ask
Search
Ask
Answered8 years ago

What is the best visa option for a Spanish national working in Laos while maintaining an apartment in Bangkok?

David *********
asked Oct 17, 2018
3.7k
views
23
replies
2
likes
Hi - Spanish national, here on setv. Found a job opportunity in Laos, would like to keep my flat in Bkk. Question: what woulb be the best option to work in Laos and fly back some/most week ends? a) Visa exempt 30 day: technically there is no limit by plane - would having 2 or 3 entries a month ring any alarms? Would Metv be a better option? Thanks for sharing your thoughts..
Answer summary
A Spanish national considering a job opportunity in Laos while retaining an apartment in Bangkok inquires about the best visa options for frequent travel between the two countries. Suggestions include the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) as a preferable choice over the visa-exempt 30-day entry, especially to avoid potential scrutiny from Thai immigration regarding frequent entries. Commenters clarify that obtaining an METV requires proof of employment in Laos, and many expats successfully use this visa for regular travel to Thailand.
23 repliesnewest first
7

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

Tod *********
Tod *********
@Ivan ***********
is correct, IF you legally work in Lao you can indeed get a 6 month METV from the thai consulate there...

That'd be the thing to do..
David *********
David *********
OP
@Liam ****
great info...cheers
Liam *****
Liam *****
And btw... an METV allows you to cross the land border at Nong Khai as many times as you like, which makes flying to DMK much cheaper
Liam *****
Liam *****
To further double confirm, this is correct. I worked in Laos for 1 year and got an METV while working there. I was not a permanent resident. The consulate wanted to see a work contract, rental contract and little blue (or red) foreigner book which will get stapled into your passport when you work in Laos. It is very common for expats working in Vientiane to get METVs, because many go to Thailand regularly.
David ********
David ********
Hope you've got plenty of room left in your passport.
Steve *******
Steve *******
David Sagasti About 4, if immigration dont stamp one bang in the middle of a new page
David *********
David *********
OP
@David *******
thanks for pointing that out.. how many entry/exit stamps can fit in one page? and even if i have a business visa in Laos i assume i would need stamp there too?
Steve *******
Steve *******
@Da***
. Yep. 48 pages with the 'jumbo British passport', dont know about the Spanish one
David ********
David ********
@Steve ******
If he's lucky , but still be a page every month in/out Thailand
Steve *******
Steve *******
@Da***
. Maybe they have some kind of multi entry visas for non laos citizens who officially work there
Steve *******
Steve *******
@David *******
good thinking. Gonna need a jumbo passport!
Biff *******
Biff *******
METV is only available in your country of residence, or Australia.
Liam *****
Liam *****
See my comment further down this thread. If you work in Laos you can get an METV from the consulate in Vientiane
David *********
David *********
OP
@Ivan ***********
much appreciated!
Steve *******
Steve *******
@Iv**
Thanks, good to know
Ivan ************
Ivan ************
That is my understanding, that you can get it if you are working there. "Residency" in the context of the METV, in most places, means you have some sort of long-term visa for the country you are in, it does not require permanent residency.

>Foreigners who work or reside permanently in the Lao PDR are eligble for applying for the Multiple Entries Tourist Visa (METV) to Thailand. METV costs 5,000 baht, valid for 6 months and foreigners would be able to stay in Thailand up to 60 days per journey.

>Copy of applicant’s Lao business visa, stay and work permit.

>Confirmation of employment letter issued by the applicant’s employer in Laos.

>Statement of the applicant’s bank account with at least Baht 200’000 or equivalent in major currencies.

If he is working in Laos I imagine he'd have a multiple entry visa and wouldn't be paying each time.
Steve *******
Steve *******
Biff Would he still need a Laos visa each time he entered or do they have some kind of re-entry permit for workers/long stay?
Steve *******
Steve *******
@Ivan ***********
Can they? Does working in Laos equate to residency?
Ivan ************
Ivan ************
He'd be resident in Laos if he was working there. People working there can get it.
Steve *******
Steve *******
With the metv and the right timing, and a multi re entry permit on your final entry you could, in theory come and go every weekend for about 8 months without any problems
David *********
David *********
OP
thanks
Biff *******
Biff *******
They would probably ask you questions with multiple visa exempt entries. I’m not sure if the answer “I work in Laos and have an apartment in Bangkok” assuming you would have the appropriate proof of work permit etc for Laos, would be enough to satisfy them, but it should be really.
Steve *******
Steve *******
Metv would be a better option. Even though there's no official limit on visa exempt entries by air you will most likely be questioned by Thai immigration at some point with constant/many entries

Activity

7 joined
David *********
David *********
David *********
David *********
David *********
David *********
7
people
Thai Visa Advice
Thai Visa Advice
...members40% approval
Member 1
Member 2
Member 3
Member 4
Member 5
Member 6
Member 7
Member 8

Related

25
Can I re-enter Thailand on a visa exempt after using a METV for 6 months?
2.7k25224mo
What should I do to ensure smooth transit through Thailand to Vietnam after my recent long stay?
12.1k811935mo
Can I use my existing bank account in Thailand to meet the retirement extension financial requirements?
1.3k11107mo
Can I re-enter Thailand on a visa-exempt basis after a long stay and visa runs?
6.2k161597mo
How many three-month visas can you obtain in a year in Thailand, especially if married, and what are the costs associated?
2.2k211310mo
What are the best visa options for staying in Thailand for 6 months?
2.6k16311y
Will I need to show proof of funds for my DTV visa application in Thailand?
829261y
Can I apply for a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa from London before traveling to Thailand, and what are the benefits?
4.9k37582y
Is it possible to obtain a DTV visa from the UK while needing medical and cooking course appointments?
4.1k39292y
Where should I register as a tax resident in Bangkok with a DTV visa?
8.2k83472y
What visa options are available for a US flight attendant frequently traveling to Thailand?
9.8k89722y
What are the best visa options for expats in Thailand with a marriage-based background who frequently travel for work?
4.9k43362y
What visa options should I consider for moving to Thailand as a remote worker in 2025?
3.3k21382y
What are my best options for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand given my current situation?
2.7k24163y
Can I purchase a car in Thailand while on a visa exempt status?
1.8k11163y
Do I need a special visa if I leave Thailand monthly for 10 days each time?
3.1k26243y
Can I apply for a Non-O or Non-OA visa after entering Thailand on a tourist exempt visa?
2.5k19194y
Do I need to exit to Laos to change my Non-B visa for a new employer in a different province?
1.3k954y
How can I start the process for a retirement visa in Thailand while currently on a visa-exempt entry?
6.9k67464y
What are the best visa options for my girlfriend with dual Romanian and Russian nationality to stay in Bangkok for a year?
1k834y
What are my options for extending my stay in Thailand beyond the initial 30 days on arrival?
3.5k29284y
What visa options are available for a British mother with a Thai child in Thailand whose marriage visa has expired?
3.6k23495y
What are the requirements for reporting a new address in Thailand and how do I handle the TM30 form with my landlord?
1.7k1386y
What is the Thai government's stance on foreigners using back to back visas?
5.2k42556y
What are the best visa options for UK citizens planning to stay and return to Thailand?
5.7k52448y

Resources

Need help with your Thai visa?