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Can I enter Thailand using a different passport than the one with my DTV visa?
Thai ImmigrationVisa RulesDTV VisaDual CitizenshipTravel with Multiple PassportsVisa ExemptionsEntering ThailandImmigration Procedures
May 30, 2025
a year ago
Vasily ***************
ORIGINAL POSTERHey everyone, looking for some advice from the group.
I hold both US and Russian passports. I have a DTV visa issued to my US passport, but for this particular trip I want to enter Thailand using my Russian passport instead (visa exemption).
My reason: 16 days after arrival to Thailand I'm traveling onward to where my Russian passport works better and want to keep travel continuity.
Has anyone entered Thailand on a different passport than the one with their DTV visa? Any issues at Thai immigration? I'm prepared with explanations and all my bookings are on the Russian passport, but wondering if this will create problems.
Would appreciate any experiences or thoughts from the group. Thanks!
I hold both US and Russian passports. I have a DTV visa issued to my US passport, but for this particular trip I want to enter Thailand using my Russian passport instead (visa exemption).
My reason: 16 days after arrival to Thailand I'm traveling onward to where my Russian passport works better and want to keep travel continuity.
Has anyone entered Thailand on a different passport than the one with their DTV visa? Any issues at Thai immigration? I'm prepared with explanations and all my bookings are on the Russian passport, but wondering if this will create problems.
Would appreciate any experiences or thoughts from the group. Thanks!
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user holding both US and Russian passports seeks advice about entering Thailand on a Russian passport despite having a DTV visa associated with their US passport. The community discusses the potential immigration issues involved. Some members advise that using the Russian passport for entry may cause problems due to the existing DTV visa, while others suggest it could be possible without issues. The user later provides an update confirming successful entry using the Russian passport.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
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- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Vasily ***************
ORIGINAL POSTERUPDATE: got stamped for 60 days in the Russian passport (the one without DTV) at HKT. There was a quick question about not using the US passport. The lady at the desk called a supervisor who took a glance at my printouts, and then approvingly nodded. Everything took 3 mins, maybe.
I wanted to make sure they confirmed the process for future reference that there was no problem to do what I did, so I asked and got "No problem". 🙏
I wanted to make sure they confirmed the process for future reference that there was no problem to do what I did, so I asked and got "No problem". 🙏
Bob **********
I believe if your DTV was approved you’ll not be able to enter on a exempt stamp your passports are linked and the info is on the screen but you can still exit and use the Russian passport to enter another country then return again with the DTV no problem
James ********
@Bob *********
correct ✅Paul *******
@Bob *********
Not true. You can always switch passports in the air.Bob **********
@Paul ******
He can switch to his Russian when he leaves ThailandJames ********
@Bob *********
but enters and departs Thailand with the USA 🇺🇸 passport.Reply to
James ********
Reply
Vasily ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul ******
In the air, what is the meaning?..Paul *******
@Vasily **************
Quite clearly, when you leave the country by AIR you can do a switch. I am assuming wherever you are going to next will be by flight. If so, then you can do a switch. Makes zero sense to enter Thailand on visa exempt now. Only people like me who drive to neighboring countries with their own cars would need to use the same passport for entering the next country as all stamps need to go in the same passport when you cross from one country to the next.
Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Vasily ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bob *********
I would like to see some source of this claim. will searchJames ********
@Vasily **************
The Thai Immigration computer system will identify you as carrying multiple passports and having the DTV visa. Your facial recognition and fingerprints gives them added info about you. Suggest you not raise suspicions trying to use the Russian poo passport.
Already now in Thailand there's added scrutiny of Russians.
Use the USA passport and your DTV Visa whenever you enter Thailand.
Paul *******
@James *******
Many times I've entered Thailand where they don't see my visa and incorrectly enter me on visa exempt. I check my stamp and tell them to correct it. It even happens when I put my visa number down on the TM6 form. I wonder whether the new digital form will keep better track. I therefore assume they can't see the visa on their system unless they notice it in your passport or you hand them the paper in the case of e-visas. I understand extensions of stay are visible in the immigration system because they're issued inside the country.
Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Bob **********
@Vasily **************
do you think in 2025 you can hold passports that are not linked you’ll find out search the group someone tried to enter on exempt stamp but was stamped in on there DTVVasily ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bob *********
The question is not about concealing passport. It's about entering on the one without the DTV on an exempt stamp. Thanks.Bob **********
@Vasily **************
if you’ve been approved for a DTV no you can’t what don’t you understand about passports being linked you can’t fool them you are not qualified to enter on anything other than the visa you have been approved for you can leave and enter a thousand times in 5 years if you like are you trying to save a month or too ??you can leave and use you other passport to do what you want but your not going to use it to enter Thailand other than activating your DTVReply to
Bob **********
Reply
Rogerio ******
enter with US, exit with US. After that, when you go to the next destination, simply use the Russian. As someone else said, the only time destination countries require you to use the same passport as you left, it's when it's land crossings.
With that said, I do not believe there would be an issue if you use your Russian the whole trip. You're legal with either passport.
With that said, I do not believe there would be an issue if you use your Russian the whole trip. You're legal with either passport.
Vasily ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Rogerio *****
You are correct to have that view. No issue. In my case it was easy because I've been a "good boy" with their system historically. Never abused the border runs and such.Reply to
Vasily ***************
Reply
Brandon ************
The ONLY way that could remotely make sense is if you're leaving by land, because you cannot change passports by land border. But if you're leaving by air there's literally no reason to do what you are talking about and it could only create problems for you.
Stamp into Thailand on your US passport. Stamp out of Thailand on your US passport. Stamp into the next country on your Russian passport.
Stamp into Thailand on your US passport. Stamp out of Thailand on your US passport. Stamp into the next country on your Russian passport.
James ********
@Brandon ***********
correct ✅Reply to
James ********
Reply
Winston ************
Your biometrics (face photo + fingerprints) will all match one person, regardless which passport that person carries. So, immigration will know you hold more than one passport. As to what Thai immigration says about it: I don't know. Good luck.
Vasily ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Winston ***********
i have no plan to not disclose the second passport. hoping this can be remedied on the spotJames ********
@Vasily **************
the fact is that you have a valid DTV visa issued to YOU. IT FOLLOWS YOU whenever you enter or depart Thailand.Paul *******
@Vasily **************
No issue whatsoever. Tens of millions of people hold dual nationality including me. I hold 3 passports.Rogerio ******
@Paul ******
team #3passport hereReply to
Rogerio ******
Reply
Anonymous ******************
They know how to recognize dual nationalities and will let you in on a DTV only.
Rogerio ******
Anonymous participant 222 I'd be curious to know the source - you've experienced this yourself?
Anonymous ******************
@Rogerio *****
It's called an immigration database...Rogerio ******
Anonymous participant 222
the point was not that they won't know there's two passports linked to the same person, the point was your claim that they will let you in on the DTV one only.
the point was not that they won't know there's two passports linked to the same person, the point was your claim that they will let you in on the DTV one only.
Anonymous ******************
@Rogerio *****
You can't enter on a Tourist exemption when holding a visa. It's also in the database. The biometrics will link both passports to one single profile. The agent already knows you're a DTV holder when scanning your passport or opening your profile.Rogerio ******
Anonymous participant 222 so you're claiming now that you can't enter on a tourist exemption when holding (another passport) with a visa. Is this something you've experienced/others have reported, or ..?
I have two passports with exemptions, one was flagged as 'too many times so get a proper visa next time' so of course now I use that one, never tried to use the exempt one since then.
Point is, not a very common situation to use an exempt when you have a valid visa to begin with, to test that claim out.
what if, you know- your passport with the visa is damaged, or being held by another embassy as you wait for a visa stamp on it, and you have to use your exempt one?
are you saying they would not let you into the country?
not trying to be combative, but I actually do work in the (US) tourist visa space, and you would not believe the claims people share in groups that are stated as "facts" when it's wild guesses, and often incorrect.
I have two passports with exemptions, one was flagged as 'too many times so get a proper visa next time' so of course now I use that one, never tried to use the exempt one since then.
Point is, not a very common situation to use an exempt when you have a valid visa to begin with, to test that claim out.
what if, you know- your passport with the visa is damaged, or being held by another embassy as you wait for a visa stamp on it, and you have to use your exempt one?
are you saying they would not let you into the country?
not trying to be combative, but I actually do work in the (US) tourist visa space, and you would not believe the claims people share in groups that are stated as "facts" when it's wild guesses, and often incorrect.
Reply to
Rogerio ******
Reply
Vasily ***************
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 222 The option is still there
James ********
@Vasily **************
not trueReply to
James ********
Reply
Rory *********
Duct matches your passport so you need to come in on your US passport
Vasily ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Rory ********
What is Duct, by the way?Rory *********
@Vasily **************
dvt spell autocorrectReply to
Rory *********
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