Answered7 years ago
What are the challenges of entering Thailand on a second METV within the same year?
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).
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).
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.
26 repliesnewest first
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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
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
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?
Kacper *********
OP@Ron ******
will apply in Poland but there’s a chance I will depart from UKThomas ********************
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.)
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.Thomas ********************
James ********
Shall I look further for denied entry using the METV
You were lucky.
Take care...enjoy your stay.
@Thomas *******************
? You were lucky.
Take care...enjoy your stay.
Kacper *********
OP@James *******
, @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 luckyThomas ********************
Oh, right. That was shortly before I arrived.
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.
James ********
@Tod ********
I think you are right. Might be wise to use them for many reasons.Thomas ********************
Not sure I've seen that report, James.
Thomas ********************
This is the one I use
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9/bangkok-suvarnabhumi-airport-bkk-vip-service-arrivalJames ********
@Thomas *******************
and you were lucky per recent report.Bert *******
fast track? how that works? you need to pay for this extra, and where you ask this?
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.
You have good advice...enter by land border. But choose that border carefully. Good Luck.
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.
Benjamin ******
Bert Cools Friendship bridge in Laos is the safest (Savannakhet Laos to Mukdahon, Thailand)
Bert *******
which are good options?
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.
Also: ask your consulate for a start date after your planned holliday to malaysia/cambodia, this way you can use your METV longer.
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.
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
maybe it's not the same in every consulate
Ron *******
@Bert ******
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.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.
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.
Tod *********
Then you mean you're going to be flying in right?
Kacper *********
OPYes, flying
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