the key.One day i will get the extension
Rob *************
OP@Stephen ******
so is this a single entry visa?Gardar ***************************
Gardar ***************************
@Stephen ******
exactly 😊Andi ***********
The DTV gives you 5 years multi entry. The METV gives you 6 -8;mths.
Rob *************
OP@Andi **********
thanks but the DTV is only if you have work there or are doing some sort of course,I believe.I could probably use the METV. ThanksJohn *********
@Rob ************
it’s not for work there, it’s for remote workingAndi ***********
@Rob ************
Yea DTV is for remote work but outside of Thailand,you can not work for Thai firms or doing Muay Thai, cooking, medical treatment etc. METV is just for tourism and easy to get.Andi ***********
@Rob ************
it is 6mths but if you time your final entry right you get around 8 mths.Rob *************
OP@Andi **********
METV is 6 months by the looks of it. I could probably get away with one of those. If I apply from April
Gary ***********
Only 12 month tourist visa ig the DTV is you qualify, METV may be some use depending on the gap in between the trips
Activity
32 joined32
people
Related
25Will returning to Thailand on a METV after a recent tourist visit cause issues with immigration?
1.3k1291mo
Can a UK citizen apply for a METV in Vietnam if they are not a resident?
774232mo
Can a DTV Visa holder apply for tourist visas for other countries while in Thailand?
202112mo
What are the options for expats from Bangladesh seeking a DTV visa in Thailand?
1.5k14122mo
What are the challenges of getting a stamp at the Malaysian land border when re-entering Thailand on a DTV?
4.1k1314mo
Is the METV visa suitable for someone living in Thailand 3 weeks a month?
2.3k20197mo
Why is it difficult to re-enter Thailand on a tourist visa after short trips abroad?
29.4k1545688mo
Do I need a DTV visa or METV for multiple trips to Thailand each year?
2.8k21291y
How can retired couples from the UK stay in Thailand for 6 months a year?
4.4k34481y
Will applying for a METV before leaving the UK resolve issues with multiple visa exemptions in Thailand?
1.8k10241y
How do I obtain a tourist visa and apply for a retirement visa in Thailand?
1.3k1171y
What are the best visa options for a Canadian senior looking to stay in Thailand for six months?
5k44412y
What is the best visa option for staying 6 months in Thailand and 6 months in the UK?
1.8k11182y
What occupation should I choose for my METV application from the UK while having a pension and freelance income?
1.5k9142y
Can I cross the land border into Thailand with a new tourist or Non-O visa after exhausting my limit of two entries?
1.1k762y
What is the best visa option for a Belgian citizen wanting to spend winters in Thailand?
2.7k25123y
Can an American citizen apply for a 6-month METV while in Thailand?
2.6k16303y
What is the best way for a Canadian to stay in Thailand for 6 months as a tourist?
3.1k24273y
What are the best visa options for a Canadian looking to stay in Thailand for 5 months with a trip to Malaysia?
1.5k8164y
What is the best visa option for a 9-month stay in Thailand?
1.3k894y
Can I apply for a 90-day and then a one-year visa for Thailand while in the country?
971584y
What are the requirements for applying for a 6-month tourist visa (METV) to Thailand in the US?
1.9k12208y
Why was I aggressively questioned at immigration while returning to Thailand on a METV?
57888y
Can I get a new visa the same day by crossing the border when my visa expires?
2.2k2178y
What are the differences and advantages of the 60-day Tourist Visa versus the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) for staying in Thailand?
1.8k1599y
Resources
Need help with your DTV visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served