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Are personal items shipped to Thailand duty-free with a DTV or Elite visa?
Thailand visa regulationsDTV visaElite visaretirement visaimport dutiescustoms regulationspersonal items shipment
Jun 16, 2025
10 months ago
Don *********
ORIGINAL POSTERHi all, I read somewhere and wanted to verify. If you are looking to enter Thailand to retire on a DTV or Elite visa are you allowed a shipment of personal items duty/tax free if it arrives within 90-days of your entry or something to that effect? We are looking to ship a "D" container with some personal items and wanted to seek some clarification. Thanks
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion confirms that under the DTV visa, which is a tourist visa, there are no provisions for duty or tax-free shipments of personal items. Only specific retirement visas such as Non-O, OA, or OX may qualify for tax relief on imported goods. Participants suggest contacting a moving company for clarification on customs regulations and import duties.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Stephen ********
******************************
Stephen ********
Contact Seven Seas, they are really good, I only paid tax on my two road racing bikes, and it was not a fortune.
Phil *******
@Stephen *******
I was going to used them, but after trying to contact them numerous times by email and their contact page on website, and getting no reply, I decided against using them.Stephen ********
@Phil ******
that’s a shame as they were really good, I believe they have just changed hands, so maybe that is why, but I would still keep trying if I was you.Phil *******
@Stephen *******
I sorted myself self out. Decided I did not need some stuff, then used air points to make an extra run here with excess baggage, then a month later moved here with excess baggage, in the end no monetary outlay as my points covered it allReply to
Phil *******
Reply
Henrik *****
Remember DTV is a tourist visa, with some limitations, as for instance eligibility to open a Thai bankaccount.
So for retirement a real long term visa is a much better way.
So for retirement a real long term visa is a much better way.
Bobb *********
" "D" container" jokes in 3, 2,...
Jeremy ********
You could apply for an APEC card and see if you can get a better rate on import/export duties
It’s worth a try
It’s worth a try
Jeremy ********
Thai elite / Thai privilege visa
Import Regulations in Thailand:
Separate Process:
Importing goods into Thailand is a separate process governed by customs regulations, not directly tied to the Thailand Privilege Visa.
Customs Duties:
Imported goods are subject to customs duties and taxes.
Restrictions:
Specific regulations apply to certain types of goods (e.g., food, pharmaceuticals).
Documentation:
Required documentation includes import permits, invoices, and other relevant paperwork.
In Summary: The Thailand Privilege Visa is a program for residency, not for importing goods. Importing goods into Thailand requires adhering to Thailand's customs regulations and procedures, regardless of whether one has a Thailand Privilege Visa.
Import Regulations in Thailand:
Separate Process:
Importing goods into Thailand is a separate process governed by customs regulations, not directly tied to the Thailand Privilege Visa.
Customs Duties:
Imported goods are subject to customs duties and taxes.
Restrictions:
Specific regulations apply to certain types of goods (e.g., food, pharmaceuticals).
Documentation:
Required documentation includes import permits, invoices, and other relevant paperwork.
In Summary: The Thailand Privilege Visa is a program for residency, not for importing goods. Importing goods into Thailand requires adhering to Thailand's customs regulations and procedures, regardless of whether one has a Thailand Privilege Visa.
Bennett ********
The import duty wasn’t high enough to be a dealbreaker, for us. And we brought in some large items like furniture. (Family heirlooms we wouldn’t part with. It was cheaper than buying all new furniture.)
Ian *******
I do not think there is any relief from import tax unless your nation returning from overseas. Best thing is contact a moving company and get clarification from them. Imported goods from Australia and the duty was not that much compared to the value of goods.
Andy ************
As far as I know only a retirement visa qualifies for tax relief. Either Non-O, OA or OX and the LTR retirement visas. DTV is a tourist visa which requires the holder to leave the country at intervals so would not qualify
John **********
@Andy ***********
retirement visa doesn't qualifyAndy ************
@John *********
Worked for me on OA. I must be the exception to the rule! 😂😂John **********
@Andy ***********
you must be 555 ******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
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6_01&ini_menu=menu_individual_submenu_02&lang=en&left_menu=menu_individual_submenu_02_*****
1_01Reply to
John **********
Reply
Don *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andy ***********
Thanks for the clarification....I may have to re-think which Visa I apply for.Reply to
Don *********
Reply
Tony **********
A DTV is still a tourist visa with 6 month stays.
Don *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tony *********
ok, thanksReply to
Don *********
Reply
Brandon ************
Not correct. There is no free shipment related with either of those visas
Don *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
Thanks.....which Visa's qualify if any?Brandon ************
@Don ********
Work visaReply to
Brandon ************
Reply
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