What should I consider while applying for a 6-month multi-entry tourist visa for Thailand?

Jan 27, 2024
10 months ago
Nina *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
6 month multi-entry tourist visa: I am looking at the paperwork for the visa and am wondering about a few questions:

* it asks for an intended date of exit. We are actually planning to re-enter in the last week of the visa validity so we get an extra 60 days from there as per the visa terms. Should I still put our exit date within the 6 months from entry so that it is granted in the first place? Or does it not matter when I put the exit date?

* It asks for a sponsor on the application form. We don't have a sponsor (we are just a family who will be staying on an extended holiday) but we do have a friend who lives in Thailand permanently, should we put him down as the sponsor?

* Also do you know how quickly the visa is granted? I know the 6 months start from when it is granted and not from when you first enter thailand so would like to maximise our time and not apply too early, if that makes sense.

Any help appreciated, thanks!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
This post addresses key concerns regarding the application for a 6-month multi-entry tourist visa (METV) for Thailand. The author questions how to fill out the exit date on the application, whether they need to include a sponsor, and how long the visa processing typically takes. Comments from the community suggest that the exit date can be flexible, sponsorship requirements may not be strict, and processing times vary widely based on location of application. General advice includes applying at a suitable time to maximize the validity period of the visa.
James ********
I believe that the OP has the answers needed for her question. Thanks All for your helpful replies.

Comments Closed
Marcus ********
I also came on METV I was a lucky one. (USA NY EMBASSY) I applied on the 28th of November and was approved on the 29th.

I was flying to Bangkok the 12th of December

Literally over night I was approved.

I also had a plane ticket out of Thailand before the 60 days just to show for the visa.
Tullio *******
It also depends where you apply, in Italy applying online it requires two tickets of entry and exit.
James ********
Read this post about the METV...

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Nina *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
very helpful, thanks!
Christy **********
My experience of applying METV recently from singapore (january 2024)

#1.

We put intended exit date as our plan.

But our visa got accepted earlier, so our intended exit date is more than 60 days.

#2. We put as blank as i did email embassy to confirm.

No issue on our approval.

#3. We got our visa in 3 days after submission to the embassy.

The start date of visa validity is by the first date that visa is approved.

I.e. you intend to depart 25 Feb, but you apply too early and got approved on 10 Feb by embassy.

So the visa will validity start on 10 Feb.

Fyi, i also made simple itinerary of 6 months plan.

But only provided the first 2 months hotel booking.

Hope it helps
Andi ***********
Exit date can be within 60 days. How quick the METV is approved varies depending on Embassy. Where are you applying from?
James ********
@Andrew ********
your FIRST exit date departing Thailand MUST be within the first 60 days of your first arrival into Thailand.
Paul *******
One thing I had to show was a ticket out within the first 60 days of arriving. If you don’t have that then they either will ask for it or only grant single entry with no refund for the difference.

I got my visa from Chicago in the USA and it took 2 weeks because they made me resubmit some documents.
James ********
@Paul ******
Correct ✅
Steven ***********
On your final question, it can vary, but beware applying too early.

Last summer, I naively applied 8 weeks in advance (UK citizen), thinking it would start the day I flew. I received it in two weeks, therefore losing six weeks off the duration of the visa!

This doesn't give you a precise answer - I think there may not be such a thing on this particular question - but I hope it helps give you at least some idea.

Why they don't start it from the entry date, I have no idea!
Steven ***********
OK, thanks Ellie. Sorry to OP if my comment wasn't relevant. And good luck getting sorted.
Ellie *******
@Steven **********
, OP is NOT using eVisa system, they are applying at the embassy in person. so OP can know when she can get a visa.

BTW, some embassies issue visas valid on the date of your travel, while other embassies/consulates issue visa valid as they issue.
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