Answered3 months ago
Can I enter Thailand on a 30-day visa exemption while my DTV visa application is pending?
I'm worried my DTV visa application may not be approved in time for my flight, If this occurs can I fly to Thailand, Chiang mai ,get the 30 days on arrival, then border hop to Chiang Kong to activate the DTV when it eventually arrives
Answer summary
The user is concerned about the timely approval of their DTV visa application and is considering entering Thailand on a 30-day visa exemption. Various comments highlight the potential risk of visa cancellation if leaving the country while the application is pending. While some users report successful experiences entering Thailand under similar circumstances, many emphasize that it is generally advised to remain in the country of application until the visa is approved to avoid complications.
61 repliesnewest first
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Chris ****
Huh??? What is this talking about????!!!
James ********
Stay in the country where you are applying for the DTV visa until the decision is known...
Steven ************
I applied April 22nd (NY consulate) had said my intended fly date was June 9th. Waited and waited and waited. Just went to thailand as I would rather loose the 400 dollar application fee instead of the 1200 flight. Entered thailand visa exempt. On my last day, July 11th they approved my visa.
Iasmin ***********
For my boyfriend application was cancel when he left the country
RedBlueb********
Don't risk going into Thailand. Fly to a neighbouring country wait there and enter Thailand when your DTV visa is approved.
Darryl ******
OPSo I find this using a different search engine, many people saying on here one cannot leave the country but zero,yes zero people have shown any evidence of this rule
RedBlueb********
@Darryl *****
i just DM'ed, DarrylRedBlueb********
@Darryl *****
by what I've seen, it's only an issue if there is a chance that you could be called in for an interview. But for us, Aussies, if applying at home, we don't get interviewed...But Laos, you do, for example.
Hopeful********
I did this and it worked out completely fine, but did the board run to phu quoc
Darryl ******
OPHopefulKiwi3539 that's great, I was hoping to hear first hand experience, thankyou
Sefton ********
Some embassy's demand you must remain in country until the application is approved or denied. Not sure on Sydneys rules
Darryl ******
OP@Sefton *******
that demand is fine as long as I can verify itSefton ********
Also it leaves an obvious trail, in that the issue date happens while your entry exit data show you incountry.
I think some dont even allow leaving the country of application, but I believe the intent of the rule was to stop border hoppers going local, applying and immediately leaving and letting the app run while back incountry.
I think some dont even allow leaving the country of application, but I believe the intent of the rule was to stop border hoppers going local, applying and immediately leaving and letting the app run while back incountry.
Sefton ********
@Darryl *****
its definately the case with the uk (they make you do an acknowledgement) and I think vietnam / taiwan.RedBlueb********
@Sefton *******
and Laos
Josh ********
The process seems simple but I was asked for four additional documents. And proof of location could only be the visa stamp which I was asked to submit twice. My intended date of arrival was Aug 10. Paid my fee on July 29 and was approved at 23:45 on Aug 5. Booked a flight to Thailand for Aug 7. Sooner I leave Laos the better. Just rains all day everyday here.
Josh ********
I posted my timeline and what docs were requested in a separate post
Karl ********
@Josh *******
hey in laos did you have to attend interviewJosh ********
@Karl *******
no. The document requests were the questions they ask in the interview from my understandingDarryl ******
OP@Josh *******
good to hear some first hand experienceBob **********
If it’s going to be approved it will be before your flight Thai embassies do that all over the world for every visa
Steven ************
@Bob *********
this is not true either. My intended fly date was June 9th. (I applied April 22nd) entered thailand jun 9th and my visa got approved on my last day in thailand of July 11th) even emailed them June 4th and they replied that it was being sent for review. They DID NOT approve my my intended fly date.Sefton ********
@Bob *********
Plenty of applicants have not had timely responses no matter the flight booking.Bob **********
@Sefton *******
it’s not the most popular Visa they have the IO hate it that’s why I say it’s going away eventuallyBob **********
@Sefton *******
No like I said if it’s going to be approved they usually send you the e mail before your flightSefton ********
@Bob *********
agree. But the same thing applies to tourist or non imm though, just because you have a flight booked, doesn't mean the visa will come.Darryl ******
OP@Bob *********
that would be great if that's the case but I do need a back up plan in case it's not a true statement, I haven't seen any documents supporting that statement but definitely open to new evidenceBob **********
@Darryl *****
then change your flight nowBob **********
@Darryl *****
Sometimes you’ll learn from your mistakes,don’t know where your flying from but if it’s in SEA I would rather loose that than the visaDarryl ******
OP@Bob *********
you are only saying that because it's not you losing money
LongTimeLivi************
You have to remain in the country you applied at until your DTV is issued. What embassy did you apply with?
RedBlueb********
LongTimeLivingInThailand you don't have to...
It's advised you do, but not a must.
Canberra embassy told me that.
Flew to Japan and a few weeks later my DTV was approved.
I just DM'ed you Darryl.
It's advised you do, but not a must.
Canberra embassy told me that.
Flew to Japan and a few weeks later my DTV was approved.
