Answered7 years ago

What are the details of the 6-month METV for staying in Thailand?

6-month METV Multi-Entry Visa Thailand Visa Regulations Visa Extensions Immigration Rules Expats in Thailand

Bruce *********

asked Aug 4, 2019

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Unfortunately the thread was closed before my final thank you.  Which follows -   

Many thanks to everyone. Seems like there are several options, each of which has different pros and cons.  If I understand correctly - with the 6 month METV I don’t have to leave at all and I wouldn’t need any further extensions, etc.  and could stay for a total of 6 months. Or I can leave and return frequently if I wanted and the visa is still good for the 6 month period which began when I first arrived in Thailand.  If that is correct it sounds like the most hassle free for my purposes.  Thanks again

Answer summary

The thread discusses the 6-month Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) for Thailand, outlining staying and leaving procedures. The METV allows for unlimited entries of 60 days each; however, the initial visa is valid for 6 months from the issuance date and not from entry. Users clarify that to maximize the stay using the METV, one must exit and re-enter the country every 60 days to receive new entry stamps, permitting stays of up to 8 to 9 months with extensions. An additional suggestion was made for individuals over 50 years to consider the O-A visa for longer stays.

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Dolce *************

Nobody commented that the METV is valid for 6 months from date of issue and not for 6 months from 1st entering The country...

7 years ago

Adrian *************

Quote: "to get 9 months out of a 6 month METV you get the visa as close to the time you're coming here as you can (because it's valid for 6 months from the date it's issued)"

7 years ago

Tod *********

did you miss the comment I made when David asked how to get 9 months out of the visa?

7 years ago

Tod *********

Bruce W Bean‎ what

@J**

, the 6 month METV is good for unlimited entries of 60 days each entry. You CANNOT just show up and stay IN thailand the whole 6 months.

Sorry I closed your post, you hadn't commented and there were enough suggestions for you to figure out what to choose..

7 years ago

Tod *********

David Karnovski to get 9 months out of a 6 month METV you get the visa as close to the time you're coming here as you can (because it's valid for 6 months from the date it's issued)

You arrive get stamped in for 60 days

when that runs out you go to the border, stamp out/in get 60 more days

when that runs out you go to the border, stamp out/in get 60 more days

when the VISA itself is almost expiring you go to the border stamp out/in and get a final 60 days (taking you to almost 8 months)

Then you extend that last entry by 30 days at the immigration office for 1900baht taking you to 9 months total

7 years ago

Adrian *************

Quoting

@James *******

"Upon arrival into Thailand you are given 60 days entry. Then you go to Thai Immigration near you and can extend for added 30 days for 1,900 Thai baht. At end of the 90 days leave and reenter Thailand...stamped in for another 60 days...extend for 30 days. At at end of the second 90 days...leave BEFORE 90 days and REENTER...you are given an added 60 days, which can be extended 30 days. That gives you UP TO 9 months with your METV."

7 years ago

Adrian *************

Why does 'your version' of the METV process differ from James Millers above?

7 years ago

Joe ***********

You get 60 days stays, you have to leave every 60 days or get a 30 day Extension then leave and come back

7 years ago

Joe ***********

David Karnovski - Tod and others have explained it

7 years ago

Joe ***********

@Bruce ********

- correct... The ME stands for Multi-Entry. Duration of the validity is 6 months - but with a series of 60 day stays can be stretched out to 8-9 months. Non Immigrant Visas provide 90 day stays. But they are for Business, Education, age 50 & up retirement, marriage, volunteering

7 years ago

James ********

As you are age 50+...as I suggested a few days ago...Get the O-A visa...hassle fee stay in Thailand for up to 2 years.

7 years ago

James ********

Bruce W Bean Upon arrival into Thailand you are given 60 days entry. Then you go to Thai Immigration near you and can extend for added 30 days for 1,900 Thai baht. At end of the 90 days leave and reenter Thailand...stamped in for another 60 days...extend for 30 days. At at end of the second 90 days...leave BEFORE 90 days and REENTER...you are given an added 60 days, which can be extended 30 days. That gives you UP TO 9 months with your METV.

7 years ago