Tulsi joins the party of Common Sense

[RickSee]

This question concerns an Italian passport holder, permanent resident in Paris, and not at retirement age. She would like to spend up to 8 or 9 months per year in Thailand and had a multiple entry tourist visa issued late 2010, which expired a few months ago. Assuming no problem in getting another multiple-entry issued in Paris now, what then would be her options after that expires? Would she need/be able to get another issued in Paris (and, if so, any idea of any minimum time gaps between)? Would she be able to get another issued in SE Asia (eg. Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Vietnam)? Any informed insights on this would be much appreciated. RS

[moe666]

Getting the tourist visa in Paris is probably more reliable then here in Asia. There is a pinned topic on getting visas locally you may want to read that or have her read it. It does seem that the Embassy in Laos is balking at around 3 tourist visas back to back. At present cambodia seems to be a bit more relaxed.

Each person who reports here has a different story about getting back to back tourist visas it is really hard to know what will happen day to day. All you can do is apply and see what happens as well as policy can change with rotation of Embassy personnal.

Edited July 31, 2011 by moe666

[frankxxxxxxxxxx]

She can get many visas at Vientiane Thai consulate, 3 times at least.

[RickSee]

Thanks for the info. Seems there is no hard and fast rule then. Also:

- is it likely to make any difference if the visa is multiple entry and/or is accompanied by a 30-day extension?

- or if the issuing consulate changes (say once in Paris and the next in Laos)?

RS

[lopburi3]

There is no hard and fast rule. What is true today may be different tomorrow. Penang has had a period of refusal to issue any new visa for those extending even once. Vientiane gives do not return stamps if they count more than a couple tourist visas. Other places issue. And it does often change every few months.