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What are the options for obtaining a tourist visa in Thailand for several months of travel?

Thailand Visa Regulations Tourist Visa Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV)Visa Exemption Visa Extension Travel to Neighboring Countries Immigration Processes EU Embassy Visa Application

Oct 14, 2024

2 days ago

Piotr **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Dear group, I need some advice regarding visa regulations. I want to come to Thailand for a few months (December - May) as a tourist, and I plan to travel occasionally to neighboring countries (Laos, Cambodia). I know there are multiple-entry visas for 60 days, extendable to 90 days, but what happens next? Can I apply for a new visa after that period? How does the application process work at the embassy in EU countries? Until now, I’ve been using visa-exempt entry, so I’m not sure how the regulations work in practice.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

An expat seeking to stay in Thailand from December to May as a tourist can consider a few options. Initially, a 60-day visa-exempt entry can be secured, potentially extendable for an additional 30 days at a local immigration office. For those planning frequent travel to neighboring countries, a Multi Entry Tourist Visa (METV) might be advantageous, allowing for multiple entries and stays up to 9 months if managed correctly. This involves getting stamped for 60 days per entry, with the option to extend each entry by 30 days or to perform a border run to re-enter and gain another 60 days. It's recommended to consult the Thai embassy in your home country for precise regulations and the application process, especially since different embassies may have varying requirements.

David ********

Why are you asking this question here, rather than asking the Thai embassy in your country? Or look up the regulations online. It's unhelpful to ask what happens next -- it's whatever you want to happen. Just don't be tempted to use tourist visas if your real aim is long-term residence in Thailand.

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Ian *********

get 60 on entry then extend for 30 ,then leave thailand and and come back in by road or plane get another 60 . easy

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Bart **************

I don't know about multiple entry visas for 60 days, extendable to 90.

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Greg ***********

@Bart *************

it is called 6-months multi entry tourist visa, and one can get up to 9 months stay out if it. You get stmaped in for 60 days on each entry, and can extend for 30 days, or do a border run before 60 days expire and get another 60 days

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Greg ***********

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Anthony ******************

Thailand works of a calendar year, The calendar resets on January 1. You are entitled to two "Exempt visa" visits per calendar year.

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Bart **************

and do you have a source for that?

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Willem ****

@Anthony *****************

This rule was cancelled with the introduction of the new visa rules at 15 july. No limit now same air arrivals

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Anthony ******************

I do not think they have cancelled that rule Please provide a link.

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Greg ***********

@Anthony *****************

that "2 times by land border per calendar year" rule was discontinued on July 15 th

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Greg ***********

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Divya **********

@Anthony *****************

Only if crossing border via land. If coming into Thailand via air/flight, the two exempt via per year rule doesn't apply. You can come into Thailand via air/flight however many times you want. However, whether you'll be allowed entry into the country by the immigration is another question.

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Bart **************

@Divya *********

since when is the limit back to two entries by land?

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Anthony ******************

@Bart *************

you can ask at the Embassy.

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Anthony ******************

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David *******

Look at the METV - Multi entry tourist visa. If used correctly can get around 9months of use.

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David *******

as far as I am aware METV does not need proof of employment, I think it requires proof of finance/funds, to show you can support yourself while here and afford a flight home. Best bet is to look at Thai visa/embassy website. All details will be on there.

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Eric ******

that wasn't my post. I'm retired.😁

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Eric ******

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Piotr **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thamks. DO you know i i need confirmation of employment for this kind of visa? DO i have a chance if i am currently unemployed?

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Brandon ************

@Piotr *********

That is not a question on the tourist visa application.

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Brandon ************

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Eric ******

you have to apply for that in your home country? Out of curiosity, why? What would happen if I went on Thailand eVisa site in Vietnam and filled it out? Obviously, if they looked at my passport they would know I'm arriving from a neighboring country, but is it that big of a deal? Just wondering the reasoning behind it. And I was more interested in getting another Non O, but the topic was the METV, kind of the same scenario. Thanks.

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Brandon ************

You'll be rejected and will lose the money you paid for it. METV is one of the visas that you can specifically only get from a country you are a citizen or permanent resident.

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Eric ******

@Brandon ***********

ah. Thank you. I'm on a Non O that expires in a week. Is my only option if I don't go back home a visa exemption when I return? I'm headed to Vietnam for a few weeks, maybe Singapore and Kuala Lumpur if anything is available in those countries if they Thai offices there.

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Brandon ************

Either apply for a new non-O from the Thai embassy where you travel to, or return visa exempt.

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Eric ******

@Brandon ***********

do you know if Vietnam or KL have a Thai Embassy and the ease or difficulty with them? I've read some stories on here about people going to some 'not great' offices. I could do the exemption but was going to do my Retirement Visa upon return but it can wait til next year. Maybe then there will be clarification on the tax implications after 180 days here. Thanks again.

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Brandon ************

no one knows what it's like at those embassies they both just started e-visa last week

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Eric ******

@Brandon ***********

I remember reading about that on here now that you mention it. So I go on the eVisa site there or go to the embassy. I think I read your post that said we aren’t allowed on them in the US, if I recall correctly.

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Brandon ************

Any country where the Thai embassy has adopted e-visa now ONLY does visa business online through the e-visa website.

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

These Thai embassies no longer allow foreigners on the property. The embassy is only for services to Thai citizens.

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Brandon ************

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David *******

No Idea pal, all I know is that visa best suits people who want to stay for circa 6months with a few trips to neighbouring countries.

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David *******

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Willem ****

Presuming you can get a 60 days visa exemp entry, you not need any visa the 60 days can be extended by another 30 days at a local immigration office. But because you plan to travel outside Thailand you might just leave and come back later again getting a 60 days visa exempt entry stamp. No visa needed

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Willem ****

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