This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
What are the requirements and recommendations for applying for a METV to stay in Thailand for 6-7 months?
METVVisa requirementsThailand visaMultiple Entry VisaVisa application processFinancial evidenceGerman citizenVisa extensionTravel documentationExpat advice
Aug 18, 2023
3 years ago
Jose*****
ORIGINAL POSTERMETV - 6 Months multiple entry 🏖️
Hi guys, I want to stay for 6 to 7 months in Thailand, starting from middle of September. Best case, without having to leave for longer than a day or so for a Visa run.
I'm a German citizen and spent already 12th of January to 9th of May 2023 on 2x 45 days Visa Exemption + 1x 30 day extension.
I figured, that the best way for me to come back would be the METV. Would you agree with that?
As I understand, I'll need the following documents:
1. biodata page of passport (no problem)
1. Travel booking confirmation ( no problem, I have the flight in, but do they also wanna see a flight out? And if so, for when? After the 6 months or during? Can I just buy some 123 Bus ticket?
1. photograph of me + photograph of me holding the passport
1. proof of accommodation (would a booking for the first few nights in BKK in September be enough proof?
I also have for 3rd December - 3rd February one accommodation already booked but guess better not mention because that gives a longterm-impression?)
1. Financial evidence (I have a savings account that is on my name, but I don't use for everyday stuff, and it constantly has more than the 1,5k at the end of every month on it. That should be sufficient?
Also: They want a wage statement, but I'm a freelancer, I don't have a regular income, just bigger chunks of cash every few months, how do I handle that?)
1. Document indicating my current residency (no problem, just my German ID, right?)
Further questions:
A) Did I forget any information they'll need from me?
B) Also, what would be the best time to apply? They say it takes max. 2 weeks for Berlin and to get the most out of the Visa I should do it quite last minute I guess.
--> But what happens if I don't get the Visa grant before arriving in Thailand? Can I just go on a Visa Exemption and after 30 days leave and activate the METV?
Thank you so much in advance everyone, for answering some of my many questions. I hope the METV list helps someone else as well ❣️
Hi guys, I want to stay for 6 to 7 months in Thailand, starting from middle of September. Best case, without having to leave for longer than a day or so for a Visa run.
I'm a German citizen and spent already 12th of January to 9th of May 2023 on 2x 45 days Visa Exemption + 1x 30 day extension.
I figured, that the best way for me to come back would be the METV. Would you agree with that?
As I understand, I'll need the following documents:
1. biodata page of passport (no problem)
1. Travel booking confirmation ( no problem, I have the flight in, but do they also wanna see a flight out? And if so, for when? After the 6 months or during? Can I just buy some 123 Bus ticket?
1. photograph of me + photograph of me holding the passport
1. proof of accommodation (would a booking for the first few nights in BKK in September be enough proof?
I also have for 3rd December - 3rd February one accommodation already booked but guess better not mention because that gives a longterm-impression?)
1. Financial evidence (I have a savings account that is on my name, but I don't use for everyday stuff, and it constantly has more than the 1,5k at the end of every month on it. That should be sufficient?
Also: They want a wage statement, but I'm a freelancer, I don't have a regular income, just bigger chunks of cash every few months, how do I handle that?)
1. Document indicating my current residency (no problem, just my German ID, right?)
Further questions:
A) Did I forget any information they'll need from me?
B) Also, what would be the best time to apply? They say it takes max. 2 weeks for Berlin and to get the most out of the Visa I should do it quite last minute I guess.
--> But what happens if I don't get the Visa grant before arriving in Thailand? Can I just go on a Visa Exemption and after 30 days leave and activate the METV?
Thank you so much in advance everyone, for answering some of my many questions. I hope the METV list helps someone else as well ❣️
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user inquires about obtaining a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) to stay in Thailand for 6-7 months and seeks clarification on the requirements and application process. They outline their situation as a German citizen who has previously used Visa Exemptions and extensions. Key points discussed include necessary documentation, the importance of showing outbound flight bookings, proof of financial stability, and questions regarding applying for the visa close to travel dates. Community responses highlight potential inconsistencies with embassy policies, requirements for financial evidence, and the best timing for application to ensure seamless entry.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Thai Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Brown ********
If you ain't old enough for the retirement visa then yes. Be it it's an inconvenience to have to border run every 2 months. I'd choose this visa for my stays if they implemented a 90 days reporting like the retirement visas. Be interesting to see why the government are against a single entry 6 month visa as an option
Gregor **********
. .and a WORD OF WARNING: the so called "onwardtickets" are viewed very critically by most airlines since the beginning of this year, as the fines for rule violation have been increased. You run the risk to meet a check-in crew that doesn't accept the "onwardticket", which actually is not a real ticket but just a reservation
Jose*****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Gregor *********
ok, thanks for the heads up! Anyone knows if Chiang Mai airport is a good one for re-enter? (Not like DMK)I will just buy actual tickets then and really leave Thailand in the first 60 days for 2 weeks.
