Answered5 years ago
What should I know about obtaining a METV and the current status of US visas for Thailand?
Considering getting the METV if I return in January. It seems like I had 90 consecutive days in country last time or am I mistaken? Recent threads here say 60.
Previously the process was not online. Directions on the current application state that I might have to prove why I need to visit Thailand again inside of the 6 month duration - that I might only be granted the SETV and lose the difference in cost. Anyone have experience here?
And finally what’s the status of visas on arrival?(US citizen here) I’m seeing conflicting accounts on length of stay.
Thanks
Previously the process was not online. Directions on the current application state that I might have to prove why I need to visit Thailand again inside of the 6 month duration - that I might only be granted the SETV and lose the difference in cost. Anyone have experience here?
And finally what’s the status of visas on arrival?(US citizen here) I’m seeing conflicting accounts on length of stay.
Thanks
Answer summary
The user is considering applying for a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) to return to Thailand in January and seeks clarification on entry duration and requirements. They mention previous stays and express concern over whether they'll be granted a METV due to potential proof of need for re-entry. Other users in the thread discuss the validity of visas, highlight key details of different visa types, including the METV and Special Tourist Visa, and share insights on the process and conditions for US citizens. Confusion around the duration of stay for visas on arrival is also addressed.
17 repliesnewest first
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Benjamin ******
Here's the various tourist visas:
VISA EXEMPT/ VISA ON ARRIVAL/ BILATERAL AGREEMENTS:
These are granted/ sold automatically based on a person's country of passport on arrival. I’m attaching the list of the countries that qualifies for these methods of entry. I think it's the most recent list.
TOURIST VISA (TR):
This visa is a single entry visa, that’s valid for 90 days, and allows a person to stay for 60 days and can apply for one 30 day extension of stay based on tourism. All nationalities can acquire this visa, and almost all nationalities can get a 30 day extension of stay based on tourism.
MULTIPLE ENTRY TOURIST VISA (METV):
This visa is a multiple entry visa that’s valid for 6 months. On entry, a person can stay 60 days and can apply for one 30 day extension of stay based on tourism. MOST nationalities can acquire this visa, and almost all nationalities can get a 30 day extension of stay based on tourism.
SPECIAL TOURIST VISA (STV):
This visa is a single entry visa that’s valid for 9 months. On entry, a person can stay for 90 days, and can apply for two 90 day extension of stay based on STV if they meet the health insurance requirements and other requirements. MOST nationalities can acquire this visa and all nationalities can get the 90 day extension of stay based on holding an STV, if they have an STV and meet the requirements.
ELITE VISA:
This visa is a multiple entry visa that’s valid between 5 years to 20 years. The price starts at 600K THB. Contact the Thai Elite Visa people for more information.
VISA EXEMPT/ VISA ON ARRIVAL/ BILATERAL AGREEMENTS:
These are granted/ sold automatically based on a person's country of passport on arrival. I’m attaching the list of the countries that qualifies for these methods of entry. I think it's the most recent list.
TOURIST VISA (TR):
This visa is a single entry visa, that’s valid for 90 days, and allows a person to stay for 60 days and can apply for one 30 day extension of stay based on tourism. All nationalities can acquire this visa, and almost all nationalities can get a 30 day extension of stay based on tourism.
MULTIPLE ENTRY TOURIST VISA (METV):
This visa is a multiple entry visa that’s valid for 6 months. On entry, a person can stay 60 days and can apply for one 30 day extension of stay based on tourism. MOST nationalities can acquire this visa, and almost all nationalities can get a 30 day extension of stay based on tourism.
SPECIAL TOURIST VISA (STV):
This visa is a single entry visa that’s valid for 9 months. On entry, a person can stay for 90 days, and can apply for two 90 day extension of stay based on STV if they meet the health insurance requirements and other requirements. MOST nationalities can acquire this visa and all nationalities can get the 90 day extension of stay based on holding an STV, if they have an STV and meet the requirements.
ELITE VISA:
This visa is a multiple entry visa that’s valid between 5 years to 20 years. The price starts at 600K THB. Contact the Thai Elite Visa people for more information.
Christopher *********
OP@Benjamin *****
thank you 🙏🏼Tod *********
whether a 6 month METV will be viable when you return is going to hinge on your ability to border bounce (either by air or land) to get another 60 day entry stamp.
Pre covid shit show it was a good visa and people were able to get almost 9 months of stay out of it by bouncing out and back in to get new 60 day entry stamps.
It's a decision you have to make as far as if you want to apply for it or not.
Pre covid shit show it was a good visa and people were able to get almost 9 months of stay out of it by bouncing out and back in to get new 60 day entry stamps.
It's a decision you have to make as far as if you want to apply for it or not.
Christopher *********
OP@Tod ********
totally get that. Singapore, at this point, would be my plan - I know options are limited.Confused about entry - whether visa on arrival exists anymore and if so, for how long on first entry?
In my recollection stamping in w/o the METV was 30 days
Tod *********
@Christopher ********
you are confusing your terminology. a visa on arrival is a visa SOLD to people from 18 countries when they show up here for 2000baht and stamps them in for 15 daysYou are talking about a "visa exempt entry" <- that's where you show up without having bought a visa from a thai consulate before you came here and you get stamped in for free without a visa (hence the catchy name "visa exempt" 😛 ) for 30 days.
You can have TWO 30 day visa exempt entries by land in a calendar year and there is no official rule on how many you can have by air entry.
Brandon ************
90 days is 60 day entry stamp + 30 day extension from the immigration office.
Christopher *********
OP@Bra****
the first 60 days based on what? I need SETV for first 60 days?Christopher *********
OPInteresting. I’m seeing a variance of 15-30 days online for visa on arrival. So a tourist visa trumps that I suppose?
Christopher *********
OP@Ellie ******
thanks. Visa exempt was my insinuation. It’s gets a little muddy
Ellie *******
@Christopher ********
, Single/Muliple Entry Tourist visa (inistial 60days stamp), Visa On Arrival(15days stamp), and Visa Exempt(30days stamp) are all different scheme. You are not eligible for VOA as US passport holder.Brandon ************
@Christopher ********
yes with a tourist visa you get 60 days when you enter the country, single entry or multiple entry is the same. Then you can extend for 30 days inside the country.Johnny *******
METV was not available in last year and a half because borders were closed and the stringent entry requirements put in place. Maybe when the borders open up fully again they will allow easement of the METV.
Christopher *********
OP@Johnny ******
it is a valid visa option currentlyJohnny *******
@Christopher ********
yes but it is as you said, they want you to provide a valid reason for wanting to re-enter the country. If you are planning to stay longer than 90days then they want you to get the Special tourist visa where you need confirmed pre paid bookings or lease contracts. If you manage to get approved for the METV let us know because I think a lot of people would like to get that, myself included.Johnny *******
@Christopher ********
60days Single entry visa plus 30days extension for 1900baht.Christopher *********
OP@Johnny ******
so how can one stay for 90 days currently? Even granted METV look like 60 days per entryChristopher *********
OPOk makes sense. I thought you were implying easement to issuing the visa as opposed to easement to qualify for the visa
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