Thai Immigration Introduces New 6 Month Multiple Entry Tourist Visa

[misskit]

BANGKOK -Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially announced that it will start offering six-month multiple-entry tourist visas (METV) starting November 13.

In a notice posted to the Thai MFA’s Facebook page Monday, it said: “Thailand will soon grant multiple-entry visas to visitors to facilitate the forthcoming ASEAN Community and to boost Thailand’s tourism industry.”

The visa, costing 5,000 baht (US$139), will be available from November 13 this year. “It will grant travelers multiple entries during a 6-month period, for up to 60 days per entry. All foreign nationals are eligible to apply for METV,” the Asian Correspondent reported.

Under the current rules, tourist visas are valid for just 60 days, after which visitors must leave the country or apply to a local immigration office for an extension.

The new visa will allow visitors to enter and leave the country as often as they want over the six-month period. It also means tourists can effectively stay in Thailand for six months with the visa, though they will have to leave the country every 60 days to keep the visa valid.

Thai Immigration Introduces New 6 Month Multiple Entry Tourist Visa | Chiang Rai Times English Language Newspaper

[kingwilly]

Sounds great, but.... how is it different to just leaving the country every 60 days and getting a free visa exception on arrival?

[toddaniels]

Umm, who gets a 60 day visa exempt stamp kingwilly? The answer is NOBODY does! Here this tells you who gets what;
Summary of Countries and Territories entitled for Visa Exemption and Visa on Arrival to Thailand

The BIG change with this new tourist visa is that it has a validity of 6 months instead of the 90 day validity for either a single or double entry tourist visa now. I'll try to find the decree published in the Thai Royal Gazette to see if it spells out the particulars..

I posted this on another thread but this was from the MFA's face book page;

[Phuketrichard]

note; you can NOT extend it at immigration for 1,900 for 30 days

so double entry tourist visa in laos plus 2 extensions
5,800 baht and only do one border run

new 6 month visa 5,000 baht
2 border runs

its great for "REAL tourists" that want to travel in the area and have a visa.

Looks like with this they will do away with the 15/30 day land border visa exempts.

My question/
will they allow 2 of them back to back

[kingwilly]

Umm, who gets a 60 day visa exempt stamp kingwilly? The answer is NOBODY does! Here this tells you who gets what;

Whoops, 30 days then.

[Dillinger]

Under the current rules, tourist visas are valid for just 60 days

Isnt it 90 days?

[toddaniels]

note; you can NOT extend it at immigration for 1,900 for 30 days

And you gleaned this tidbit of information from what website? Don't jump a link to an engrish language forum talking about it but find me a thai one that spells out the change. I looked and couldn't find word one about that. Plus I called the MFA today.

Tourist visas are indeed valid for 90 days from the day they're issued at a thai embassy/consulate, however they are good for a stay of 60 days inside the kingdom. (I think that's a terminoligy mix up)

This new "multi-entry 6 month tourist visa" didn't change the length of time you can stay inside the country, just that you can exit/re-enter as much as you like during the 6 month validity of the visa and every entry get stamped in for 60 days.

When I called the MFA today my questions were;
If I exit and re-enter the country just before this new tourist visa itself expires would I get stamped in for another 60 days? IF you could do that it'd let someone who played the dates right get almost 8 months out of that visa. They said they didn't know..

Also they didn't know whether you could go and get in-country 30 day extensions at immigrations for 1900baht on this visa either. Actually in talking to them it appears there's more they don't know about it than they do.

Now certainly I could have just been talking to an idiot <-a distinct possibility..

Looks like with this they will do away with the 15/30 day land border visa exempts.

Again, where in the world did you data mine that info or are you just bloviating?

[Phuketrichard]

it says right above n ur post from the facebook page

Unlike current tourist visas, which offer from one to three entries, the six-month multiple-entry visa will allow unlimited border crossings during the validity period. However, to prevent foreigners from basically living in Thailand on tourist visas, each entry will be limited to 60 days.

