Big changes coming to tourist visa applications?

[pinkpanther99]

I follow HD visa on Facebook who I think are pretty well known to anyone who has ever had to do a visa run from Koh Samui/Koh Tao etc

Anyway, I saw they just posted this message:

Many people asked us about the new Tourist Visa regulations.

Fact is, that they are not in place yet. There is a meeting planned for Mid-November where details will be agreed upon and rules are coming into effect.

What we know by now is the following:

- There will be a 6 month tourist visa that you can apply to ONLY in your country of residency (not on one of our visa trips).
- There will be a single entry tourist visa that you can apply to outside of your country of residency, for instance on our visa trip
- There will be no more multiple entry tourist visa available outside of your country of residency

https://www.facebook.com/hdvisa?fref=nf

Is this new info?

Could be important to those who stay here on tourist visas??

Just thought I would share it here.

[KhunBENQ]

Quite new.

At least two very recent threads deal with the new multiple entry tourist visa ("METV") and the abolishing of double/triple.

There will be a 6 month tourist visa that you can apply to ONLY in your country of residency (not on one of our visa trips).

This is consistent with what I read on the embassy website in Germany (for residents only).

There will be no more multiple entry tourist visa available outside of your country of residency

Confusing wording. They mean no more double or triple entry TR.

That is also consistent with what has been written on misc embassy/consulate websites.

To make it short: only single entry TR and multiple entry TR ("METV") available.

METV very expensive, 5000 Baht, in Germany calculated as 150 Euro!

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863417-new-metv-finnish-requirements/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863487-info-from-norway/

Edited October 18, 2015 by KhunBENQ

[pinkpanther99]

Yes, I'd heard about the multiple entry tourist visa but didn't know it would only be available in your own country.

Clearly, they don't want that visa to be used by people who stay here long term on tourist visas.

[phuketrichard]

confirmed on these Embassy's sites, only in if ur a national of:

Norway

Italy

Germany

Finland

Cambodia $200

Singapore $180

Thats not what is important

what is is;

1. u need anywhere from 6,000 euro (Italy) to $8,000 ( Singapore/Cambodia) in ur bank an must show 6 months of bank statements

2. a JOB

3. confirmed hotel reservations

Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa will only be granted to Singaporean nationals or Long-Term Pass Holder of Singapore.

4. Evidence of adequate finance
Single-Entry Tourist Visa: $1000 per person and $2000 per family
Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa: $8,000 per person (6 months of financial statements)
5. Letter of Employment (compulsory for Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa applicants)
6. Evidence of accommodation booking (compulsory for Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa applicants)

Single-Entry Tourist Visa: S$50
Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa: S$250 $180 US

http://www.thaiembassy.sg/visa-matte...s/tourist-visa

Edited October 18, 2015 by phuketrichard

[KhunBENQ]

Yes, I'd heard about the multiple entry tourist visa but didn't know it would only be available in your own country.

I can not proof that for other countries (only what I read for Germany).

Maybe there will soon be information from the neighboring countries.

EDIT: previous post gives the answer.

Edited October 18, 2015 by KhunBENQ

[Khun Robert]

It make sence to me.

Purpose of Tourist Visa is for visitors (tourists) into Thailand, not for living in the Kingdom.

And it is not very expensive, 5000 THB for a 6 months multiple entry visa, or

a visit to nearest Consulate or Embassy outside Thailand, apply for dubble entry tourist visa, with overnight, costs variable due to hotel etc.

Back into Thailand for 60 days, 30 day extension at 1900 Thb, border run for another 60 days and again 1900 Thb for the extra 30 days.

Seems to me you spend more money than the 5000 Thb for this new Tourist Visa.

[biggles45]

How does a tourist who is retired and exploring SEA get on, he has no job but probably lots of money?

[trogers]

Problems for most visa runners is applying the visa in your home country and providing evidence in holding a job.

[Khun Robert]

How does a tourist who is retired and exploring SEA get on, he has no job but probably lots of money?

He applies for a Non-Immigrant O visa if he wants to stay longer in Thailand.

[connda]

"Tourists! Tourists! We don't need no stinking tourists! Time to leave farang - leave your money and get out!"

Edited October 18, 2015 by connda

[KhunBENQ]

1. u need anywhere from 6,000 euro (Italy) to $8,000 ( Singapore/Cambodia) in ur bank an must show 6 months of bank statements

2. a JOB

Thats rough

German website just says: account statement with 5000 Euro balance (no additional details).

Not mentioning job.

