Ask question

What are the challenges of entering Thailand on a second METV within the same year?

METV Visa Entry Concerns Thailand Immigration Border Crossing Travel Tips Visa Types Expat Experiences

Oct 16, 2019

5 years ago

Kacper *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello group! In November 2018 I received my METV and arrived in Thailand in the same month. I stayed there till August '19 - each stay was less than 60 days, except the last one, which I extended by 30 days in the Immigration Office in Bangkok.

I've seen a lot of stories here and on the Thai Visa forum that people are being denied to cross the border. Did anyone had a problem with entering on their second METV in the same year? Is there any limit? I asked the embassy, they claim it should be fine, but looks like embassy and immigration officers are two different worlds :) I'm planning to come from Poland or England (with PL passport).

1,691

views

2

likes

51

all likes

26

replies

0

images

8

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The original poster (OP) shared their experience with a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) in Thailand, specifically questioning the potential issues of re-entering Thailand on a second METV within the same year after previous stays. Comments highlighted that while there's no guarantee of smooth entry, utilizing land borders may reduce complications. Suggestions included consulting consulates for visa validity dates, and one user shared a positive experience with fast track immigration services. The overall sentiment captured the uncertainty surrounding entry with multiple METVs and the advice to have contingency plans.

FAST TRACK RESOURCES / SERVICES

Use our Thailand Fast-Track Service for a fast, easy and secure way to enter Thailand.
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

Tod *********

and I think the O/P has the answer; which in case people weren't paying attention IS;

No one can guarantee you can get in or not. You will find out when you stamp in.

Thanx all for the comments, good luck to the O/P

Like

Reply

Ron *******

The OP says he maybe flying from London and is Polish. He is aware that unless he has a UK or Irish passport, he needs a residency or long term leave to remain in the UK if he is thinking of applying in the UK?

Like

Reply

Kacper *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

will apply in Poland but there’s a chance I will depart from UK

Like

Reply

Reply to

Kacper *********

Reply

Thomas ********************

I recently entered at swampy with my third METV in as many years. No issues. I always use a fast track immigration service. No idea if that makes a diff (other than convenience, of course.)

Like

Reply

James ********

@Kacper ********

very good question. But apparently times are changing with the use of the METV in succession. I do think that the use of fast track services may well be of value.

Like

Reply

Thomas ********************

Thanks :)

I don't know that

@Kacper ********

. Best of luck!

Like

Reply

James ********

Shall I look further for denied entry using the METV

@Thomas *******************

?

You were lucky.

Take care...enjoy your stay.

Like

Reply

Kacper *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

,

@Thomas *******************

I know it's quite random, but waiting till the next calendar year (2020) will help? Or it doesn't matter and I just have to be lucky

Like

Reply

Thomas ********************

Oh, right. That was shortly before I arrived.

Like

Reply

Thomas ********************

A few times I'm pretty sure they didn't even look me up on the computer. Just a quick friendly chat with the meet-and-greet guy. And then stamp.

Like

Reply

James ********

I think you are right. Might be wise to use them for many reasons.

Like

Reply

Thomas ********************

Not sure I've seen that report, James.

Like

Reply

Thomas ********************

This is the one I use

************************************************************************************************

*****

9/bangkok-suvarnabhumi-airport-bkk-vip-service-arrival

Like

Reply

James ********

@Thomas *******************

and you were lucky per recent report.

Like

Reply

Bert *******

fast track? how that works? you need to pay for this extra, and where you ask this?

Like

Reply

Reply to

Bert *******

Reply

James ********

I think you are correct in your thinking the use of multiple METV visas is becoming troublesome upon entry into Thailand.

You have good advice...enter by land border. But choose that border carefully. Good Luck.

Like

Reply

Ivan ************

Nong Khai should also be OK and it's easier to fly into Vientiane. Malaysia be another option, more issues there but probably not insurmountable and easy country to fly into.

Like

Reply

Benjamin ******

Bert Cools Friendship bridge in Laos is the safest (Savannakhet Laos to Mukdahon, Thailand)

Like

Reply

Bert *******

which are good options?