- See more at: New 6-month visas begin Nov 13, but limit stays

how do u interpret that? I read it as u can not extend it an additional 30 days by paying 1,900
perhaps we dont read english the same

This is ONLY my opinion

I think this new multi 6 month visa is:
1.to eliminate the 15/30 day visa exempt land entries an also by having everyone be issued a visa so they can check the application before issuing the visa.
2. They think it might do away with land border corruption ( as the "alleged bomber") fled Thailand by paying off the immigration.
3. Also they make more $$
4. also they might limit these to only 1 /year ( to prevent "tourists" from living in thailand)
5. I read that the visa is valid for a maximum stay of 6 months and all entries must be completed before the 6 months is up ( not re entry on the day before it expires and u get another 60 days)

But who really knows what they are up too Time will tell

Lighten up Todd

[mudcat]

At least some of the visa fees go to the issuing embassy/consulate and some gets sent back to the MFA. Unlike-in country extensions, re-entry permits, and associated extortions, this new visa doesn't line the pockets of the immigration police

[Dillinger]

^^ Todd is gonna rip you a new a~hole

[Phuketrichard]

^^ Todd is gonna rip you a new a~hole

ya think i care

[Dapper]

You currently get a double entry for 2000bt which will do you for 4 months plus extensions, so this offers you a triple entry visa for 3k more?

So under the current system you can get 5 x 60 days for 5000bt and the new system will give you 3 x 60 days for 5000bt.

Sounds like a great deal

[Phuketrichard]

You currently get a double entry for 2000bt which will do you for 4 months plus extensions, so this offers you a triple entry visa for 3k more?

So under the current system you can get 5 x 60 days for 5000bt and the new system will give you 3 x 60 days for 5000bt.

Sounds like a great deal

??? not exactly correct and your forgetting the cost to travel to get the visas (air/bus/hotel/taxi's etc) For now only Laos offers a double nearby.

Its Thailand and who knows what they are thinking LOL

[toddaniels]

Actually, until someone (way smarter than me) finds the thai language version posted in the Royal Gazette, NO one knows what's what..

I googled around today tryin' to find it, but to no avail.. I'm goin' to some thai language schools tomorrow. That's where there are real live thais and I'll see if I can't get them to find me the posting in the Royal Gazette to see what it really says.

As I said before, I called the MFA today, they didn't know their ass from their elbow about how it's really gonna work come the middle of November. In fact, they knew LESS than the news blurbs in engrish everyone is quoting like it's 'chapter and verse'.

At least some of the visa fees go to the issuing embassy/consulate and some gets sent back to the MFA. SNIPPED OUT THE B/S

Okay, an 18 post 'wunderkind' weighs in with his 2 satang's worth of info!! One who NEVER started a thread.

Yeah dud <-misspelled on porpoise, err purpose.. You know what's what for sure.. I'm banking that you have the inside scoop fer sure...

[toddaniels]

Okay, I found some stuff..

What it appears is they're doing away with 'double/triple entry tourist visas' at the thai embassies/consulates and instead will issue a single entry 60 day tourist visa with a validity of 90 days (same as they do now)
OR
they'll issue a multi-entry 60 day tourist visa with a validity of 6 months, which gives unlimited exits/entries into the country of 60 days at a time for the duration of the visa.

They are revising a ข้อ (a section) of the MFA's rules (the Ministry of Foreign Affairs controls issuing visas outside the country);

(ข) ประเภทนักท่องเยว
-ใช้ได้ครั้งเดียว ๑,๐๐๐ บาท
-ใช้ได้หลายครั้งภายในหกเดือน ๕,๐๐๐บาท

Section ข (egg) Type; Tourist
use once 1000baht
use many times (หลาย can sometimes be interpreted as "as many as you want") within in 6 months 5000baht..

