Can I apply for the Destination Thailand Visa after my ED visa expires while in Vietnam?

Question

Need a quick DTV reality-check—anyone done this?
 • American, living in Bangkok on a single-entry ED visa (expires 23 July).
 • Flying to Ho Chi Minh City on 10 July.
 • Plan: apply online for the new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) while in Vietnam.
 • Funds: 500 k THB sitting in my Thai account for 6-plus months.
 • Run a legit U.S. real-estate business (remote work).

Key question:
If I exit Thailand on 10 July (before the ED visa expires) and let that visa die, can I still file for the DTV from Vietnam without any headaches when I re-enter Thailand? Or will immigration scream “problem” because my old ED visa auto-expired?

Thanks for any first-hand experience or tips!

Ask Thailand · Answer

An American living in Bangkok on a single-entry ED visa plans to fly to Vietnam and apply for a Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). There are concerns about whether exiting Thailand before the ED visa expires and applying from Vietnam will cause immigration issues upon re-entry. Community members advise that the ED visa will automatically cancel upon departure without a re-entry permit and confirm it's fine to apply for the DTV from Vietnam. They recommend properly informing and canceling the ED visa at an immigration office before leaving, to avoid any potential issues later.

Muay ************* · Answer

Be careful I think there are rules about canceling ed visas properly

Make sure you check it out for sure

Anonymous ****************** · Answer

You need to cancel the ED visa properly first. I am in the process of doing it now for the second time. You can just leave without cancelling it (I had a mate who did that last year) but it can be a problem if you go to immigration in country to try and extend one of your 180 day stays. It won’t stop you from getting your DTV or from getting into the country though. My mate who didn’t do it properly is on a work permit now and it’s all fine but they did put up a small fuss about him not doing it properly. More of an annoyance for not following the procedure they like, rather than a black mark or anything.

David ******** · Answer

Once you leave if you visa is not got a reentry stamp it's cancelled automatic. Just apply for the DTV on your first day out

Dany ******** · Answer

When you exit the country your ED will be canceled… sure you could go to immigration before but it is not necessary. the guy at the airport might ask if you are sure, because you have no re-entry permit but that is all okay.

you need to apply in vietnam and stay there until you are approved

you need to apply in vietnam and stay there until you are approved

Anonymous ************* · Answer

Or should I wait till July 23rd and let the visa run out then go on the 23th and apply on the 24th?

Anonymous ****************** · Answer

Cancel your ED first.

Dave *********** · Answer

You should to go to your local immigration office and cancel you current visa. Tell them what date you are leaving Thailand and they will cancel the visa for that Date. This is to be safe for when you re-enter with your DTV

Sara ******** · Answer

Be mindful of your Thai bank account too. As DTV holders we’re unable to have Thai bank accounts.

Lewis ************* · Answer

I think Ed visas are different. As far as I know they need to be cancelled before leaving Thailand. You can't just leave as normal and come back.

Anonymous ****************** · Answer

Just cancel the visa before you leave Thailand. Tell your school when you want to leave and they will provide a letter stating that your studies will end on that date. Take that letter to the immigration office to cancel your visa.

Tangy ************ · Answer

you can apply for a DTV from VN even if another Thai visa has expired.

Can I apply for the Destination Thailand Visa after my ED visa expires while in Vietnam?

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