The Multiple Entry Tourist Visa Topic (METV)

[BritTim]

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.

The casino bus is 200 baht each way (300 baht return if using the same bus fo the return, but that requires a long wait). However, to that 300-400 baht, you must add $30 (over 1000 baht) for the Cambodia visa and extra space taken up in the passport. Other things being equal, I would pay a little extra for the extension and avoid spending about 8 hours on a Bangkok to Poi Pet border run.

[MobileContent]

It will be interesting to see if more people start reverting to ED-Visas & whether the requirements around these start to ease off a bit.

I think the requirements might increase in terms of financial proof of between 100-200,000 Baht if someone wants to stay for one year on an educational visa. It would make sense as they do it now already with the METV or retirement (400/800k).

The best would be if they drop completely the minimum of 50 years age rule and let even younger people stay in Thailand as long they have 400k in the account. But if they got court working illegally, they will be deported and banned for a couple of years.

[BritTim]

Most of the posts on the METV have been focussed on its relevance to first world countries. Assuming the stated requirements are enforced, the METV will almost never be appropriate for citizens of those countries. Short term visitors (even those on tours that involve multiple entries into Thailand) can just use visa exempt entries. I think the METV is mainly applicable for citizens of countries not qualifying for visa exempt entries or visas on arrival. For them, an METV might be essential, though there are not many of them.

[JLCrab]

Per the above, countries not eligible for 30 day visa exempt entry but for 15 day visa on arrival (as of 25 AUG 2015, MFA):

Andora Bulgaria Bhutan China Cyprus Ethiopia India Kazakhstan Latvia Lithuania Maldives Malta Mauritius Romania San Marino Saudi Arabia Taiwan Ukraine Uzbekistan

Edited November 16, 2015 by JLCrab

[JB300]

Per the above, countries not eligible for 30 day visa exempt entry but for 15 day visa on arrival (as of 25 AUG 2015, MFA):

Andora Bulgaria Bhutan China Cyprus Ethiopia India Kazakhstan Latvia Lithuania Maldives Malta Mauritius Romania San Marino Saudi Arabia Taiwan Ukraine Uzbekistan

I thought they'd changed the rule for China so they can now get VE entries (given that the Chinese seem to be the main target for tourism it would make sense to).

Also thought I'd read that it was reciprocal & much easier for Thais to travel to China now.

[JLCrab]

Per the above, countries not eligible for 30 day visa exempt entry but for 15 day visa on arrival (as of 25 AUG 2015, MFA):

Andora Bulgaria Bhutan China Cyprus Ethiopia India Kazakhstan Latvia Lithuania Maldives Malta Mauritius Romania San Marino Saudi Arabia Taiwan Ukraine Uzbekistan

I thought they'd changed the rule for China so they can now get VE entries (given that the Chinese seem to be the main target for tourism it would make sense to).

Also thought I'd read that it was reciprocal & much easier for Thais to travel to China now.

http://www.consular.go.th/main/contents/filemanager/VISA/Visa%20on%20Arrival/VOA_25_08_58.pdf

[ubonjoe]

Per the above, countries not eligible for 30 day visa exempt entry but for 15 day visa on arrival (as of 25 AUG 2015, MFA):

Andora Bulgaria Bhutan China Cyprus Ethiopia India Kazakhstan Latvia Lithuania Maldives Malta Mauritius Romania San Marino Saudi Arabia Taiwan Ukraine Uzbekistan

I thought they'd changed the rule for China so they can now get VE entries (given that the Chinese seem to be the main target for tourism it would make sense to).

Also thought I'd read that it was reciprocal & much easier for Thais to travel to China now.

No change has been made. The only thing done was free tourist visas for Chinese for awhile.

For it to be reciprocal it would be done as a bilateral agreement and that has not been done.

