METV visa advice

[mlkik]

AS a UK citizen the following is required for an METV application. This is taken from the Thai Consulate website

1. A completed application form with 2 identical professionally printed photographs (45mm high x 35mm wide);
2. A current passport with validity of over 6 months beyond the date of application;
3. Proof of resident status in the UK or Ireland (Passport or UK/Ireland residence card) along with a photocopy;
4. Original bank statement of the applicant showing a balance of at least £5,000 (for 6 months) or a print-out with official stamp of the bank.
5. A letter from the applicant’s employer (in the UK and addressed to the Royal Thai Consulate) stating length of service and expected return to work. If you are self-employed your self-assessment form.
6. A photocopy of the confirmed air ticket to Thailand;
7. A photocopy of the hotel reservation confirmation in Thailand.

Does the air ticked have to be a return ? I plan on converting the visa and staying in Thailand on the basis of being 50 and retirement.

As far as the hotel reservation is concerned can I just reserve a hotel for a few days or not ? I intend renting a condo with my girlfriend and do not want to stay in a hotel.

[elviajero]

• No you don't need a return ticket.
• A hotel reservation of any length should be ok, or a letter from your girlfriend confirming that you will live with her.

If you are planning to convert to an extension of stay based on retirement you only need a single entry tourist visa.

Edited February 3, 2016 by elviajero

[mlkik]

I will not be 50 until mid March 2017 and will go to Thailand September 2016. This is why I will need the METV.

[darrendsd]

I will not be 50 until mid March 2017 and will go to Thailand September 2016. This is why I will need the METV.

You could get a single entry from the UK and then after that another one from Laos, this should see you through until March

[mlkik]

I will not be 50 until mid March 2017 and will go to Thailand September 2016. This is why I will need the METV.

You could get a single entry from the UK and then after that another one from Laos, this should see you through until March

So do you suggest the single entry and then extending if for 30 days and then from Laos getting another single and extending it ? If I go in September it will be rather tight as I am 50 mid March and there will not be much room to play with.

I am greatful for all advice as it is a bit scary at the moment on what to do.

[elviajero]

I will not be 50 until mid March 2017 and will go to Thailand September 2016. This is why I will need the METV.

You could get a single entry from the UK and then after that another one from Laos, this should see you through until March

So do you suggest the single entry and then extending if for 30 days and then from Laos getting another single and extending it ? If I go in September it will be rather tight as I am 50 mid March and there will not be much room to play with.

I am greatful for all advice as it is a bit scary at the moment on what to do.

Sounds like the METV would be you're best option if you can get it.

I don't think two SETV's will be enough but that depends on your travel dates. You might need to do a border hop at the end of the second SETV to get a 30 day visa exempt entry as you need to be 50 and have at least 15 days left of your stay to do a conversion.

[mlkik]

I will not be 50 until mid March 2017 and will go to Thailand September 2016. This is why I will need the METV.

You could get a single entry from the UK and then after that another one from Laos, this should see you through until March

So do you suggest the single entry and then extending if for 30 days and then from Laos getting another single and extending it ? If I go in September it will be rather tight as I am 50 mid March and there will not be much room to play with.

I am greatful for all advice as it is a bit scary at the moment on what to do.

Sounds like the METV would be you're best option if you can get it.

I don't think two SETV's will be enough but that depends on your travel dates. You might need to do a border hop at the end of the second SETV to get a 30 day visa exempt entry as you need to be 50 and have at least 15 days left of your stay to do a conversion.

I have enought cash in my UK bank account for the METV and can get a letter from my employer stating I am employed and on unpaid leave and an expected return to work date. I will then email my notice once the long stay on retirement grounds has been issued.

[darrendsd]

I will not be 50 until mid March 2017 and will go to Thailand September 2016. This is why I will need the METV.

You could get a single entry from the UK and then after that another one from Laos, this should see you through until March

So do you suggest the single entry and then extending if for 30 days and then from Laos getting another single and extending it ? If I go in September it will be rather tight as I am 50 mid March and there will not be much room to play with.

I am greatful for all advice as it is a bit scary at the moment on what to do.

Sounds like the METV would be you're best option if you can get it.

