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

However, many tourists who visit Thailand mistakenly think they can only stay for a short time for tourism. While 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).

What is a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa for Thailand?

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.

The only caveat is that those on a METV visa in Thailand must leave the country every two months (or three months if they do a one-month extension).

How Long Can I stay in Thailand on a Multiple-Entry Tourist visa?

The Thailand Multiple Entry Tourist Visa is valid for 6 months. Unlike other tourist visas, that period starts when the visa is issued, not when you enter the country.

Within the validity period, visa holders can enter and exit Thailand as often as they want. Each stay is limited to 60 days, but it can be extended for another 30 days at a Thai immigration office.

Technically, the METV visa can last nearly nine months. However, that’s if the visa holder enters Thailand right before the six-month validity period ends, he or she can stay 60 more days and then extend another 30 days at an immigration office.

Below is an idea of how long you can stay in Thailand if you time your METV application correctly:

6 months + 60 days + 30 days (extension) = nearly 9 months

Thailand Multiple Entry Tourist Visa Requirements

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 a METV visa.

METV Thailand Requirements

To apply for a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa, you will need to submit the following 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 Do I Apply for a Thai Multiple Entry Tourist Visa?

The process for applying for a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa for Thailand is pretty straightforward.

You can apply at the nearest Thai embassy or consulate in your home country or another country, or you can apply online.

It’s important to check the website of your home country’s Thai embassy or consulate for specific instructions on how to apply for the METV (each has different requirements).

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

Generally, most embassies can process a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa application in a few days.

Thailand Multiple Entry Tourist Visa Cost

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

METV visas can be extended for 30 days every two months for an additional 1,900 baht ($60).

Note: 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 Thailand Visa?

As we mentioned before, Thailand Multiple Entry visas can be extended for 30 days each time you enter the country, giving you up to 90 days per entry.

However, a Thai METV cannot be renewed. After the six-month validity runs out, you will have to apply for a new Thai tourist visa the next time you want to return to Thailand.

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 in Thailand. They can enter and exit Thailand as much as they please within the six-month period, which is great for those who want to bounce around to other Southeast Asian countries.

Overall, the METV remains an awesome (albeit lesser-known) visa choice for travelers heading to Thailand.

Thailand Multiple Entry Tourist Visa | FAQs