Link to info JL quioted: http://www.consular.go.th/main/contents/filemanager/VISA/Visa%20on%20Arrival/VOA_25_08_58.pdf

[BritTim]

<delete : duplicates info given by UJ>

Edited November 16, 2015 by BritTim

[JLCrab]

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Six-month-multiple-entry-Thai-visa-from-this-month-for-Indians/articleshow/49676129.cms

Six-month, multiple-entry Thai visa from this month for Indians

Soraya Homchuen, director, TAT Mumbai office said: "I expect that frequent travellers from India as well as Indian travel agents, will be very happy with the news of the METV. Of late, Thailand has gained popularity for weekend getaways, especially on long weekends, in addition to already being India's favourite for family vacations and annual holidays. I am certain that the convenience of already having a visa in-hand will encourage more impromptu trips to Thailand."

[JB300]

That's one demographic I hadn't considered & you can see how it will benefit Indians who want to pop to Thailand a few times over a 6 month period.

Edited November 16, 2015 by JB300

[MobileContent]

The multiple-entry tourist visa (METV), will cost THB5,000, and is available to all foreign nationals, but it understood it will mostly benefit travellers from China and India who are required to apply for visas, either at an embassy, or through a visa-on-arrival (India) scheme. The latter is time-consuming and causes congestion in the terminal building during peak travel months.

The maximum stay on the new visa is 60 days so technically a visitor could make three trips to cover the six months validity. They would then have to reapply for a new visa in their home-country. It is doubtful that Thai embassies in a third country would issue this kind of visa as it would then be used by people who seek employment in the country without applying for a non-immigrant visa and a work permit.

http://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2015/09/thailand-introduces-a-new-visa/

[BritTim]

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Six-month-multiple-entry-Thai-visa-from-this-month-for-Indians/articleshow/49676129.cms

Six-month, multiple-entry Thai visa from this month for Indians

Soraya Homchuen, director, TAT Mumbai office said: "I expect that frequent travellers from India as well as Indian travel agents, will be very happy with the news of the METV. Of late, Thailand has gained popularity for weekend getaways, especially on long weekends, in addition to already being India's favourite for family vacations and annual holidays. I am certain that the convenience of already having a visa in-hand will encourage more impromptu trips to Thailand."

For Indian (or Chinese) visitors who know ahead of time that they will want to make several visits over the period of a few months, the METV certainly makes sense. Those who make an initial visit, like it, and periodically come again, may well just go for VOAs as it is simpler than dealing with the embassy. It will be interesting to see how many Indian and Chinese citizens do, indeed, apply for the METV.

[Kitsune]

If the visa is intended for weekender's, for "weekend get aways" why do you need so much money in the bank?

[JLCrab]

If the visa is intended for weekender's, for "weekend get aways" why do you need so much money in the bank?

Yes -- it says weekend getaways (plural) not a weekend getaway (singular). From the same Times of India article:

The new visa will allow visitors to enter and leave the country as often as they want over the six-month period;

[Asiantravel]

If the visa is intended for weekender's, for "weekend get aways" why do you need so much money in the bank?

good point! Many Indians are inherently distrustful of leaving their wealth in the bank in the form of fiat currency and if they have a spare Rs 400,000 lying about they would prefer to plough it into gold. I can't see many Indians being lured into complying with these conditions just to get the Visa.

Edited November 16, 2015 by Asiantravel

[JLCrab]

If the visa is intended for weekender's, for "weekend get aways" why do you need so much money in the bank?

good point! Many Indians are inherently distrustful of leaving their wealth in the bank in the form of fiat currency and if they have a spare Rs 400,000 lying about they would prefer to plough it into gold. I can't see many Indians being lured into complying with these conditions just to get the Visa.

Well I guess it's the new sport to take pot-shots but I'm not sure that the regulations will say that the money has to be in an Indian bank.

[Kitsune]

If the visa is intended for weekender's, for "weekend get aways" why do you need so much money in the bank?

