Answered2 years ago
What happens to my METV application if I use the 60-day visa exemption upon entering Thailand?
You there Brandon??
I might have cut it too close after finally figuring out and applying for the METV. It’s still pending on the ThaiEVisa website (through the Washington DC location). I arrive the July 26th, next Thursday. If I don’t receive it in time and use the 60 day exemption upon arrival, does the pending METV automatically expire upon getting the exemption or can I use it to extend when the 60 day expires or when coming back after visiting some surrounding countries once the METV hits my email? And thanks to Brandon and others for all the advice given on here!
The below pic is the website. Is there anything else I need to do?
I might have cut it too close after finally figuring out and applying for the METV. It’s still pending on the ThaiEVisa website (through the Washington DC location). I arrive the July 26th, next Thursday. If I don’t receive it in time and use the 60 day exemption upon arrival, does the pending METV automatically expire upon getting the exemption or can I use it to extend when the 60 day expires or when coming back after visiting some surrounding countries once the METV hits my email? And thanks to Brandon and others for all the advice given on here!
The below pic is the website. Is there anything else I need to do?
Answer summary
The user is concerned about their pending METV application and potential entry into Thailand using a 60-day visa exemption. They seek clarity on the status of the METV if they enter Thailand on the exemption. Responses indicate that if the METV arrives after entry on the exemption, it would require exiting and re-entering Thailand to activate. The visa remains valid for three months post-issuance, allowing for flexibility in travel and activation.
21 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Jean-Maurice ********
randomly curious what happened haha
@Eric *****
Eric ******
OP@Jean-Maurice *******
it actually came in 2 days before departure, so it worked out perfectly. Not sure if it was luck or as someone on here said, they plan distributing it as close to your departure as possible to give you more time. Either way…👍👍👍
Chris *********************
I had the same situation earlier this year my non o visa didn't come before I flew , I entered on a 30day visa exempt, extended for 30 days in the mean time visa email came ,not forgetting it's valid 3 months from issue, I went to Vietnam, came back to Thailand and activate my visa, then extended for 60 days ,with the options of extending for 1 year based on marriage.
Frank-Steven ***********
Some consulates actually issue the METV as close to your departure as possible - to do you a favor / maximize the time you can use it. Happened to me once.
Eric ******
OP@Frank-Steven **********
Right on, It came in 2 days before I left! Not too bad at all.Greg ***********
@Eric *****
the visa validity starts on the date when the visa is issued. So they issue it as close as possible to your intended departure date, in order to grant you the theoretically possible 180 days validityGreg ***********
@Eric *****
the requirements are described here, you need to click on number 9 . . . . *******************************************
Greg ***********
@Eric *****
as a British citizen, you will need a Thai bank account, if you apply for the "change of visa type" after you entered Thailand with tourist visa or a visa-exempt entry, to the 90-days Non imm- O retirement visa" and from there to the "1-year extended stay permit"Eric ******
OP@Greg **********
I would have been more confident if I hadn’t applied with only a 2 week cushion, lol. And it’s good for 90 days with a 30 day extension possible? Even if you go out of Thailand (after being there initially for let’s say 30 days), for a month then come back the clock keeps on ticking, so only 30 days left or it freezes while you’re gone? Do you know what additional procedures I would have to do to get a retirement visa, other than the bank account? Thanks.Frank-Steven ***********
@Eric *****
Glad it worked out. Some years ago I had it come while I was literally entering the plane already. That close call had me a bit worried. 😃Eric ******
OP@Frank-Steven **********
That would be nice, just wish they could let you know. I read that people were getting theirs in 4 days and one person even said next day. I wasn’t sure if the clock started when they issued it or when you got the stamp at immigration, so I did 2 weeks prior. 🤞Lisa ********************
Presume you've submitted all your documents and not had an email requesting more ?
Eric ******
OP@Lisa *******************
Just checked my email and nothing since the confirmation email receipt from them. Yes, All documents submitted. Is the ‘pending document check’ in the pic for them, or does that mean they are waiting on me to check for something? I didn’t see anything that would require my attention.Eric ******
OPYes on spam folder. 🤞Thanks.
Lisa ********************
@Eric *****
pending document check , is where they are up to. You've checked spam box in your email too? If nothing there, then you just have to wait.
