Can I apply for a DTV visa while my METV visa is still valid?

DTV visa METV visa Thailand visa rules visa application procedure remote work visa issues expat information visa validity

Oct 15, 2024

12 hours ago

Théo ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi everyone, I'm making this little message because I currently have a METV visa (valid until March 1st). I had done this visa in advance when I was still in France and the DTV visa didn't exist yet.

I'd like to know if I can apply for a DTV visa even though my METV visa is still valid? I went to immigration today in Hua Hin but they couldn't give me any information... They told me to contact the embassy where I would be applying.

Another question: I'm French and currently in Thailand. If I want to apply for a DTV visa in Vietnam, for example, but online, I have to apply when I'm in Vientam, right? This may be a silly question, but I was wondering, since I'm applying online, if I can't stay here in Thailand?

Thank you in advance :)

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user inquires about applying for a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) while holding a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV), which is valid until March. They received conflicting information from immigration officials in Hua Hin and seek clarity on regulations regarding applying for the DTV from Thailand or needing to be in another country like Vietnam for the application process. Comments from the community clarify that while it's possible to apply for a DTV with an active METV, official applications must be made outside of Thailand, and any attempt to apply within the country may lead to issues.

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.

Cissi *********

Just as information, you actually need proof of being in the country where you apply - such as hotel address and entry stamp in passport.

5 hours ago

Théo ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Cissi ********

ok thanks a lot for your comments :)

5 hours ago

Reply to

Théo ******

Elías ********

You can't apply for the DTV while inside the country. As your METV is currently valid until March, I wouldn't hurry to change to the DTV just now. Try to do it when/if you have already a future trip planned to France or Vietnam.

9 hours ago

Elías ********

And not question related, but did you visit the new office in Hua Hin? Did they move already to the new location?

9 hours ago

Théo ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Elías *******

I went to Blue Port immigration. I would have liked to switch to a DTV visa because I work online, so the METV visa is not very suitable :(

9 hours ago

Luit *****************

@Théo *****

There is not actually something visual on DTV that tells you are allowed to do remote work. I think nobody will make problems when you work remote wit your METV

7 hours ago

Reply to

Luit *****************

Andi ***********

There are a couple of posts of METV holders applying for the DTV with success. You should apply out of Thailand.

11 hours ago

Théo ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Andi **********

Super thanks for your answer. I must have missed those posts, I don't have great English haha

9 hours ago

Reply to

Théo ******

Greg ********

1) You can apply for a DTV while on a METV 2) The rules state you cannot apply for the DTV in Thai. You can try and bend the rules if you like but do not whinge if they see you were in Thailand when you applied for the DTV and refuse you the visa and make a note of it in the system 🙂 🙂 The DTV is a great visa - why play games?

12 hours ago

Théo ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Greg *******

Hello, thank you for your reply! Yes, I don't intend to play with the rules, I was just wondering. So if I'm in Vietnam, I can apply for the visa online but I have to stay in Vietnam until I receive my visa, right?

9 hours ago

Greg ********

@Théo *****

Yes apply in Vietbam and wait for Visa. There have been cases though where someone applied in LA. Came to Thailand on Visa Exempt while Visa was processing. Visa was approved to they flew out and back in to activate the DTV.

9 hours ago

Théo ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Greg *******

Ok great thanks a lot for your answer :)

8 hours ago

Greg ********

@Théo *****

Good luck. Go and have a holiday in Vietnam while applying.:-)

8 hours ago

Reply to

Greg ********

Luit *****************

@Greg *******

Since visa normally are used to get into a country you should apply for it outside the country.

This is a general rule, not only for Thai visa, but most countries work that way.

Even a visa on arrival technically means you are not yet in the country.

In a lot of countries you also have to stay in the country in which you apply for the visa.

11 hours ago

Greg ********

@Luit ****************

No need to tell me - I am not asking the question. Bye

10 hours ago

Luit *****************

@Greg *******

No need to answer me this, I did not ask you something.

I just made an enhancement on your reaction because you suggest this are special rules for DTV, but they are just generic rules for visa. Bye bye.

10 hours ago

Greg ********

@Luit ****************

I did not suggest any special rules for DTV. Have you been drinking too much Chang Beers today. Bye BTW not all visas have to be applied for outside the country. "O", "B" in some cases. Certain BOI visas. You do not know as much as the Chang is telling you

9 hours ago

Reply to

Greg ********

What is the best approach to apply for a DTV visa while living in Bangkok with a US passport?

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