Yes -- it says weekend getaways (plural) not a weekend getaway (singular). From the same Times of India article:

The new visa will allow visitors to enter and leave the country as often as they want over the six-month period;

Even for, let's be crazy -in terms of Indian holidays- four weekends, why would you have to prove that you had 7000USD for 6 months in a current account, where salary/pension is paid and where you have regular transactions, so not a saving account?

(By the way foreigners can apply in India for METV through VFS )

1. • The bank statement is stamped by the bank
   • The bank statement should cover the full history for the last year 6 months
   • The account must have regular financial transactions with minimum balance of Rs.400,000 per applicant
   • It is favourable if salary/pension/regular income is deposited to that account
   • http://www.vfs-thailand.co.in/Kolkata/Category_TR_Tourismmutiple.html

Edited November 16, 2015 by Kitsune

[MobileContent]

good point! Many Indians are inherently distrustful of leaving their wealth in the bank in the form of fiat currency and if they have a spare Rs 400,000 lying about they would prefer to plough it into gold. I can't see many Indians being lured into complying with these conditions just to get the Visa.

The Indians I know are loaded with cash and they don't need to show up with a savings account but they have investment accounts and 400,000 Rs is really nothing for them. TAT tries to promote the METV to cash rich Indians and the embassy would be surprised how much money they have, specially the Singh's and Sikhs. No one talks about the Indians from Tamil Nadhu but the HiSo Indians and they have huge money to spend and a lot of them have been to Europe, the US etc and the requirements to Europe is similar then what Thailand is asking for.

Cheap Indians and Cheap Farangs will not qualify for the visa as it looks now but Thailand want the Indians that are loaded with cash and not the average Raju or John to come to Thailand. Raju's are still ok as they get a single entry and are back home but to many John's are in Thailand that want to stay forever and it looks like it is those John's that will be most affected that are unable to show 200,000 Baht in their account.

I still think good move from Thailand. The average John still can get a single entry at any embassy or consulate worldwide but after 3 to 4 times requesting a visa, the doors will get closed and then its off to their home countries to proof that they have the money to support them-self and not work as a diving instructor, teacher, selling timeshare memberships and if they want to stay longterm in Thailand they need a None Immigrant and a work permit and pay taxes.

[JLCrab]

If the visa is intended for weekender's, for "weekend get aways" why do you need so much money in the bank?

Yes -- it says weekend getaways (plural) not a weekend getaway (singular). From the same Times of India article:

The new visa will allow visitors to enter and leave the country as often as they want over the six-month period;

Even for, let's be crazy -in terms of Indian holidays- four weekends, why would you have to prove that you had 7000USD for 6 months in a current account, where salary/pension is paid and where you have regular transactions, so not a saving account?

(By the way foreigners can apply in India for METV through VFS )

1. • The bank statement is stamped by the bank
   • The bank statement should cover the full history for the last year 6 months
   • The account must have regular financial transactions with minimum balance of Rs.400,000 per applicant
   • It is favourable if salary/pension/regular income is deposited to that account
   • http://www.vfs-thailand.co.in/Kolkata/Category_TR_Tourismmutiple.html

Why? I don't know -- maybe they asked a few Indian travel experts, travel agents,and frequent Indian travelers to Thailand etc., in India before they made up the rules.

[elviajero]

Even for, let's be crazy -in terms of Indian holidays- four weekends, why would you have to prove that you had 7000USD for 6 months in a current account, where salary/pension is paid and where you have regular transactions, so not a saving account?

(By the way foreigners can apply in India for METV through VFS )

• • The bank statement is stamped by the bank
  • The bank statement should cover the full history for the last year 6 months
  • The account must have regular financial transactions with minimum balance of Rs.400,000 per applicant
  • It is favourable if salary/pension/regular income is deposited to that account
  • http://www.vfs-thailand.co.in/Kolkata/Category_TR_Tourismmutiple.html

"(By the way foreigners can apply in India for METV through VFS )"

Have you confirmed that fact with VFS?

Edited November 16, 2015 by elviajero

[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.

