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Can I switch to my approved DTV after entering Thailand on a tourist visa?

DTV Visa Tourist Visa Visa Application Process Thailand Re-entry Border Run Visa Activation Visa Types

Jan 16, 2025

10 months ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hey all. 

I applied for my DTV in the UK before arriving, but it didn't get processed in time. So I crossed the Thai border on a tourist visa, and frustratingly, my DTV was approved only hours afterward. 

Does anyone know if I can re-enter with my DTV on a border run or switch over somehow? It is multi-entry, afterall. 

Thanks!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A user inquired about re-entering Thailand with an approved DTV visa after initially entering on a tourist visa. Community members advised that the user must leave Thailand and re-enter using the DTV visa; a same-day border run could raise suspicions. It's recommended to spend a few days outside of Thailand before returning to avoid complications, although many have reported no issues when following this process.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

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

Once a dtv is issued you don't need to "activate it" for it to work, it already does. The only thing you are doing when leaving the country is obtaining the 180 day stamp. So yes leave Thailand whenever you want, before your current tourist stamp expires.

Same thing happened to me. Dtv approved 2 hrs after I arrived in Thailand. I didn't leave Thailand until 50days later and returned on the dtv. No issues at all

10 months ago

Dennis *********

Others have done this. Not heard a problem yet. But you were allowed to travel anywhere but Thailand until approved. If the IO compares stamps to DTV it could be a problem but normally they are busy. Wait a month or till end of tourist visa and take a trip to Kuala Lumpur

10 months ago

Paul *******

You need to depart the country BUT I wouldn't do a same day border run to activate the visa, as it will be a bit suspicious. You spend a few days outside of Thailand, THEN return with the DTV. Besides, I don't see the urgency of returning to Thailand anyway. It's always nice to have a vacation and see something different for a few days, especially if you're a tourist or even a DTV holder.

10 months ago

James ********

For what purpose did you get the DTV Visa for?

Workcation

Muay Thai training

Or ???

10 months ago

Dom ********

Boarder run should be fine. Just when you re enter show them your printed dtv and you’ll re enter on that new visa 👍

10 months ago

Alexei *******************

@Dom *******

yeah just do a border run by land easy and cheap

10 months ago

Reply to

Alexei *******************

Hein ************

You need to get out of Thailand and reenter with DTV. I hope there won't be any issue there, because you were required to stay at the location (country) you applied throughout the whole process.

10 months ago

Tommy **********

@Hein ***********

Silly person,

10 months ago

Reply to

Tommy **********

John **********

You can't switch over, you have to leave Thailand for another country then use the DTV when you return. You really should have stayed where you were until it was issued

10 months ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

So the 'start date' of the DTV doesn't matter so much, as long as I re-enter with it when my tourist visa is finished?

10 months ago

John **********

Anonymous participant the DTV is valid for 5 years, you can use it at any point. You can wait until the tourist visa finishes or not as it will end when you leave the country anyway

10 months ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

Great, thanks John

10 months ago

Wannikea *********

Anonymous participant print it out and hand it along with your passport upon entry

10 months ago

Reply to

Wannikea *********

Can I enter Thailand on a new DTV visa after having a Non-B visa with re-entry permission?

3 comments