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Can I enter Thailand on a tourist visa while waiting for my DTV visa approval?

DTV visa Thailand immigration rules tourist visa visa application process visa approval expat advice

Aug 22, 2025

8 months ago

Callum ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hey guys! applied for DTV visa, submitted all documents,

Then submitted another 7 documents they further requested,

Then i received the below request 

I flew into Thailand on a tourist visa while waiting for approval

And now they are saying this.

I’ve not heard of this before,

I was under the impression you are allowed to enter Thailand on a tourist visa while waiting for approval! 

Can anyone give me advice?

I’m in Thailand already! 

Is this request from them incorrect? 

Or any method around it that doesn’t require me to fly back home? 

I’ve not heard of this being a problem, can it be questioned?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user applied for a DTV visa and entered Thailand on a tourist visa while awaiting approval. They received a request for additional documents after their application but are unclear about the legality of their situation since they thought it was acceptable to wait in Thailand on a tourist visa. Participants in the comments suggest that entering Thailand before approval may violate visa rules and share insights on typical procedures, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the specific requirements set by immigration authorities.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
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Antti *********

I don't understand people who have difficulty following the instructions given. When it comes to an immigration permit, I would especially follow the instructions given and carefully.

8 months ago

Johannes *****

It’s really pretty self-explanatory that if you want a visa for a country, you probably shouldn’t enter before being granted it …

8 months ago

Angela *********

Sorry you are having to deal with the rude bullying comments on here. If i were you i would turn off the comments to this since you have your answer.

8 months ago

Kool *******

@Callum *******

they didn't reject it. They gave you 60 days to finish your Thai vacation, and return, to finish your application. They are being nice. The normal request from an embassy when they suspect you left the country you applied in before you received it, was to ask for a copy of every page in your passport, including blank pages. You got lucky.

8 months ago

Elías ********

Somebody doesn't know to read the rules. Don't get me wrong, it doesn't make me happy that this happened to you, but the rules are in writing, so you can't claim not knowing them.

8 months ago

A. ************

You are very lucky that they didn't just reject the application outright.

8 months ago

Dca *****

FYI—

For anyone applying for any type of Thai E–Visa at any Thai Embassy/Thai Consulate around the world, but specifically for the Thai Embassy in London:

"...

All applicants must be residing within the UK/Ireland/UK territories when apply for the Visa. The Royal Thai Embassy has the right to cancel the visa applications should you fail to provide the evidence of your presence within the UK/Ireland/UK territories while applying for the visa.

...."

>

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8 months ago

Angela *********

Why didnt you just reapply from somewhere close like Vietnam instead of flying an expensive trip back to your home country? Probably would have been cheaper :)

8 months ago

Anonymous ******************

Sorry for the expensive experience but the requirement to be in the country (non Thailand) where you apply for DTV has been there day 1!

8 months ago

John **********

A clear lesson for all those who think they don't have to remain in the country they apply from until the process completes