Bickering over the requirements is also off topic. Time to end it.

Again

[seancbk]

A young couple thinking lets take some time out in Thailand for 6 months may save up to the point of travel.

But to have saved £10,000 & have it laying in a bank account for 6 months.

They would be on SETV's or off somewhere else as soon as they'd saved the money.

Yes £10K for a couple is madness.

What is the age cut-off for visas or for these requirements? Would a family of 4 (2 adults and their two kids aged 18 and 20) really need to show 20,000 pounds in the bank?

Would it need to be in 4 different bank accounts or can it all be in one account?

There is no proviso for dependants, good point about the age cut off for dependants.

Letters from school or newsagents where they have a paper round?

"Apparently" families wouldn't travel like this & I couldn't see many would.

Maybe it will be cleared up, I just feel this isn't for visiting tourists. Maybe wrong.

No I don't suppose it is aimed at families really. That said I bet there are families living in Thailand on back to back tourist visas and if so they are one group that will definitely be affected by these new visa requirements.

I will miss the convenience of having a double or triple entry visa in my passport. I go and visit my Sister and her kids in Macau using the 2nd and sometimes 3rd entries to return to Thailand.

If I can only get single entries I won't be able to fly to Macau to see them, as there is no Thai Consulate in Macau...... and not being able to go and see my family is a big issue for me.

However I can't meet the requirements for the METV as I don't live in the UK, don't work in the UK and can't show 5000 quid in any bank account, nor do I want to be forced to fly to the UK to get the visa.....

I might be able to get Visas in Hong Kong as I'm a permanent resident there, but going to HK (from Macau and back) plus a night in HK adds a considerable extra cost to the visa....

[jacksam]

Seancbk your just one of many genuine folk that are excluded from this rubbish metv

[jacksam]

Will be interesting when first posts filter into thaivisa about first experience applying for metv.

I might go get one. But I need to be in Australia .

Pass

[JackThompson]

,,, to many John's are in Thailand that want to stay forever and it looks like it is those John's that will be most affected that are ...

... unwilling to blow 80K Baht on a useless trip, to a place they don't want to visit, to get a visa. The "money in the bank" and "proof of self employment / owning their own enterprise" are NOT the key issue for many of the "John" folks here.

,,, The average John still can get a single entry at any embassy or consulate worldwide but after 3 to 4 times requesting a visa...

... from various consulates in the region, to avoid wearing out welcome at any particular one, plus obtaining several visa exempt entries. After ~2 years, they will need to apply for a new passport at their consulate before starting the process again.

But this path is only available to those from nations that receive those privileges. From what I can tell, the METV is, as earlier posters pointed out, designed for a small slice of visitors from nations that cannot get visas in the region - India being the perfect example. It is in no way a replacement for the 2 and 3 entry visas obtainable prior.

[jacksam]

Jack spot on. Most folk connected the end of double and triple tv with the new metv. The main thing that caused this was it was all done on same date. They all are yes tourist visas but completely unrelated. The metv did not replace. It is a new visa and the previous ones expunged.

Glad Jack t for one understands difference

[thaibeast]

I sent my local consulate an email. I got a bit of clarification for the METV. Any local consulate can give you a METV. The job verification is not required. Only the money and bank statements will be required. I'm in the states though.

[Gringogazzer]

A young couple thinking lets take some time out in Thailand for 6 months may save up to the point of travel.

But to have saved £10,000 & have it laying in a bank account for 6 months.

They would be on SETV's or off somewhere else as soon as they'd saved the money.

Yes £10K for a couple is madness.

What is the age cut-off for visas or for these requirements? Would a family of 4 (2 adults and their two kids aged 18 and 20) really need to show 20,000 pounds in the bank?

Would it need to be in 4 different bank accounts or can it all be in one account?

There is no proviso for dependants, good point about the age cut off for dependants.

Letters from school or newsagents where they have a paper round?

"Apparently" families wouldn't travel like this & I couldn't see many would.