I don't think two SETV's will be enough but that depends on your travel dates. You might need to do a border hop at the end of the second SETV to get a 30 day visa exempt entry as you need to be 50 and have at least 15 days left of your stay to do a conversion.

You can get the SETV from the UK which will get you a total of 90 days

Then when this is finished do a border hop and get another 30 days which you can extend by another 30 at any Immigration within Thailand

After that go to Laos and get another SETV

Give or take a few days doing it this way will give you a total of 8 months, plenty of time

Edited February 3, 2016 by darrendsd

[mlkik]

I am spending 3.5 weeks in Thailand in April and coming backto the UK for 2 months. On 7th July I had planned another holiday but have now today decided that in July this will be when I make the move for good. Why come back and waste more of my life in the UK ? As far as I can work out in going in July a METV with extensions will get me through until 15th March when I am 50 and apply for long term stay on grounds of retirement.

Is this do able ?

Edited February 3, 2016 by mlkik

[elviajero]

I am spending 3.5 weeks in Thailand in April and coming back for 2 months. On 7th July I had planned another holiday but have now today decided that in July this will be when I make the move for good. Why come back and waste more of my life in the UK ? As far as I can work out in going in July a METV with extensions will get me through until 15th March when I am 50 and apply for long term stay on grounds of retirement.

Is this do able ?

Yes it is but if you want to maximise the visa make sure you buy it as late as possible as they are valid for 6 months from the issue date. Your last entry must be on of before the 6 month 'enter before' date.

Edited February 3, 2016 by elviajero

[mlkik]

I am spending 3.5 weeks in Thailand in April and coming back for 2 months. On 7th July I had planned another holiday but have now today decided that in July this will be when I make the move for good. Why come back and waste more of my life in the UK ? As far as I can work out in going in July a METV with extensions will get me through until 15th March when I am 50 and apply for long term stay on grounds of retirement.

Is this do able ?

Yes it is but if you want to maximise the visa make sure you buy it as late as possible as they are valid for 6 months from the issue date. Your last entry must be on of before the 6 month 'enter before' date.

I thought that the six months starts from the first time you enter Thailand and the clock starts ticking as from the first entry ?

[elviajero]

I am spending 3.5 weeks in Thailand in April and coming back for 2 months. On 7th July I had planned another holiday but have now today decided that in July this will be when I make the move for good. Why come back and waste more of my life in the UK ? As far as I can work out in going in July a METV with extensions will get me through until 15th March when I am 50 and apply for long term stay on grounds of retirement.

Is this do able ?

Yes it is but if you want to maximise the visa make sure you buy it as late as possible as they are valid for 6 months from the issue date. Your last entry must be on of before the 6 month 'enter before' date.

I thought that the six months starts from the first time you enter Thailand and the clock starts ticking as from the first entry ?

Unfortunately not.

[mlkik]

My flight is on the 6th July so when should I apply for my METV ?

[elviajero]

My flight is on the 6th July so when should I apply for my METV ?

I wouldn't leave it to the last minute. If you apply in person they are issued the same day. If you apply by post it must be to the embassy in London. They say to allow 3 - 5 working days.

Example: If it's issued on July 1st the 'enter before' date will be Dec 31st. If you were to make your last entry on Dec 31st, and extend that stay by 30 days, it would give you until March 30th 2017.

[mlkik]

I would like to do a same day application. Do they do same day in London ? I live in Norwich so this would be the closest for me.

[mlkik]

My flight is on the 6th July so when should I apply for my METV ?

I wouldn't leave it to the last minute. If you apply in person they are issued the same day. If you apply by post it must be to the embassy in London. They say to allow 3 - 5 working days.

Example: If it's issued on July 1st the 'enter before' date will be Dec 31st. If you were to make your last entry on Dec 31st, and extend that stay by 30 days, it would give you until March 30th 2017.

I will be 50 March 15th so on that basis do I have enough time on my visa to convert to stay for retirement reasons ?

[sunnyjim5]

My flight is on the 6th July so when should I apply for my METV ?

I wouldn't leave it to the last minute. If you apply in person they are issued the same day. If you apply by post it must be to the embassy in London. They say to allow 3 - 5 working days.

Example: If it's issued on July 1st the 'enter before' date will be Dec 31st. If you were to make your last entry on Dec 31st, and extend that stay by 30 days, it would give you until March 30th 2017.