There is also a clause at the end that says;

หากไม่ได้รับการยกเว้นการตรวจลงตรา จะต้องขอรับการตรวจลงตรวประเภทนักท่องเที่ยวจากสถานท ูตหรือสถานกงสุลไทยต่างประเทศก่อนเดินทางเข้ามาในราช อาณาจักรทุกครั้ง

If you don't get a visa exempt entry you must apply for a tourist visa at a thai embassy or consulate outside the country BEFORE you enter the kingdom every time.

There is nothing that I've found saying they're going to do away with the visa exempt program for all the 52 countries that currently qualify for it.

NOTE: there could be mis-spellings in that thai I posted. I couldn't cut/paste it and had to type it out myself.

That's what I got so far.. I'll keep after it, because I'm a nosy prick, not because it matters to me..

[mudcat]

So our friends from the sub-continent who currently enter under the visa on arrival will need a visa from an embassy or consulate?

[toddaniels]

And "mudcat' where exactly in my previous post did I say people who "BUY" visas on arrival hafta get tourist visas? In fact where did I mention visa-on-arrival at all?

I think you're confusing apples and oranges.. It says the people who can't enter on the VISA EXEMPT program must get tourist visas. It doesn't mention (and I didn't either) the 19 countries which BUY visas-on-arrival when entering thailand..

Come on man, get the terminology down.. I know you can do it.

Sheesh I'm a dumb hillbilly and I figured it out..

[Evilbaz]

No Tod - you're very arrogant in your ad hominen attacks on BMs who have less posts than you even if they have been BMs for years.

Not everyone is compelled to " not let a thought go unposted".

Keep up your good work and relating experiences to IMMI offices in BKK - but there is more to Thailand Immi offices that you have SFA experience about.

Go rip me a new A'hole - and I'll respond in kind which will make your life more "sabai sabai" .

[nigelandjan]

I have read through these posts and cannot see the answer to my question so,,

Where does one get this visa ?

Do you have to apply for the stamp in your own Country , presumably from the actual Thai Embassy ?

[toddaniels]

nigelandjan; you get the visa "จากสถานทูตหรือสถานกงสุลไทยต่างประเทศ" <-that says "from an Embassy or Consulate outside the country" (seeing as inside thailand there are NO thai embassies or consulates). This would lead me to believe (although I can find NO corroborating data) that you can get it at ANY thai embassy or consulate AFTER Nov 13th.. We will see, but it most certainly doesn't say you hafta get it in your home country. That much I know..

Evilbaz & mudcat too! Please realize I mean no disrespect to you guys out right. You might be stupid as the day is long, but that's not my business.

It would appear however, that I'm the only fuckin' foreigner who can read thai fer shit. Or at least the only one who bothers to post the shit they find IN THAI and tries to translate into engrish (insteada posting rips from law firms geared towards foreigners)!

Please if you guys can read thai (insteada askin' your significant thai other what it 'might' say), fuck man, weigh in with your translations. I welcome ANY corrections to what I've previously posted.
FWIW; here's the Royal Gazette posting;
"New Tourist Visa" Royal Gazette Knock yourself out man! If I related it wrong tell me..

Believe me I have really thick skin and you anonymous posting pundits don't rattle my cage at all!

FWIW; I googled SFA and got;
Super Furry Animals
Office of Student Financial Assistance (US Department of Education)
Société Française des Antioxydants (French: French Society of Antioxidants
Student / Farmworker Alliance
Support Forces Antarctica
AND
Sweet Fanny Adams

However I think you mean "Shit Fuck All".

And yes, because I'm a dumb hillbilly, I had to google 'ad hominen' too, which means "directed against a person rather than the position they are maintaining".

I'm NOT doin' that! I'm tryin' the best I can to understand to how this new 6 month tourist visa dealy is gonna work for foreigners who will use it.. If it ruffles the feathers of some posters, WOW! I'm so sorry.

All I'm doin' is tryin' to relate accurate information.. What I ain't tryin' to do is win a popularity contest!

