Can I enter Thailand with a visa on arrival while my DTV visa application is processing?

DTV Visa Visa Application Process Visa on Arrival Entry Requirements for Thailand Immigration Rules

Jan 3, 2025

5 days ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello, I applied for DTV e visa on 23 December in Ho Chi Minh, got requested document on 27th.

It has been 6 working days and I really need to go to Bangkok this weekend, does anyone know if its okay to enter thailand with visa on arrival while my DTV visa is still processing. Then I plan to leave thailand and re-entry when the DTV visa is ready. I am just scared if there is a rule that you HAVE to reside in Vietnam while it's processing.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user applied for a DTV e-visa and is concerned about traveling to Bangkok while it is still processing. They have received requests for additional documents, and the community advises that staying in Vietnam during the processing time is typically required, as the processing time resets with each document request. Although some users shared personal experiences of entering Thailand with a visa on arrival while waiting for a different visa, the consensus is that it could jeopardize the DTV application. The advice leans towards remaining in Vietnam until the visa is 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.

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

Yes, you have to stay where you are as they may ask for interview or request further documents. Someone just posted on this forum about how they were required to return to the country of application to provide proof of location.

4 days ago

Cissi *********

There IS a rule that you should remaim in the country where you apply during the processing time!

And, since they requested more documents on the 27th, the processing time reset, meaning today is the 3rd day of the processing time (it has not been 6 working days).

Further more, you write "visa on arrival" - do you really mean VOA or do you mean visa exemption? Visa on Arrival is an actual 15 days visa, while the other is visa free... So do you plan to plan to apply for a visa at the border while you have another visa being processed?!

I advise you to stay until your DTV is approved. Of course only you can decide wether your need to be in Bangkok during the weekend is worth risking your DTV-application being rejected.

4 days ago

Arezo ***********

@Cissi ********

you mention 6 days processing time. Is those information official? Posted somewhere? 🙏🏼

4 days ago

Cissi *********

@Arezo **********

I did not mention any processing time!

The OP wrote "it's been 6 working days" and in this case it has only been 3... That is the only reason I mentioned those days (I did not refer to it as "processing time").

But to answer your question - yes, each embassy and consulate has their estimated processing time published on their websites.

In HCMC it is 5 working days, see picture.

Processing time does not include the day of submission, weekends and public holidays and if they request additional documentation, the processing time resets.

4 days ago

Arezo ***********

@Cissi ********

great, this is helpful, thanks for sharing 🙏🏼

4 days ago

Reply to

Arezo ***********

Paris *********

I applied for the 2 month Tourist Visa, before they changed it. Back then the processing was not finished when I arrived in Bangkok. I got the Visa on arrival while still waiting for the other Visa. This other Visa was valid for 2 or 3 months, so I used it at a later time when I did a border run. I didn't have any complications, but I also didn't need to upload other documents

4 days ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Paris ********

did you apply at Ho Chi Minh Vietnam?

4 days ago

Kool *******

Anonymous participant this is for your next five years of visa. Why risk it. Just stay there until you get it.

4 days ago

Reply to

Kool *******

Donna ******

I left and got mine, but NOT to Thailand. They can ask for proof of location, but possibly not likely if you provided adequate proof originally. However, I wouldn't recommend going to Thailand during the application.

Steven *******

Why?

Donna ******

Generally speaking, one can't travel to the country one is applying for a visa to. People have mentioned it's not permitted, though Thailand only allows one visa at a time apparently. Would you want to take the chance? Why else would they ask for proof of location?

4 days ago

Steven *******

@Donna *****

I thought you meant don't go to Thailand. Ya for sure, visa outside no questioning that

4 days ago

Donna ******

@Steven ******

Haha, I'll work on my phrasing!

4 days ago

Reply to

Donna ******

Will ************