Like

Reply

Reply to

Bert *******

Reply

Bert *******

That would also be my advice, buy a ticket to a country where you can get a visa on arrival, (cambodia or malaysia), stay there as long as you want , and come inside by land, for starting your METV.

Also: ask your consulate for a start date after your planned holliday to malaysia/cambodia, this way you can use your METV longer.

Like

Reply

Ivan ************

They would have to put a date of issue in the future rather than when it was actually issued. I'm sceptical. Some other countries like Vietnam do this, the visa has a start as well as an end date, and start can be in the future, but Thailand they only have an end date.

Like

Reply

Bert *******

oh really? that i did not know? my friend applied for a METV last month, and it's valid from the end of october (like he asked).

maybe it's not the same in every consulate

Like

Reply

Ron *******

how are you going to ask for a start date for the visa? That's not how it works. The visa start date is from the day it's entered in your passport.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Ron *******

Reply

Tod *********

NO one can tell you for certain IF you'll skate thru or be pulled aside and questioned or not. All you can do is be prepared for the worst.

OR

You could fly to a neighboring country and enter thailand by LAND. There are almost no reports of people being denied entry by land with valid METV's in their passport.

Like

Reply

Tod *********

Then you mean you're going to be flying in right?

Like

Reply

Kacper *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Yes, flying

Like

Reply

Reply to

Kacper *********

Reply

Thai Visa Advice

... members · 40% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.

Thai Visa Advice

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice

Can I frequently travel in and out of Thailand with an METV visa without facing issues?

19 comments

4 months ago

What are the chances of successfully applying for a multi-entry tourist visa for Thailand after frequent entries?

4 comments

4 months ago

Will returning to Thailand after a long stay on a tourist visa cause problems at immigration?

9 comments

5 months ago

Can I enter Thailand twice on a visa exemption after my METV has expired?

8 comments

a year ago

What are the rules and recommendations for using a multiple entry tourist visa (METV) in Thailand?

8 comments

a year ago

What are the experiences of entering Thailand multiple times within a year on a Canadian passport?

10 comments

a year ago

Are there restrictions on the quantity of METVs in a year for tourists in Thailand?

20 comments

2 years ago

What Should I Know About Using a METV for Extended Stays in Thailand?

7 comments

5 years ago

Can I Do a Same-Day Border Run and Apply for Back-to-Back METV in Thailand?

3 comments

5 years ago

What Are the Limitations on Border Runs with a METV Visa in Thailand?

5 comments

5 years ago

What are the challenges of obtaining multiple tourist visas for Thailand through Laos?

6 comments

5 years ago

Is It Safe to Fly to Thailand with a Second METV This Year?

10 comments

5 years ago

What are the challenges and considerations of using a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa to enter Thailand by land?

18 comments

5 years ago

Can Thai immigration really prevent me from using tourism visas in the future after multiple past entries?

18 comments

5 years ago

What should I consider for re-entering Thailand after staying 120 days on a METV, and which entry method is safer?

0 comments

5 years ago

Is it possible to enter Thailand after multiple METV re-entries without being denied?

0 comments

5 years ago

How can I get my third 60-day visa after a confusing re-entry situation in Thailand?

3 comments

5 years ago

What options are available for a European citizen wishing to re-enter Thailand after using border runs?

10 comments

5 years ago

How can I manage a METV to maximize my stay in Thailand without issues?

0 comments

5 years ago

What should I consider regarding multiple visa entries when re-entering Thailand?

6 comments

5 years ago

What are the risks of being denied entry when doing a land border crossing into Thailand with a METV?

24 comments

6 years ago

Are there often issues when entering Thailand on a METV from Australia?

9 comments

6 years ago

What are the chances of successfully completing a visa run to Maesai or Vientienne and re-entering Thailand?

4 comments

7 years ago

Can I apply for another multi-entry tourist visa (METV) after using my first one for travel around Southeast Asia?

3 comments

7 years ago

Is it possible to get another METV after a 30-day overstay in Thailand?

38 comments

7 years ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.