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Can I enter Thailand using a 60-day tourist visa exemption if my DTV visa is not ready before my flight?

DTV VisaThailand ImmigrationVisa ExemptionVisa Application Process60-Day Tourist VisaExpats in Thailand
Aug 30, 2025
2 months ago
Anzaar ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi everyone,

I'm flying from the US to Samui and am currently waiting for my DTV visa to be processed.

My flight is approaching, and I'm concerned the DTV won't be ready in time. My question is: if I don't receive the DTV before my flight, can I enter Thailand using my 60-day tourist visa exemption and wait for the DTV to be processed while I'm in the country?

Any insights or considerations would be greatly appreciated.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is concerned about the timely processing of their DTV visa and asks if they can enter Thailand using a 60-day tourist visa exemption while waiting. Responses indicate it's technically not allowed to enter Thailand on a tourist exemption while a visa application is pending. However, several commenters note that some individuals have successfully entered on an exemption and then had their visa processed after arrival. There are risks involved, including the possibility of a visa rejection if the authorities find out about the pending application. Suggestions include waiting for the visa approval before booking a flight or flying to Thailand and exiting to activate the DTV visa from a neighboring country once approved.
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Leeann **********
When I was worried about this, the rep in the NYC consulate said that if my dtv was late, I could go to Thailand, leave once my dtv approved, and return to activate it.
2 months ago
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Anzaar ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Leeann *********
 that's great to know. Thanks
2 months ago
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Henrik *****
You will get the opposite answer from most other consulates, and if you count on it, you better have that “advice” on paper, to avoid problems.
2 months ago
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Henrik *****
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Kevin ******
My suggestion- fly to Samui and enjoy. When you get the DTV e visa, exist to any of the neighboring countries and re-enter with the DTV visa.
2 months ago
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Henrik *****
That is a very risky move and the worst advice.

You are not to enter Thailand until DTV is approved, doing so may get the DTV Application rejected.

Also be aware that some Embassies process visa according to departure date, and then the visa will not be issued until last week before departure.
2 months ago
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Greg ***********
@Kevin *****
 he will have to apply for a "dependent DTV" for his family as he is their sponsor, once the DTV has been issued for him. This is an even longer time delay. It was a mistake to buy a flight ticket before the DTV has gone through and the family added to his DTV
2 months ago
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Kevin ******
@Greg **********
 yes it was a mistake. How can he minimize his loss????
2 months ago
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Greg ***********
@Kevin *****
 by looking at it as a payment for a learning lesson ?
2 months ago
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Greg ***********
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Henrik *****
Do NOT buy a airline ticket until you have the visa to enter Thailand, you may not be able to use the ticket.
2 months ago
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Ronald ********
@Henrik ****
 an airline ticket is required in the application process isn't it?
2 months ago
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Greg ***********
@Ronald *******
 no. For the application to a DTV, no flight ticket is needed. And he will have to apply for his family as their sponsor, once the DTV has been issued - this is an even longer time delay. It was his mistake he bought a ticket along with the application.
2 months ago
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Anzaar ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ronald *******
 the form asked for an anticipated date of travel, but not proof of flight.
2 months ago
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Greg ***********
@Anzaar *****
 you will have to apply for a "dependent DTV" for your family as you are their sponsor, once the DTV has been issued to you. This is an even longer time delay. It was a mistake to buy a flight ticket before the DTV has gone fully through and your family has been added to your DTV and received their own visa
2 months ago
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Greg ***********
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Henrik *****
Read thoroughly what the application form says.
2 months ago
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Henrik *****
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Elías ********
You can enter the country, but your application MIGHT get rejected or void if they find out you were in Thailand. It's not 100% certain, but, it's a risk you need to assess. It has happened to several persons already (while some others did the same and had no issues).
2 months ago
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Anzaar ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Elías *******
 thanks for the insight 🙏
2 months ago
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Anzaar ******
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John *******
Technically not allowed but some people have gotten away with it while others have been caught. Which consulate did you apply via and when did you apply?
2 months ago
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Anzaar ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John ******
 Applied in NYC two weeks ago.
2 months ago
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Anzaar ******
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David **********
Is it possible? Yes.

