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What is the difference between a single entry and multiple entry tourist visa for Thailand?

Thai VisaTourist VisaSingle Entry VisaMultiple Entry VisaVisa TypesThailand ImmigrationVisa ExtensionTravel to ThailandExpat Advice
Nov 4, 2023
a year ago
Monika ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello

What’s the difference between Tourist single and multiple entry visa? I want to stay in Thailand 6 months.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The primary difference between a single entry tourist visa (SETV) and a multiple entry tourist visa (METV) for Thailand is the number of entries allowed. A SETV only permits one entry, meaning once you enter Thailand, the visa is used up, even if you leave before the visa validity expires. It allows for a 60-day stay, which can be extended for another 30 days, but if you leave, you cannot re-enter on that visa. Conversely, a METV allows for multiple entries within its validity (typically 6 months), and each time you enter, you receive a new 60-day stay, which can also be extended for 30 days on each entry. This makes the METV preferable for those intending to stay longer or travel in and out of Thailand.
Henrik *****
Go to the homepage of the Thai Embassy in you country, and read about the different kind of visa, perpaps even in your motherlanguage.

6 month stay as a tourist isn’t easy.
a year ago
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Taz **********
Single entry visa means you enter Thailand and stay for the duration allowed on the visa - usually 60 days if you leave before 60 days your visa is cancelled/ used / finished

Multi entry means you can enter and leave Thailand as much as you want

The METV is usually for 6 months duration

Each time you enter Thailand you get 60 day stay in Thailand then you must leave

You can fly out of Thailand or cross a land boarder, when you return to Thailand you will receive another 60 days stay

If you leave Thailand and return just before your METV expires you receive another 60 days

So a 6 months METV can get you 6 months plus an extra 60 days

If you are lucky enough and Boarder bounce again you can get another 39 days visa exempt if your nationality is entitled to the 30 day visa exemption
a year ago
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Andy ***********
If you get a standard visa without multi entry or single entry addition - you cannot leave and return ..

your visa finishes as u leave … best to make sure u have at least single re entry
a year ago
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Monika ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Guys, I got that, but as I did research they are saying that if I have a single entry visa I can cross the border of Thailand and come back and I can extend my visa, same for multiple visa. That is why I did not understand the difference.
a year ago
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Monika ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Now I understand; thanks a lot. As I am from Georgia, I am not eligible to apply for a Tourist Visa online, so I should do it only in the Thai Embassy, right? I can't first come to Thailand and apply for a Tourist Visa from some tourist agency?
a year ago
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John **********
@Monika ***********
 if you're from Georgia I think you need to use the Thai embassy in Armenia
a year ago
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Brandon ************
@Monika ***********
 you can't get a tourist visa in Thailand.
a year ago
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Rosinne ******
Why do some people have to be so condescending and snarky in their comments? Yes, there are some of us ignoramuses who've never been to Thailand, or Asia for that matter and yes, we don't at first grasp the terminology, procedures, and rules most of you are familiar with. Be kind.
a year ago
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James *********
@Rosinne *****
 How do you hold a moonbeam in your hand?
a year ago
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Rosinne ******
@James ********
, obviously not like you would.
a year ago
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Rosinne ******
@Brandon ***********
, I think she means Thai Embassy in Georgia.
a year ago
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Rosinne ******
Okay.
a year ago
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Brandon ************
@Rosinne *****
 She doesn't. She specifically said "go to Thailand first and apply for a tourist visa" the same thing she asked in the initial question.
a year ago
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Brandon ************
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John **********
@Monika ***********
 the big difference is Thai immigration will honour the multi entry visa but if you try for multiple entry on a standard visa or visa exempt entries they may not. If you're planning coming to Thailand for 6 months definitely go for the multiple entry visa
a year ago
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Stuart *********
@Monika ***********
 You’re probably confusing comments on other posts with entering using a visa with others who enter visa exempt (no need for a visa).
a year ago
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Wayne *********
@Monika ***********
 single entry visa tr60 gives you 60 days, leave and get a r entry permit its still only total of 60 days if you left on the 45 day you only have 15 days left on the single plus then the 30 extension when you return. The multi entry you can get the 60 plus 30. Leave come back get 60 again plus 30, do it again just before the Metv expires. The metv can give you 3 x 90 days less 1 or 2 days when you leave to get back in before it expires
a year ago
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Steve ********
@Monika ***********
 Wrong. Once your SETV is used, it's done. You cannot extend by crossing a border, only at immigration, and only once
a year ago
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Stuart *********
@Monika ***********
 a single entry visa is used the moment you enter Thailand. It’s used. Kaput. Over with. You’d get stamped in for 60 days, but if you left after say 6 days without a re entry permit it would be gone.

A multiple entry tourist visa allows you to enter and exit as many times as you like during its 6 month validity. If you enter on the last day you’ll get another 60 days, hence the comments that you can get almost 9 months from that visa.
a year ago
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Stuart *********
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Steve ********
Each entry will get you a 60-day stamp which can be extended another 30 days. So a SETV can get you maximum 90 days, a METV can get you maximum 269 days
a year ago
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Frank **********
Let's see single is one, multiple is more then 1 or many.
a year ago
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Wayne *********
1 means single entry the other means multiple entry
a year ago
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Ralf *******
What do you think means a single or multiple entry into a country?
a year ago
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Ralf *******
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