Thailand is one of the most visited countries in the world, attracting millions of tourists, retirees, business visitors, and long-stay travelers. While many short-term visitors rely on visa exemptions or single-entry tourist visas, frequent travelers often require more flexibility. The Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa (METV) provides that option, allowing repeated visits over a six-month period without the need to apply for a new visa each time.

This article explores the requirements, conditions, advantages, and limitations of the METV, along with practical tips for applicants and frequent travelers.

1. Legal Basis and Purpose

The METV is issued under Thailand’s Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979) and administered by the Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates abroad. Its purpose is to facilitate repeated tourist visits while ensuring proper immigration control.

Unlike work or business visas, the METV is strictly a tourist visa, meaning holders cannot work or conduct business activities during their stay.

2. Validity and Duration

• Validity of visa: 6 months from the date of issuance.

• Entries allowed: Unlimited, as long as each entry is within the six-month validity.

• Duration of stay per entry: 60 days.

• Extensions: Possible to extend each stay for an additional 30 days at a local Immigration Office, for a maximum of 90 days per entry.

👉 Example: A traveler who receives an METV in January may enter Thailand multiple times until July. Each entry allows 60 days, extendable to 90 days, provided the entry occurs before the visa’s expiration date.

3. Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate that they are genuine tourists with sufficient financial and social ties to their home country. Typical requirements include:

• Valid passport: At least 6 months remaining validity.

• Financial proof: Bank statements showing a minimum balance (often USD 7,000 or equivalent over several months).

• Proof of employment or study: Letter from employer or school.

• Proof of residence: Utility bills or rental agreements in home country.

• Travel itinerary: Confirmed flight bookings (at least the first trip).

• Accommodation: Hotel bookings or proof of address in Thailand.

• Visa fee: Typically USD 200 (subject to change and local embassy rules).

4. Application Process

The METV must be applied for outside Thailand, usually at a Thai Embassy or Consulate in the applicant’s country of residence.

Step-by-step process:

1. Prepare documents: Passport, completed application form, photographs, financial evidence, proof of employment, itinerary, and accommodations.

2. Submit application: At the designated Thai Embassy or Consulate. Some consulates require in-person submission; others allow applications by mail.

3. Pay visa fee: Non-refundable.

4. Processing time: Generally 3–10 business days.

5. Collect visa: Issued as a sticker affixed to the passport.

5. Conditions of Use

• Each stay is for tourism purposes only.

• Holders must not work or engage in income-generating activities.

• Holders must leave Thailand before the expiry of each authorized stay.

• Overstaying can result in fines, blacklisting, and cancellation of the visa.

• Immigration officers may request to see financial means, onward travel tickets, and proof of accommodation at entry.

6. Advantages of the METV

• Flexibility: Multiple entries allow frequent travel in and out of Thailand within six months.

• Longer effective stay: With extensions, each entry can last up to 90 days, potentially allowing almost continuous stay for half a year.

• Convenience: Avoids repeated visa applications for each trip.

• Regional travel: Useful for travelers who wish to combine Thailand visits with trips to neighboring countries (e.g., Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia).

7. Limitations and Challenges

• Not available everywhere: Some Thai embassies only issue single-entry tourist visas and do not offer the METV.

• Strict requirements: Financial evidence and proof of ties to home country can be difficult for freelancers, digital nomads, or retirees to provide.

• Non-convertible: METV cannot be converted into other visa types (e.g., work, retirement, or marriage visas) inside Thailand. Applicants must apply separately for those.

• Validity period fixed: The 6-month validity begins from issuance, not the first entry. Delays in travel can shorten usable time.

• Immigration discretion: Entry is not guaranteed. Immigration officers can refuse entry if they suspect misuse (e.g., working in Thailand).

8. Comparison with Other Visa Options

9. Special Considerations for Frequent Travelers

• Border runs: While technically possible, using the METV for back-to-back 60-day stays through frequent exits and reentries can attract scrutiny. Immigration officers may question the true purpose of stay.

• Supporting evidence at reentry: Travelers should always carry proof of funds, accommodation bookings, and return tickets, as immigration may check even on subsequent entries.

• Tax implications: Long cumulative stays may trigger tax residency if present in Thailand for more than 180 days in a calendar year.

10. Practical Example

A Canadian retiree spends part of the year in Southeast Asia. He obtains a METV in Vancouver, valid from January to July. He enters Thailand in February, stays 60 days, extends for 30 days (total 90 days), then exits to Vietnam. In May, he re-enters Thailand, stays another 60 days, and exits before the visa’s validity expires in July.

In this way, the METV allowed him to enjoy almost five months in Thailand within six months, without the need for multiple visa applications.

11. Common Mistakes

• Late application: Applying too close to the travel date may leave insufficient time for processing.

• Insufficient financial proof: Applicants must provide bank statements covering the required period; lump-sum deposits are often rejected.

• Misuse of visa: Using METV to work illegally risks cancellation, blacklisting, and deportation.

• Overstaying: Even by a few days can lead to fines and potential bans.

12. Checklist for METV Applicants

✔ Passport with at least 6 months validity.
✔ Completed application form.
✔ Recent passport-sized photographs.
✔ Bank statements showing sufficient funds.
✔ Proof of employment or study.
✔ Confirmed flight bookings.
✔ Hotel reservations or proof of address in Thailand.
✔ Visa fee payment.
✔ Time buffer for embassy processing.

Conclusion

The Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa is one of the most versatile options for travelers who plan to visit Thailand repeatedly within a six-month period. By allowing multiple stays of up to 60 days each (extendable to 90 days), it provides flexibility and convenience.

However, the METV has strict eligibility criteria, requires careful planning, and cannot be used as a substitute for long-term residence or work. Proper documentation, compliance with immigration rules, and awareness of its limitations ensure that travelers can enjoy Thailand without legal complications.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information on the Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa for Thailand. It is not legal advice. For specific cases, consult a qualified immigration lawyer or the nearest Thai Embassy or Consulate.