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

DTV visaMETV visaThailand visa rulesexpat immigrationvisa application processremote work visa
Oct 15, 2024
a month 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
A user in Thailand with a METV visa is inquiring about the possibility of applying for a DTV visa while their current visa is still valid. Comments indicate that it is possible to apply for a DTV while on a METV; however, it must be done outside of Thailand. Some advise to wait until the METV is about to expire, while others share their experiences of successfully switching to the DTV. Additionally, there is clarification that applicants must be present in the country where they wish to apply for the DTV, which in this case could be Vietnam.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Raphael ********
Pour te répondre, pour ta demande de DTV j’attendrais la fin de ton METV personnellement, j’ai demandé à l’ambassade polonaise (Qui m’ont donné mon METV) si je pouvais ils m’ont dis oui mais l’ambassade française m’a dis seulement 15 jours avant la fin du METV

Je suppose que cela dépend de l’ambassade
a month ago
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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.
a month ago
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Théo ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Cissi ********
 ok thanks a lot for your comments :)
a month ago
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Théo ******
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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.
a month ago
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Elías ********
And not question related, but did you visit the new office in Hua Hin? Did they move already to the new location?
a month ago
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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 :(
a month ago
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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
a month ago
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Raphael ********
@Luit ****************
 of course you are allowed to do remote work, this is one of the option to apply
a month ago
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Raphael ********
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Andi ***********
There are a couple of posts of METV holders applying for the DTV with success. You should apply out of Thailand.
a month ago
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Théo ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andi **********
 Super thanks for your answer. I must have missed those posts, I don't have great English haha
a month ago
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Théo ******
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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?
a month ago
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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?
a month ago
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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.
a month ago
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Théo ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Greg *******
 Ok great thanks a lot for your answer :)
a month ago
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Greg ********
@Théo *****
 Good luck. Go and have a holiday in Vietnam while applying.:-)
a month ago
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Greg ********
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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.
a month ago
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Greg ********
@Luit ****************
 No need to tell me - I am not asking the question. Bye
a month ago
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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.
a month ago
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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
a month ago
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Greg ********
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