Can I get a 6 month multiple entry visa if i'm on a 2 month single entry already?

[lastminutebozo]

Hiya, I've been here for 2 months now on a single entry tourist visa from canada and have gotten a 1 month extension a few days ago. I would like to know if it's possible for me to get a 6 month multiple entry visa without going all the way back to canada after the extension expires? What are my options? I'm open to travelling and spending a month in one of the neighbouring countries if need be.

 

P.S: Upon getting the 6month visa, i'd be looking to maximize the extentions on that visa in order to stay a total of an additional 9 months more. (well, almost...).

[ubonjoe]

The nearest location you might get one is Australia. There have been posts in the past of people getting them that were not Australian or a legal resident.

All the nearby embassies and consulates will only issue the them if you are a legal resident.

[lastminutebozo]

5 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

The nearest location you might get one is Australia. There have been posts in the past of people getting them that were not Australian or a legal resident.

All the nearby embassies and consulates will only issue the them if you are a legal resident.

Seriously??? So i can't go anywhere, cambodia, vietnam, india etc to get this done? or even a student visa?

[ubonjoe]

2 minutes ago, lastminutebozo said:

Seriously??? So i can't go anywhere, cambodia, vietnam, india etc to get this done? or even a student visa?

The written rules for getting a METV is that you must be a citizen or the legal resident of the country where you apply for it. As far as I know the only countries where they do not specifically require it is Canada, USA and Australia.

If you were to enroll in a school you could get a single entry non-ed visa and then extensions of stay. For a language school you would only get 90 day extensions and the max total stay is one year that includes the 90 days from the non-ed visa and then your have to get a new non-ed visa.

 

 

[BritTim]

1 hour ago, lastminutebozo said:

Seriously??? So i can't go anywhere, cambodia, vietnam, india etc to get this done? or even a student visa?

Your best bet is to get a series of single entry tourist visas. These are available with a single night's stay in Laos (Vientiane and Savannakhet), Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi), Hong Kong and Yangon. Other nearby locations are also feasible, but less recommended for various reasons.

[lastminutebozo]

31 minutes ago, BritTim said:

Your best bet is to get a series of single entry tourist visas. These are available with a single night's stay in Laos (Vientiane and Savannakhet), Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi), Hong Kong and Yangon. Other nearby locations are also feasible, but less recommended for various reasons.

Sweet! Is it possible out of somewhere in cambodia? and Isn't there a limit to how many single entry visa's you can have per year?

[JackThompson]

1 hour ago, lastminutebozo said:

Sweet! Is it possible out of somewhere in cambodia? and Isn't there a limit to how many single entry visa's you can have per year?

Cambodia - yes - but I would recommend this only once, and while you only have one other tourist-visa in your passport.  Expect that to take 4 to 5 days from application to getting your passport back, using an agent. 

 

As to the limit - it is not per-year, it is per-passport, and this varies by where you apply.  At some consulates, if they see several Thai Tourist Visas, will put a little "extra stamp" (aka "red stamp" - though not always red) on the visa they issue saying, "This person travels to Thailand frequently..." which will prevent you getting another Tourist Visa after that from them and some other nearby consulates.  The only workaround, at that point, is a new passport from your embassy - at which point you can start over.

 

The reason I suggest Cambodia first, is that they put the "extra stamp" in my passport when I only had 2 other Thai Visas in it upon application.  If you will stay in Cambodia awhile, do your traveling first, so your application is as far away from your date of departure from Thailand as possible.  At Penang, 2 or 3 Visas in your passport before the "extra stamp" (or even rejection).  At Vientiane, Laos, you should be able to get 3 or 4 before the "extra stamp".   So, a good order might be Cambodia, Penang, Vientiane, Savannakhet.

 

Also, after your 2nd, I would not fly in, unless flying direct to Chang Mai, and entering through Immigration at that airport.  The Bangkok airports don't like it when people stay "too long" here on Tourist or ED visas (undefined - based on their mood - no rule exists).  Similar with the Poipet/Aranyaprathet crossing - don't re-enter Thailand there ever, if you have been in Thailand recently.  Use any other crossing back from Cambodia - the rest are fine.

