Multiple Entry Tourist Visa

Thailand’s Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) is a consular visa issued to nationals of eligible countries who intend to visit Thailand for tourism purposes over a longer period, with the flexibility of leaving and re-entering the country multiple times within a six-month validity period. Introduced in late 2015, the METV was part of the Thai government’s strategy to streamline travel for frequent visitors, while maintaining stricter immigration oversight amid concerns over visa misuse.

This visa type is distinct from visa exemptions or single-entry tourist visas and must be applied for before entering Thailand at a Thai embassy or consulate abroad.

1. Legal Basis

The METV is issued under the authority of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979) and accompanying ministerial regulations. Consular officers at Thai diplomatic missions abroad are empowered to grant METVs in accordance with guidelines issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).

Although the METV is primarily an administrative tool, its misuse—such as engaging in employment or overstaying—falls under penal provisions of the Immigration Act.

2. Visa Specifications and Conditions

Key Notes:

• The maximum duration of stay per entry is 60 days.

• Tourists may extend each entry by 30 days at a local immigration office, subject to officer discretion.

• Exiting and re-entering resets the 60-day stay period, provided it is within the visa’s validity window.

3. Eligibility Requirements

Not all nationalities qualify for the METV. Applicants must be nationals of countries with stable diplomatic relations with Thailand, typically those eligible for visa-exempt entries.

General eligibility criteria include:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months validity

• Proof of residency or long-term stay in the country of application (non-residents may be denied)

• Strong economic ties to home country (e.g., employment, family)

• A clean immigration history with Thailand

In practice, issuance is subject to consular discretion, and standards can vary between embassies.

4. Documentary Requirements

Applicants must submit the following:

1. Visa application form (TM.87)

2. Recent passport-sized photographs

3. Valid passport

4. Bank statement showing a minimum balance of 200,000 THB (or equivalent) over the last 6 months

5. Proof of employment or business registration (if self-employed)

6. Travel itinerary, including flight bookings

7. Accommodation confirmation, such as hotel bookings or property leases

8. Copy of valid visas if applying from a third country

9. Letter of explanation or travel purpose

Embassies may require originals and certified translations, especially for financial documents in non-English languages.

5. Application Process

5.1 Where to Apply

• The METV must be applied for outside Thailand at a Thai embassy or consulate.

• It cannot be converted from a single-entry visa or on-arrival entry once inside Thailand.

5.2 Timeline

• Processing time ranges from 3 to 15 working days, depending on the mission and applicant’s profile.

• Early submission is recommended, particularly during peak travel periods.

6. Re-entry and Border Travel

Holders of the METV can exit and re-enter Thailand as many times as they wish during the 6-month validity. Common practices include:

• Border runs to Cambodia, Laos, or Malaysia via land or air.

• Re-entry via international airports is typically smoother; land border crossings may be scrutinized more heavily if used frequently.

Frequent border entries within short time spans may prompt additional questioning or even denial of entry if immigration officers suspect misuse or unauthorized employment.

7. Extension of Stay

Tourists on a METV may extend their stay at the Immigration Bureau for an additional 30 days, once per entry, by submitting:

• Application Form TM.7

• Passport with valid entry stamp

• One passport photo

• Visa fee of 1,900 THB

The extension is granted at officer discretion and may require proof of sufficient funds or onward travel.

8. Limitations and Risks

8.1 Employment Prohibition

The METV is strictly for tourism purposes. Any form of work, paid or unpaid, including volunteering or remote work, is illegal without a valid work permit and proper visa (Non-Immigrant B with work authorization).

Violation may result in:

• Immediate deportation

• Blacklisting

• Up to 5 years ban from re-entering Thailand

8.2 Immigration Discretion

Possession of a METV does not guarantee entry. Immigration officers at the port of entry retain full discretion to:

• Request further documents (e.g., onward tickets, hotel bookings)

• Deny entry if tourism intent is not credible

• Reduce the permitted stay period

Frequent travelers should be prepared to justify repeat entries, especially if they stay close to the full 60-day period on each visit.

8.3 No Conversion or Upgrade

• The METV cannot be converted into a Non-Immigrant Visa inside Thailand.

• Individuals wishing to work, study, or retire in Thailand must exit the country and apply anew for the relevant visa category.

9. Comparison with Other Visa Types

10. Practical Recommendations

While not exhaustive, practical tips for METV holders include:

• Keep copies of travel itineraries, hotel bookings, and return tickets when entering.

• Maintain proof of funds to show capacity for self-support.

• Avoid excessive land-border entries within short periods.

• Refrain from engaging in any work-related activities, including business meetings, which may blur the line with commercial intent.

• Be aware that border immigration offices tend to enforce rules more stringently than airports.

Conclusion

The Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) offers flexibility for genuine tourists who wish to explore Thailand multiple times over a six-month period. While generous in its entry allowance, the visa is subject to strict limitations on duration and activity, and any deviation—intentional or not—may lead to immigration scrutiny or denial of entry.

For travelers with legitimate long-term tourism purposes, and who can satisfy the documentary and financial requirements, the METV remains a valuable and cost-effective alternative to repeated visa applications. However, it must be used responsibly and in accordance with its express conditions.