Maybe it will be cleared up, I just feel this isn't for visiting tourists. Maybe wrong.

No I don't suppose it is aimed at families really. That said I bet there are families living in Thailand on back to back tourist visas and if so they are one group that will definitely be affected by these new visa requirements.

I will miss the convenience of having a double or triple entry visa in my passport. I go and visit my Sister and her kids in Macau using the 2nd and sometimes 3rd entries to return to Thailand.

If I can only get single entries I won't be able to fly to Macau to see them, as there is no Thai Consulate in Macau...... and not being able to go and see my family is a big issue for me.

However I can't meet the requirements for the METV as I don't live in the UK, don't work in the UK and can't show 5000 quid in any bank account, nor do I want to be forced to fly to the UK to get the visa.....

I might be able to get Visas in Hong Kong as I'm a permanent resident there, but going to HK (from Macau and back) plus a night in HK adds a considerable extra cost to the visa....

Your forced to return from Macau on visa exempt then obtain a SETV once returned.

But how long will that be tolerated???

They were already asking after several back to back visas asking for proof of funds and residence from what I read.

METV seems to be a way of vetting long term stayers.

Mobilecontent confirmed the German embassy, once the requirements are met will issue the METV back to back no problem. No restriction of length of stay.

If that's the purpose then give people a straight forward visa stating that for a year then returning home to renew.

Or maybe it's for rich Indian's, but not that I can see for visiting tourists from the west or upfront for those staying long term from my narrow view point.

[gk10002000]

I see the Thai Consulate in Washington has now posted their METV requirements for Americans. Yes, the bank balance and employment requirements are there. Regarding the funds, it is interesting that they state "bank balance or evidence of adequate finance", so presumably that could mean monetary assets other than bank accounts, such as accounts at investment firms.

Purpose of Visit: This type of visa is issued to applicants who wish to enter the Kingdom for tourism purposes.

Documents Required:

1. Your actual Passport or Travel Document. (Passport or Travel Document must not expire within 6 months and contain at least ONE completely empty visa page).

2. One visa application form completely filled out (Download)

3. Two passport-size photographs (2″x2″) (photocopy or photo taken from Photostat will not be accepted). Photographs must have a light color background with a full- face view of the person without wearing a hat or dark glasses and covering up shoulders Photos must be taken within 6 months.

4. Flight confirmation/reservation (The name of the applicant must clearly appear on it)

5. Hotel reservation confirmation (The name of the applicant must clearly appear on it)

6. A copy of bank statement or evidence of adequate finance for the last 6 months with a minimum balance of $7,000 (every months) (The name of the applicant must clearly appear on it)

7. For non-US citizen, a copy of permanent resident alien card or a copy of valid US visa

8. An employment verification

9. For students, full-time student status proof

10.For self-employed, business license or business registration indicating the applicant’s name.

11.For minor under 20 years old, copy of a birth certificate, copies of mother and father’s passports/ID and copy of Marriage Certificate if any, letter of consent from mother and father for the minor to travel abroad in case not accommany with the child (have to be notarized) . in case of sole custody, a copy of court order must be provided

http://thaiembdc.org/tourist-visa-category-tr-multiple-metv/

I am a contract engineer. I am not an independent as I work on W-2s and get paid by payroll agency companies when I support a client. When a contract ends, I do get unemployment compensation, but I am unemployed. Technically I, nor anybody else that is not employed could not get a METV That would include Retired people. This seems nuts. Also while my net worth is approaching one mil, I don't keep exactly 7,000 minimum balance for a running 6 months! When working, I pile up money then invest it. I certainly always have 5K laying around but my paychecks are pretty big and I get paid every two weeks so I know I always have another 5K coming in so not too worried about how much cash I have in hand. This METV as written looks really weird.

[thaibeast]

Again for those in the states a job verification is not required. This is what I was told by my local consulate. He said that is not required. It can also be obtained where you live. I'm not sure why the website says it's required though.