Sorry if there's a place where this is explained, I have spent the past 3 days reading the UK Embassy site, this forum and I still barely understand what a "multi entry" visa is.... 

 

I am mid 20's and want to go to Thailand to stay for a while, I have been there a few times but only for 2 & 3 weeks which I just get due to the exemption option.

 

But what are my options for longer stays? Maybe 6 months... a year maybe?

 

What do I have to do to stay for that period? Will I have to do visa runs? Will I have to stay in the visa run country for a day? I'm just clueless.

 

Thanks for help!

Edited November 5, 20178 yr by UK2Bangk0k

Up early my boy as it's 05-10: hrs in the U K .

 

You wish to stay for a longer period of time, 6 months to a year. You could apply for a METV. 

 

However be warned that if you think 5,000 pounds sterling is going to last you 6 to 12 months you are  going to receive a , ''rude  awakening.''

 

Fine if you lead a semi hermit frugal lifestyle, contrary to  popular belief Thailand is not as cheap as it used to be.

 

If you find work of some sort you'll need a work permit  and possibly professional qualifications to be working legally, if caught with out , ''nasty repercussions.''

 

Short holidays in truth bear no semblance to the reality of living here or elsewhere for that matter for  a longer length of time. Reality bites

 

The road to paradise can often lead into hell.

 

Apologies to Dante for the adaptation of his original quote

''The path to paradise begins in hell.''  Dante

 

This link on this actual board may help you in your quest.

Further, from other sources more  information in a simple easy to read and understand format

See the details below,simple and easy reading.

 

Country       Visa fee                Money in bank, ( verified by your bank.)

 

UK

125 GBP

5,000 GBP

 

 

Edited November 5, 20178 yr by delphioracle

Thanks for the reply mate, yeah... I kind of figured it isn't the same as a two week holiday but eh, seems like an adventure and if it goes tits up I can always come back.

 

I do have the £5000 requirement but I don't have a 'job' to say, I have own 2 flats that I rent out, I guess that would come under self-employed as a 'Landlord'? 

 

With the Single-entry is it right that I can stay for 3 months? It only says 60 days per trip so will I have to go to the border after the 60 days?

 

Same with the multi entry 6 months one, not really sure, I did look though that thread earlier but it's kind of hard to understand.

 

Yup up early too haha, can't sleep.

Your interpretation on the issue regarding visa runs is correct.That is why they, are called multiple entry visa's.

 

Being as we as a family are of mixed race and dual nationality Thai English or English Thai whichever you may prefer I nor  my wife or children have  problems in either country nor Europe either.

 

Occupation?

Well you may well  describe yourself  as a property consultant or some such (non such) similar title,  you'll probably get away with such an  honorific of,  ''consultant,'' 

Thanks man, if I got this right

 

>Apply for a 6 month MEP visa in the UK.

>Arrive in Bangkok (can I extend for 30 days if I pay the 1700 baht? to give me 90 days?)

>After 60 (or 90) leave via land then come back for another 60 (can I extend again for 90?)

>Repeat...

>Once that visa runs out is it possible to return to the UK and apply again? Or can I just find a cheap flight to say Malayasia and then get a Visa for 30 days when I return? Or can you apply for a 60 day tourist visa there?

 

I heard you can only do 2 land visa runs a year....

 

Once again, thanks for the help man.

Some of the above I can't answer with confidence.  ie    Q  1:& 2:

 

 I think you'll find that you have no need to return to the U K for a visa renewal that crossing the border at the right spot  should be fine. There are in fact  dedicated  visa run vans and agents who deal with such issues and possibly well worth paying for their services too.

 

There is as far as I am aware though a limit on the number of times those  renewals can be done. Thereafter it is a fly away  visa renewal process painless  but a trifle more expensive though but your legal status is  fine.

 

I would in that  case though  advise against using ''visa agents'' for that particular  venture, do it yourself.

 

Anyway  I  or rather we shall be absent for an hour or six as grandson wants grandpa and grandma to venture forth to Mega Bangkok which is a little to near home for comfort at times !!!

