Answered3 months ago

Should I enter Thailand using the METV or the visa exemption if I plan to stay for 87 days and travel out of the country?

Thailand visa METV visa exemption multiple entry visa travel expats in Thailand

Andrew ********

asked Jul 26, 2026

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Well it took exactly 10 business days to get my METV FROM Washington, DC Consulate.

I applied just in case they changed the music extension status. I am staying for about 87 days but planning on taking a trip out of the country. 

Now that I have both possibilities  of Entry, is there an advantage to entering today underuse exemption versus the METV?  I am staying 87 days and wanting to take a trip to Kuala Lumpur and possibly Vietnam. Just wondering if those of you who have been in the same situation, would recommend saving the METV till a bit later since it doesn’t expire till January 12, 2027.

Answer summary

The user received their METV from the Washington, DC consulate and is contemplating whether to enter Thailand using the METV or take advantage of the visa exemption, with plans to stay for 87 days and travel to Kuala Lumpur and Vietnam. Comments from the community emphasize that since the user holds a valid METV, it is advisable to enter using that visa to avoid potential re-entry complications and to leverage the benefits of the METV, which allows for multiple entries and extensions.

3 repliesnewest first

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Ian **********

You must use the visa that you have been issued. When the IO swipes your passport, it will show on their screen

3 months ago

Bob ******

I would use the METV as you're less likely to have issues reentering and you can come and go as you please until it expires. You still need a new TDAC or the THIM app to get back in.

Every METV entry give you 60 days and it can be extended 30 days if you don't want to leave within the 60 days. You can also enter the last day of the METV and still get the 60 days and extend 30.

3 months ago

Brandon ************

That's not your decision to make. You have a visa, therefore you enter the country using that visa.

And it's a MULTIPLE entry visa. You aren't saving anything. It's for multiple entries. Every time you enter Thailand until the visa expires, you will be stamped in for 60 days based on the visa.

Why did you apply for a visa that you don't understand?

3 months ago