 

As a backup, if ever denied a Tourist Visa, you could enter Visa-Exempt for a 30-day stamp at a friendly land-crossing (i.e. "not Poipet").  You can do this twice per calendar year.  If using Malaysian crossings, you may have to spend the night in Malaysia before returning the next day.  They are also a land-border known for requesting to see 20K Baht worth of cash or travelers checks only - which could also be demanded at an airport.  Best to always have this, just in case it is requested (it's a "real rule").

 

Also - note that different consulates have different requirements - show money via bank-statement, show an outgoing ticket, show a hotel-booking, etc.

Edited May 6, 2018 by JackThompson

[lastminutebozo]

4 hours ago, JackThompson said:

Cambodia - yes - but I would recommend this only once, and while you only have one other tourist-visa in your passport.  Expect that to take 4 to 5 days from application to getting your passport back, using an agent. 

 

As to the limit - it is not per-year, it is per-passport, and this varies by where you apply.  At some consulates, if they see several Thai Tourist Visas, will put a little "extra stamp" (aka "red stamp" - though not always red) on the visa they issue saying, "This person travels to Thailand frequently..." which will prevent you getting another Tourist Visa after that from them and some other nearby consulates.  The only workaround, at that point, is a new passport from your embassy - at which point you can start over.

 

The reason I suggest Cambodia first, is that they put the "extra stamp" in my passport when I only had 2 other Thai Visas in it upon application.  If you will stay in Cambodia awhile, do your traveling first, so your application is as far away from your date of departure from Thailand as possible.  At Penang, 2 or 3 Visas in your passport before the "extra stamp" (or even rejection).  At Vientiane, Laos, you should be able to get 3 or 4 before the "extra stamp".   So, a good order might be Cambodia, Penang, Vientiane, Savannakhet.

 

Also, after your 2nd, I would not fly in, unless flying direct to Chang Mai, and entering through Immigration at that airport.  The Bangkok airports don't like it when people stay "too long" here on Tourist or ED visas (undefined - based on their mood - no rule exists).  Similar with the Poipet/Aranyaprathet crossing - don't re-enter Thailand there ever, if you have been in Thailand recently.  Use any other crossing back from Cambodia - the rest are fine.

 

As a backup, if ever denied a Tourist Visa, you could enter Visa-Exempt for a 30-day stamp at a friendly land-crossing (i.e. "not Poipet").  You can do this twice per calendar year.  If using Malaysian crossings, you may have to spend the night in Malaysia before returning the next day.  They are also a land-border known for requesting to see 20K Baht worth of cash or travelers checks only - which could also be demanded at an airport.  Best to always have this, just in case it is requested (it's a "real rule").

 

Also - note that different consulates have different requirements - show money via bank-statement, show an outgoing ticket, show a hotel-booking, etc.

A lot of good information! Thank you very much! 

 

I only have this visa/extension on my passport currently, so if I were to try cambodia first and it gets rejected then should I try Penang if i want to avoid the visa exempt entry option? (i'm assuming visa entry is a last resort type thing)

[BritTim]

4 hours ago, lastminutebozo said:

I only have this visa/extension on my passport currently, so if I were to try cambodia first and it gets rejected then should I try Penang if i want to avoid the visa exempt entry option? (i'm assuming visa entry is a last resort type thing)

If you only have one previous tourist visa in your passport, it is unlikely that your application would be rejected (or you would even get the '"ed stamp" which is also to be avoided). If you do get the visa in Phnom Penh, it is easiest to use an agent. As Jack suggested, it will likely take about four working days, so plan a one week trip.

 

If for some strange reason, you could not get the visa in Phnom Penh, and wanted to apply to Malaysia, I would suggest Kuala Lumpur over Penang. That would not have been the recommendation a year or two ago, but Penang has become a worse place to apply and Kuala Lumpur seems less obstructive than in the past. Flights Phnom Penh,->Kuala Lumpur->Bangkok are easy to arrange.