I will be 50 March 15th so on that basis do I have enough time on my visa to convert to stay for retirement reasons ?

Using the above example.

If you entered on 31 Dec and are fifty on March 15 it would not seem likely that there would be enough time to secure an "O" visa conversion unless you were very lucky.

Better to plan on obtaining an "O" visa after March 15 from Vientiane or Penang.

[mlkik]

My flight is on the 6th July so when should I apply for my METV ?

I wouldn't leave it to the last minute. If you apply in person they are issued the same day. If you apply by post it must be to the embassy in London. They say to allow 3 - 5 working days.

Example: If it's issued on July 1st the 'enter before' date will be Dec 31st. If you were to make your last entry on Dec 31st, and extend that stay by 30 days, it would give you until March 30th 2017.

I will be 50 March 15th so on that basis do I have enough time on my visa to convert to stay for retirement reasons ?

Using the above example.

If you entered on 31 Dec and are fifty on March 15 it would not seem likely that there would be enough time to secure an "O" visa conversion unless you were very lucky.

Better to plan on obtaining an "O" visa after March 15 from Vientiane or Penang.

Would it be easier for me to return to the UK and apply for the visa here ?

[elviajero]

I wouldn't leave it to the last minute. If you apply in person they are issued the same day. If you apply by post it must be to the embassy in London. They say to allow 3 - 5 working days.

Example: If it's issued on July 1st the 'enter before' date will be Dec 31st. If you were to make your last entry on Dec 31st, and extend that stay by 30 days, it would give you until March 30th 2017.

I will be 50 March 15th so on that basis do I have enough time on my visa to convert to stay for retirement reasons ?

Using the above example.

If you entered on 31 Dec and are fifty on March 15 it would not seem likely that there would be enough time to secure an "O" visa conversion unless you were very lucky.

Better to plan on obtaining an "O" visa after March 15 from Vientiane or Penang.

Would it be easier for me to return to the UK and apply for the visa here ?

No. Easier to get the non 'O' in Vientiane or Penang.

[elviajero]

I would like to do a same day application. Do they do same day in London ? I live in Norwich so this would be the closest for me.

Yes they do.

[mlkik]

The information phone line says that when entering Thailand by land they only issue 15 days stay. I am getting really confused as what to do.

I will enter Thailand on 7th July with an METV and am 50 on 15th March 2017. I want to when 50 apply to stay for retirement. I will live in Jomtien so could you advise how to go about the leaving and entering Thailand after 90 days .

Thanks

[sunnyjim5]

The information phone line says that when entering Thailand by land they only issue 15 days stay. I am getting really confused as what to do.

I will enter Thailand on 7th July with an METV and am 50 on 15th March 2017. I want to when 50 apply to stay for retirement. I will live in Jomtien so could you advise how to go about the leaving and entering Thailand after 90 days .

Thanks

I do not know which "information phone line" you have been listening to but I do know that citizens of G7 countries ( including the UK) receive a 30 day stay if entering "visa exempt" at a land border. If entering with a valid visa a UK passport holder would be given a permission to stay which is determined by the visa held.

[elviajero]

The information phone line says that when entering Thailand by land they only issue 15 days stay. I am getting really confused as what to do.

I will enter Thailand on 7th July with an METV and am 50 on 15th March 2017. I want to when 50 apply to stay for retirement. I will live in Jomtien so could you advise how to go about the leaving and entering Thailand after 90 days .

Thanks

That rule is for visa exempt entries but as you're from the UK you get 30 days. That said you won't be using/needing visa exempt entry.

If I were you I would get a METV and use that up to age 50. With the METV you will get 60 days on each entry which you can extend by 30 days at immigration. At the end of the 90 days use a visa run company that will take you to the Cambodian border and back in one day. At the border you exit Thailand, enter Cambodia, turn around and re-enter Thailand.

Once you turn 50 go to Vientiane to get a non 'O' visa. Visa run companies will take you there for a reasonable fee. When you re-enter Thailand with the non 'O' visa you will be given a 90 days stay. In the last 30 days of that stay you can go to immigration and apply for a 1 year extension of stay based on retirement. That extension can be renewed each year.

[mlkik]

The information phone line says that when entering Thailand by land they only issue 15 days stay. I am getting really confused as what to do.

