thailand
Ask question

Can I apply for a DTV visa online and activate it by exiting and re-entering Thailand?

DTV visavisa application processe-Visa Thailandvisa rulesThai immigrationThai consulatesvisa requirements
Oct 8, 2024
a month ago
Bob **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello since the SEA embassies or consulates are all going to e-visas do you think you can apply for a DTV visa from here and exit and enter to activate it TIA
2,127
views
2
likes
71
all likes
40
replies
3
images
12
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The consensus among community members is that applying for a DTV visa online while physically in Thailand, then exiting and re-entering to activate it, is not feasible. Applicants must be in the country where they are applying and provide proof of their physical location at the time of the application. The recent transition to e-visa systems at some Thai consulates does not eliminate these requirements. Furthermore, proof such as passport stamps will be required upon re-entry, making it unlikely that this method would be accepted.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Henrik *****
That would be breaking laws.

And the Immigration can spot that you where between arrival and departure stamps, at the time of the application.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Dennis *********
No because when you go to activate it they'll see you were in Thailand at the time you applied and your $$ and effort was for nothing
a month ago
Like
Reply
Sylvia ********
you can post on the group for the experts to answer
a month ago
Like
Reply
Galen ******
It would be interesting to know if there is a maximum amount of e-visa applications accepted per day at a given embassy or consulate. For those that may be staying in hotels in neighboring countries while they apply for e-visa, if it would be a busy application day at the consulate, it may actually delay the visa approval by many days. Difficult to plan travel in an instance like this. Maybe the application site gives an estimated approval or rejection date at time of application.
a month ago
Like
Reply
John **********
@Galen *****
 usually they give an indicative processing time. It will probably take a bit of time for those just moved to evisa to get a handle on this
a month ago
Like
Reply
Andi ***********
@Galen *****
 Taipei informed me today of 2 working days to process online applications starting Mid Nov.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Janelle *****
@Andi **********
 what was the process and requirements in Taipei for bank statements? I’m here now
a month ago
Like
Reply
Andi ***********
@Janelle ****
 final balance of 500k THB one month statement is ok, if you have more it strengthens your case
a month ago
Like
Reply
Janelle *****
@Andi **********
 sounds good to me. Did they stickler about it being verified or just a PDF good?

And did you use the visa form on their website which says Manila lol
a month ago
Like
Reply
Andi ***********
@Janelle ****
 It does not need to be verified. You use that Manila form as the Taipei consult is not a regular embassy, they do not have their own form. I have not done it there yet but have had a lot contact with them via email.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Janelle *****
@Andi **********
 got it. And just mark “other” for the visa type I’m guessing and write Dtv
a month ago
Like
Reply
Andi ***********
@Janelle ****
 Yes, that's it. They are very helpful and friendly as others have posted. You will pay once they approve which is good.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Janelle *****
@Andi **********
 oh nice even better! I’ll walk in there tomorrow
a month ago
Like
Reply
Andi ***********
@Janelle ****
 ok, give us an update on how it went ☺️
a month ago
Like
Reply
Janelle *****
@Andi **********
 🧳 ok
a month ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Janelle *****
Reply
Galen ******
That's good to hear. Basically the same as a walk in application. Hopefully that will be consistent for all locations.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Bob **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Galen *****
 but can you submit the application from Thailand then leave and re enter to activate??
a month ago
Like
Reply
Galen ******
@Bob *********
 I don't think that is possible. I'm sure access to their system would not be allowed over vpn connection. And I think you must show proof of location at time of application.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Galen ******
Reply
John *******
@Galen *****
 I think they state someone “upwards of 30 days”. They are not going to give any more specifics. Embassies never give many details - it is maddening
a month ago
Like
Reply
Galen ******
I would imagine it is not possible to return to Thailand visa exempt while waiting for visa approval. However they should consider this a viable option for those that cannot be out of Thailand for long periods. I think not a practical system for all neighboring countries. Appointment system is sufficient. E-visa is overkill.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
@Galen *****
 you're supposed to get a visa before you travel to a country. Convenience isn't a factor for trying to work around the system.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Luit *****************
@Brandon ***********
 exactly, in a normal situation you would apply for the visa in your home country, long enough before travelling, so it is not important if it takes a few days more or less.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Galen ******
@Brandon ***********
 In many cases it may be easier for people to change from visa exempt to their desired visa inside Thailand. I think for many visa types this is possible if qualifications are met.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
@Galen *****
 just because it's possible doesn't mean it's the correct way, and such should not be counted upon as it's not how things are supposed to be done. The ability could be stopped at any time.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Galen ******
@Brandon ***********
 I'm not talking about an agent. I think it is possible to change from visa exempt to marriage or retirement from within Thailand. Maybe I misunderstand this. But if it is possible, why bother traveling to another country to apply for these types of visas.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
@Galen *****
 it's possible because the immigration allows it. Even though around the world that is not how you are supposed to get a visa. You get a visa before you travel somewhere. That's the entire purpose of embassies. The fact that banks no longer give bank accounts for tourists makes it even less possible now than it used to be. And one day immigration may say "no more visa conversions, get a visa from the embassy like you're supposed to"