 

Yes, reserve visa exempt entries as your emergency backup option when your normal plans fall through.

[JackThompson]

5 hours ago, lastminutebozo said:

I only have this visa/extension on my passport currently, so if I were to try cambodia first and it gets rejected ...

The only danger is the "red stamp" - and that should not happen since you only have one other Visa in your passport for Thailand.  The Thai embassy in PP does have some requirements to meet, however.  The most important is a bank statement with $1000 USD equivalent.  Consulates can change their rules, so your agent can tell you whether a flight out of Thailand and/or proof of where you will be living (can be a free, online 1-week hotel booking) are needed.

[notamember]

11 hours ago, JackThompson said:

Cambodia - yes -  Expect that to take 4 to 5 days from application to getting your passport back, using an agent. 

 

so you seem indicate that using an agent in Cambodia is OK yet you always criticize the practice in Thailand....

[overherebc]

15 minutes ago, notamember said:

so you seem indicate that using an agent in Cambodia is OK yet you always criticize the practice in Thailand....

Different thing altogether. In Thailand the agent is used generally to get around the problem of not really being entitled to the extensions not visas eg not enough cash in the bank to apply directly for a retirement extension.

[JackThompson]

36 minutes ago, notamember said:

so you seem indicate that using an agent in Cambodia is OK yet you always criticize the practice in Thailand....

I think it is bad all around, actually - wish every country had an enforced "No Fixers" law (like the Philippines, when I was there). 

But in the Cambodian case, you don't get to avoid any of the qualifications.  I always had to provide bank-statements, etc - so really was just a courier and print-shop service.  At one point, you got your visa back sooner for a little extra $$, but even that option seems to be gone, now - or reduced to nearly useless.

[matador007]

As Ubonjoe said, basically the answer is no.

The number of people that post this question and border hop, so amazing.

 

So you are willing to spend a month in another Country.  Guess how much that is in lodging and flights to/from.

 

Do what I do -- Go back to Canada and get a METV easily.  I fly back to Toronto, but you could go closer to Vancouver or take your pick where a Thai Consulate is (Calgary, etc.).

 

Here is a random return flight (from Kayak) to Vancouver and back.  Hotels may not be cheap, maybe you can do a AirBnb or Hostel if funds are an issue.  Of course you can optimize this with other flight searches, and shorten your span to Sun. to Wed. (Fly Sun, Submit Monday, visa next day or Tues. worst case.  Wed. fly out)

 

For a few days of your life and a $800 flight, you really want to do the SETV game ?

 

You can do $60-80 return flights to Cambodia and other nearby Countries as others mentioned.  You will need a visa there, approx. $40-50 plus hotels,etc..  Calculate that, etc.. and compare that to 2M+1Month extension's with in/out flights to Malaysia & Singapore where there are no visa fee's.

 

Good luck and safe travels.

[lastminutebozo]

17 hours ago, BritTim said:

If you only have one previous tourist visa in your passport, it is unlikely that your application would be rejected (or you would even get the '"ed stamp" which is also to be avoided). If you do get the visa in Phnom Penh, it is easiest to use an agent. As Jack suggested, it will likely take about four working days, so plan a one week trip.

 

If for some strange reason, you could not get the visa in Phnom Penh, and wanted to apply to Malaysia, I would suggest Kuala Lumpur over Penang. That would not have been the recommendation a year or two ago, but Penang has become a worse place to apply and Kuala Lumpur seems less obstructive than in the past. Flights Phnom Penh,->Kuala Lumpur->Bangkok are easy to arrange.

 

Yes, reserve visa exempt entries as your emergency backup option when your normal plans fall through.

Perfect, thank you!

 

One other question, if i were to go through the opening a business route, would it be possible to apply for that type of visa from nearby countries?

[tweedledee2]

On April 8th, using Hong Kong Airlines website fare calendar searching for low-price fares.  I booked a flight using "Vayama" from BKK to LAX leaving April 17th with a return May 8th. The roundtrip fare was less than $491. In-flight service was excellent and economy seating very comfortable with above average legroom. I have flown BKK-LAX numerous times with China Southern and one Jap-AA flight but HK Airlines will now be my first choice for future flights. 

