Do double-entry visas have to be used back to back?

[303player]

Hi all,

If I have a double-entry visa (2 x 60 days), do I have to use it up back to back? Could I, for example, use the first visa on the first entry,, stay for 60 days, then leave Thailand for two months, and then come back on the second visa on the second entry to stay another 60 days?

Thanks!

[lopburi3]

Yes that would be fine if the visa is still valid (often they are only valid for 3 months from date of issue however).

[ubonjoe]

You don't have to use them back to back.

But if the use before date is only 90 days from the visas date of issue you would have to do the 2nd entry before that date. If it was for 6 months then you would not have a problem.

[303player]

Very good, thanks!

Is there a way to steer the use before date when getting the visa, for example in Vientiane?

[ubonjoe]

There is no way to get them to change their standard 90 days.

[TerryLH]

The time starts when it's issued, not when you use the first entry.

Apply as close to the date that you want to use it as you can.

[303player]

Thanks for all of your advice!

I understand if the use before date for 60 day double entry is 90 days, I could use the first 60 days, then leave for 20 days, and use the second visa upon re-entry. That's good enough.