Is it risky? YES!

If they require additional documentation, it may include 'proof of current location'.

Also, from your previous posts, aren't you coming with your family? If so that makes it even riskier, as you have to be approved first and then have your wife and children added to your DTV.
2 months ago
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Anzaar ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David *********
 Thanks. Yes, I'm traveling with family. We have a month to our flight so I'm hoping to get the DTV by then, and apply for the dependent DTV for the rest of the family soon after.
2 months ago
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Henrik *****
The needleeye for dependant DTV is much smaller, so better and quicker just apply for DTV for both parents at once.
2 months ago
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John **********
@Anzaar *****
 you are aware that your dependants have to also be outside Thailand when they apply for their DTVs?
2 months ago
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David **********
@Anzaar *****
 when did you apply? And have requested any additional information from you?
2 months ago
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Anzaar ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
It's been 2 weeks. No additional information requested yet.
2 months ago
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Robert ***********
@Anzaar *****
 You should see something in the next 2 weeks. Both NYC and Wash DC have been running about 4 weeks.
2 months ago
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Anzaar ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert **********
 thanks. Good to know.
2 months ago
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Anzaar ******
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Max *************
Are you really flying from the US to Koh Samui? 🤔
2 months ago
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Anzaar ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Max ************
 Yes, I live in NY currently.
2 months ago
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Max *************
@Anzaar *****
 And you're flying from the US to Koh Samui? I doubt that.
2 months ago
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Anna *********
@Max ************
 you are ridiculous 🤣

It makes no difference and as everyone else realised he’s probably going via BKK or SIN etc
2 months ago
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Michelle *********
@Max ************
 why does it even matter, that’s not even the point of his post. did you pay for the flight??
2 months ago
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Max *************
@Michelle ********
 You can't fly from the US to Koh Samui. Get it?
2 months ago
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Michelle *********
@Max ************
 he probably has a layover in Bangkok and flying to samui from bangkok 🙄
2 months ago
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Max *************
@Michelle ********
 Now you understand why I asked him and he still didn't get it. 😁
2 months ago
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Greg ******
@Max ************
 no you’re being pedantic. Everyone understood what he meant.
2 months ago
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Greg ******
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Ant ***********
Did you apply for your DTV in the USA ?

You really need to wait til it is approved - in some cases they can call you in for an interview ?
2 months ago
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Anzaar ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ant **********
 Yes, applied in the US.

In the online process, I don't remember seeing any mention of an interview.
2 months ago
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Bob **********
@Anzaar *****
 you need to stay in the country you applied in they can ask for an in person interview or proof of location
2 months ago
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Jack ********
@Bob *********
 the US doesn’t call people for interviews son. Stop with the scare tactics and making up things
2 months ago
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Bob **********
@Jack *******
 Obviously you haven’t read the requirements for the DTV have you it’s know it alls like you are the reason I left the states 15 years ago tell him it’s ok to leave and get denied
2 months ago
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Jack ********
@Bob *********
 I didn’t say that son. I said they don’t call people for interviews. Some consulates in the US are a 4 hour plane ride from where people live. Let’s be realistic here and transparent with the risks. Called for an interview isn’t one of those risks
2 months ago
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Jack ********
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Stuart *********
Technically no. You have to remain in the country where you applied for the visa.

That said there have been cases where people have got their visa after entering Thailand (on an exempt entry) and leaving to return to activate it.
2 months ago
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John **********
@Stuart ********
 there have also been instances where people have been denied the visa because of this or have had to immediately fly back to their home country to get it issued. Luck of the draw.
2 months ago
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Jim ********
@Stuart ********
 yeh I no a few people that have done this
2 months ago
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Anzaar ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jim *******
 thanks 🙏
2 months ago
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Anzaar ******
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