Am I wrong or METV is not worth it's price?

[pstbkk]

I was just about to apply for METV in my home country. I would like to share my thoughts and

What I used to do before:

1000 THB for SETV + 1900 THB extension = 3 months in Thailand

Then, to make it double it is cost of one visa run and again 1000 THB for a visa and 1900 THB extension.

TOTAL is 5800 THB plus costs of one visa run to stay total of 6 months in Thailand

What I wanted to do with new METV

Price for METV (converted to THB) 5400 THB

Then extension for 1900 THB and after that I need to pay for a visa run to not exceed 60+30 days.

After return I need to extend again for 1900 THB to make it two times for 3 months in Thailand (as long as visa is valid for) what gives me the same time as two SETV.

TOTAL is 9200 THB plus costs of one visa run to stay total of 6 months in Thailand

Well... I'm not a penny-pincher. Just as I can not understand most of the movements of Thai officials I thought I might find a logical reason at least about new METV. If I want to stay 6 months in Thailand with METV:

- Need to pay 3400 THB more for visa and extensions but need to do one visa run anyway.

- There is much more paperwork. Embassy asks me to go to my bank to take a statement and papers from work)

+ Multiple Entry benefit gives me the freedom to leave and go back if I need to. However I don't travel too much at this stage of my life so even if I need to one re-entry permit is 1000 THB that makes 3 for the money I could save not obtaining METV.

If I could have a choice (but I don't - I qualify only for a tourist visa) I would even pay to immigration a few thousands baht every month to let me stay in Thailand and leave me alone. Instead of that I need to pay for visa runs but that money could go straight to Thai immigration. That's their choice but I'm wondering what is the point of obtaining METV if it is actually more expensive and more complicated (only home country, more paperwork, longer it takes) just for a benefit to leave and go back to Thailand whenever I want without re-entry permit?

My question is - Did I miss anything? Maybe there are other benefits of METV that I haven't took under consideration and it is really worth to get METV?

[Don Mega]

as it is multi entry why are you doing the 30 day extensions ?.

[pstbkk]

as it is multi entry why are you doing the 30 day extensions ?.

As I understood I can not stay in Thailand longer than 60 days per entry anyway so to stay 6 months with 6 months visa validity period I need to extend 2 entries to 90 days total or leave and go back two times (3x60 days)

Extension for 1900 THB is easier, faster and cheaper than visa run. That is why I included it into my calculations

[ubonjoe]

The METV allows unlimited 60 day entries for 6 months from the date of issue. It is possible to get a total stay of almost 9 months out of it by getting a new 60 day entry just before it expires and then a 30 day extension from it. You would need 3 single entry tourist visas to get that total stay.

One advantage of the METV you don't need to get the 30 day extensions. You can simply do a border hop to get a new 60 day entry. When comparing a border run with the 1900 baht to get 30 days from an extension many have found it to be cost effective to do the border hop to get 60 days instead.

[Don Mega]

as it is multi entry why are you doing the 30 day extensions ?.

As I understood I can not stay in Thailand longer than 60 days per entry anyway so to stay 6 months with 6 months visa validity period I need to extend 2 entries to 90 days total or leave and go back two times (3x60 days)

Extension for 1900 THB is easier, faster and cheaper than visa run. That is why I included it into my calculations

On the SETV you are @ 5800+ the cost of the border run.

On an METV you are @ 5400 + the cost of 2 border runs.

Your figure of 9400 is wrong. Or am i missing something ?

Anywho for a 6 month visit you might as well stay on SETV, the cheaper alternative for you.

[pstbkk]

The METV allows unlimited 60 day entries for 6 months from the date of issue. It is possible to get a total stay of almost 9 months out of it by getting a new 60 day entry just before it expires and then a 30 day extension from it. You would need 3 single entry tourist visas to get that total stay.

One advantage of the METV you don't need to get the 30 day extensions. You can simply do a border hop to get a new 60 day entry. When comparing a border run with the 1900 baht to get 30 days from an extension many have found it to be cost effective to do the border hop to get 60 days instead.

Ok, I got it, thank you. I missed that I can do last entry before visa expires and then stay another 3 months

However, for me visa run cost is always more expensive than extension. Even if I drive to Lao I need to pay for Lao visa.

[Rc2702]

Just get the METV it's a new one so worth understanding the process and clearly you want the maximum allowance period to stay in thailand. Are you sure extensions are eligible with the METV or is this an assumption based on the SETV. I am getting the METV next week I have been advised to bring bank statements which I believe is just proof of £5000 in account over last 3/6 months or & a letter from employer. So that is all I need to provide in addition to previous SETV requirements.

[ubonjoe]

The METV allows unlimited 60 day entries for 6 months from the date of issue. It is possible to get a total stay of almost 9 months out of it by getting a new 60 day entry just before it expires and then a 30 day extension from it. You would need 3 single entry tourist visas to get that total stay.

