Answered7 years ago

When Does the 6 Month METV Start: From Issue Date or Entry Date?

METV Visa Visa Rules Thailand Immigration

Jess *********

asked Jan 20, 2020

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Hey I have a friend from the UK interested in the 6 month METV. We’re just a bit confused as when I applied and got one in Canada in 2016 there is an “enter by” date and when I entered a month later, that’s when my 6 months started. However, with some research he’s seen conflicting messages (see photo). If he is traveling in other countries for 2 months once the visa is issued and enters Thailand after those 2 months, has he lost 2 out of the 6 months?

Answer summary

The 6 month Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) for Thailand begins its validity from the date it is issued, not the date of first entry. Therefore, if your friend from the UK applies for the METV and then travels for 2 months before entering Thailand, he will effectively lose those 2 months from his 6 month validity, as it counts down from the date of issuance.

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Tod *********

This is how ALL 6 month METV's work for thailand They have a date of issue and a valid until date that is 6 months apart. You can enter the country an unlimited number of times on that visa right up until 11:59PM on the "valid until" date and you will always be stamped in for 60 days.

7 years ago

Jess *********

@Tod ********

cool yeah I understand. Thank you!

7 years ago

David ***********

As above. 6 months starts from when issued. However you only have to re enter in those 6 months to get a further 60 days, you dont have to leave at the end of the 6 months

7 years ago

Jess *********

Ahh ok I must’ve had good timing cause I managed 6 months after the enter date! Thank you

7 years ago

Tod *********

believe it or not you can get almost NINE months of stay inside thailand on that 6 month METV.. :O

you get the visa as close to when you're coming here as you can (so you don't burn the validity of the visa down not being here)

Enter get 60 days (2 months)

when that runs out, exit/re-enter get 60 more days (4 months)

when that runs out, exit/re-enter get 60 more days (6 months)

when the VISA is running out exit/re-enter get a final 60 days (8 months)

extend that last entry by 30 days (total of 9 months :O)

7 years ago

Tamas *******

Yes, lost. I think you can find multiple METV posts here in this group mentioning the same thing. METV is valid from issue date and not from first arrival.

7 years ago

Tod *********

You are slightly confused, on your 6 month METV your 6 months DID NOT start when you entered the country :/ The 6 months starts winding down the second they stick the visa in your passport.

7 years ago