The Multiple Entry Tourist Visa Topic (METV)

[bmanly]

The METV is expensive. I do 4 Months a year holiday in Thailand almost every year. Before, I just bought a double entry tourist visa for $90 (This is Sydney Consulate). Now they want $225 for the same period of time and want me to buy a METV. Yet with a METV I still need to leave the country every 60 days.

So what I will do now is just buy a SETV for $45, go and do my visa run as usual in the neighbouring country and buy a new SETV visa there for another $45 to $60 (price varies depending where).

So basically it is $90 versus $225 if I stick to buying the SETV's. The METV is not a good deal unless you are coming and going regularily over the 6 Month period and from what I have been reading, some countries are requiring a lot extra requirements to get it too.

[JLCrab]

Portland Honorary Consulate still has on its website for applicants applying by mail:

You must be physically in the United States at the time of application.

which when I noted that on a previous METV topic prompted the query: Well how can they tell?

How can they tell? Probably a funny looking stamp would be their first clue.

Have a feeling Canadians are exempted from this rule, if you read between the lines of this statement from Portland:

"Canadian residents: Do not send Canadian currency money orders - all payments must be in US Dollars."

That could be referring to Canadian citizens who are now resident in the USA i.e. Canadian snowbirds from Quebec who are now resident in their spiffy Airstream trailers while spending the winter in Florida.

BTW to the OZ above, he would save money on visa fees but have to spend an overnight in a neighboring country to get his 2nd visa (instead of just doing a U-urn at a border crossing) and would thuus chew up a good bit of the visa savings not counting wear-&-tear on the body and mind.

[JimGant]

That could be referring to Canadian citizens who are now resident in the USA i.e. Canadian snowbirds from Quebec who are now resident in their spiffy Airstream trailers while spending the winter in Florida.

Since it specifically says "Canadian residents," I doubt it's refering to snowbirds. Besides, getting a Canadian dollar money order in Florida is probably not possible.

Anyway, Portland has for years been the most consumer friendly consulate in the US. And, if I'm right, in North America. Canadians would be wise to contact Mary Wheeler (phone or email) in Portland for confirming information. She -- at least as of a couple of years ago -- was completely accessible. Yeah, maybe Portland will have to change 7000 baht to 7000 dollars. Still, other requirements, like a certified bank copy, 6 month track record, employment confirmation, plane ticket, hotel res, whatever is not required. So, relatively simple.

.

And, if you're over 50, Portland will issue a Non Imm O, multi entry, for investigating retirement if you provide proof of your financials (at least they did). Also, note the condo ownership avenue for a Non Imm O. Obviously, for the same amount of money as an METV ($200), which is only good for 6 months, getting a one-year multi entry Non Imm O visa would be superior. Of course, you'll need to be in North America to apply.

[JLCrab]

So you're saying that, although they say specifically on their website that you must be physically in USA when you mail in you're application. that means that, if you mail it in when you are physically in Canada, please don't send us any of the funny Canadian money. OK

[MobileContent]

If one does not have proof of employment in own country, does that mean she can't apply for METV?

Almost definitely unless she is a student, retiree or she has a source of regular income. It is too early to know what each embassy/consulate will accept.

A Thaivisa poster called the UK embassy and was told G7 countries will likely not enforce all the requirements on the list http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/867234-metv-im-confused/page-9#entry10038379

Would make sense as it was technically a requirement to show 20k Baht every time one applied for a double entry tourist visa, but that was relaxed for mail applications back home http://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/services/4908/15398-Issuance-of-Visa.html

From my readings the METV was designed primarily for persons in the region who want to make multiple (as in many or more than 3) short term trips to Thailand over the six-month validity period and not designed for someone to stay in Thailand continuously for the 6 month validity period exiting only to activate a new 60-day entry period.

Another posted called the Germany embassy and was told these METVs can be issued for as long as needed, as long as you meet the requirements. Suggesting any length of stay, and back to back use, are totally fine. http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/868729-metv-visa-vientiane-laos-its-official/page-40#entry10075217

Correct - Talked to them on the phone. As long you can show them proof of funds you are fine at the Thai Embassy in Berlin. For financial proof you can show any investments in stocks, CD's etc. METV applicants that own a condo can also show proof of where they are staying by bringing the Tabian Baan (Yellow) book with them when they apply. When I asked them after the trip is completed if I can re-apply for another 6 month METV they said yes.

