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Answered7 years ago

What are the advantages of getting a Thai visa in the US versus in neighboring SEA countries for US citizens?

Ryan *********
asked Jul 7, 2019
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Is there any advantage to obtaining a visa in your home country vs obtaining one at any of the neighboring SEA countries with a Thai embassy? For US citizens specifically.
Answer summary
For US citizens, obtaining a Thai visa in their home country prior to traveling can provide the advantage of entering Thailand on a valid visa, rather than a shorter 30-day visa exemption. Specifically, a tourist visa from the US allows for an initial stay of 60 days, with the possibility of a 30-day extension at a Thai Immigration office. Meanwhile, options such as the 6-month METV (Multiple Entry Tourist Visa) are more accessible in the US compared to other SEA countries. The conversation also highlights that some Thai consulates in other countries, like Australia and Hong Kong, can issue the METV to non-residents, which could be beneficial for frequent travelers to Thailand.
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Ryan *********
Ryan *********
OP
So it's possible to get a 6 month METV in the US, but not other countries. This is good to know, thanks Tod.
Tod *********
Tod *********
@Ben *********
then you were a legal resident of that country and met the requirements.
Ben **********
Ben **********
@Tod ********
I got an METV in Hong Kong. Not my home country. I was working there at the time and not a permanent resident. This was 3 years ago.
Ryan *********
Ryan *********
OP
Good to know Tod, my thought process is this 6 month METV is the better option for those unsure if they will enter Thailand multiple times, as it "looks better" than 2-3 SETVs or visa-exempts
Tod *********
Tod *********
you CAN also get a 6 month METV from some of the thai consulates in Australia without being a resident of there or holding an Auzzie passport. The closest one to thailand is Perth.
James ********
James ********
As you are an American, if flying from the USA, your airline may require a return ticket. Be sure to check with them first. A tourist visa obtained in the USA gives you 60 days on arrival plus can be extended added 30 days at a Thai Immigration office.
Robert *************
Robert *************
And to clarify-what is easily mistaken for a 90 day visa (at least I easily made the mistake) is actually a 60 day with 30 day extension option.
James ********
James ********
@Ryan ********
METV a good choice... Do it and enjoy Thailand.
Ryan *********
Ryan *********
OP
Hey James, I've spent a few months in Thailand before, and plan to spend a few more months there this year. My thought process is, better to get the 6 month METV if it is convenient. As this 1 visa "looks better" then 2 SETV's
James ********
James ********
@Ryan ********
Yes you can. Just how long are you really planning to stay in Thailand?
Ryan *********
Ryan *********
OP
Right, and you can also obtain this SETV in neighboring countries.
Tod *********
Tod *********
The advantage of getting a visa before you wing your way here is that you are arriving ON a valid visa not coming in on a 30 day visa exempt entry.

Other than that the visas you'd get are the same.
Tod *********
Tod *********
and what visa might you be talking about?
Tod *********
Tod *********
You have to get a 6 month METV <- multi-entry tourist visa and a year-long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant Type O-A (Long Stay) visa in your own country, but that's it.
Ryan *********
Ryan *********
OP
Tourist or ED visa. Was also curious if there were any visas that HAD to be obtained in your home country.

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