Multiple Entry Tourist Visa

The Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) is the practical solution for people who plan several short trips to Thailand within a fixed window. It saves repeated consular visits, reduces arrival-line friction, and—if used correctly—gives predictable short-term access while preserving the non-work, tourist-only character of your stays. Below I explain precisely what the METV gives you, who typically qualifies, document and evidence expectations, how each entry is treated at immigration, extension and re-entry mechanics, practical traps to avoid, and step-by-step application and arrival checklists.

What the METV actually is (practical definition)

The METV is a multiple-entry visitor visa that is normally valid for 6 months from the date of issue, during which you may make multiple entries; each entry normally permits a stay of up to 60 days (each stay may be extended once at a Thai Immigration Office). The visa is explicitly for tourism/short visits and does not grant the right to work. These are the basic, globally consistent elements consular posts publish.

Why use it? If you expect to make repeated short trips (for family visits, staged medical procedures, business tourism, or regular holidays) the METV avoids applying for a new single-entry visa each time and reduces the risk of being refused entry for frequent border crossings on visa-exempt stamps.

Who consulates approve and documentary expectations

Consulates evaluate METV applicants for bona fide frequent travel, sound finances and clear exit intent. Typical documentary requirements—confirmed by Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate pages and recent mission guidance—include:

• A passport valid for at least six months.

• Completed application form and passport photo.

• Round-trip or onward tickets showing exit from Thailand within the allowed stay.

• Proof of sufficient funds (many posts require three months’ recent bank statements or a solvency letter; thresholds vary by post). In 2025 financial-proof requirements were reinstated by Thai authorities and consulates are re-enforcing them.

• Supporting documents (employment letter, previous Thailand-entry history, residency proof if applying from a third country).

• Payment of the consular fee (varies by post).

Local consulates publish country-specific lists—some posts want higher bank-balances (e.g., US/Canada posts commonly ask for stronger proof) while others allow lower minimums. Always check the specific Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate page for your jurisdiction before you apply.

How each entry works at immigration

On arrival, the immigration officer stamps you for the permitted period for that entry (normally up to 60 days). The arrival stamp — not the visa sticker alone — is the official record of your permitted stay for that leg. You may apply at a local Immigration Office to extend a single entry by 30 days (fee usually THB 1,900); extensions are discretionary. If your travel pattern looks like repeated short exits/re-entries solely to reset permitted stay, expect questions at immigration.

Practical tip: always verify your passport stamp before leaving the immigration window and keep photocopies or phone photos of all entries/exits; discrepancies are far easier to resolve with immediate evidence.

Validity window, re-entry mechanics and planning mistakes to avoid

• Visa validity vs stay: your METV’s calendar validity (for example, 6 months) limits the window in which you can make entries; each entry’s 60-day clock still applies. In other words: you must start each intended stay before the visa expires.

• Processing time: typical consular processing times are under 15 business days in many posts, but expect variability—some consulates offer e-visa channels with faster turnarounds. Book travel after the visa is issued, not before.

• Avoid serial “border-run” patterns: repeated short border hops to renew time in Thailand attract scrutiny and can lead to refusal at ports of entry. If your intent is long continuous residence, a long-stay or appropriate non-immigrant visa is a safer route.

Extensions, overstays and enforcement

You can normally apply locally for a single 30-day extension per entry, but an extension is not automatic and is discretionary. Overstaying the permitted period is a strict offense: fines accrue per day, and long or repeat overstays can lead to deportation or re-entry bans. If you foresee an overstay risk, contact immigration early; voluntary disclosure and prompt applications reduce enforcement severity.

Fees and costs — what to budget for

Consular visa fees vary by post and by whether you use a visa service; the METV fee commonly falls in the USD 150–250 range at many posts (check your embassy). Also budget for translation/legalization of supporting documents (if required), potential service-agent fees, and local extension fees (THB 1,900). Flight change fees and travel insurance are sensible additions.

Practical evidence that strengthens your application

• A history of prior lawful travel to Thailand (past visas, arrival stamps).

• Clear proof of stable finances (bank statements showing regular income or savings rather than a one-off large deposit). Some posts audit three months of transaction history.

• Employment letter or business registration if you’re applying from a third country (shows rootedness and exit intent).

• If family is in Thailand, copies of family IDs and relationship documents help explain frequent travel.

Avoid sending scanned, low-quality bank screenshots—use bank-issued statements or certified solvency letters where possible.

Common reasons for refusal and how to avoid them

• Insufficient financial evidence — provide three months of consistent statements or a solvency letter.

• Lack of clear onward travel — always include booked tickets showing an exit date within each permitted stay.

• Appearing to intend to work or immigrate — keep your application focused on tourism/medical/family purposes and bring documents showing ties to home country.

• Incomplete or inconsistent documents — match names/dates exactly across passport, bank statements, employer letters and ticket bookings.

If refused, the consulate typically returns your passport with a refusal stamp or letter; ask why and correct the deficiency before reapplying.

Arrival checklist (print and take with you)

1. Passport (valid ≥ 6 months) and METV sticker.

2. Printed arrival/entry stamp photo (photograph the stamp).

3. Onward/return ticket and printed itinerary.

4. Recent bank statements (3 months) and a letter of employment or solvency.

5. Accommodation booking or Thai host contact details.

6. Paper copy of your visa approval (if e-visa) and consular receipt.

Decision rules — when NOT to use an METV

• If you intend to live in Thailand for long continuous periods, choose a Long-Term Resident, retirement, work, or student visa instead.

• If your primary purpose is employment, the METV is the wrong route—immigration and labor authorities treat work without a permit seriously.

• If you cannot show consistent finances or credible exit intent, consulates may decline the METV and a single-entry or different visa class may be easier to justify.