[JB300]

From my readings the METV was designed primarily for persons in the region who want to make multiple (as in many or more than 3) short term trips to Thailand over the six-month validity period and not designed for someone to stay in Thailand continuously for the 6 month validity period exiting only to activate a new 60-day entry period.

But who are these people & why would they bother to get a Visa if they're just "Popping" to Thailand?

I can only comment from my time living in Singapore but there is no way that I (or anybody else living there) would go through the hassle of getting a visa to visit Thailand.

You just pop over, get a Visa Exempt, have a nice holiday, go home & go back again whenever you feel like it... Did this 6-8 times a year (once, 4 times in 1 month) for 6 years & immigration never batted an eyelid.

So I'm still not sure who the METV is targeted at...

- It can't be Retirees "Snow birds" as the have no proof of employment (though I expect this to be loosened & people on pensions will be able to qualify)

- Can't be Gap Year, Back/Flash packers - as, again, typically either no proof of employment or only visiting for a short enough period to make METV irrelevant (how many of these spend more than 30, never mind 60 or 90, days in Thailand without visiting a neighboring country)?

- Can't be Genuine tourists from neighboring countries as they won't visit for long enough to make it worthwhile.

- Can't be for People who want to live in Thailand under the pretext of being a tourist as they will just find another way or overstay.

[JackThompson]

So you're saying that, although they say specifically on their website that you must be physically in USA when you mail in you're application. that means that, if you mail it in when you are physically in Canada, please don't send us any of the funny Canadian money. OK

Yes, they probably added that "must be present physically" restriction subsequent to the Canadian-money rule, due to receiving a lot of passports sent through family members from overseas applicants, and residents of other countries. Clearly, they served Canadians who were "physically in Canada" prior, or would not need this language about the currency of money-orders provided. They are a small "honorary" consulate, and likely wish to limit their applicant-load - no "unspoken rule" or some such about mailing in passports from overseas.

There is nothing unusual or illegal about mailing a US Passport to get a visa - apparently not Canadian ones either. Under US rules, one can even apply for a 2nd passport to facilitate mailing it to consulates when overseas, when the delay time in getting a single passport returned would restrict crossing borders to continue one's itenerary. If you only have one passport, make sure your permission to stay in whatever country exceeds the time it will take to get your passport returned to you. I made sure I had plenty of time when I recently renewed my passport via my embassy here; I was without my passport for weeks.

Note that if you look at the DC website, the main consulates (Chicago, LA, DC, NewYork) are listed has having a "jurisdiction" - with the states whose permanent-residents they serve shown for each: http://thaiembdc.org/visas/ . The honorary consulates, such as Portland and Honolulu, are not listed. DC does not have any such "must be physically present" language, thankfully - saving Americans long, useless plane-trips. They have the opportunity to vet the documents and make their call, regardless of where the applicant "physically is" at the time. If they say "no visa," the applicant doesn't get the visa, and Thailand is satisfied.

As is clear from how Tourist Visas and the METV work, they want those on many types of visas to Leave Thailand every 90 days (with extensions) maximum - though they have chosen to make No Rule preventing an immediate return, or to limit how many days/year a person can stay in Thailand on Tourist Visas. But one cannot go to Thai Immigration and purchase a visa, one needs to leave Thailand to apply for a new one - METV included. Some authority in Bangkok would have no reason to care if an applicant was in Laos or Paris when approved or denied - just so long as they are not in Thailand, when applying, and were properly vetted (for the METV: through a consulate in their home country).

[JLCrab]

If circumstances were such that I would choose to use a METV or even O-A visa instead of the extension of stay based upon retirement, I would do it while I was physically in the USA. I would either use the Washington DC Embassy (as I would be in Florida) or the Miami or possibly Portland honorary consulates. The only time I seriously considered the alternative issue was around 2011 when the Yankee dollar had dropped precipitously. However I always want to be aware of my options even if I would not utilize them today or "it doesn't apply to you".

If someone wants to mail off their passport to their home country or any other country while sitting in a third country without their passport (unless one has a second passport) then have at. Send it to your mother if that's what you want to do. Good luck and happy trails.

[ubonjoe]

Some posts are staring to take this topic off topic. Topic is not about who is a real tourist or not. If you want to discuss that post a topic on the general forum or the pub.

Just a reminder. And add digital nomads to it.

I have removed several posts already. No notice will be posted when they are removed from now on.

Again a reminder.