Job? Somewhat absurd for pensioners or those simply rich quality tourists

Edited October 18, 2015 by KhunBENQ

[Kitsune]

Relax everyone they will still keep the 2 and 3 entries TR visa for everyone to enjoy Thailand, Ubon joe said so!

There has been no official notice that the regular 2 and 3 entry tourist visas will phased out. Just a baseless suspicion by some people.

http://www.thaivisa....342&hl=baseless

[phuketrichard]

from the Norway site;

From 13 November 2015, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry valid for 6 months from the issue date with duration of stay up to 60 days per visit will be introduced. Therefore, the existing Tourist Visa with 2 and 3 entries will no longer valid after the introduction of the Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry.

To apply for Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry, following documents must be submitted to the Embassy:
1. Passport with validity of more than 6 months
2. Copy of Passport
3. Completed visa application form
4. Two passport photos
5. Copy of air ticket to Thailand, showing at least two entries into Thailand
6. Copy of residence permit in Norway (for non-Norwegian citizen applicant)*
7. Visa fee of 1,250 NOK in cash

Edited October 18, 2015 by phuketrichard

[TheKnave]

This is going to be interesting...

[Kitsune]

from the Norway site;

From 13 November 2015, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry valid for 6 months from the issue date with duration of stay up to 60 days per visit will be introduced. Therefore, the existing Tourist Visa with 2 and 3 entries will no longer valid after the introduction of the Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry.

To apply for Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry, following documents must be submitted to the Embassy:

1. Passport with validity of more than 6 months

2. Copy of Passport

3. Completed visa application form

4. Two passport photos

5. Copy of air ticket to Thailand, showing at least two entries into Thailand

6. Copy of residence permit in Norway (for non-Norwegian citizen applicant)*

7. Visa fee of 1,250 NOK in cash

I know and agree, but apparently it does not mean anything...He's a moderator maybe he knows better...

That being said, I would be surprised that Laos decides cut off the visa runners tourism business which makes out a lot of income for a place that does not have much appeal, unless Chinese tourists suddenly discover a new found passion for Laos, then its over..

[Baxer]

from the Norway site;

From 13 November 2015, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry valid for 6 months from the issue date with duration of stay up to 60 days per visit will be introduced. Therefore, the existing Tourist Visa with 2 and 3 entries will no longer valid after the introduction of the Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry.

To apply for Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry, following documents must be submitted to the Embassy:

1. Passport with validity of more than 6 months

2. Copy of Passport

3. Completed visa application form

4. Two passport photos

5. Copy of air ticket to Thailand, showing at least two entries into Thailand

6. Copy of residence permit in Norway (for non-Norwegian citizen applicant)*

7. Visa fee of 1,250 NOK in cash

I know and agree, but apparently it does not mean anything...He's a moderator maybe he knows better...

That being said, I would be surprised that Laos decides cut off the visa runners tourism business which makes out a lot of income for a place that does not have much appeal, unless Chinese tourists suddenly discover a new found passion for Laos, then its over..

It cant't be more clear, this is from Thai embassy in Stockholm Sweden http://www.thaiembassy.se/minmapp/filer/pdf-pages/Visa/%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A8_%E0%B8%84%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%98%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%A1%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%B5%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B8%E0%B8%A5_131115%20%28En%29.pdf

[JackThompson]

... I would be surprised that Laos decides cut off the visa runners tourism business which makes out a lot of income for a place that does not have much appeal, unless Chinese tourists suddenly discover a new found passion for Laos, then its over..

This could go either way. As it stands, most of us only have to go there every 6 months. Maybe that will become every 3 months, IF they will specify exactly what they want to see as "proof of income" vis-a-vis the "blue stamp".

If they do not do this, then the other nations will get most of our traveling bucks, instead - as we rotate through various SE Asian nations. Many under-50s will also give up and take their foreign-sourced income elsewhere. I love Thailand, so will stick it out as long as there is a sensible way.

[Kitsune]

Apparently Vientiane was refusing proofs of foreign funds because they were in foreign language.

In their logic, having no way to check foreign docs, they would direct us out to METV, ie go back to your own country where proper checks can be made.

which will leave 2 singles allowed then METV trip to homeland.

If thats the scenario, there will be alot of empty hotels in Vientiane.

Edited October 18, 2015 by Kitsune

[oncearugge]

" Many under-50s will also give up and take their foreign-sourced income elsewhere"

How many is "Many"?

Thailand is visited by Millions of genuine tourists every year.

