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What are the advantages of a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa compared to a Single Entry Tourist Visa in Thailand?

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Oct 9, 2021
3 years ago
Eric *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
What are the benefits of a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa vs a Single Entry Tourist Visa?

(I was just approved for a ME TR Visa)

Also, I'm a US citizen.

Thanks
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) allows travelers to enter Thailand multiple times within a six-month period, each stay being valid for 60 days, with the possibility of extending for an additional 30 days. This visa is preferable for those who may need to leave and re-enter Thailand frequently, especially for work or travel plans. However, due to pandemic restrictions, land border crossings were closed, making the METV less useful if frequent exits were anticipated. Some expats have shared experiences regarding visa application processes and the evolving situation with visa availability, particularly noting that the METV is once again being issued as Thailand looks to ease entry requirements.
Benjamin ******
I'm closing comments. This post is being hijacked, and I'm not going to try and figure out what exactly is being asked, or how it's relevant to this post, sorry 🙁

If anyone wants the post reopen, please send a mod a message.

Thank you
3 years ago
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Tod *********
The 6 month Multi-Entry Tourist Visa is a valid choice and IS being sold on the e-visa sites, (I think it's 200USD in the US.

The way the visa works is like this.

-The visa is valid for 6 months from the date of issue.

-Providing you meet the entry requirements you can enter thailand an unlimited number of times during that 6 months

-Each entry will get you stamped in for 60 days.

-You can extend those entries ONCE in country for 30 days.

IF you exit/re-enter just before the visa itself expires (not your entry stamp from the visa) you could get stamped in for another 60 days and extend that by 30 more. That gives you almost 9 months of stay on a 6 month METV

The METV was suspended back in March 2020 when they locked the country down and I think the reason they started re-issuing it is their plans to ease the entry requirements and open the country up.
3 years ago
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Holden *********
Great news
@Eric *********
! I am in the same boat. I noticed that the METV language had changed on the DC embassy web page last week and I sent an email requesting information but they haven't responded. Did you get your visa from DC or another consulate?
3 years ago
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Eric *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Holden ********
 NYC but would be really interested in what they tel you!
3 years ago
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Holden *********
@Eric *********
 In DC you don't have to mail documents in but in LA you still have to send them your passport. What did you have to do in NY?
3 years ago
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Eric *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Holden ********
 I just did it through the evisa website. I didn't have to mail anything.
3 years ago
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Holden *********
@Eric *********
 LA consulate is just a time-waster. I already booked a November stay in Vietnam but I'll apply for the METV before I leave due to your post so thanks again. I had started to give up on Thailand. 😢
3 years ago
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Tod *********
@Holden ********
 LA is evisa too, you don't mail anything anymore
3 years ago
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Tod *********
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Holden *********
@Eric *********
 After I noticed the web page had changed, I went to the LA site and they still have outdated info on fit-to-fly certificates so I thought I would email DC but it's been more than enough time. Maybe I'll try their twitter page or TAT office in NY. Thanks for the heads up and enjoy your trips.
3 years ago
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Holden *********
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Oliver *************
When i Worked in Other Countries Offshore to Thailand Multiple Entry Was the Way to go
3 years ago
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James ********
@Oliver ************
 its ideal for the offshore oil and gas worker as well as the ship crews sailing the world yet live in Thailand as their home.
3 years ago
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Oliver *************
@James *******
 Agree
3 years ago
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Oliver *************
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James ********
What is the reason for your coming to Thailand?

How long are you really planning to stay in Thailand?
3 years ago
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Eric *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Tourism / holiday. Would like to spend several months there during the winter, though I need to return the US a few times to handle business.
3 years ago
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James ********
@Eric *********
 then the METV is a good choice for you.

Updated correction ....

Each time you enter or return to Thailand during the six months validity of the METV you are stamped in for 60 days...

One 30 day extensions is allowed at Thai immigration office 1,900 Thai baht.

Must leave Thailand at end of the 90 days.

Need to show proof of insurance for two months on each entry into Thailand.

And of course get a CoE and meet other requirements to enter Thailand.
3 years ago
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Kevin ***********
60 days per entry when I had one
3 years ago
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James ********
@Kevin **********
 correct...thank you.
3 years ago
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Holden *********
@Kevin **********
 I think you can extend it for another 30 days by going to immigration.
3 years ago
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Holden *********
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James ********
Why would you pay for a Multi-entry tourist visa METV ?

Do you plan on leaving Thailand every 60- 90 days and return? If you work and need to travel then it may be a good choice.

But as ALL LAND BORDER CROSSINGS are CLOSED to foreigners... And no visa runs or border runs are currently possible. The METV is useless.
3 years ago
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Nongnuch ********
@James *******
 with a METV you are leaving Thailand every 60 days, not 90 days
3 years ago
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James ********
@Nongnuch *******
 he can get a 30 days extension with each 60 at Thai immigration for 1,900 Thai baht. = 90 days stay max
3 years ago
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James ********
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Eric *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
:

Do you plan on leaving Thailand every 90 days and return? If you work and need to travel then it may be a good choice: Yes this is my situation. I will be flying back to the US (for short periods) for work.
3 years ago
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Eric *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks for the tips. I was already approved for it so no worries on that. In regard to the maximum 180 days in country per year, is that “three 60 day stamps” or ACTUAL days spent in country. For example, what if I entered and spent only 35 days the first trip. Would that be 35 days out of the 180 maximum allowed or do they count the full 60 days of the visa?
3 years ago
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James ********
@Eric *********
 it's a multiple entry visa ...valid only for six months. Each entry gets you a 60 day stamp. Plus you can extend it for 30 days extension at Thai immigration for 1,900 Thai baht. If you enter last day of the six months still stamped in for 60 days stay in Thailand
3 years ago
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Eric *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you for the information
3 years ago
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Eric *****
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Eric *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yes, I am vaccinated and yes I am willing to deal with the entry requirements.

My question is more about what are the actual rules around this visa. For example:

1. How many times am I allowed to enter?

2. It says the visa is valid for 6 months. If I enter on the 5 month and 29th day, am I still stamped in for 60 days?
3 years ago
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James ********
@Eric *********
 yes... Each entry during the six months validity gets you 60 days stamp
3 years ago
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Paul *************
@Eric *********
 I have a METV and yes it is good for 6 months plus 60 days. The only reason I got it was I did not want to deal with sending in my passport for separate single entry visas. Now however with the new E Visa you don't get a sticker in your passport, just a printout. You can apply for a Single Entry Visa while in Thailand and then fly out of the country to USA (maybe someplace closer) and then re enter on the new Visa. You can enter as often as you wish, however it is still a tourist visa, so you are limited to 180 days in country per year. Also don't forget you must provide 6 months of bank statements showing a min balance of $7000. The Single Entry Visa only requires a current Bank Statement.
3 years ago
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Paul *************
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James ********
@Eric *********
 then the METV for you is fine. Realize each time you enter Thailand you will need to meet the requirements for entry including the CoE, insurance, ASQ quarantine or sandbox stays...

Hopefully you are fully vaccinated as it will give you more options in reentry into Thailand.

Good luck with your choice of the METV.
3 years ago
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James ********
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