Should I apply for a multiple entry visa for Thailand, or is it better to use visa exemption and just leave the country?

US Citizen Visa Thailand Visa Rules Multi Entry Visa Visa Exemption Tourist Visa Reentry Permit

Apr 9, 2023

2 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Ok, US citizen flying in on the 27th of April and leaving the 23rd of September. Appling online now for a multi entry visa. Plan on leaving Thailand a few times in between. On the application should I put April 27th to September the 23rd or show I'm leaving in sixty days. I have no problem buying a cheap one way ticket to Vietnam showing I'm leaving in sixty days. Also the site says they can choose to give me a single entry visa and no refund on the difference between the two prices. $40 for single and $200 for multiple. Thanks

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A US citizen plans to apply for a multiple entry visa for Thailand, intending to fly in on April 27th and leave on September 23rd, while making several trips abroad in between. Community members suggest considering the need for a multiple entry visa, as several recommend using visa exemption instead. They point out that purchasing a single entry visa may not be advantageous due to a lack of refund on the fee difference. Other suggestions include the option to extend the stay after the first 60 days. Ultimately, experts highlight the importance of understanding the requirements for multiple entries versus using visa exemptions.

Paul *******

Get the multiple entry visa.

2 years ago

Ken ********

Reentry permit 1900 baht at immigration before you fly out will keep your visa current

2 years ago

Paul *******

@Ken *******

No need if you hold a multiple entry visa.

2 years ago

Ken ********

@Paul ******

can't get it until I get my extension stamp still waiting for approval

2 years ago

Reply to

Ken ********

Graham ******

@Ken *******

1000B plus 200B fee at the airport (an extension of stay is 1900B)

2 years ago

Reply to

Graham ******

Bob **********

Depends on how long you want to stay on the first trip you’ll get 90 days out of a TV 60+30 then 60 out of exempt stamps30+30 and that should do it

2 years ago

Jeremy ********

FYI…the METV visa goes live the day it’s put in your passport…so if you leave 60 days after you buy the visa you just lost 60 days on the visa

2 years ago

Richard **************

Come for the rainy season, stay for the rain.

2 years ago

Colin *********

@Richard *************

that's a good idea for those who don't know the climate and are planning staying long term, such as retiring - get to know before making a decision 😉

2 years ago

Reply to

Colin *********

Mitchell *******

Get the 60 day visa and then extend if you plan to leave between day 60 and 90. When you return, you can return visa exempt for 30 days (plus another 30 days extension if needed).

I had looked at the multi entry visa last year, and I honestly do not see it's purpose for most tourists unless you already have set dates you plan to travel.

2 years ago

Sean ********

I don’t think the multiple entry visa makes sense for what you are doing since you plan on doing multiple entry via travel anyhow which is just refreshing a tourist exempt visa on every revisit. You can also extend once through immigration on the 30 day exempt to get 60 days on the single entry.

2 years ago

Darren *******

If you're planning on leaving a few times then just turn up visa exempt and save yourself some money.

2 years ago

Paul *******

@Darren ******

Not a great idea since immigration doesn't like people who spend too much time in the country on visa exempt. If you don't have USD200 for a visa, then you shouldn't be traveling internationally.

2 years ago

Reply to

Paul *******

Stuart *********

You will generally need to show proof of the need for a multiple entry visa. This would be by having at least two tickets in to Thailand. Otherwise they may well just issue a single and you won’t get a refund of the fee.

2 years ago

Reply to

Stuart *********

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Should I apply for a 90-day visa before heading to Bangkok or request an extension while there?

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