Stuart *********
Perhaps he’s out for his afternoon walk.
But to answer your question, if the visa arrives after you have entered using the 60 day exempt stamp then you’d have to leave the country and re-enter to activate it.
As the clock ticks down as soon as it’s issued there isn’t really any benefit in waiting around until the full first 60 days is over (as would be for a SETV), you can activate it whenever it is convenient for you.
But to answer your question, if the visa arrives after you have entered using the 60 day exempt stamp then you’d have to leave the country and re-enter to activate it.
As the clock ticks down as soon as it’s issued there isn’t really any benefit in waiting around until the full first 60 days is over (as would be for a SETV), you can activate it whenever it is convenient for you.
Eric ******
OP@Stuart ********
You’ve always had good advice as well Stuart. Can you expand on the ‘clock ticking down’ part? Does that mean it lasts 60 days from issue or once I start using it? And I can activate it if I’m on a 60 day exemption. And basically the difference between them is with the Visa, I can try to get a bank account, most likely using an agent? Thanks.I guess I have to retract what I said about Brandon…all I got out of him was ‘just woke up”. 🤷🏻♂️😄
Eric ******
OPOk. That’s what I thought, that’s why I applied 2 weeks prior, reading that people were getting theirs pretty quickly. So theirs really no downside to it possibly coming in after I’m on the exemption? Would it supersede, or I would still have to go to immigration within 60 days of original arrival date? Thanks. And I retract the retraction.😅
Brandon ************
@Eric *****
the METV is active as soon as the embassy issues it. So you're already using the 6 months whether you've used the visa to enter Thailand or not. That's what he means by "ticking down"Brandon ************
@Stuart ********
just woke up actually 😬Stuart *********
@Brandon ***********
it’s 5pm here. Why you sleep so late 😀Activity
8 joined8
people
Related
25What is the typical processing time for a METV at the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington DC?
5694616d
If I use a 30-day visa exemption while my METV application is pending, will my approved visa allow me to stay longer without a new entry stamp?
818692mo
Should I enter Thailand using the METV or the visa exemption if I plan to stay for 87 days and travel out of the country?
584383mo
Can I upload multiple files for supporting documents when applying for a visa in Thailand?
4.1k40304mo
Should I get a METV for my future trips to Thailand after multiple visa-exempt entries?
2.2k18199mo
What is the process and timeline for applying for a retirement visa in Thailand, and can I travel on a holiday visa if my application isn't processed before my arrival?
2.5k19241y
Should I get a METV or a DTV for an 8 months stay in Thailand with multiple border runs?
1k771y
Why was I denied entry to Thailand and how can I ensure a stamp next time?
40.2k2605392y
What should I do if I have a non-refundable return ticket for my 60th day in Thailand but only a 30-day visa exemption?
2k16162y
Can I leave Thailand and re-enter on my METV to get a visa extension?
687232y
What visa do I need for a 90-day stay in Thailand with two re-entries on a German passport?
2k10152y
Can I stay in Thailand for 60 days without a visa?
5.4k46442y
What should I know when applying for a 6-month multi-entry tourist visa to Thailand as an American?
1.1k762y
What alternatives do I have after multiple entries and extensions on a tourist visa in Thailand?
2.8k24183y
What are the key points and restrictions regarding the METV (Multiple Entry Tourist Visa) for Thailand?
1k3113y
Can I re-enter Thailand on a 30-day visa exemption after the expiry of my METV while still within the 60-day stamp validity?
1.2k6123y
What documentation is required for applying for the METV from London?
593134y
What can I do if I can't provide an employer's letter for my METV application?
1.4k9104y
Should I apply for a tourist visa to return to Thailand after my recent visit?
787364y
What are the visa options for arriving in Phuket on August 4th under the Sandbox scheme?
2.1k15215y
What are the risks and considerations for getting a SETV at the Yangon consulate for a USA passport holder?
1k677y
Do I need to submit an official passport photo for my METV application, or can I use a printed photo from my computer?
3567y
What should I input for the duration of stay when applying for the METV online in London?
1.8k12177y
What are the risks of being denied entry when doing a land border crossing into Thailand with a METV?
2.8k24178y
Will a 3-month visit to Thailand affect my eligibility for a 6-month METV application in Australia?
728448y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served