You should be getting the visa you need BEFORE you travel. Then the processing time is irrelevant because you are at home and planned for your travel. Then there is no need to worry about if converting to a different visa is possible. Or if one of the embassies around Thailand has a long processing time. Plan ahead and plan accordingly and none of that matters.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Galen ******
@Brandon ***********
 I would like to add one more thing. Maybe I'm a little slow, but before joining this group, I'd never heard of a visa agent. But I live in a rural area so I guess not much demand. Guess this is how it's meant to be.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Galen ******
Yes, I agree with what you are saying. But there are instances, especially for long term expats where applying for visa locally inside Thailand or neighboring country needs to be used. For instance lets say an expat lost his marriage visa or retirement visa status due to a financial situation that may be out of their control. Yes, it does happen. So they need to start over. Maybe they go to a neighboring country an apply for a new non-o, maybe reenter visa exempt. Most likely they already have the bank account so no need for agents. But as many people mention, if you simply want to cut corners, visit an agent. I also do not agree with shortcuts.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Luit *****************
@Galen *****
 Of course the situations you mention exist, but it are exceptions, and you cannot expect them to design the visa process for that situations, but if I am correct informed it is possible to enter Thailand on visa exemption and convert to non-o in Thailand itself
a month ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Luit *****************
Reply
Nongnuch ********
@Galen *****
 absolutely right . . . the process at those that are left for walk-up, might be taking a few days, if not over a week
a month ago
Like
Reply
Bob **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nongnuch *******
 no more walk ups
a month ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Bob **********
Reply
Nongnuch ********
Bob D'Andrea . . . . . Not ALL of the embassies and consulates in South East Asia will move to the e-Visa system

Tod Daniels announced a few days ago:

ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS

The following Thai consulates in S/E Asia will go to online e-Visa applications ONLY starting the 8th of Oct.

They will discontinue any walk up/in person visa applications at that time.

Actually some of them stopped accepting in person applications already and have consular services closed until they open on the e-Visa system on Tuesday

Vietnam - Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City

Malaysia - Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kota Bharu

Cambodia - Phnom Penh

The following consulates are still walk up consulates (they will not be changing to e-Visa at this time) BUT you need to book an appointment online to get in the gate:

Lao - Vientiane, Savannakhet

Burma - Yangon

The following consulates are walk up consulates no appointment needed:

Indonesia - Jakarta

Taiwan - Taipei

Philippines - Manila
a month ago
Like
Reply
Elías ********
@Nongnuch *******
 they're all supposed to change to the online system within this year.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Nongnuch ********
@Elías *******
 &
@John ******
 . . . 🧐 and where did you read that?
a month ago
Like
Reply
John *******
@Nongnuch *******
 here is another post from someone related to Jakarta
a month ago
Like
Reply
Dca *****
@Nongnuch *******
 As per the Thai Cabinet Meeting Resolution (Synopsis) held on 28 May 2024, Agenda Topic # 13, Section 4.2.3:

The Thailand Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a target to move all 94 of Thailand's Embassies, Consulates, and Foreign Offices around the world to utilize and provide service with the Thai e-Visa system by December 2024.

