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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 Visa Rules60-Day Tourist VisaVisa ExemptionImmigration AdviceTravel from US to ThailandKoh Samui Travel
Aug 30, 2025
3 days 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 entering Thailand using a 60-day tourist visa exemption if their Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) is not processed before their flight from the US to Koh Samui. Several commenters clarify that while it's technically not allowed to enter while waiting for a processed visa, some have successfully done so without issues. They caution that it poses risks, including possible rejection of the DTV application if the authorities discover the user's presence in Thailand while their visa is pending. A common piece of advice is to wait until the DTV is approved before buying airline tickets.
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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.
3 days 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 days 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
3 days ago
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Kevin ******
@Greg **********
 yes it was a mistake. How can he minimize his loss????
3 days ago
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Greg ***********
@Kevin *****
 by looking at it as a payment for a learning lesson ?
3 days 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.
3 days ago
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Ronald ********
@Henrik ****
 an airline ticket is required in the application process isn't it?
3 days 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.
3 days ago
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Anzaar ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ronald *******
 the form asked for an anticipated date of travel, but not proof of flight.
3 days 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
3 days ago
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Greg ***********
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Henrik *****
Read thoroughly what the application form says.
3 days 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).
3 days ago
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Anzaar ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Elías *******
 thanks for the insight 🙏
3 days 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?
3 days ago
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Anzaar ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John ******
 Applied in NYC two weeks ago.
3 days 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.
3 days 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.
3 days 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 days 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 days ago
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David **********
@Anzaar *****
 when did you apply? And have requested any additional information from you?
3 days ago
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Anzaar ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
It's been 2 weeks. No additional information requested yet.
3 days ago
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Anzaar ******
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Max *************
Are you really flying from the US to Koh Samui? 🤔
3 days ago
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Anzaar ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Max ************
 Yes, I live in NY currently.
3 days ago
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Max *************
@Anzaar *****
 And you're flying from the US to Koh Samui? I doubt that.
3 days 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 days 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??
3 days ago
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Max *************
@Michelle ********
 You can't fly from the US to Koh Samui. Get it?
3 days ago
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Michelle *********
@Max ************
 he probably has a layover in Bangkok and flying to samui from bangkok 🙄
3 days ago
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Max *************
@Michelle ********
 Now you understand why I asked him and he still didn't get it. 😁
3 days ago
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Greg ******
@Max ************
 no you’re being pedantic. Everyone understood what he meant.
3 days 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 ?
3 days 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.
3 days 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
3 days 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
3 days 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 days 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 days 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.
3 days 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 days ago
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Jim ********
@Stuart ********
 yeh I no a few people that have done this
3 days ago
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Anzaar ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jim *******
 thanks 🙏
3 days ago
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Anzaar ******
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