Reply to
Jose*****
Reply
Gregor **********
@Jose*****
“Financial evidence - I have a savings account, and it constantly has more than the 1,5k at the end of every month on it. That should be sufficient?”This is not sufficient for the application to a METV. You need to show proof of 5000.- Euro at the end of every month, for a duration of 6 months
Furthermore, they need a statement from you, why you need a multi entry Tourist visa instead of a single entry tourist visa. The reason “I want to stay as long as possible” will not be accepted. The text referring to this, has, however, vanished from the embassy's website, yet leaves me wondering if they still ask
Your travel history might arouse the attention of the immigration officer at the border. If they let you enter, is solely upon the personal discretion of the border official. A visa alone does not constitute the right to enter. . . . . . if you get pulled aside, be prepared to show the "three famous proofs" and be prepared to answer questions of the purpose of your stay
Gillian ******
Hi
We are flying to Thailand 1st November and then visiting friends in Australia for 10 days in the middle of November. Then back to Thailand until beginning of February. I was going to do the 60 day, 30 day extension, and just get a re entry permit when we popped to Australia. Is that cost effective, or would a METV be better? We go to Thailand often, and would plan to go back next March. TIA for any advice
We are flying to Thailand 1st November and then visiting friends in Australia for 10 days in the middle of November. Then back to Thailand until beginning of February. I was going to do the 60 day, 30 day extension, and just get a re entry permit when we popped to Australia. Is that cost effective, or would a METV be better? We go to Thailand often, and would plan to go back next March. TIA for any advice
Tore *********
@Gillian *****
can you even get a re-entry permit for SETV? As it’s issued as a single entry visa. But I guess it depends on how long your stay In Thailand is. Cost effective don’t know, but certainly more convenient with a METV.
Brown ********
@Tore *****************
I've read you can but you can't believe everything you readGillian ******
@Tore *****************
I have no idea tbh. I just thought that if it’s single entry, but you leave for a while and come back, that is what the purpose of the re entry permit was. I’d love some clarification on this for sure.Brown ********
@Gillian *****
that's definitely one to ask immigration to confirm. I've read you can do this but that's from people online so it's not assured correctBrandon ************
@Gillian *****
it doesn't seem like that will get you to where you want because if you enter November 1st and get a 60 day stamp, even with the 30 day extension you're not going to make it to the beginning of February.Gillian ******
@Brandon ***********
hi Brandon. We’re actually in Thailand 3rd Nov - 31st January. I was referring to the dates leaving home and arriving home sorry. I’m sure I’d calculated 89 days? Which way, in your opinion would be the best way to play this please?Brandon ************
@Gillian *****
you can probably do the re-entry permit then.Gillian ******
@Brandon ***********
thanks so much for your help 😊Reply to
Gillian ******
Reply
Matthias *********
Outward flight not needed for visa application, but be prepared the IO pulls you out at Suvarnabhumi for interrogation. They didn't like the previous extension stamps in my passport and scrutinized my onward ticket, even put the data into the system.
Jose*****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Matthias ********
ok, sounds scary 🙈so for the application you didn't have an onwardticket but when you actually entered thailand you prepared with one that was within 60 days? Did you use *************************
?Mike *****
@Jose*****
watch out with that website when using this ticket on an airport: **************************************************
They say its ok using it for visa application.Jose*****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mike ****
Thanks for the heads up! I kind of wonder how an onward ticket helps me with the Visa, since they say they are only 48 hours valid?Has anyone experience with that? I have never used one. But I guess if the process time for the Visa is up to 2 weeks, then an onward ticket is kinda useless?
Reply to
Jose*****
Reply
Matthias *********
@Jose*****
yes, better be prepared. There are many providers. I just shared my own experience, can be different for you but I realized they hate to see border runs and extension stamps in your passport.Reply to
Matthias *********
Reply
Tore *********
2. For the visa application your flights in and out as planned is fine, but when you leave you should have a onwards ticket within 60 days (use a onwards ticket service, 15 usd)
3. And also of you holding your passport.
4. For the entire first 60 days stay, but use agoda and book a random hotel you can cancel cost free once the visa is approved l. For entry into Thailand you need the first few days.
5 . You don’t need wage statement, just enough balance. But it’s around 5k euro over the last 6 months (maintaining above in that period)
6. Correct, just anything proving your residency
B. You have good margin as you can get 9 months from date of issue if enter Thailand again on the day of visa expiry. Was approved in two days for me (NL). But 2-4 weeks Should be safe.