[chassamui]

This would lead me to believe (although I can find NO corroborating data) that you can get it at ANY thai embassy or consulate AFTER Nov 13th.. We will see, but it most certainly doesn't say you hafta get it in your home country. That much I know

You do have a rather charming habit of being direct as well as delivering info Tod. Does not bother me one bit, quite refreshing actually.
Tell me to piss off by all means but I would advise Nigel and anyone else inyterested in this new system to stay in touch with local consulates/embassies to find out how they are interpreting the new regulations.
Police and immigration officials at Thai borders will also have some sort of input especially after the recent bombing. Cross border embassies and consulates closer to Thailand will presumably continue to interpret the regulations as they see fit, just as the do now?

[Phuketrichard]

tod; one thing i really dont like is u come on like ur gods gift to Teakdoor. Your not,
u seem to have way to much time on ur hand and dont realize this is a forum for us to not just preach on, but give opinions and chat.

I appreciate some of ur info but we all know it really means jack shit what is written as few immigration offices/officials follow the letter of the law.

If you don't get a visa exempt entry you must apply for a tourist visa at a thai embassy or consulate outside the country BEFORE you enter the kingdom every time.

I take this to mean if ur not on the list to get a visa exempt, correct?

I am still wondering if they will issue 2 of these 6 months in a row without having them obtained in ur own country. If so its great for those living here and not able to obtain the correct visa (not working, in school, married or under 50)

also is it ONLY valid for 6 month stay or can u leave and come back before the 6 months is up and get another 60 days ( so in effect almost 8 months)

also can u get an extension in country after the first stay?

SO far few answers at all.

[nigelandjan]

I just come up with a brilliant idea , not that it would happen in this third world Country but how about making it so you could apply for your visa online prior to travel ?

They could have someone set up a secure website offering such strange things as being able to pay via Visa + Paypall , your visa could be posted to you in a nice brown envelope , then you could stick it in your passport prior to departure . The visa would have a secure barcode on it that would correspond with YOUR application details , would be scanned at swampy and all would be sweetness and light

Just turning over and settling down again ,, wonder what my next dream is gonna be tonight ?

[Phuketrichard]

You can get a visa online for Cambodia and Myanmar ( both i would consider 3rd world countries)
they dont send u a stamp but email you an attachment, u print an hand in when u arrive
also they ONLY stamp you in, no full page wasted. :-)

[toddaniels]

I am sorry if I come across as "gods gift" or piss people off with my demeanor. It's not my intention.

I've spent quite some time trying to get any hard facts about this new "wonder-visa" <- (I call it that because I wonder how it really works). Every thai related forum is beating this topic to death. Speculation is rampant about this or that facet of it but very little hard facts have emerged. All I'm tryin' to do is relate what I know to be true.

Phuketrichard/chassamui; those are good questions and valid points about embassies/consulates setting the bar where ever they want. One only needs to look at the thai consulate in Hull, which before was the softest touch thai consulate possibly in all of europe and their about face now making people hoop jump, or closer to home the thai consulate in Penang which suddenly tightened up.

As for your questions;

• There is nothing in the posting which says you can't get 2 back to back in a calendar year, but there's nothing which says you can either. .
• There is nothing which says it has to be purchased in your home country it just says "at a thai embassy or consulate".
• It doesn't say if it's gonna work like the year long multi-entry Non-O's; where if you exit/re-enter just before the visa itself expires you get another permission to stay stamp.
• It doesn't say whether it can or can't be extended by 30 days each entry inside the country. That's because MFA doesn't set immigration law inside the country thai immigration does.

It's anyone's guess on those issues. Those were the things I asked the MFA when I called them last week. They were awful iffy on the particulars of how it's really gonna work.

Again, sorry if I rub people's feathers, or ruffle people the wrong way. I don't mean to.. I am this way in real life too, not just behind a keyboard.

nigelandjan; if cambodia can have an e-visa service where you buy your visa online, you'd think the "wanna-b regional hub of everything ASEAN" could figure it out too, or maybe not..