A new type of visa becomes available today for tourists visiting Thailand. The Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) replaces the previous Double/Triple Entry Tourist Visa which will no longer be available. This change does not affect the Single Entry Tourist Visa (SETV) which is still available.
How do I apply for a multiple entry tourist visa?
Multiple Entry Tourist Visas can only be applied for at a Thai embassy or consulate outside of Thailand. You cannot apply for a METV from within Thailand. Some embassies and consulates may also decide to decline applications for a METV from people who are not a resident of that particular country. Check with the Thai embassy or consulate in your home country for full details.
The exact list of requirements will vary depending on your nationality and how rigorously individual embassies and consulates decide to apply the new regulations. As an example, this is what the Royal Thai Consulate in Ireland have on their website today:
Required Documents For Multiple Entry Tourist Visa
- Passport (must be valid for at least 6 months after date of entry in Thailand).
- Completed visa application form.
- 2 recent and identical passport photographs. (45mm high x 35mm wide)
- Visa fee in the form of cash or Postal Order.
- Proof of Residency in Ireland. (Residency card or utility bill as proof of living in Ireland)
- Formal bank statement showing balance of 5000 EURO.
- A letter from applicant’s employer in Ireland addressed to the Royal Thai Consulate Dublin. If self-employed a company registration document will be required. If retired or on welfare proof of pension or welfare benefits.
- Copy of confirmed air ticket to Thailand.
- Proof of accommodation in Thailand i.e. hotel or hostel reservation or letter from friend or family in Thailand if staying with them. If travelling for purposes of medical treatment in Thailand, a letter from a doctor/hospital in Thailand.
*Consular officers reserve the rights to request additional documents as deemed necessary.
How much will the METV cost?
The cost should equate to approximately 5,000 Baht, but the exact price will be down to whichever embassy or consulate you apply to.
Example prices:
United Kingdom (London) 125 GBP
Ireland (Dublin) 145 EUR
USA (Washington) 200 USD
How long is the METV valid and how long can I stay in Thailand?
The Multiple Entry Tourist Visa is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. Each time you enter Thailand you should be given a new stamp on your passport allowing you to stay for up to 60 days at a time. You can leave and re-enter Thailand as many times as you like during the time that your visa is valid. You must enter Thailand on your final visit within 6 months from the date of the visa being issued.
Can the METV be extended within Thailand?
With the old-style double and triple entry tourist visas, it was possible to extend them for a further 30 days without leaving Thailand. This was done by visiting a Thai immigration office, filling out the required paperwork and paying 1,900 Baht. This is still an option with the Single Entry Tourist Visa (SETV). However, it isn’t yet clear whether the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa can be extended for a further 30 days in the same way.
Please note that visa regulations in Thailand may have changed since this article was first written. Check the visa section on this site for more details on the current rules.