One advantage of the METV you don't need to get the 30 day extensions. You can simply do a border hop to get a new 60 day entry. When comparing a border run with the 1900 baht to get 30 days from an extension many have found it to be cost effective to do the border hop to get 60 days instead.

Ok, I got it, thank you. I missed that I can do last entry before visa expires and then stay another 3 months

However, for me visa run cost is always more expensive than extension. Even if I drive to Lao I need to pay for Lao visa.

The METV is about equal to the old 3 entry tourist visa but has the advantage of not being restricted to only 3 entries.

It would depend upon how far you are from the border. A Lao visa costs 1500 baht or less if you use USD compare that to 1900 baht for only 30 days.

There are people making border runs to Cambodia from Bangkok with a visa run service that costs 2400 baht instead of getting the extension.

[ubonjoe]

Just get the METV it's a new one so worth understanding the process and clearly you want the maximum allowance period to stay in thailand. Are you sure extensions are eligible with the METV or is this an assumption based on the SETV. I am getting the METV next week I have been advised to bring bank statements which I believe is just proof of £5000 in account over last 3/6 months or & a letter from employer. So that is all I need to provide in addition to previous SETV requirements.

There is no restriction on getting the 30 day extension for an entry from a METV, People have already done them.

[pstbkk]

as it is multi entry why are you doing the 30 day extensions ?.

As I understood I can not stay in Thailand longer than 60 days per entry anyway so to stay 6 months with 6 months visa validity period I need to extend 2 entries to 90 days total or leave and go back two times (3x60 days)

Extension for 1900 THB is easier, faster and cheaper than visa run. That is why I included it into my calculations

On the SETV you are @ 5800+ the cost of the border run.

On an METV you are @ 5400 + the cost of 2 border runs.

Your figure of 9400 is wrong. Or am i missing something ?

Anywho for a 6 month visit you might as well stay on SETV, the cheaper alternative for you.

I did my calculations with 2 times extension and 6 month stay. But as other member said I can make it to 9 months when I enter Thailand before visa expires.

[elviajero]

Ok, I got it, thank you. I missed that I can do last entry before visa expires and then stay another 3 months

However, for me visa run cost is always more expensive than extension. Even if I drive to Lao I need to pay for Lao visa.

Not always. It depends on your location. A border hop at the Phu Nam Ron crossing in Kanchanaburi costs 910 baht.

[pstbkk]

Just get the METV it's a new one so worth understanding the process and clearly you want the maximum allowance period to stay in thailand. Are you sure extensions are eligible with the METV or is this an assumption based on the SETV. I am getting the METV next week I have been advised to bring bank statements which I believe is just proof of £5000 in account over last 3/6 months or & a letter from employer. So that is all I need to provide in addition to previous SETV requirements.

Yes, the same for me. However for a letter from employer I need to be hired for a while in my friends company as I don't work while I'm in Thailand but I have money from previous work for a living.

As well need to open new bank account and put money there just to get a paper - can not get it online from the bank where I keep all money.

It makes it more difficult but it is only my case. I know that for others it might be easier however I don't know anyone who has stable job from 9 to 5 and wants to leave to Thailand for 9 months. Only remote work but come on, not everyone fits into that criteria

[pstbkk]

The METV allows unlimited 60 day entries for 6 months from the date of issue. It is possible to get a total stay of almost 9 months out of it by getting a new 60 day entry just before it expires and then a 30 day extension from it. You would need 3 single entry tourist visas to get that total stay.

One advantage of the METV you don't need to get the 30 day extensions. You can simply do a border hop to get a new 60 day entry. When comparing a border run with the 1900 baht to get 30 days from an extension many have found it to be cost effective to do the border hop to get 60 days instead.

Ok, I got it, thank you. I missed that I can do last entry before visa expires and then stay another 3 months

However, for me visa run cost is always more expensive than extension. Even if I drive to Lao I need to pay for Lao visa.

The METV is about equal to the old 3 entry tourist visa but has the advantage of not being restricted to only 3 entries.

It would depend upon how far you are from the border. A Lao visa costs 1500 baht or less if you use USD compare that to 1900 baht for only 30 days.

There are people making border runs to Cambodia from Bangkok with a visa run service that costs 2400 baht instead of getting the extension.

I'm living in Bangkok so no matter where I go it is more expensive than 1900 THB. Lao visa 1500 but fuel another 2500. And what is more important - time.

[pstbkk]

Ok, I got it, thank you. I missed that I can do last entry before visa expires and then stay another 3 months

However, for me visa run cost is always more expensive than extension. Even if I drive to Lao I need to pay for Lao visa.

Not always. It depends on your location. A border hop at the Phu Nam Ron crossing in Kanchanaburi costs 910 baht.