I seriously doubt that the departure of a few who cannot find a legitimate means of remaining in Thailand full time will cause much anxiety.

[steven100]

No more visa runners. If you intend to stay in Thailand for an extended period then as per Thailand Immigration law you are required to hold the correct visa for your intended purpose of stay.

[Lampang2]

" Many under-50s will also give up and take their foreign-sourced income elsewhere"

How many is "Many"?

Thailand is visited by Millions of genuine tourists every year.

I seriously doubt that the departure of a few who cannot find a legitimate means of remaining in Thailand full time will cause much anxiety.

Where is elsewhere..

Countries with flap doors.

Name them.

Wrong guy quoted.

Sorry.

Edited October 18, 2015 by Lampang2

[Gillyflower]

In France, the double entry visa hasn't existed for 3 years. But they do talk now about the multiple entry.

Edited October 18, 2015 by Gillyflower

[Kitsune]

In France, the double entry visa hasn't existed for 3 years. But they do talk now about the multiple entry.

You mean PARIS, not France.

Marseille and Lyon still do doubles.

[Mudcrab]

Perhaps the new requirements in Sweden are a way to avoid giving visas to the "new" Swedes who won't eat pork.

[JackThompson]

...Many under-50s will also give up and take their foreign-sourced income elsewhere. I love Thailand, so will stick it out as long as there is a sensible way.

...How many is "Many"?

Thailand is visited by Millions of genuine tourists every year.

I seriously doubt that the departure of a few who cannot find a legitimate means of remaining in Thailand full time will cause much anxiety. Where is elsewhere..

Countries with flap doors. Name them. Wrong guy quoted. Sorry.

Cambodia and The Philippines, to name 2 where I have lived.

The Philippines does require one exiting plane ticket, to get 14 months, after which you fly out and back. They (somewhat) recently introduced an "outsourcing" type business visa, though I have not explored the details of this option.

Cambodia is $240/year, extendable forever from one $35 visa-on-arrival at the border (do not take the $30 option, if you want to extend beyond 2 months). This might increase to $360/yr, but has not yet, afaik.

As far at the "few" - hard to quantify, given the current situation. But imagine if there was a simple "show $X transferred every 3 months" rule, and how many would rather live here than those other two options. Personally, I have spoken to many people who live as expats, who say, "Not Thailand, because it is a pita to keep a visa," and live elsewhere. They used to live here, and now live all over the world, from Cambodia to Brazil. They ask me why I deal with it, and I simply reply, "I love it here."

[Kitsune]

Perhaps the new requirements in Sweden are a way to avoid giving visas to the "new" Swedes who won't eat pork.

I find it strange as it's not Thailand is crawling with Swedes on double TR visa either!

[Gillyflower]

Kitsune

I know when I mean Paris and I know when I mean France. Know All!

Marseille has been shut for over a year, so how they can do anything I would not know. In the last three years I have had 1 entry visas from both P & M, neither doing double entries. I have never had any business with Lyon.

Edited October 18, 2015 by Gillyflower

[KunMatt]

These constant visa rule changes are part of the reason I left Thailand with my family this year. I didn't feel comfortable planning to raise our two kids in Thailand knowing that at any point in the next 20 years immigration could suddenly invent a new rule which didn't include me and our life in Thailand would be over. As it happened I already didn't fit into any real visa status and ended up entering Thailand on Visa Exemptions and getting extensions based on having children there, many consider this abusing the system but there was no other option for me so I did what everyone always suggests and went back to my home country with my family.

Thailand is only for holidays and that's how they want it. Go there, spend all your money and go back home again.

[Kitsune]

Kitsune

I know when I mean Paris and I know when I mean France. Know All!

Marseille has been shut for over a year, so how they can do anything I would not know. In the last three years I have had 1 entry visas from both P & M, neither doing double entries. I have never had any business with Lyon.

its been reported here that at least one other consulate than Paris was still doing doubles.

It was Lyon and not Marseille

Lyon is still French is it ?

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/855998-tourist-doubletriple-entry-how-where/

Posted 2015-09-15 20:21:12

I don't know for triple entry, but double entry shouldn't be a problem.

I ordered my double entry by mail service at the Lyon consulate (registred post)

Was quite fast, sent my passport on monday, got it back friday.

Not sure for your baby, but I don't think it should be an issue.

For the required papers, just call them to be sure everything is going to be ok.

I got my double entry 3 years ago and regulations have probably changed since then

[oncearugge]

Not married to a Thai , not working and not over 50?

Perhaps you made a good decision.