Should we travel to Thailand without visas and use a 60-day entry stamp or get a Multiple Entry Visa before the Non Immigrant Type B Visa?

Chiang Mai Visa Rules Non Immigrant Type B Visa Multiple Entry Visa 60-day Entry Stamp Expat Immigration Work Permit

Aug 4, 2024

3 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hey all, we are moving to Chiang Mai this fall. My husband is going to be teaching over there. He will be securing a job once we get there. 

My question is, should we show up without visas and just use the 60-day entry stamp? Or would it be a safer bet to get the Multiple Entry and then switch over to his Non Immigrant Type B Visa/work permit? 

TIA!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion centers around whether it is preferable for an expat family moving to Chiang Mai to arrive in Thailand without visas and use a 60-day entry stamp or to obtain a Multiple Entry Visa (METV) before transitioning to a Non Immigrant Type B Visa/work permit. The comments suggest that while both options allow for 60+30 days upon entry, obtaining the METV may save some hassle in terms of re-application, though it might be unnecessary based on nationality and job status.

John **********

I'd say it depends on whether your husband has a job lined up or he's just hoping to get a job. One thing to be aware of is that you can't have 3 active visas at the same time, and trying to get a 2nd visa won't cancel the 1st one

3 months ago

Kimberly ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

interesting. I thought you could get a visa transferred. The company he is getting his certification through said to come over on a tourist visa and then he can get his work visa/permit once he secures a job.

3 months ago

John **********

@Kimberly *******

yes you can change the visa type from a tourist visa at an immigration office inside Thailand. But many companies require you to visit an embassy outside Thailand to get the non-b work visa as it requires much less paperwork than doing it inside Thailand. Leaving Thailand on a standard tourist visa will be fine as it's already been used and therefore is invalid but that isn't the case with the METV which is valid until it expires

3 months ago

Reply to

John **********

Terary **********

I don't think it matters too much. In both cases, when you stamp in, you get 60+30, then you will have to exit and return. The METV saves you the hassle of re-applying every 90 days, but it's not necessary to get a visa (depending on your nationality). Hence, you're just throwing-away money but getting the METV.

3 months ago

Reply to

Terary **********

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