What Should I Know About Using a METV for Extended Stays in Thailand?

Nov 19, 2019

5 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Arrived recently at Suv with a METV issued in the UK. After all the recent crackdowns was expecting to be questioned, as have been staying in Thailand for approx ten months every year for the over ten years using tourist visas. Had all the extras ready regards cash, hotel booking and onward flight within 60 days. 

On arrival the IO looked at his computer screen and casually called the 'roaming duty officer' over. Understanding a bit of Thai i heard him stating to the other officer how long I had been in the country over the past years. Had visions of having to stay in their 'special accommodation' for a few nights. 

The IO in charge looked in more detail re my past stays in the country and simply explained i was using the wrong visa, stating i should have an over 50 long stay non O. Didn't ask for any proof of funds, hotel booking or onwards flight. Said he would stamp me in this time without any problem - but also stressed that next time i came over i should make sure i have the correct visa. 

My impression of the IO's was that they were very polite and understanding. They have a difficult job to do and at times it must be very stressful. However, when dealing with them keep calm, explain your situation clearly and they will try and help.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A traveler recently shared their experience arriving in Thailand on a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) issued in the UK. Despite concerns about being questioned due to recent immigration crackdowns, they were treated politely by immigration officers (IOs). The IO noted the traveler had been using the wrong visa type, suggesting they should apply for a long-stay Non-O visa instead. Although no additional documents were requested, the IO emphasized the importance of having the correct visa for future entries. Other commenters shared similar experiences and advice regarding visa regulations and entry procedures.

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John ***********

I guess Pete might return directly to Chiang Mai by air. Please don't take this as definitive, but in trying to get a ballpark guidance from from someone we know related to CM immigration they are ideally looking for 4-5 months per year for tourism, eg. one SETV and one land border, both extended. Obviously they are not implementing this strict, but this is what I have heard would be fairly reliable long term, since I'm not yet 50.

5 years ago

Adam ******

I still don't get the O visa. In the United States an O visa is only for people who are married to a Thai or visiting Thai kids. Am I wrong in this assessment?

5 years ago

Tod *********

I think you need to understand what the O in a Non-O visa means. It means "other" and that type of visa is issued for a variety of reasons; being over 50 (retirement), marriage to a thai, marriage to a foreigner legally working here, raising thai or foreign children here, volunteering, and a few more things.

That a particular consulate doesn't issue the O visa for a certain reason doesn't mean that NO consulate issues it.

BUT my question to you is what does your question about a Non-O visa have to do with the topic by the O/P and his entry on a 6 month METV?

5 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

Neil *********

Same happened to me I had been staying over 180 days per year on METV (180 days) + SETV (60 days ) obtained in home country. I had to see immigration boss who after questioning me decided to let me in, but advised me to get the correct visa for my needs (multiple entry retirement visa)

5 years ago

Tod *********

Glad you made it in, BUT I would say to avoid any more problems when you bounce out and back to get new 60 day entry stamps on that METV do you bounces out and back in by LAND do not fly out and back.

5 years ago

Ivan ************

The only report I have seen of a denial in CNX (the German guy recently) he was trying for a visa exempt, and it seemed they would have let him in on a visa, even a tourist visa. I would not consider CNX entirely risk free any more, maybe not as risky as Bangkok but they are certainly questioning/hassling and in some cases denying.

5 years ago

Pete **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

this was my concern also. Will be going to Chiang Mai immigration to ask about this - as i have a five day holiday booked in Vietnam in January - by air!

5 years ago

Reply to

Pete **********

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Can I frequently travel in and out of Thailand with an METV visa without facing issues?

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