With fuel and hotel it would be still more - I'm living in Bangkok. And again, time necessary for that. I have been everywhere already so it is not another exciting trip to a new place

[elviajero]

If you are only planning to stay in Thailand for 6 months then 2 x SETV"s are all you need. Even with a METV you have to leave the country after 60/90 days so get a SETV from your home country, extend it by 30 days, then spend a couple of days in a neighbouring country to get a second SETV. A third SETV would be no problem if required.

[pstbkk]

If you are only planning to stay in Thailand for 6 months then 2 x SETV"s are all you need. Even with a METV you have to leave the country after 60/90 days so get a SETV from your home country, extend it by 30 days, then spend a couple of days in a neighbouring country to get a second SETV. A third SETV would be no problem if required.

After I know that with METV I can stay 9 months it is an argument to obtain one and stay 9 months in Thailand the total cost seems to be very similar but comfort of multiple entry is worth in this case

[scubascuba3]

As well need to open new bank account and put money there just to get a paper - can not get it online from the bank where I keep all money

Are you sure you can't print off bank statements? I'm with Santander and its no problem. On the application form it also mentions an alternative of a stamp on a print. It depends what you have available.

[elviajero]

If you are only planning to stay in Thailand for 6 months then 2 x SETV"s are all you need. Even with a METV you have to leave the country after 60/90 days so get a SETV from your home country, extend it by 30 days, then spend a couple of days in a neighbouring country to get a second SETV. A third SETV would be no problem if required.

After I know that with METV I can stay 9 months it is an argument to obtain one and stay 9 months in Thailand the total cost seems to be very similar but comfort of multiple entry is worth in this case

If you can meet the extra requirements to get a METV it is definitely more convenient. But if you can't then 3 x SETV's can give you 9 months and the overall cost comparison is not going to be worth worrying about unless you're on a tight budget.

p.s. The METV would be great if it granted a 6 month stay, but as you have to leave or extend every 60 days it's not.

[pstbkk]

As well need to open new bank account and put money there just to get a paper - can not get it online from the bank where I keep all money

Are you sure you can't print off bank statements? I'm with Santander and its no problem. On the application form it also mentions an alternative of a stamp on a print. It depends what you have available.

Yes. I got money transfers every month to my basic account but if I need to show money on the statement I need to do international money transfer and then back. It is not an obstacle about the bank but my investments and tax reasons.

[pstbkk]

If you are only planning to stay in Thailand for 6 months then 2 x SETV"s are all you need. Even with a METV you have to leave the country after 60/90 days so get a SETV from your home country, extend it by 30 days, then spend a couple of days in a neighbouring country to get a second SETV. A third SETV would be no problem if required.

After I know that with METV I can stay 9 months it is an argument to obtain one and stay 9 months in Thailand the total cost seems to be very similar but comfort of multiple entry is worth in this case

p.s. The METV would be great if it granted a 6 month stay, but as you have to leave or extend every 60 days it's not.

I completely agree with you on that point.

[IMA_FARANG]

f you go to the various embassy and consulate URLs worldwide you will see different requiements for the METV.

For some. you need evidence of being employrd in Thailand to obtain a METV.

That is clearly foolish.....since if you were already employed in Thailand.....why would you want a 6 month tourist visa to Thailand.?

Until there is a reasonable basis for comparison in what is required for a METV between different embassies and consulates any comparison in whether it is "worth it" is foolish.

The METV is relatively new....and i expect some of the silly requirements will be dropped in time.....but until then there is no resonable way to judge relative "worth".

[elviajero]

f you go to the various embassy and consulate URLs worldwide you will see different requiements for the METV.

For some. you need evidence of being employrd in Thailand to obtain a METV.

That is clearly foolish.....since if you were already employed in Thailand.....why would you want a 6 month tourist visa to Thailand.?

Until there is a reasonable basis for comparison in what is required for a METV between different embassies and consulates any comparison in whether it is "worth it" is foolish.

"For some. you need evidence of being employrd in Thailand to obtain a METV."

Evidence that you work in your home country but never in Thailand.

[johnatong]

f you go to the various embassy and consulate URLs worldwide you will see different requiements for the METV.

For some. you need evidence of being employrd in Thailand to obtain a METV.

That is clearly foolish.....since if you were already employed in Thailand.....why would you want a 6 month tourist visa to Thailand.?

Until there is a reasonable basis for comparison in what is required for a METV between different embassies and consulates any comparison in whether it is "worth it" is foolish.

The METV is relatively new....and i expect some of the silly requirements will be dropped in time.....but until then there is no resonable way to judge relative "worth".

Which countries demand evidence of employment in Thailand as a pre-requisite for issuing an METV. ?

Posting misleading and inaccurate information is unhelpful and leads to confusion and misunderstanding.