I will enter Thailand on 7th July with an METV and am 50 on 15th March 2017. I want to when 50 apply to stay for retirement. I will live in Jomtien so could you advise how to go about the leaving and entering Thailand after 90 days .

Thanks

That rule is for visa exempt entries but as you're from the UK you get 30 days. That said you won't be using/needing visa exempt entry.

If I were you I would get a METV and use that up to age 50. With the METV you will get 60 days on each entry which you can extend by 30 days at immigration. At the end of the 90 days use a visa run company that will take you to the Cambodian border and back in one day. At the border you exit Thailand, enter Cambodia, turn around and re-enter Thailand.

Once you turn 50 go to Vientiane to get a non 'O' visa. Visa run companies will take you there for a reasonable fee. When you re-enter Thailand with the non 'O' visa you will be given a 90 days stay. In the last 30 days of that stay you can go to immigration and apply for a 1 year extension of stay based on retirement. That extension can be renewed each year.

So the 90 day O visa is issued at the Thai Embassy in Vientiane ? Is it done in 1 day ? What do I need for this visa to be issued ? Thank you for your advice.

[elviajero]

The information phone line says that when entering Thailand by land they only issue 15 days stay. I am getting really confused as what to do.

I will enter Thailand on 7th July with an METV and am 50 on 15th March 2017. I want to when 50 apply to stay for retirement. I will live in Jomtien so could you advise how to go about the leaving and entering Thailand after 90 days .

Thanks

That rule is for visa exempt entries but as you're from the UK you get 30 days. That said you won't be using/needing visa exempt entry.

If I were you I would get a METV and use that up to age 50. With the METV you will get 60 days on each entry which you can extend by 30 days at immigration. At the end of the 90 days use a visa run company that will take you to the Cambodian border and back in one day. At the border you exit Thailand, enter Cambodia, turn around and re-enter Thailand.

Once you turn 50 go to Vientiane to get a non 'O' visa. Visa run companies will take you there for a reasonable fee. When you re-enter Thailand with the non 'O' visa you will be given a 90 days stay. In the last 30 days of that stay you can go to immigration and apply for a 1 year extension of stay based on retirement. That extension can be renewed each year.

So the 90 day O visa is issued at the Thai Embassy in Vientiane ? Is it done in 1 day ? What do I need for this visa to be issued ? Thank you for your advice.

Yes.

No. You apply in the morning of day 1 and collect your passport/visa day 2 in the afternoon.

You should open a bank account in Thailand and have the passbook updated, just before going to Vientiane, showing a minimum balance of 800k baht.

[mlkik]

The information phone line says that when entering Thailand by land they only issue 15 days stay. I am getting really confused as what to do.

I will enter Thailand on 7th July with an METV and am 50 on 15th March 2017. I want to when 50 apply to stay for retirement. I will live in Jomtien so could you advise how to go about the leaving and entering Thailand after 90 days .

Thanks

That rule is for visa exempt entries but as you're from the UK you get 30 days. That said you won't be using/needing visa exempt entry.

If I were you I would get a METV and use that up to age 50. With the METV you will get 60 days on each entry which you can extend by 30 days at immigration. At the end of the 90 days use a visa run company that will take you to the Cambodian border and back in one day. At the border you exit Thailand, enter Cambodia, turn around and re-enter Thailand.

Once you turn 50 go to Vientiane to get a non 'O' visa. Visa run companies will take you there for a reasonable fee. When you re-enter Thailand with the non 'O' visa you will be given a 90 days stay. In the last 30 days of that stay you can go to immigration and apply for a 1 year extension of stay based on retirement. That extension can be renewed each year.

So the 90 day O visa is issued at the Thai Embassy in Vientiane ? Is it done in 1 day ? What do I need for this visa to be issued ? Thank you for your advice.

Yes.

No. You apply in the morning of day 1 and collect your passport/visa day 2 in the afternoon.

You should open a bank account in Thailand and have the passbook updated, just before going to Vientiane, showing a minimum balance of 800k baht.

I have a Bangkok Bank savings account with 1 million transfered by TT from the UK. How much does a visa run to Vientiane cost . I will be living in Jomtien. My girlfriend has family in Udon and we could visit them also.

