Thailand’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs (MFA) has confirmed that it will be launching a new six-month multiple-entry tourist visa (METV) on November 13, 2015. The visa, costing INR 10,000 (5,000 baht) will grant travellers multiple entries during a six-month period, for up to 60 days per entry. All foreign nationals are eligible to apply for METV.
There has been speculation about the METV since August this year with travellers and travel trade in India excited about the prospective added convenience. Soraya Homchuen, director, TAT Mumbai office said, “I expect that frequent travellers from India as well as Indian travel agents, will be very happy with the news of the METV. Of late, Thailand has gained popularity for weekend getaways, especially on long weekends, in addition to already being India’s favourite for family vacations and annual holidays. I am certain that the convenience of already having a visa in-hand will encourage more impromptu trips to Thailand.”
Under the current rules, tourist visas are valid for just 60 days, after which visitors must leave the country or apply to a local immigration office for an extension. The new visa will allow visitors to enter and leave the country as often as they want over the six-month period; provide they leave the country every 60 days.
Indian travellers must be able to show a proof of funds in excess of INR 400,000, 12-months’ validity on their passports and must display an intention to travel to Thailand at least twice during the six-month period in order to be eligible for the METV.
One can only apply for an METV at a Royal Thai Consulate as it is not available on-arrival. Travellers should keep a buffer of two days, after submitting a completed visa form with all documents for the processing of an METV. Homchuen added, “I am optimistic that this will go a long way in meeting our year-end target of 1,050,000 travellers by the end of 2015.”