I just DM'ed you Darryl.
Darryl ******
OPLongTimeLivingInThailand Sydney, are you able to post the link to the rule you have stated please, just want to double check that
LongTimeLivi************
@Darryl *****
Location Proof RequirementsSupporting Documents Step (Pages 18–22): The manual outlines the required uploads based on your location. Embassy-specific pages (such as the Royal Thai Embassy DTV Requirements) list required uploads including:
Proof of current location: An entry stamp, local visa, hotel booking, or utility bill showing you are inside that embassy's jurisdiction.
3. Application Processing & Rejection Rules
Embassy Processing Terms: The official e-Visa portal terms stipulate that if you enter Thailand before your e-Visa is issued—or if you leave the jurisdiction and cannot provide requested live proof of presence—the application will be invalidated or rejected. You cannot convert an in-progress e-Visa once inside Thailand; you would have to re-apply from scratch outside the country.
You can download and inspect the complete PDF directly via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs e-Visa User Manual.
**************************************************************
Darryl ******
OPLongTimeLivingInThailand I've checked that manual a couple of times and haven't been able to find anything written like what you have written, is it the correct document?
David *******
@Darryl *****
it was at the end of the website when I applied 18 months ago
KindMa*******
If you don't want to waste a flight you have two options. Call the agent or airline and ask to change dates (usually possible for a fee) or ask for a connecting flight to a nearby country but do not go through Thai immigration.
If you enter whilst the application is in progress it will be cancelled
If you enter whilst the application is in progress it will be cancelled
Steven ************
KindMango4098 this is not true
Darryl ******
OPKindMango4098 that's good info but of course I need to verify the information, so far many people are giving that advice but not one person has shown proof of this rule, I'm not saying it's false I'm just saying I don't believe most of what is written until I see the written rule
Steven ************
@Darryl *****
its not true. It took 3 mknths for ny consulate to approve my visa. I entered thailand June 9th. Visa got approved July 11th and I left thailand July 12th.KindMa*******
@Darryl *****
it is a core rule. You must apply from outside thailand and not enter until the process is complete
Ian **********
My DTV arrived the day before my flight
JoyfulT********
Change the flight if you don’t want your application to be cancel.
Darryl ******
OPJoyfulTulip1601 that's what I am trying to avoid for monetary reasons, flights and flight changes are very expensive because of the war and price of oil
Kool *******
@Darryl *****
compare the costs. Is it cheaper to reapply for the dtv, leave to another country from chaing Mai to reapply, or pay the fee to change your flight. You can do it, and a few have, but understand the risk, and possible cost if you have to reapply.Darryl ******
OP@Kool ******
Ok that's good information but can you link me to that rule on not leaving country before the visa is issued please so I can confirm it. I can't think why I would need to reapply given I meet all the requirements but yes I do want to avoid reapplying for any reason.I must have done 40 or 50.border hops in the last 20 years so know the costs quite well
Kool *******
@Darryl *****
don't forget the bt10,000 application fee for the dtv, if you have to reapply. Also, a border hop won't get you a dtv on a new application. It's averaging 10+ days at most countries around Thailand, meaning you have to stay in that country until you get it. Don't forget that little detail. If your application is accepted, even though you left, then yes, you can just pop across any open border to activate it.Darryl ******
OP@Kool ******
I've compared prices, a border hop for me is 3000 baht, the fee change alone is double that then another 500 dollars in top of the flight
Tim ******
They really aren’t prices are back to normal
Darryl ******
OP@Tim *****
prices are never "normal" when it's a last minute change compared to booking 6 months in advance
Jeramy ********
It is likely your DTV will get canceled as you are supposed to remain in the country of application. A little late now, but always surprised more people don’t use an agent. They took care of everything from start to finish; stress free.
Marcus ******
It depends on what step you’re on in the approval process. I was able to arrive while the application said pending approval. I planned on leaving Thailand within 30 days anyways so it work out. I got approved while in Thailand and activated with an exit to Vietnam and coming back in. No questions asked.. embassy’s and immigration aren’t connected at the hip.
Darryl ******
OP@Marcus *****
that's good info MarcusMarcus ******
You should wait until that step if it’s not there before you leave maybe change your flight a week. You never know if they will email you requesting an interview and from what I’ve seen they’re typically a week or two out.
Knowledgeabl************
Bro for the first 6 months agents wouldn’t even touch DTVs there was like 10,000 people who did it in that period with no agents
Darryl ******
OP@Jeramy *******
why would you need an agency when everything is on line and so simple?Knowledgeabl************
When is ur flight and what did you tell as the intended date of arrival
Darryl ******
OPKnowledgeableRaccoon5198 august 17
Knowledgeabl************
Bro you still have 10 days be patient it will come.
Most embassy will process and prioritise your application according to ur intended date of travel
Most embassy will process and prioritise your application according to ur intended date of travel
RedBlueb********
KnowledgeableRaccoon5198 that's very true...
Dave ***********
You can but you risk your application being cancelled if the embassy find out you left the country and went to Thailand.
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