[elviajero]

So you're saying that, although they say specifically on their website that you must be physically in USA when you mail in you're application. that means that, if you mail it in when you are physically in Canada, please don't send us any of the funny Canadian money. OK

Yes, they probably added that "must be present physically" restriction subsequent to the Canadian-money rule, due to receiving a lot of passports sent through family members from overseas applicants, and residents of other countries. Clearly, they served Canadians who were "physically in Canada" prior, or would not need this language about the currency of money-orders provided. They are a small "honorary" consulate, and likely wish to limit their applicant-load - no "unspoken rule" or some such about mailing in passports from overseas.

There is nothing unusual or illegal about mailing a US Passport to get a visa - apparently not Canadian ones either. Under US rules, one can even apply for a 2nd passport to facilitate mailing it to consulates when overseas, when the delay time in getting a single passport returned would restrict crossing borders to continue one's itenerary. If you only have one passport, make sure your permission to stay in whatever country exceeds the time it will take to get your passport returned to you. I made sure I had plenty of time when I recently renewed my passport via my embassy here; I was without my passport for weeks.

Note that if you look at the DC website, the main consulates (Chicago, LA, DC, NewYork) are listed has having a "jurisdiction" - with the states whose permanent-residents they serve shown for each: http://thaiembdc.org/visas/ . The honorary consulates, such as Portland and Honolulu, are not listed. DC does not have any such "must be physically present" language, thankfully - saving Americans long, useless plane-trips. They have the opportunity to vet the documents and make their call, regardless of where the applicant "physically is" at the time. If they say "no visa," the applicant doesn't get the visa, and Thailand is satisfied.

As is clear from how Tourist Visas and the METV work, they want those on many types of visas to Leave Thailand every 90 days (with extensions) maximum - though they have chosen to make No Rule preventing an immediate return, or to limit how many days/year a person can stay in Thailand on Tourist Visas. But one cannot go to Thai Immigration and purchase a visa, one needs to leave Thailand to apply for a new one - METV included. Some authority in Bangkok would have no reason to care if an applicant was in Laos or Paris when approved or denied - just so long as they are not in Thailand, when applying, and were properly vetted (for the METV: through a consulate in their home country).

You are right that some countries allow you to have two passports. I have two valid British passports and the second one was issued for the reason of applying for visas while needing to travel. However, they are not issued to "facilitate mailing it to consulates when overseas". You are still expected to apply for the visa at the local embassy/consulate.

The embassies and consulates that don't specify the fact that you need to be resident in the country when applying by post don't do so because it's assumed. If someone is in Cambodia and wants a Thai visa they go to the local embassy/consulate. If the visa they want isn't available and can only be obtained from their home country it is because they want the applicant to be in their home country to apply. The non 'O-A' and METV being two examples.

[No Name]

quote ubonjoe:

...

I have seen nothing that states you cannot get the 30 day extension of an entry from it.

It's a multiple entry visa.

I am not sure, that you can extend it for 30 days, after your last entry.

As you can't extend other expired multiple visa for 30 days, right?

Yes, it's a assumption, but not a bad one, I guess!

[elviajero]

quote ubonjoe:

...

I have seen nothing that states you cannot get the 30 day extension of an entry from it.

It's a multiple entry visa.

I am not sure, that you can extend it for 30 days, after your last entry.

As you can't extend other expired multiple visa for 30 days, right?

Yes, it's a assumption, but not a bad one, I guess!

The 30 day extension is available only to tourist visas and not the multi entry non-immigrant visas.

As the METV is a tourist visa it qualifies for any entry to be extended by 30 days.

[4evermaat]

quote ubonjoe:

...

I have seen nothing that states you cannot get the 30 day extension of an entry from it.

It's a multiple entry visa.

I am not sure, that you can extend it for 30 days, after your last entry.

As you can't extend other expired multiple visa for 30 days, right?

Yes, it's a assumption, but not a bad one, I guess!

Yes, you can extend the last current entry for 30 days. The visa and the entry [stamp] are two separate things. The entry stamp gives you the permission to stay, normally 60 days for tourist visa. So the admitted until date (permission to stay) can be extended for 30 days for 1900 baht at local immigration office, no questions asked.

A lot of confusion about visa vs visa exempt vs permission to stay vs extension of [permission to] stay exists, mainly because many visa service companies and users on the forum misuse the terminology, calling everything 'a visa' . This post might help you.

