When should I exit and re-enter Thailand to maximize my 6-month METV validity?

6-month Multi-Entry Visa Thailand Visa Rules Visa Extensions Exit and Re-Entry Immigration Help Visa Validity METV Strategy

Aug 20, 2018

6 years ago

James *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi guys -glad this page exists! Just a question about 6 month multi entry. I will arrive Dec 1st 2018. Booked a trip to Philippines Jan. 26-Feb 13. When would I need to make my next 60 day exit and entry?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion revolves around maximizing the stay duration on a 6-month Multi-Entry Tourist Visa (METV) by strategizing entry and exit dates. The advice includes entering Thailand as close to the visa issuance date as possible, utilizing 60-day stays followed by exits and re-entries. The user seeks clarification on their specific situation, particularly the timing of their next exit after an entry on December 1st, 2018, and a planned trip to the Philippines from January 26th to February 13th, 2019.

James *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you so much Tod- you are a saint and I am truely amazed at your patience with everyone, your knowledge and constancy! Bravo 👑

6 years ago

Tod *********

The way to get 9 months out of a 6 month METV is

get it as close as the time you're comin' to thailand

enter-get 60 days

when that's up, exit/renter to get another 60 days

when that's up, exit/re-enter to get another 60 days

just prior to the "enter before" date on the VISA exit/re-enter one more time, get another 60 days (that takes you to about 240 days)

Get a 30 day extension on the last entry taking you to about 270 days

6 years ago

James *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

oh crap- I guess I'll have to change my return flight!😢😣. Or can I extend again for 30 days? at the end of 6 months? My exit was planned for May 27...

6 years ago

Tod *********

@James ********

on a 6 month METV you can enter/exit the country as many times as you want to during the visa's validity. Sheesh you could exit/re-enter the country every day if you wanted and you'd be stamped in for 60 days each time

6 years ago

James *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

one other question- can I come in and out more than two times?

6 years ago

James *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

(still figuring out, testing out the waters to stay more "permanent" in the future when I retire)

6 years ago

James *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

okay- that's fine. If I understand correctly when I come back from my first trip out, I can extend 30 days for a fee and also after my second trip, again for a fee. That will give me plenty of days to make my booked flight? (Just gotta say this is such a great helpful site- what would we do without it! Great service guys!)

6 years ago

Tod *********

you can extend any of your entries for 30 more days at the immigration office for 1900baht

but

what you can't do is get more than 9 months of stay out of that visa :/

6 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

Remember a 6 month METV is only VALID for 6 months from the date it's issued <- that means; get it as close to the time you're entering thailand so you don't burn the validity of the visa up not being here ;)

If you're returning on the 13th of Feb you'll be stamped in for 59 days from that date <-(they count the day you enter as day 1). So you should be stamped in until April 13 or so.

6 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

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