Answered2 years ago
Can I leave Thailand and re-enter on a DTV if I arrived on a 60-day VOA?
Got an email with my DTV this morning. Unfortunately it look 1 month. Not 15 days. I would have made it applying 20 days in advance, but they had questions. I arrived in Thailand a few days ago on a 60 day VOA. It looks like I can leave Thailand at the end of the VOA and fly to another country like Cambodia then re enter on the visa, or will they give me trouble because I am not actually arriving from the USA?
Answer summary
The user shares their experience of receiving their DTV approval, which took longer than expected. They inquire whether it is possible to leave Thailand after their 60-day visa exempt period, travel to Cambodia, and then return on their DTV visa. Comments provide assurance that this is typically feasible, emphasizing the importance of having the printed DTV document upon re-entry, and clarify the distinction between a visa on arrival and a visa exempt stamp.
23 repliesnewest first
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Blas ******
Can you share which US embassy did you apply to? Seems like some are faster than others
Martin ***********
OP@Blas *****
Los Angeles. However I'm not sure it is processed there. Also seems like things are changing as they implement the policy of making it easier for tourists and not a barrier.Adrian *************
does the print out of the DTV need to be in colour? (thinking of the photo) - thanks
Martin ***********
OP@Adrian ************
I'm assuming no. If it did they would have said so.Adrian *************
thanks for thei info - did not mean to high jack your topic...
Tod *********
@Martin **********
& @Adrian ************
print the PDF in black and white, it's fine. just make sure you have a hard copy to give with your passport when you stamp inAdrian *************
Cheers - saved a digital copy - great idea...
Martin ***********
OP@Adrian ************
Good question, but I suspect not. I will have a digital copy in color on my phone if there is an issue, but really they have been accepting facsimile copies of your passport for years. In fact every hotel has boxes and boxes of the photo copies from the fax they send so that Immigration knows where you are.
Sonja ********
Just to be clear, how’s this different from applying for DTV whilst in Thailand and doing a visa run once your visa is approved (apart from the fact that you shouldn’t technically apply onshore but are they really checking that in practice?)
Graham ******
@Sonja *******
It means you don't lie when completing the application ("Current Location") which could result in rejection and the loss of your 10k+ application fee. Some take this risk then have a 5 year Visa that was obtained fraudulently.Martin ***********
OP@Graham *****
People have been flying to Thailand then going to Cambodia or Viet Nam to get the DTV too. Apparently they are doing DTV there too. I started Sept 5 in America and got the email this morning that it was approved. I flew out on the 26th. They asked for my 2023 Tax Return and something called a business license 2 days before my flight. There is no such thing (at least for what I am doing). Cities may do that, for food and such, but I don't think the sate of California has one. My company asked for cliarification as to what that was. Instead of the business license I gave more proof of my association with the business as well as asking for clarification as to what they meant by business license. After 2 more weeks they just approved the visa. I don't think the rules are quite defined yet.Graham ******
@Martin **********
Yes, when they "go to" Cambodia or Vietnam that becomes their current location so they can apply for their DTV there (assuming there is no requirement to be a long term resident to apply as there can be for some Embassies and/or some passports).Sonja ********
@Graham *****
Ok noted, thanks for flagging that really appreciate your answer.
Pete *****
Amazing, enjoy your 60ndays visa free, take a short trip somewhere intriguing, then return as a fully bonefide dtv visa holder. If ur into cities then our short trip to KL was excellent, as is Penang or if more adventurous Taiwan is fully accessible from Thailand and flights are great prices. Enjoy ☀️
Rob *******
Just for clarity, you didn't arrive on a VOA, as an American you are not entitled to a VOA, you got a free visa exempt stamp.
Anthony *********
Doubt it will be any issue at all, I'd imagine a lot of people who apply for a Thai visa visit other countries before they come here
Tod *********
You're fine you're not the first person who had a DTV approved after they traveled here
PRINT out the PDF file they emailed you (because that is your visa)
You can fly out/back or go to the border, stamp out of thailand, stamp in&out of another country, present the PDF w/your passport when you stamp back in and you will get stamped in for 180 days
CHECK your stamp before you walk away from the counter at passport control
PRINT out the PDF file they emailed you (because that is your visa)
You can fly out/back or go to the border, stamp out of thailand, stamp in&out of another country, present the PDF w/your passport when you stamp back in and you will get stamped in for 180 days
CHECK your stamp before you walk away from the counter at passport control
Stephan ***********
@Tod ********
"...a 60 day VOA..."? How come you let it slide? 🙄🤔😁🤣Tod *********
@Stephan **********
I didn't let the post on the group, 🙂 But here you go (y)
@
Martin *********
z just so you're clear you didn't enter thailand on any Visa On Arrival 😮 or actually any visa at all 😉 If you showed up here and were stamped in FREE for 60 days you came in on what's called a "visa exempt entry" it is not a visa on arrival, it's not any visa just a free stamp entry 🙂
Martin ***********
OP@Graham *****
I don't know. I go where I usually go, but the signs were different.Graham ******
@Martin **********
That's because many use VOA incorrectly in posts so people arriving with passports that get Visa Exempt entry see the signs for the VOA counter at the airport and join the long queuesMartin ***********
OP@Tod ********
I was a little confused. Mostly by the signs in the airport as to where I should go, but whatever.
James ********
@Stephan **********
because he focused on providing the correct answer. BUT your Correct ✅Activity
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