[Maestro]

Strange, the Consulate in Salzburg offers 2 METV. One is valid for 6 Months, the other 1 Year. Both costs 150 Euro. And the requirements looks very lax.

http://www.thaiconsulate-salzburg.at/visabestimmungen.pdf

That text about the METV below the title for the non-O visa is obviously an erroneous copy and paste from the text for the tourist visa. I have drawn the consulate's attention to it.

[JackThompson]

You are right that some countries allow you to have two passports. I have two valid British passports and the second one was issued for the reason of applying for visas while needing to travel. However, they are not issued to "facilitate mailing it to consulates when overseas". You are still expected to apply for the visa at the local embassy/consulate.

It is my understanding that I could apply for a 2nd passport at any US Consulate. For example, I am overseas, want to travel to country X and submit my passport to them to do so, but will need my passport to go to country Y before I get it back. USA rules do not spell it out in detail. I'm not sure about the UK.

Point taken about using the local-consulate of the nation in question - if there is one where one happens to be, at the time. But if that local consulate says, "We only handle those for locals," then we are back to the question of mailing across borders, or breaking one's itenerary. Each nation decides what is a "good enough" reason for the 2nd PP.

... The embassies and consulates that don't specify the fact that you need to be resident in the country when applying by post don't do so because it's assumed. If someone is in Cambodia and wants a Thai visa they go to the local embassy/consulate. If the visa they want isn't available and can only be obtained from their home country it is because they want the applicant to be in their home country to apply. The non 'O-A' and METV being two examples.

I think we just have to "agree to disagree" on this point, as it would require mind-reading skills to know with certainty what is "assumed" and/or "wanted" by just reading the rules. Per common-law, "If it doesn't explicitly say you can't, then you can." But I concede that your interpretation could also be correct.

I think we would all like to hear a transcript of the discussions and memos that led to the METV rules - and why they did not decide to impliment other rules - back-to-back and/or maximum-stay/yr. One would think those questions must have come up in the discussions. Many theories have been put forward, but none of us have any inside-info (that I am aware) to claim them as fact.

[JLCrab]

For the US, in addition to the usual DS-82 type formalities, the following would be required to apply for a second passport (for Washington DC):

http://www.travisa.com/travforms/DC_Second_PPT_letter.pdf

BTW there is a post above that says in effect that if it is doesn't say you can't, you can. However most of the visa application forms for Thailand seem to have a boiler plate warning that we can ask for any additional information and/or deny your visa for any reason we deem appropriate as by a 'competent official.

[bamukloy]

It would be interested to know peoples opinion:

If you were planning on using the METV for continual 6 months stay, would you choose to use:

2 entries+2 extensions+ 1 visa run

OR

3 visa runs (no extensions)

By my calculations it would work out just as easy to 3 visa runs, but maybe i am overlooking something?

[JLCrab]

It would be interested to know peoples opinion:

If you were planning on using the METV for continual 6 months stay, would you choose to use:

2 entries+2 extensions+ 1 visa run

OR

3 visa runs (no extensions)

By my calculations it would work out just as easy to 3 visa runs, but maybe i am overlooking something?

Depends how close to the port of entry you are -- no big deal to do 3 entries if you live in Nong Khai.

[bamukloy]

It would be interested to know peoples opinion:

If you were planning on using the METV for continual 6 months stay, would you choose to use:

2 entries+2 extensions+ 1 visa run

OR

3 visa runs (no extensions)

By my calculations it would work out just as easy to 3 visa runs, but maybe i am overlooking something?

Depends how close to the port of entry you are -- no big deal to do 3 entries if you live in Nong Khai.

Yes JL, i also had that thought as i hit the post button.

I have a friend in Bkk who reports to using some Casino bus to Aranyaphatet. From memory its only around 600 baht, one complete day and not to much trouble.

I guess its more harder if in Chaing Mai,Rai or down south.

[ubonjoe]

It would be interested to know peoples opinion:

If you were planning on using the METV for continual 6 months stay, would you choose to use:

2 entries+2 extensions+ 1 visa run

OR

3 visa runs (no extensions)

By my calculations it would work out just as easy to 3 visa runs, but maybe i am overlooking something?

Depends how close to the port of entry you are -- no big deal to do 3 entries if you live in Nong Khai.

Yes JL, i also had that thought as i hit the post button.

I have a friend in Bkk who reports to using some Casino bus to Aranyaphatet. From memory its only around 600 baht, one complete day and not to much trouble.