[elviajero]

I have a Bangkok Bank savings account with 1 million transfered by TT from the UK. How much does a visa run to Vientiane cost . I will be living in Jomtien. My girlfriend has family in Udon and we could visit them also.

I don't have any personal experience/knowledge of Pattaya visa run companies.

[ubonjoe]

Yes.

No. You apply in the morning of day 1 and collect your passport/visa day 2 in the afternoon.

You should open a bank account in Thailand and have the passbook updated, just before going to Vientiane, showing a minimum balance of 800k baht.

I have a Bangkok Bank savings account with 1 million transfered by TT from the UK. How much does a visa run to Vientiane cost . I will be living in Jomtien. My girlfriend has family in Udon and we could visit them also.

I depends upon how how you get there.

I think there are visa run companies that do it for for less than 3000 baht plus visa fees and etc,

You can make the trip yourself by bus or train from Bangkok to Nong Khai.

There is also the option of flying to Udon Thani and taking a van to the border. Nok Air has fly/ride service to Vientiane via Udon from Bangkok. Air Asia has flights from Utapao fo Udon now that is another option.

[mlkik]

The information phone line says that when entering Thailand by land they only issue 15 days stay. I am getting really confused as what to do.

I will enter Thailand on 7th July with an METV and am 50 on 15th March 2017. I want to when 50 apply to stay for retirement. I will live in Jomtien so could you advise how to go about the leaving and entering Thailand after 90 days .

Thanks

That rule is for visa exempt entries but as you're from the UK you get 30 days. That said you won't be using/needing visa exempt entry.

If I were you I would get a METV and use that up to age 50. With the METV you will get 60 days on each entry which you can extend by 30 days at immigration. At the end of the 90 days use a visa run company that will take you to the Cambodian border and back in one day. At the border you exit Thailand, enter Cambodia, turn around and re-enter Thailand.

Once you turn 50 go to Vientiane to get a non 'O' visa. Visa run companies will take you there for a reasonable fee. When you re-enter Thailand with the non 'O' visa you will be given a 90 days stay. In the last 30 days of that stay you can go to immigration and apply for a 1 year extension of stay based on retirement. That extension can be renewed each year.

I will take this advice and go to Vientiane. Thank you for your help. What do I need to get the non 'O' visa ? Is it the same requirements for the long stay on retirement grounds. 800 000 in a Thai bank funds confirmed from overseas , over 50 , proof of accomadation ? Thanks for your patience and answering questions which must have been asked many times before. I am a little overwhelmed at the moment.

Today my house here in the UK has its first viewing and I am really going to do this.

[elviajero]

The information phone line says that when entering Thailand by land they only issue 15 days stay. I am getting really confused as what to do.

I will enter Thailand on 7th July with an METV and am 50 on 15th March 2017. I want to when 50 apply to stay for retirement. I will live in Jomtien so could you advise how to go about the leaving and entering Thailand after 90 days .

Thanks

That rule is for visa exempt entries but as you're from the UK you get 30 days. That said you won't be using/needing visa exempt entry.

If I were you I would get a METV and use that up to age 50. With the METV you will get 60 days on each entry which you can extend by 30 days at immigration. At the end of the 90 days use a visa run company that will take you to the Cambodian border and back in one day. At the border you exit Thailand, enter Cambodia, turn around and re-enter Thailand.

Once you turn 50 go to Vientiane to get a non 'O' visa. Visa run companies will take you there for a reasonable fee. When you re-enter Thailand with the non 'O' visa you will be given a 90 days stay. In the last 30 days of that stay you can go to immigration and apply for a 1 year extension of stay based on retirement. That extension can be renewed each year.

I will take this advice and go to Vientiane. Thank you for your help. What do I need to get the non 'O' visa ? Is it the same requirements for the long stay on retirement grounds. 800 000 in a Thai bank funds confirmed from overseas , over 50 , proof of accomadation ? Thanks for your patience and answering questions which must have been asked many times before. I am a little overwhelmed at the moment.

Today my house here in the UK has its first viewing and I am really going to do this.

You just need proof that you are over 50 (passport) and an updated bank book showing a minimum of 800k. (No need to confirm it's from overseas).

You're welcome and I hope everything works out for you. Thailand is a great place to live!