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What should I know about the METV Tourist Visa validity and extensions for stays in Thailand?

METV Visa Multiple Entry Visa Visa Validity Thai Immigration Visa Extensions Tourist Visa Rules Expat Immigration in Thailand Thailand Visa Advice

Feb 9, 2024

2 years ago

Sven ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello, i have 2 METV Tourist Visa questions.

1.When you apply today for a METV Visa to start on 1 May 2024 and get approval in April 2024, when does the 6 months validity starts ? On 1 May or on your first entry after 1 May?

2. You get 60 days on arrival and this one you can extend for 30 days. After that you can go a week on a trip in Asia and fly back to bkk to get another 60 days. Roughly 157 days..

Say you leave again for a couple of days to Kuala Lumpur and fly back to bkk 14 days before your METV expired, you are able to get again 60 days?

This will give you about 220 days that you probably can extend again for 30 days if i'm right.

Is that correct or is this too much simplified and i understand this Visa wrong?

I'm 39 with my own business in Belgium and little bit tired of the 30 days visa exemption i get and want a visa i can get in my home country (Belgium) without having to handle much with immigration in Thailand while i stay there. Will be staying in Thailand 6 months per Year and 6 months in Belgium. I have a condo in Thailand.

Is this legally possible?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The METV (Multiple Entry Tourist Visa) validity starts from the date it is approved, not from the first entry after the start date. Each entry grants a 60-day stay, which can be extended by 30 days. With careful planning, one can maximize the stay in Thailand, potentially exceeding 9 months across multiple entries if managed correctly. The plan to stay 6 months annually in Thailand with this visa is legally feasible.

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James ********

I believe that the OP has the answers needed for his question.

Thanks all for your helpful replies.

Please be sure to read the posts and replies about the METV multiple entry tourist visa on the Thai Visa Advice forum.

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2 years ago

Michael *****************************

Every question you asked is answered with a yes,…except question no.1

The METV is clicking the same second you receive it,….so it’s activated the day it’s approved.

If you leave Thailand the last day before it expires,…let’s say fly to Kuala Lumpur in the morning, kill about 6 hours in the airport and go straight back to Phuket or Bkk you will be signed in for 60 more days witch you extend 30 days ( 1900 bath ) at a immigration office near you.

2 years ago

John **********

Q1. The metv starts the day it is issued

Q2. Every entry during the validity of the metv gets you stamped in for 60 days, and every entry can be extended by 30 days

To maximise it you should exit and re-enter on the last valid day which gets you 60 days plus a 30 day extension. With careful timing you can get almost 9 months out of it

2 years ago

Graham ******

It's valid for 6 months from the date of issue and each entry gets a 60 day stamp which can be extended each time for 30 days. Planned correctly you can get almost 9 months in Thailand with a METV.

2 years ago

Kolja *************

1. 6 months start as soon as you get the approval of the visa, so some days after you apply for it.

2. yes

2 years ago

James ********

YES...your plans for the METV multiple entry tourist visa is possible.

The METV is VALID for 6 MONTHS FROM THE DATE IT IS ISSUED. Not 🚫 from the DATE you First arrive into Thailand.

SUGGEST YOU Read this post about the METV...

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2 years ago

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James ********

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How does the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) for Thailand work?