Should I get a multiple or single entry visa?

[RandolphGB]

I’m hoping to stay for six months in Thailand including a few trips outside the country.

 

 

Would a multiple entry visa be better for this ? Or starting with a 60 day tourist visa and then re-entering and doing a 30 day visa on entry with a 30 day extension while in Thailand? How many times can this be done by leaving the country and re-entering?

 

I’d like the mev so I don’t have to worry about the timing of trips outside and visa runs but I’m not sure about the processing time when sent by post to the Thai embassy in London. Also, the section on there includes details of a hotel reservation and I’d be staying with Thai partner who has a condo. I’m self-employed so could provide a tax return and the required income from a savings account.

 

Thanks

 

 

 

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[BritTim]

You are permitted two visa exempt entries by land in a calendar year. There is no specific limit on visa exempt entries when arriving by air. Your best plan might be a single entry visa from the UK (optionally extended by 30 days) and two days (one night) in Vientiane for another single entry tourist visa there where they are easy to get. You could then use visa exempt entries to handle additional trips in and out of the country.

[RandolphGB]

You are permitted two visa exempt entries by land in a calendar year. There is no specific limit on visa exempt entries when arriving by air. Your best plan might be a single entry visa from the UK (optionally extended by 30 days) and two days (one night) in Vientiane for another single entry tourist visa there where they are easy to get. You could then use visa exempt entries to handle additional trips in and out of the country.

So there’s no limit to entries by air? For example, trips back to the UK or neighbouring countries in Asia would be ok?

So a single entry tourist visa would be 60 days, which can be extended by 30 days. After this, Vientiane for a single entry visa (60 days?)

The visa exempt entries...does that mean if I took a flight to a neighbouring country, it wouldn’t affect the existing single entry tourist visa ?

Thanks


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[BritTim]

4 minutes ago, RandolphGB said:

So there’s no limit to entries by air? For example, trips back to the UK or neighbouring countries in Asia would be ok?

There is no explicit limit to visa exempt entries (30 days on arrival with no need for a visa) when arriving by air. However, if you used too many over an extended period, immigration officials at the airports have the discretion to decide you are abusing them and deny entry. This is very rare, and (at worst) you could be expected to be told to get a visa next time.

 

7 minutes ago, RandolphGB said:

The visa exempt entries...does that mean if I took a flight to a neighbouring country, it wouldn’t affect the existing single entry tourist visa ?

A single entry tourist visa entitles you to a single 60-day entry into Thailand. If you leave, your permission to stay ends, and your used visa cannot be used to re-enter with the balance of your 60 days intact. If you wish, however, you can choose to buy a re-entry permit (1000 baht) which keeps your existing permission to stay intact when you leave and re-enter Thailand. This is most likely to be of interest in your case if, shortly after entering with your tourist visa, you wish to make a brief trip outside the country.

[elviajero]

An METV would be your best option.

 

The London embassy usually return your passport within a week of applying by post.

 

A letter from your Thai partner confirming you’re staying with them gets around the hotel booking. Include a copy of their ID and house registration book (Tabian Baan) if possible.

[phuketrichard]

why pay for an expensive METV.

Use ur land/air visa exempt entries and when ur going to stay longer than 30 days just get a single entry tourist visa in Laso, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar,etc..Valid for 60 days which can also be extended for an additional 30 days for 1,900 baht at any immigration office.

[Enoon]

 

I've had METV from London. Processing time no different from previous triple entries (5 days).

 

Should have got the same this time but got single entry instead.

 

Get the METV and forget about "planning"  for the trip to get your next SE/Visa exempt, or what this or that consulate might want this week for a single entry.

 

You give yourself max flexibility for going in and out "on the spur".

 

Also got my first ever 30 day extension on this stay.....in and out of the office in 25mins.

 

 

[Enoon]

6 hours ago, phuketrichard said:

why pay for an expensive METV.

Use ur land/air visa exempt entries and when ur going to stay longer than 30 days just get a single entry tourist visa in Laso, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar,etc..Valid for 60 days which can also be extended for an additional 30 days for 1,900 baht at any immigration office.

 

Pay extra for the METV, or pay to hang around in swinging Savannakhet........again.

 

 

[Nice Boyd]

Book hotel and cancel, geez 

[Nice Boyd]

3 hours ago, Enoon said:

 

Pay extra for the METV, or pay to hang around in swinging Savannakhet........again.

 

 

Bloody hate that place