Will applying for a METV before leaving the UK resolve issues with multiple visa exemptions in Thailand?

Question

Hi all after some advice. UK citizens who spend approx 6mths past 3 years in Thailand - although visited most years previously for shorter periods. We usually come in visa exempt and extend / border bounce / occasionally visit another country. Both got hassled separately at BKK customs last time and told too many visas - so wondering if it will be the same if we apply for the METV in UK before we leave? We'll still have to extend / border bounce to stay 6months so will still be getting more visas. We don't want to live in Thailand full time. Thanks for any helpful advice. I did search and know it was possible previously but seems customs are getting harsher 😉

Ask Thailand · Answer

A UK citizen seeks advice regarding their travel to Thailand after experiencing issues with immigration due to frequent visa exemptions. They inquire if applying for a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) before traveling will mitigate problems at customs. Several comments suggest that obtaining a METV or another type of visa would help avoid complications related to multiple visa exemptions, with additional insights on demonstrating sufficient proof during immigration checks.

Andrew ********* · Answer

Remember Cambodian and Myanmar borders are closed if you plan on a border bounce.

Mark ******** · Answer

I have been three times since September 2024 on visa exemption for up to 50 days at a time. The last time I got questioned, but I had welcome letter from partner, proof of return tickets, income etc. And was let through.

I had read that there were issues with those with multiple Visa exemptions with people being turned back.

Going in Sempteber again and this time, I applied for a visa. I got it 1 day after submission online. That should be fine.

Peter ********** · Answer

Do yourself a favor and get a METV before coming here

Rob ******* · Answer

I'd bet you weren't hassled because of too many visas but more like too many free visa exempt stamps and no actual visas. As Tod suggested, get a SETV and border bounce or a METV and you should be fine because those are actual visas which you are paying for. And just for clarification, it's not customs who hassle you, it's immigration, as they are the government body who allow or deny entry, whereas customs are only concerned with what you bring with you.

Russell ******** · Answer

If you actually purchase a visa with multiple entry, rather than rely on multiple exemptions, any issues with Immigration should be negated. They just want people to pay their way when they stay longer term.

Tod ********* · Answer

A 6 month METV would work without much issue at all.

OR

even a single entry tourist visa and then bounce by land with a service out/back to get a visa exempt entry would give you the time.

We've seen more and more tightening up on free stamp entries since they went to 60 day visa exempt entries in July 2024 and a LOT of people (as in many thousands a week) get denied entry trying to come in visa exempt (most with extensive entry/stay histories on free stamp)

Best of luck with it, safe travels

Will applying for a METV before leaving the UK resolve issues with multiple visa exemptions in Thailand?

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