Yes, you can enter on exemption and then just exit and re-enter to activate it.
Don’t forget the 20K baht equivalent in cash when entering Thailand.
Also some of the fields in the application are redundant, so just upload a image saying “Not applicable for my application “ to be able to proceed.
3. And also of you holding your passport.
4. For the entire first 60 days stay, but use agoda and book a random hotel you can cancel cost free once the visa is approved l. For entry into Thailand you need the first few days.
5 . You don’t need wage statement, just enough balance. But it’s around 5k euro over the last 6 months (maintaining above in that period)
6. Correct, just anything proving your residency
B. You have good margin as you can get 9 months from date of issue if enter Thailand again on the day of visa expiry. Was approved in two days for me (NL). But 2-4 weeks Should be safe.
Yes, you can enter on exemption and then just exit and re-enter to activate it.
Don’t forget the 20K baht equivalent in cash when entering Thailand.
Also some of the fields in the application are redundant, so just upload a image saying “Not applicable for my application “ to be able to proceed.
Jose*****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tore *****************
great, thanks for your reply! It's wonderful to know that it's still alright if I get the grant after arriving, I feared the money would be lost because of not being in Europe while receiving the visa grantTore *********
@Jose*****
yeah i understand that concern. The main thing is that you are in your home country when applying. I did it 4 weeks in advance, but next time I will do it a week or so before if I plan to stay a few months. If you are worried about getting questioned at entry, re entry at Laos Land borders are fairly “safe”. At least the last entry that may be smart. But you are less likely to get issues with METV compared to exemption entries for example.
Reply to
Tore *********
Reply
Ron *********
The consulate in Los Angeles wanted 6 months of bank statements showing over $7000 USD in the bank. I was denied for that reason.
Rogerio ******
@Ron ********
Get an account at Photoshop BankMatthias *********
@Ron ********
in Germany six months of more than EUR 5k.Jose*****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Matthias ********
awesome, thanks for the info! So you only need this proof, no wage statement, right?Shaughn ***********
@Jose*****
from NZ here. Wage summary for me wasn’t required. I just gave them 6 months of my bank statements with deposits and expenses with constant balance above their required amount of 6 months. I too gave them 6 months of my savings account and then my every day spending account where I received irregular income and expenses. A decent balance is very favourable - I’m a landlord collecting rents from rooms in my house so no official job.Reply to
Shaughn ***********
Reply
Brandon ************
The embassy in Germany has some weird policies I've seen people talk about before, but mostly they are beneficial policies better than most others.
2) generally to qualify for a multiple entry tourist visa you need to show a flight to Thailand, a flight out within 60 days, and another flight back into Thailand. That is your justification for needing multiple entry.
4) they usually only want to see your first booking. Doesn't need to be more than a few nights.
6) your ID is fine.
2) generally to qualify for a multiple entry tourist visa you need to show a flight to Thailand, a flight out within 60 days, and another flight back into Thailand. That is your justification for needing multiple entry.
4) they usually only want to see your first booking. Doesn't need to be more than a few nights.
6) your ID is fine.
Jose*****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
thank you! 2) That's a lot of flights, I guess I could just do with 2 from onwards ticket service? Only my flight into Thailand is currently booked. Bus tickets don't work, right?
I have to upload all 3 tickets with the application then, right?
Thanks a lot again!
Jose*****
ORIGINAL POSTERok, thank you 🙂 I think I'll just go with onwards tickets then!
Rogerio ******
@Jose*****
i did my SEV with an outbound onward ticket, so i dont think they care. It's just paperwork really, like, say, hotel reservations.Reply to
Rogerio ******
Reply
Brandon ************
@Jose*****
bus tickets are hit or miss so it's difficult to say but it might not be worth trying because some embassies will issue you a single entry tourist visa if you don't provide justification and they'll keep the difference in cost. Onward tickets should work just fine.
Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
23 comments
2 years ago
6 comments
2 years ago
3 comments
2 years ago
13 comments
2 years ago
7 comments
2 years ago
17 comments
2 years ago
3 comments
3 years ago
8 comments
3 years ago
46 comments
3 years ago
27 comments
3 years ago
1 comments
3 years ago
12 comments
3 years ago
17 comments
4 years ago
4 comments
4 years ago
2 comments
5 years ago
10 comments
6 years ago
9 comments
7 years ago
10 comments
7 years ago
0 comments
7 years ago
0 comments
7 years ago
0 comments
7 years ago
17 comments
8 years ago
7 comments
8 years ago
7 comments
8 years ago
11 comments
9 years ago
7 comments
a month ago
9 comments
a month ago
21 comments
a month ago
16 comments
a month ago
8 comments
a month ago
The ask: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.