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Can I enter Thailand with a valid tourist visa while waiting for my DTV application to process?
Nov 12, 2025
6 months ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERHello guys,
I applied for DTV visa but i still have a valid multiple entry tourist visa for Thailand. Does anyone know if I can go to thailand with the valid tourist visa while DTV is still pending?
Can I leave Thailand to reenter with the newly approved DTV visa after my tourist visa expires?
I applied for DTV visa but i still have a valid multiple entry tourist visa for Thailand. Does anyone know if I can go to thailand with the valid tourist visa while DTV is still pending?
Can I leave Thailand to reenter with the newly approved DTV visa after my tourist visa expires?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user inquired about whether it is permissible to enter Thailand using a valid multiple entry tourist visa while their Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) application is pending. Comments suggest that it is indeed possible to enter with the tourist visa while waiting for DTV approval, but caution against holding two valid visas simultaneously. Several respondents shared experiences where they managed to transition between visa types without issues, indicating that the DTV takes precedence once approved.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- 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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Anonymous ******************
So my wife was non-O visa holder, while we were on vacation in US this summer, We applied for the DTV under “spouse of DTV holder”, around 10 days before she was due to return. Embassy in DC did not process the DTV in time so she returned to Thailand on the Non-O. A week or so later the DTV was approved.
Yesterday she flew out to KL in the morning and back in same day on DTV and no problems, non-O is done, DTV activated.
I do recommend using an agent for that first entry to ease your mind
Yesterday she flew out to KL in the morning and back in same day on DTV and no problems, non-O is done, DTV activated.
I do recommend using an agent for that first entry to ease your mind
Luit *****************
Anonieme deelnemer 514 Technically a non-O visa is single entry, and therefore not a valid visa from the moment you used it to enter the country.
That means from that moment on you only have a valid stay, not a valid visa anymore.
That is also the reason you need to buy a re-entry permit to get back in, then your stay continues and it is also the stay that is extended.
So your situation is different from the situation of OP who might still have a valid visa and not only a valid stay permit.
That means from that moment on you only have a valid stay, not a valid visa anymore.
That is also the reason you need to buy a re-entry permit to get back in, then your stay continues and it is also the stay that is extended.
So your situation is different from the situation of OP who might still have a valid visa and not only a valid stay permit.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 514 thanks. I do have an agent and was told I can enter Thailand if the tourist visa is still valid while DTV is still pending. I just wanted to double check but from what I’ve seen so far it is not a safe idea.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant yeah just use the agent if money isn’t a huge issue. Helps avoid any trouble altogether
Reply to
Anonymous ******************
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Kyle *******
I applied and received dtv while having valid multiple entry tourist visa in one day from Hanoi, re entered Thailand with no problems
Winston ************
Some applicants with a valid METV have been told to wait until it expires before processing of the DTV can begin. It makes sense. Why don't you use up that METV first? DTV isn't going away.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Winston ***********
well yes that’s my regret. But it’s now in pending approval stage…Reply to
Anonymous *************
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Waqar ********
While you apply DTV, it's in process, and unless it's approved/ reject. You can't be inside Thailand for any of this period. Once you get DTV, you can't use any other visa for border movement of Thailand (in/out). DTV is superior category visa so you must always use it.
Michael **********
I don't want to be pessimistic but I believe your visa application is gonna get denied cuz you have a valid visa at the moment. you better cross your finger and hope for the best.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Michael *********
I was told that the currently valid METV visa will be cancelled once DTV is approved.Luit *****************
Anonieme deelnemer By who?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant January 11th.
John **********
Anonymous participant that's not usually the case. I'm surprised your DTV application hasn't been rejected already. When does your METV reach the end of it's validity
Reply to
John **********
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Ian **********
You must be in the country you apply from. You cannot hold two valid visa at the same time. If your DTV is issued they will cancel your METV or they may refuse to issue the DTV until the METV is finished.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ian *********
so it is not possible to use METV while DTV is pending approval? It’s been pending approval for 3 weeks.John **********
Anonymous participant it doesn't matter how long its pending approval you need to stay where you are. And hope your METV expires before they get to approving your DTV
Reply to
John **********
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Jef ********
Don’t
Jef ********
Been done before and people have been caught out… rules state stay in the county you apply from 🙏🏽🤞🏽👌
Reply to
Jef ********
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