[lastminutebozo]

7 hours ago, matador007 said:

As Ubonjoe said, basically the answer is no.

The number of people that post this question and border hop, so amazing.

 

So you are willing to spend a month in another Country.  Guess how much that is in lodging and flights to/from.

 

Do what I do -- Go back to Canada and get a METV easily.  I fly back to Toronto, but you could go closer to Vancouver or take your pick where a Thai Consulate is (Calgary, etc.).

 

Here is a random return flight (from Kayak) to Vancouver and back.  Hotels may not be cheap, maybe you can do a AirBnb or Hostel if funds are an issue.  Of course you can optimize this with other flight searches, and shorten your span to Sun. to Wed. (Fly Sun, Submit Monday, visa next day or Tues. worst case.  Wed. fly out)

 

For a few days of your life and a $800 flight, you really want to do the SETV game ?

 

You can do $60-80 return flights to Cambodia and other nearby Countries as others mentioned.  You will need a visa there, approx. $40-50 plus hotels,etc..  Calculate that, etc.. and compare that to 2M+1Month extension's with in/out flights to Malaysia & Singapore where there are no visa fee's.

 

Good luck and safe travels.

The issue for me is the long flight being trapped in my seat due to a health condition and can't really afford to spend so much on business/first class atm. But thanks, I didn't consider vancouver being a shorter flight and I have family there I can stay with so that might work if all else fails.

[lastminutebozo]

30 minutes ago, tweedledee2 said:

On April 8th, using Hong Kong Airlines website fare calendar searching for low-price fares.  I booked a flight using "Vayama" from BKK to LAX leaving April 17th with a return May 8th. The roundtrip fare was less than $491. In-flight service was excellent and economy seating very comfortable with above average legroom. I have flown BKK-LAX numerous times with China Southern and one Jap-AA flight but HK Airlines will now be my first choice for future flights. 

Wow, what a bargain! I actually need to go to LA when possible. Too bad the flight is almost as long.

Edited May 7, 2018 by lastminutebozo

[BritTim]

43 minutes ago, lastminutebozo said:

One other question, if i were to go through the opening a business route, would it be possible to apply for that type of visa from nearby countries?

A proper answer to this would be the length of a novel.

My advice is to forget opening a business if the main motivation is solving your visa issues. If you expect to stay a few years, look into getting the Easy Access visa available with the Thailand Elite program (see https://www.thailandelite.com/home)

If you wish to work or invest in Thailand, it is possible to arrange necessary business licenses, work permits, visas and so on, often without even needing to leave the country. None of the options are inexpensive. In particular, if you want to open your own business, and get a work permit tied to the business, you will usually need four Thai employees among other requirements.

[ubonjoe]

5 hours ago, lastminutebozo said:

One other question, if i were to go through the opening a business route, would it be possible to apply for that type of visa from nearby countries?

You could get a single entry non-b visa after you have a approved work permit application letter from the Labor Ministry at a nearby embassy or consulate.

[lastminutebozo]

On 5/8/2018 at 2:14 AM, BritTim said:

A proper answer to this would be the length of a novel.

My advice is to forget opening a business if the main motivation is solving your visa issues. If you expect to stay a few years, look into getting the Easy Access visa available with the Thailand Elite program (see https://www.thailandelite.com/home)

If you wish to work or invest in Thailand, it is possible to arrange necessary business licenses, work permits, visas and so on, often without even needing to leave the country. None of the options are inexpensive. In particular, if you want to open your own business, and get a work permit tied to the business, you will usually need four Thai employees among other requirements.

Ok, I guess i'm going back and setting up a business back home lol Return via the elite visa option. Appreciate the help!

[lastminutebozo]

20 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

You could get a single entry non-b visa after you have a approved work permit application letter from the Labor Ministry at a nearby embassy or consulate.

If all else fails, i shall do this. Great that I don't have to leave the country! Thanks!