What are the pros and cons of applying for a multiple entry visa to Thailand?

Nov 28, 2021
3 years ago
Nick **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Is there any reason to not apply for multiple entry? Are they more likely to say no, does it cost more, do you have to give firm entry and exit dates?

Just applying for an eVisa, thx.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Applying for a multiple entry visa (METV) to Thailand has several pros and cons to consider. The METV allows for multiple entries over a year but has the same entry duration (60 days for tourist visas) as a single entry visa. It costs approximately 2.5 times more than a single entry visa and may not be available at all embassies or consulates. Additionally, borders are currently closed for land crossings, requiring applicants to leave and re-enter by air. It's also important to apply for a Thai pass before entering Thailand, regardless of the visa type.
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Benjamin ******
REGARDING BORDER BOUNCING BY PLANE. I'm going to remove any advice on border bouncing by plane as of now. IN THEORY, it is possible to bounce out of Thailand, into Cambodia, and then return to Thailand, by air, however we have no creditable reports of this happening, yet. Remember, a person needs to meet all criteria to enter the other country as well. Thank you.
Benjamin ******
IMPORTANT REMINDER:

Different Thai Consulates may have different requirements to get visas. Different Thai Consulates may also sell different visas. Also, not all countries qualify for the eVisa system. I do not want this post to become a "at my Thai Consulate, we...". Thank you.
Nongnuch ********
Question: when entering Thailand with a Multi Entry TR visa, one gets stamped 60 days admitted stay.

Can you visit Immigration just before the 60 days are over, and apply for an extension for 30 more days, for a 1900 THB fee?

And just before the 90 days after your first entry are over, exit Thailand and when you come back, receive 60 days, again?
Benjamin ******
@Nongnuch *******
yes you can. If you do that on the last entry, I believe a person can stay for 9 months on the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (if my math is correct).

If a person enters on the last day the visa is valid, they will be stamped in for 59 days.

They can get one 30 day extension of stay based on tourism added on.

The total length of time is 89 days.
Nick **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks
Keven ****
And... if you leave and re-enter Thailand, it makes much more sense to get the visa exemption when entering, and extending it for 60 days after that (60 days total, same as METV). You have maximum 2 VE stamps by land per calendar year, theoretically unlimited by air.
Keven ****
Yes, the METV costs more. Around 2.5x the price as the SETV, from what I remember. I haven't seen anyone with an METV in a long time. Your embassy might not even be issuing them (or they might be difficult to get).

Either way, you need to be able to leave Thailand and re-enter every 60 days, which is barely possible at the moment.
James ********
@Daniel *******
difficult yet...awaiting reports of Cambodia.
Wannikea *********
Multi entry what? Tourist visa, non imm-O, do you plan on going in and out alot. Actually you can buy a re-entry permit in Thailand should you need one. So in your case I'd say no reason for one.
Benjamin ******
The eVisa is the system to acquire a visa, not the visa itself.

The advantage of a multiple entry, IF the consulate is selling the visa, is that the visa itself is valid for a year (6 months for tourist visas), and that you can leave and return as often as possible.

The disadvantage however is:

1. You get the same amount of time on entry as a single entry visa (60 days for a multiple entry tourist visa, 90 days for a Non-O visa).

2. The visa costs more.

3. The land borders are closed.

4. you still need to apply for a Thai pass to enter Thailand.
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