I guess its more harder if in Chaing Mai,Rai or down south.

You still have to pay $30 for the Cambodia visa on arrival.

From here in Ubon the border runs might look good for a person living here. The Chong Mek border crossing is not much further than the immigration office is. Pay $35 for the Laos VOA and do some duty free shopping.

[JB300]

It would be interested to know peoples opinion:

If you were planning on using the METV for continual 6 months stay, would you choose to use:

2 entries+2 extensions+ 1 visa run

OR

3 visa runs (no extensions)

By my calculations it would work out just as easy to 3 visa runs, but maybe i am overlooking something?

Depends how close to the port of entry you are -- no big deal to do 3 entries if you live in Nong Khai.

I honestly can not imagine being on holiday (i.e. a tourist) for 60 days in any 1 country & can't remember the last time I stayed in one for 30 days, never mind 60 or 90... Why would you travel all the way from US, UK etc... & then not visit Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, China, Hong Kong, Philippines... Etc... Etc...

(IMHO) a genuine tourist would be looking to maximize their time in the region & visit as many other places/countries as they can, E.g when my parents come to visit me in Singapore, there's always a "side trip" to Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand etc... & not for "Visa reasons" (Brits get 90 days in Singapore) but because they've travelled all this way & it would be a shame not to visit/experience different places.

[JLCrab]

Well at least for me I have been traveling in Asia for almost 30 years. Now my goal is travel as little as possible.

As for a pure tourist from the USA who did want to visit all those countries, the METV seems great as they could travel in-and-out of Thailand at will as many times as they want for almost 6 months with a final 2 months in Thailand without ever setting foot in a Thai immigration office so I don't see what would be the big downside for them.

As I still have time, if I found a way via Visa route (METV, O-A, or B ) to stay long term in Thailand better than my current extension of stay and without ever having to visit an Immigration office again, that would be something in its favor.

[bamukloy]

Well at least for me I have been traveling in Asia for almost 30 years. Now my goal is travel as little as possible.

As for a pure tourist from the USA who did want to visit all those countries, the METV seems great as they could travel in-and-out of Thailand at will as many times as they want for almost 6 months with a final 2 months in Thailand without ever setting foot in a Thai immigration office so I don't see what would be the big downside for them.

As I still have time, if I found a way via Visa route (METV, O-A, or B ) to stay long term in Thailand better than my current extension of stay and without ever having to visit an Immigration office again, that would be something in its favor.

If thats the case it looks like your only option is citizenship

[JLCrab]

Well at least for me I have been traveling in Asia for almost 30 years. Now my goal is travel as little as possible.

As for a pure tourist from the USA who did want to visit all those countries, the METV seems great as they could travel in-and-out of Thailand at will as many times as they want for almost 6 months with a final 2 months in Thailand without ever setting foot in a Thai immigration office so I don't see what would be the big downside for them.

As I still have time, if I found a way via Visa route (METV, O-A, or B ) to stay long term in Thailand better than my current extension of stay and without ever having to visit an Immigration office again, that would be something in its favor.

If thats the case it looks like your only option is citizenship

No -- METV Visa would be good for 8 months plus one or two visa exempt runs to the Nong Khai Bridge; and Multiple entry one year B visa would give me almost 15 months with multiple trips to bridge and in the past I have had two ME 'B' visas.

The biggest problem m with the O-A which I would qualify for is they want minimum 15 working days processing in Washington DC or a trip to the DC area for in-person and that is longer than I care to spend in the USA these days.

However I have now been on continuous extension of stay for 8 years so I would not give that up lightly unless circumstances were to change drastically without any consideration as to previuos continued stay.

[spambot]

Monday is going to be a big day where METV theory meets real life.

Big general Macro indicators awaited:

1. How different Embassy's/Consulates interpret what should be the same set of standards to issue the new METV
2. Experiences of applications turning up at either overseas of home country Embassy/Consulate.

I am also guessing that many new applicants on the day will have no idea this change has actually taken place. I went to Vientiane earlier this week to get an early double tourist visa before they ended. I was expecting a huge stampede of applicants, but there was none. I saw at the end of the queue (Thursday) the highest ticket number was 251 - The last time I was there this number was over 620,

From the many people I spoke to they had no idea of this change taking place and a few even thought they could actually get their METV this week on their current application. There was entirely no information available anywhere at the Embassy and none of the staff knew much what was happening next Monday. Its going to be an interesting read on this forum what actually does happen

ThaiVisa could charge a pay per view subscription for next week and probably get plenty of customers. I would also not be in the least surprised to find someone somewhere at some Embassy resetting calibrations on what we thought we knew.

