Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year. The country offers a wide variety of attractions, from tropical beaches and wild parties to ancient temples and bustling cities.

Many tourists who visit Thailand, however, mistakenly think that they can only stay for a short time on a tourist visa. While yes that’s true for the Single Entry Tourist Visa or Visa Exempt entry, there’s another option for those who want to stay longer in Thailand: the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV).

Everything You Need to Know About Thailand’s Multiple Entry Visa

What is a multiple entry tourist visa for Thailand?

Unlike the normal Thailand Tourist Visa (TR), which grants visitors 60 days of stay with a possible 30-day extension, the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa allows travelers to visit Thailand for up to 6 months (extendable to 9 months) with the ability to enter and exit the country as many times as they like.

What are the requirements for a Thailand multiple entry tourist visa?

First and foremost, to be eligible for the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa, you must be a citizen of an eligible country. A list of eligible countries can be found on the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

In general, though, citizens of Western countries, including the United States, Canada, and EU countries, are eligible for the METV visa.

To apply for a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa, you will need to submit the following documents either online or in person at a Thai embassy or consulate:

• Passport with at least 6 months validity and a blank page for visa stamp
• Completed visa application form
• 2 passport-sized photos
• Proof of financial support (e.g. bank statement)
• Proof of onward travel (e.g. flight itinerary)
• Evidence of hotel reservations or evidence of a host in Thailand (e.g. invitation letter)
• Payment for the visa fee.

How long can I stay in Thailand with a multiple entry tourist visa?

The Multiple Entry Tourist Visa is valid for a period of 6 months. Unlike other tourist visas, that 6-month period starts when the visa is issued–not when you enter the country. Within the validity period, holders of the visa can enter and exit Thailand as many times as they want. Each stay, however, is limited to 60 days, but it can be extended for another 30 days at a Thai immigration office.

So, technically, the METV visa can last nearly 9 months. If the visa holder enters Thailand right before the 6 month validity period ends then he or she can stay 60 more days, and then extend that another 30 days at an immigration office.

So 6 months + 60 days + 30 days = nearly 9 months (if timed correctly).

How do I apply for the multiple entry tourist visa?

The process for applying for a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa is pretty straightforward. You can apply at the nearest Thai embassy or consulate in your home country or in another country if you already happen to be traveling. Or you have the option to apply online.

Make sure to check the website of your home country’s Thai embassy or consulate for specific instructions on how to apply for the METV (each can have different requirements).

It’s also important to submit your application at least a couple of weeks in advance of your intended arrival in Thailand, as processing times can vary depending on your embassy and the volume of applications they receive.

In general, though, most embassies can process a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa application in just a few days.

How much does a multiple entry tourist visa for Thailand cost?

The fee for a 6-month Multiple Entry Tourist Visa for Thailand varies depending on the country of the applicant. In general, though, the fee should be in the ballpark of 6,000 Thai baht ($200). Check with your nearest Thai embassy or consulate to see their specific fees.

METV visas can also be extended 30 days for an additional 1,900 baht ($60) but they can not be renewed. After the 6 months of validity runs out, the next time you leave Thailand you will have to apply for a new Thai tourist visa.

Always make sure you leave Thailand before your tourist visa expires so you don’t have to deal with visa overstay penalties.

Can I extend my multiple entry tourist visa in Thailand?

Yes, as we hinted at before, multiple entry tourist visas can be extended for 30 days each time you enter the country. So each time you enter you can stay up to 90 days if you extend.

Kick Off Your Next Thailand Adventure

Thailand’s Multiple Entry Tourist Visa is a great option for tourists who want to stay in the country longer than a normal tourist visa would allow.

Although it costs more, it gives travelers much more versatility in how they want to travel. They can enter and exit Thailand as they please (great when doing a larger Southeast Asia trip) and can stay for up to 9 months, which is a huge step up from the 90 days granted by the standard tourist visa.

All in all, the METV remains an awesome (albeit lesser-known) choice for travelers heading out to experience all the greatness Thailand has on offer.

Related: 15 Essential Thai Words to Know Before Your Next Thailand Adventure