As for actually achieving this target is another matter for discussion.

> Thai Cabinet Resolutions (Synopses) are usually available at thaigov.go.th
a month ago
Like
Reply
Elías ********
@Nongnuch *******
 it's been everywhere in the news and Government websites. Now, that they plan to, doesn't really mean they would really do it. But, they said all embassies would go online, and that an electronic authorization would be necessary for anybody coming on a visa exemption. Both the visa application and electronic authorization are supposed to be done on the same website.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Elías ********
Reply
John *******
@Nongnuch *******
 that is the October transition date. Some of these other embassies are transitioning in late October or November
a month ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
John *******
Reply
Declan **********
Nope, they will ask for proof of entry to the country such as passport stamp
a month ago
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
No. The fact that the system is online changes nothing about the requirements. It just means you submit the application online. You still need to be in the country where you are applying through, and there's specifically a question on the application asking you to prove where you physically are located to ensure you meet that requirement.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
Where can I apply for a DTV visa in person in Thailand?
8 comments
2 months ago
Can I apply for a DTV visa in Thailand while on an ED visa, or do I need to go to Cambodia?
10 comments
2 months ago
Can I apply for a Thai soft Muay Thai visa online from Thailand as a British citizen?
9 comments
2 months ago
Can I apply for a DTV visa while staying in Vietnam after entering Thailand on a tourist visa?
10 comments
2 months ago
Can I enter Thailand on a 60-day exemption stamp while waiting for my DTV visa approval?
11 comments
2 months ago
Can I apply for a DTV online on the Thai e-visa while holding a business visa and after getting a re-entry permit?
19 comments
2 months ago
Can you apply for a DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) while in Thailand without leaving the country?
16 comments
2 months ago
Can I activate my DTV visa by exiting and re-entering Thailand after arriving on a visa-exempt entry?
3 comments
2 months ago
How can I apply for a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) while currently in Thailand on a tourist visa?
14 comments
2 months ago
What is the best embassy for a UK citizen to apply for a DTV online while in Thailand on a tourist visa?
18 comments
3 months ago
Can you enter Thailand before your DTV visa is approved, and how do you obtain it afterward?
9 comments
3 months ago
What is the best time to apply for a DTV visa before leaving Thailand?
20 comments
3 months ago
Can I apply for a Thai DTV visa from Canada if my country supports eVisa but I'm not currently in Thailand?
2 comments
3 months ago
Can I complete my DTV visa application entirely online, or do I need to visit the embassy?
8 comments
3 months ago
Can a US citizen apply for a DTV from abroad through an online eVisa system?
14 comments
4 months ago
Can you apply for a DTV visa from outside Thailand or only from your residency country?
6 comments
4 months ago
Can I enter Thailand on visa exemption and apply for the DTV visa while in Thailand?
7 comments
4 months ago
Can I apply for a Thai DTV visa outside my home country if I have a British passport?
3 comments
4 months ago
Where should I apply for a DTV visa – from my country of residence or can I apply from another country?
3 comments
4 months ago
Can I apply for the DTV visa online without visiting the Thai Consulate?
8 comments
4 months ago
Can I apply for the new DTV visa at any Thai embassy outside of Thailand or in my home country?
17 comments
4 months ago
Can I apply for the DTV visa while in Australia and enter Thailand with visa exemption during processing?
2 comments
4 months ago
Can DTV be applied for from inside Thailand?
18 comments
4 months ago
Can I apply for a Thai e-visa while traveling in a different country (e.g., Malaysia)?
2 comments
a month ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.