Answereda year ago
Should I opt for a visa exemption or a METV for my trip to Thailand?
In a previous post of mine it was mentioned that getting a METV raises suspicions to the immigration officer if arriving before on visa exempt. Is that correct? Am I actually better coming again on a visa exemption? I thought with an METV it would be a breeze. Will be visiting from the UK , January -March (60 days) and May-July(60 days).
Answer summary
The discussion revolves around the choice between using a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) or a visa exemption for traveling to Thailand. It highlights concerns about immigration scrutiny, especially for travelers with a history of frequent entries under visa exemptions. Users recommend obtaining the METV as it is specifically designed for frequent travelers, although they advise being cautious if arriving from areas with significant travel history, such as Europe or the US. Patterns of travel are scrutinized by immigration, and it may be safer to travel under the METV after having a break from Thailand.
14 repliesnewest first
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Marty *********
They are looking for patterns of travel and time in the country and if you spend time in your home country. I don't think anything will be reset on Jan 1. You might get in again but you would be much safer after February and getting a METV
Phil ******
@Alan ************
What's your Visa Exempt travel history?
Nitzan *****
Get the METV - this is what it was designed for.
John **********
You're better with the METV
Jordan *****
I would be weary of travelling to Thailand by plane from the US, or Europe if I already spent more than 3 months, because they could force you to fly back home at great cost and this after you have to wait in a nasty cell.
In this case I would go to Malaysia and try entering by land. I never had an issue entering by land and worse case scenario you walk back to Malaysia, or you could fly from KL to Bangkok and if they deny you, you can just fly back.
In this case I would go to Malaysia and try entering by land. I never had an issue entering by land and worse case scenario you walk back to Malaysia, or you could fly from KL to Bangkok and if they deny you, you can just fly back.
Alan *************
OP@Jordan ****
Would like to think they wouldn’t make you fly straight back home again if you have a visa.Jordan *****
@Alan ************
try contacting those agencies that do the “pre screening” and “fast track” thing. I never used them personally, but they claim to know whether you will be allowed in or not and it’s worth it if you fly from far awayGary ***********
Assuming you mean in new year them you should be fine on exempt
John **********
@Gary **********
new year makes zero differenceGary ***********
@John *********
I misread, though he had visited last Jan but it is in Jan he intends to visitAlan *************
OP@Gary **********
I just thought for peace of mind,as I will be doing 2 visits in quite quick succession, to go for the METV.Gary ***********
@Alan ************
Certainly wouldn't harm
Graham ******
What is your previous Visa Exempt history, similar?
Alan *************
OP@Graham *****
This year a couple of months in January and February and 6 weeks in October/November. No extensions.Activity
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