[JackThompson]

...METV Visa would be good for 8 months plus one or two visa exempt runs to the Nong Khai Bridge; and Multiple entry one year B visa would give me almost 15 months with multiple trips to bridge and in the past I have had two ME 'B' visas.

The biggest problem m with the O-A which I would qualify for is they want minimum 15 working days processing in Washington DC or a trip to the DC area for in-person and that is longer than I care to spend in the USA these days.

However I have now been on continuous extension of stay for 8 years so I would not give that up lightly unless circumstances were to change drastically without any consideration as to previuos continued stay.

You might consider the honorary consulate in Hawaii for the O-A visa. I read a report here where someone did this. I am not sure of the turnaround-time, but the location would be preferable to DC, for most. Shorter plane flight, too. This might also be the best choice for in-person METV applicants - but no reports on that yet.

[JLCrab]

...METV Visa would be good for 8 months plus one or two visa exempt runs to the Nong Khai Bridge; and Multiple entry one year B visa would give me almost 15 months with multiple trips to bridge and in the past I have had two ME 'B' visas.

The biggest problem m with the O-A which I would qualify for is they want minimum 15 working days processing in Washington DC or a trip to the DC area for in-person and that is longer than I care to spend in the USA these days.

However I have now been on continuous extension of stay for 8 years so I would not give that up lightly unless circumstances were to change drastically without any consideration as to previuos continued stay.

You might consider the honorary consulate in Hawaii for the O-A visa. I read a report here where someone did this. I am not sure of the turnaround-time, but the location would be preferable to DC, for most. Shorter plane flight, too. This might also be the best choice for in-person METV applicants - but no reports on that yet.

Hawaii? Thanks. Well maybe worth considering should I ever go that route but my home base is Florida and I am (for non-honorary consulate stuff) a designated user of Washington DC embassy.

[swampdonkey]

It would be interested to know peoples opinion:

If you were planning on using the METV for continual 6 months stay, would you choose to use:

2 entries+2 extensions+ 1 visa run

OR

3 visa runs (no extensions)

By my calculations it would work out just as easy to 3 visa runs, but maybe i am overlooking something?

Depends how close to the port of entry you are -- no big deal to do 3 entries if you live in Nong Khai.

I honestly can not imagine being on holiday (i.e. a tourist) for 60 days in any 1 country & can't remember the last time I stayed in one for 30 days, never mind 60 or 90... Why would you travel all the way from US, UK etc... & then not visit Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, China, Hong Kong, Philippines... Etc... Etc...

(IMHO) a genuine tourist would be looking to maximize their time in the region & visit as many other places/countries as they can, E.g when my parents come to visit me in Singapore, there's always a "side trip" to Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand etc... & not for "Visa reasons" (Brits get 90 days in Singapore) but because they've travelled all this way & it would be a shame not to visit/experience different places.

I travel from the Uk every year and only leave Thailand to activate another visa entry.

It takes me 24 hours from I leave home until I arrive in my hotel room

That is more than enough traveling for me.

I have no interest in a side trip

[uptheos]

...METV Visa would be good for 8 months plus one or two visa exempt runs to the Nong Khai Bridge; and Multiple entry one year B visa would give me almost 15 months with multiple trips to bridge and in the past I have had two ME 'B' visas.

The biggest problem m with the O-A which I would qualify for is they want minimum 15 working days processing in Washington DC or a trip to the DC area for in-person and that is longer than I care to spend in the USA these days.

However I have now been on continuous extension of stay for 8 years so I would not give that up lightly unless circumstances were to change drastically without any consideration as to previuos continued stay.

You might consider the honorary consulate in Hawaii for the O-A visa. I read a report here where someone did this. I am not sure of the turnaround-time, but the location would be preferable to DC, for most. Shorter plane flight, too. This might also be the best choice for in-person METV applicants - but no reports on that yet.

If I were in Hawaii I'd stay there!

[No Name]

The 30 day extension is available only to tourist visas and not the multi entry non-immigrant visas.

As the METV is a tourist visa it qualifies for any entry to be extended by 30 days.

That's a good point.

Did not think on that, focused on the multiple instead.

So lets hope, I'm the only one ;-)