Multiple Entry Tourist Visa. Thailand, known for its rich culture, natural beauty, and economic opportunities, welcomes millions of foreign visitors each year. To accommodate travelers with plans for extended or repeated visits, the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) provides a flexible option for foreigners seeking to enter and leave Thailand multiple times over an extended period. This visa caters to tourists, business visitors, and those with family or social connections in Thailand who wish to avoid frequent visa applications.
This article provides an in-depth analysis of the METV, including its legal framework, eligibility requirements, permitted activities, application process, conditions, and practical considerations.
Legal Framework
The METV is issued under the authority of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979) and relevant regulations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and Royal Thai Immigration Bureau. It is designed for genuine tourism purposes, but the law recognizes that tourism includes a broad range of non-remunerative activities, such as:
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Sightseeing
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Visiting family or friends
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Attending cultural events
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Short-term educational or training programs (non-degree, non-remunerative)
Holders of METV must comply with Thai immigration laws and are prohibited from engaging in employment or activities requiring a work permit.
Key Features of the METV
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Validity: The visa is valid for 6 months from the date of issuance.
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Entries: Unlimited entries during the validity period.
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Duration of stay per entry: Up to 60 days, with the possibility of a 30-day extension granted at the discretion of the Immigration Bureau (fee applies).
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Re-entry: Each time the traveler departs Thailand and re-enters, a fresh 60-day stay is permitted (subject to immigration discretion at the border).
This structure provides substantial flexibility for travelers needing to exit and re-enter the country multiple times (e.g., regional business travelers, retirees exploring Southeast Asia, or those with family in Thailand).
Eligibility Criteria
While the METV is broadly available, applicants must demonstrate their eligibility through specific documentation. Common requirements include:
1️⃣ Nationality
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Typically available to nationals of most countries recognized by Thailand.
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Issued at the discretion of the Thai consulate or embassy; some posts may restrict issuance based on local policy or applicant’s travel history.
2️⃣ Purpose of Visit
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Genuine tourism or related non-employment purposes.
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Evidence of intent to comply with visa conditions.
3️⃣ Financial Requirements
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Evidence of adequate funds to support travel, typically:
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Bank statements showing at least THB 200,000 (or equivalent) in savings over the preceding 6 months.
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Alternative proof of financial capacity (e.g., pay slips, employer letters) may be accepted at some embassies.
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4️⃣ Employment or Status
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Proof of employment, student status, or similar ties in the applicant’s home country to demonstrate intent to return.
5️⃣ Accommodation
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Hotel bookings, lease agreements, or invitation letters from friends/family.
6️⃣ Travel History
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Previous compliance with Thai immigration rules strengthens an application.
Application Process
Where to Apply
Applications for METV must be made outside Thailand at a Thai embassy or consulate.
Documentation (typical list; may vary by consulate)
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Completed visa application form.
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Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond intended entry date; at least two blank pages).
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Recent passport-sized photographs.
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Bank statements or financial documents.
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Employment or school letter (if applicable).
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Proof of accommodation in Thailand.
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Confirmed flight bookings (round trip or exit flights).
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Visa fee (varies by location; generally around THB 5,000 or local currency equivalent).
Processing Time
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Generally 3–10 working days, depending on the consulate.
Visa Fee
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Fixed fee for METV issuance; non-refundable even if the application is denied.
Conditions of Use
1️⃣ Permitted Activities
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Tourism, cultural visits, family visits, participation in non-remunerative educational courses or activities.
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No employment or business activities requiring a work permit.
2️⃣ Extensions
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60-day entry may be extended once per entry at Thai Immigration offices for up to 30 days, subject to officer discretion and valid reasons (fee: THB 1,900).
3️⃣ Border Crossings
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Re-entries may occur by air or land. However, excessive land re-entries or patterns suggesting “visa runs” may attract scrutiny.
4️⃣ Overstay
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Overstaying the METV conditions is a violation of the Immigration Act and can result in fines, detention, deportation, and future bans.
Advantages of the METV
✅ Flexibility
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Suitable for travelers who plan frequent trips to Thailand within a short span (e.g., regional business people, retirees exploring Southeast Asia).
✅ Cost-effective
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Reduces the need to apply for multiple single-entry visas, saving time and application costs.
✅ Generous stay duration
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60-day entries (extendable to 90 days) provide ample time per visit.
Limitations and Challenges
⚠ Strict documentation requirements
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Embassies may require comprehensive evidence of funds, employment, and travel plans, leading to a burdensome application process for some applicants.
⚠ No employment rights
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The visa does not authorize any form of employment or business requiring a work permit.
⚠ Discretionary issuance
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Some embassies exercise tighter control on METV issuance, especially in regions with histories of visa misuse.
⚠ Land entry scrutiny
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Frequent use of land border crossings to renew stays can raise red flags with immigration officers.
Common Use Cases
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Seasonal travelers: Individuals who wish to spend extended periods in Thailand interspersed with trips elsewhere in the region.
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Family visitors: Foreign nationals with spouses or children in Thailand who do not qualify for long-stay dependent visas.
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Short-term cultural or language study: Visitors enrolled in non-degree courses where an ED visa is not pursued.
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Medical tourists: Visitors undergoing multiple stages of treatment over several months.
Practical Considerations
1️⃣ Plan entry/exit dates strategically
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To maximize the METV’s utility, travelers should schedule re-entries during the visa validity period.
2️⃣ Document compliance
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Keep records of entry/exit stamps, extension approvals, and purpose of stay to demonstrate lawful use of the visa.
3️⃣ Consult consulates on current policies
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Application procedures and documentation requirements may vary between embassies and consulates, particularly regarding financial proof and travel history.
Conclusion
The Multiple Entry Tourist Visa offers a flexible, practical solution for foreign nationals seeking repeated access to Thailand for legitimate tourism and social purposes. While it provides considerable convenience and value, applicants must navigate stringent documentation requirements and comply with immigration conditions to avoid penalties or difficulties on future entries. As with all Thai visa matters, careful planning and understanding of the applicable rules are key to enjoying the benefits of the METV.