Thanks, I will probably go to one of those visa run places as you recommended, I am sure they'll have lots of advice.

 

You was a big help thanks man.

3 hours ago, UK2Bangk0k said:

>Apply for a 6 month MEP visa in the UK.

As you are self employed you will need to provide a copy of your self assessment tax return. Unless you can prove you are working or have a business you've little chance of getting a METV. The visa isn't designed for people to stay in Thailand for a long time, but for someone that wants to visit often in a 6 month period. That said, many people successfully stay 6 - 9 months (with border runs) with that visa.

 

3 hours ago, UK2Bangk0k said:

>Arrive in Bangkok (can I extend for 30 days if I pay the 1700 baht? to give me 90 days?)

Yes you can extend any 60 day entry by 30 days for 1,900 baht. You will be able to apply within the last couple of weeks of your 60 days at a local immigration office.

 

3 hours ago, UK2Bangk0k said:

>Once that visa runs out is it possible to return to the UK and apply again? Or can I just find a cheap flight to say Malayasia and then get a Visa for 30 days when I return? Or can you apply for a 60 day tourist visa there?

Yes, others have got back to back METV's from the UK. 

Yes you would get 30 days if arriving from Malaysia without a visa. That can be extend by another 30 days for 1,900 baht.

Yes you can get Single Entry Tourist Visas (60 days) from many location in the region. The consulate in Penang is the best place to apply in Malaysia. Don't apply in KL.

 

3 hours ago, UK2Bangk0k said:

I heard you can only do 2 land visa runs a year....

You can only enter the country twice by land without a visa. Visa exempt entry. There's no official limit by air. 

 

Staying up to a year should be easy if you enter first with a METV and make a final 60 day entry just before that visa expires. If you extend that entry by 30 days it gives you a total of almost 9 months (as long as you enter soon after buying the visa in the UK) in the country. After that go to an embassy/consulate in a neighbouring country for a SETV. The SETV will give you 60 days is extendable by 30 days.

3 hours ago, UK2Bangk0k said:

I heard you can only do 2 land visa runs a year....

This only refers to border hops to get visa exempt entries (30 day entry). There is no restriction on entering by land with a valid visa.

 

3 hours ago, UK2Bangk0k said:

Arrive in Bangkok (can I extend for 30 days if I pay the 1700 baht? to give me 90 days?)

The cost for an extension is actually 1,900 baht, otherwise correct.

 

3 hours ago, UK2Bangk0k said:

After 60 (or 90) leave via land then come back for another 60 (can I extend again for 90?)

You can extend any of your 60-day entries.

 

3 hours ago, UK2Bangk0k said:

Once that visa runs out is it possible to return to the UK and apply again? Or can I just find a cheap flight to say Malayasia and then get a Visa for 30 days when I return? Or can you apply for a 60 day tourist visa there?

Most likely, you would be able to get another METV in the UK. Since at that time you would not have been using visa exempt entries, you would probably be able to enter visa exempt a couple of times. However, getting single entry tourist visas within the region is likely to be preferable.

 

Note a couple of things:

• If you enter Thailand close to the Enter Before date on your METV, you will receive a final 60-day stay (which you can extend). Thus, depending on how close to your departure the METV is issued, you may be able to stay almost 9 months rather than 6 months.
• Because of your age, some immigration officials are going to be suspicious that you may be working illegally. After being here some months, expect some questioning when reentering Thailand. This is especially true if you are entering visa exempt.
• When applying for the METV in the UK, the most important thing is the financial proof. Showing both the money in the bank continuously for 6 months, and your continuing income from other sources, should satisfy the embassy on that count. However, there are other stated requirements (such as employment letter). You need to work with the embassy to provide something else they will accept in terms of those other requirements (the embassy will probably be flexible).

As you say, an extended stay in an exotic location like Thailand while you are young is an adventure. Some would say it is irresponsible, and you should be building your financial security. I disagree with them. Live life to the fullest, and worry about responsibility when you have a wife and kids. Good luck!