What are my best visa options for traveling to Thailand for extended stays?

Sep 18, 2018
6 years ago
Visa advice please I will be traveling to Thailand end of October and plan on staying until the 27.12.18 can I just apply for a visa extension when I arrive to cover the duration? I will b returning to Thailand on the 4.1.19 so I can continue through to laos then through to Vietnam where I will need to fly back to Thailand for my retuning fight at the end of march. Can all this be done through visa upon arrival or should I apply for a multi entry visa? Which is the easiest option for me to take
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The individual seeks visa advice for a trip to Thailand from October to December 2018, returning in January 2019 before traveling to Laos and Vietnam. Community members recommend applying for a 60-day tourist visa, which can be extended for an additional 30 days, as a feasible option given the individual's duration of stay. A six-month multi-entry visa (METV) is suggested for convenience and avoidance of repetitive border crossings, although concerns about the financial requirements are raised. The discussion highlights the importance of visa types, extensions, and financial documentation for obtaining visas.
Mary ********
You are looking at nearly 6 months of travel. Better option would be the 6 month multi entry tourist visa (METV). No border bounce, fee for extensions, worry about documentation etc. Just easier.
Mary ********
@Olivia ********************
Depends on the consulate. Ask on the phone. And if you have a privately funded pension ( in the states it is a IRA) that counts.
Tod *********
@Mary *******
the O/P said they do NOT have the funds to meet the requirement to get a 6 month METV from the thai consulate in the UK before they wing their way here.

The best option would be a single entry tourist visa (which gives them 60 days and then a 30 day extension after that), then they can go to a thai consulate in a nearby country and get a new single entry tourist visa .
Indigo *****
@Phil ******
we arrived August 2nd; didn’t happen. However, we had a follow on itinerary, which also does the trick.
Mary ********
Except 3 or 4 border bounces (even the cheapest) blow thru that 10k and another couple thousand.
Robert *******
Funny, with Visa Exempt Entry it should be 10.000 Thb CASH and with Visa 20.000 Thb CASH. I don't think a METV solves the problem of showing cash on arrival when asked, it doubles the problem.
Mary ********
Can tell you exactly what you need. Grrrrr autocorrect.
Mary ********
They can give you exactly what you need. They are extraordinarily helpful when it comes to government services outside Thailand. Inside Thailand same as everywhere else in the world poor pay and overworked. Except they smile about it.
Mary ********
Call them
Mary ********
Thai consulate in Hull?
Olivia *********************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mary *******
thank you
Mary ********
If you have a job that exceeds
*****
Thai baht a month and can prove it shouldn't be an issue. The whole thing with Visas is Thailand wants you to be self supporting and not take a Thai job. Hence the required cash on arrival for exempt entry. The METV solves that.
Olivia *********************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yeah think I'm going to take a trip to Hull and get it sorted in person. 👍
Mary ********
That also resolves the 5K in the bank thing
Olivia *********************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mary *******
do I need to be able to provide £5000 for several months in bank statements? Nearest one to me is Hull then London
Mary ********
@Olivia ********************
If you are close to a consulate or embassy in your home country get the 6 month visa. It's $60 US. A single border bounce from Chiang mai will be more than that. With a 60 day you are looking at 3 border bounces depending on timing.
Olivia *********************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Phil ******
thats not an issue. Think that will be my best bet as I don't have the £5000 in bank for months
Phil *******
@Darren ********
Hull applications have to be in person now.
Phil *******
@Olivia ********************
. Cash only can be equivalent in foreign currency.
Darren *********
your better off with 60 days from hull, with 30 days extension if need be
Olivia *********************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Phil ******
thats fine, but not £5000. How are they with travel cards?
Phil *******
@Olivia ********************
All visitors to Thailand may need to show 20,000Baht in cash at the Thai immigration on arrival.
Olivia *********************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Who has that in the bank! Is there anyway round that? I'll check that link out thanks
@Phil ******
Phil *******
@Olivia ********************
Details for the METV are on the link I sent.

You can do by post. Requirements are stricter. For example you will need to show £5000 in a bank.
Olivia *********************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mary *******
is this just online aswell or do I need to go to embassy?
Phil *******
Apply for 60 day visa before travel. (Can be extended by 30 days) on next entries you can use entry with 30 day visa exemption on arrival.
Olivia *********************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Phil ******
thank you!
Phil *******
@Olivia ********************
I haven't used the service in UK for z while but all the information you need should be here.

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*****
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-How-to-Apply-for-a-Visa-by-Post.html
Olivia *********************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Phil ******
is this the one you can apply for online or do I have to go to embassy?
Olivia *********************
ORIGINAL POSTER
UK, so what are my best options
Robert *******
Visa on arrival is just for 15 days and only available for 21 countries. Big question now is what is the country of origin of your passport?
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