What do I need to do to leave Thailand and return on a METV without complications?

METV Visa Regulations Immigration Process Thailand Border Crossing Travel to Vietnam

Sep 29, 2024

3 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

I am leaving Thailand tomorrow for Vietnam, I entered on a METV and then made the standard immigration visit for 30 day extension. 

Question: Do I just depart normally with passport entry and Thailand visa copy OR is there a requirement to visit immigration office at airport first to ensure METV validity for my return?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

When departing Thailand with a METV visa, you can leave normally without visiting the immigration office at the airport. You will need to show your METV printed copy when you return to Thailand, as well as complete a TM6 arrival card if you are crossing a land border. A re-entry permit is not necessary since the METV is a multiple entry visa.

Eric ******

What is the allure of Vietnam? Is it because it's close? My 90 days is up in a couple weeks and I'm looking into traveling there, the Phillipines or maybe Singapore before returning to Thailand. Been trying to research online, but so many conflicting opinions. I was sold on the Phillipines because of almost everybody speaking English and more 'westernized', but I'm reading a lot about crime and how run down it is. Still doing recon but would appreciate your input.

3 months ago

Mark *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Eric *****

No expert Eric my position is quite specific in I'm travelling full time for a few years.

I have been to Thailand many times as a tourist and to Vietnam previously and loved it.

I had contemplated a border crossing into Laos whilst in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in the last few weeks however the floods and border closures changed my mind.

So a quick multi evisa entry to Vietnam seemed an obvious option.

I have had good and safe travelling here previously and English is spoken by many especially in the more tourist hotspots. Here this time for two months before returning to Thailand within the 6 month allowed on the Thailand METV giving me another 3 months.

Visited the Phillipines only once previously, then with a few blokes which is different to travelling alone. I have also researched Phillipines as a future visit but you are right it is more dangerous.

3 months ago

Reply to

Mark *******

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

You don't need a re-entry permit. Your visa is already multiple entry. If you'd get a re-entry permit, you would keep your current stamp active. That is not what you want, you want to activate a new entry, as it'll be much longer.

3 months ago

Mark *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

thanks Bart for the information.

3 months ago

Reply to

Mark *******

Andy **********

I was just wondering, has anyone said if you do a border bounce, just before the expiry date, you can get 8 or 9 months out of an METV, useful to know, if you needed any extra time on that visa.

3 months ago

Mark *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Andy *********

Yes mate downloaded a diagram back a bit showing the set up. Have Vietnam multiple entry visa which plays into the picture.

Thanks for the thought!

3 months ago

Reply to

Mark *******

Andy **********

You just stamp out as usual, at the land border I got asked for a TM6 arrival card, I didn't have one, so the immigration officer just asked me to step aside and fill one out, when you return, just make sure you remember give the printed copy of your METV to the immigration officer, when stamping back into Thailand.

3 months ago

Mark *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Andy *********

cheers got it

3 months ago

Reply to

Mark *******

Wayne *********

Just leave and come back show them your metv

3 months ago

Mark *******