Answered2 years ago

Why is my METV visa validity starting from the date of approval instead of my flight date?

METV Visa Visa Validity Thailand Visa Rules Thai Immigration Visa Application Process Entry Dates

Ian ********

asked Jun 10, 2024

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Some help please. Ive applied for the METV 6 month e visa. And stated that id be flying on the 27th june. They have approved it from the 9th june to 5th december. But i dont fly till the 27th so im losing like 3 weeks . Is it normal for them to do that or should it be from the 27th up to december the 23rd ish and not the 5th. Also they have put my name as clarke ian . Not ian clarke. Ive tried emailing but no reply . Im in uk .

Answer summary

The user applied for a METV 6-month e-visa stating a future flight date, but the visa validity started from the approval date, leading to a concern about lost days. Community responses clarified that Thai visas typically activate from the issue date, and advised that future travel plans should align closely with the application date to maximize the validity. It was also mentioned that name discrepancies on the visa may not be problematic as long as other information matches.

14 repliesnewest first

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

Paul *******

The single entry normally starts from day you request. The MEtv from issue. With this you get 60 days on arrival each time you arrive up to 4th December . As for the name reversal- if passport number and all other info on visa match I’d not worry but would try and check with Embassy visa enquiries.

Good luck. I’m doing one soon. How long did they take to issue yours?

2 years ago

Ian ********

@Paul ******

took 3 days mate it sais it can take 15 hence why i applied early . I wasnt awhare . Thank for constructive advice cheers mate

2 years ago

Tore *********

@Paul ******

both start counting from issue date….There’s no difference other than 90 vs 180 days

Depending on which embassy processing, but my METV E-visa took 48 hours to get approved. Usually I hear up to a week, but can take several weeks.

2 years ago

Terary **********

You can get a fresh stamp at (or before) December 5th, allowing you to stay until about March 5.

With the METV which is has a validity of 6 months and an expiration of 6 months its best to apply for it near when you will travel (3 weeks before), accept it won't be valid as long as you would like (6 months).

2 years ago

Andi ***********

It's the norm. Best to apply as close to your departure date as possible. You can still get 8 mths out of this visa though.

2 years ago

Eric ******

This is what I was referring to a few days ago Brandon. Kind of a roll of the dice. Too early and you lose days, too late and you leave before it arrives...but at least you have it Ian. How long from when you applied until it was approved? I trying to time mine also. And I guess it doesn't do any good to request a certain date from what you wrote. What about the name change Brandon? Is that a big deal? I've seen other people have issues with that on their flight tix.

2 years ago

Henrik *****

The processing time you will find on the website of the Thai embassy you apply from, and there you also find the recommended time to apply.

You may also find valuable help to fill in the application.

If changes have to be done to the application, you may have to make a new application ( and pay the fee again.)

So make sure you make it right first time.

2 years ago

Ian ********

@Eric *****

3 days mate . Atleast i know for next time . Not to book flight and wait. Then book as soon as it comes

2 years ago

Eric ******

@Ian *******

Wow, 3 days! I was about to do mine 3 weeks in advance and wondered if that was enough time. I may hold off a few more days now. 3 days is really quick! Wonder if they're that efficient in the US?🙂

2 years ago

Brandon ************

@Eric *****

my evisa had my name as LAST FIRST MIDDLE

2 years ago

Ian ********

@Brandon ***********

and you had no issues with name .

2 years ago

Ian ********

@Brandon ***********

thank you . Makes me feel better

2 years ago

Brandon ************

@Ian *******

no because that's how they are issued

2 years ago

Brandon ************

All Thai visas are effective from the date they are issued. Just because you provided a future ticket doesn't change that. The embassy will not re-issue your visa, you already have it and it is valid for 6 months. You applied too early so that is your mistake, and the embassy will not fix it without cancelling your visa and charging you for a new, if they would even do that much.

2 years ago