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Can I travel to Thailand with visa exemption and wait for my DTV approval?

DTV Visa Visa Exemption Thailand Visa Rules Laos Visa Visa Extensions Visa On Arrival

Nov 1, 2025

2 days ago

Zay *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello, following up something I read another member post, I am planning to go into Laos and apply for the DTV, but I only get 14 days of visa exemption. What if I never get my DTV approved by then, would it be okay to travel to Thailand with visa exemption for 14 days, and wait for the DTV there? And I just go back to Laos if it’s approved and back into Thailand with DTV. 

If not may I get some suggestions on what I should do about this? Am I able to extend my visa exemption in Laos? Thank you very much for your time.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user seeks advice on applying for a Thai DTV visa while facing a 14-day visa exemption limit in Laos. Key concerns include the possibility of re-entering Thailand while awaiting DTV approval and the option of extending their stay in Laos. Community responses emphasize that returning to Thailand prior to DTV approval is against the rules, and suggest either obtaining a longer visa in Laos or considering a different country for a visa. Additionally, they note that the 14-day visa exemption cannot be extended, and recommend applying for a tourist visa on arrival in Laos for a 30-day stay.

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Mika ********

can you go to another country where you get a longer visa exempt? cant come back until dtv is approved

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Zay *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

yea… the other option would be Indonesia where I can get for 30 days but I rushed and booked for Laos. It was still okay but issue is by the time I land in Laos, my bank statement for October won’t be released yet so yea I will need to wait a few more days. That was an oversight and a mistake on my end

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Mika ********

@Zay ************

Indonesia def feels like the safer option. they are not known are being super fast. can you get any refund for booking in lao? its not advisable to give them such a short window

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Mika ********

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Elías ********

I didn't get it well. You mention 14 days for Thailand? So, do you need a VOA? Where's your passport from? You shouldn't get a VOA is a DTV is being processed, as you can't have to active valid visa.

Or are the 14 days for Laos visa instead?

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Zay *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Elías *******

hello, so I hold a Myanmar passport and from my knowledge I get a 14 day visa exemption in both Thailand and Laos.

As for the VOA, wait I am not allowed to be on VOA as my DTV application is being processed?

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Luit *****************

@Zay ************

Why not apply in Myanmar?

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Andi ***********

@Zay ************

*****************************

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Elías ********

@Zay ************

I see. I'm not familiar with your passport. I think you do get a visa exemption entry, instead of a VOA.

VOA is when you need to pay 2,100 or so baht in cash and fill a form with a passport sized photo.

Regardless, in theory you need to remain in the country where you apply for the DTV until it's granted.

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Zay *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Elías *******

ahh I see, I am interested in the VOA, would me getting a VOA in Laos affect my DTV application?

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Mr *******************

@Zay ************

eVisa would get you 30 days to Laos and Myanmar citizens are eligible. Your having a visa to Laos would have no impact either way on your Thai DTV application, it would just let you stay longer.

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Zay *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Mr 5 Bank Accounts ooo okayy, that’s a part I missed out on, I am flying tmr to Laos so I won’t have time for eVisa anymore:’)) that’s a big mistake on my end lacking the research. I will definitely learn from this and do better next time if things don’t go well this time around

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Mr *******************

@Zay ************

you may still be able to get a visa on arrival. Ask them about this before you get stamped in, you need to get it before you get an entry stamp. This will give you 30 days and is extendable. There is a good chance you could get your DTV within 14 days but if you have to wait for a statement this would give you a bit more breathing room.

If you do end up on the 14 days, ask them if they can expedite it, there are reports that they can. Worst case if you had to, you could do a border run at the end of the 14 days but this does risk rejection and it would probably be high in Vientiane where they bring you in for an interview typically on the day they issue, so they'd be able to see this in your passport if you did it.

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Mr *******************

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Andi ***********

Zay Paing

******************************

You can apply online for 30 day visa

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Andi ***********

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John *******

Instead of entering Laos on visa exempt, get a tourist visa on arrival (163 countries are eligible). If you get a visa on arrival, it gives you 30 days.

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Paul *******

Not an option....

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Zay *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

oh I could do that? Okay I will go research into it. Thank youu

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John *******

@Zay ************

- I assume they would let you. My partner is Thai and when we travel to Cambodia, he could enter for 14 days visa exempt because of ASEAN agreements. However, previously we purchase the visa on arrival for $25-$30 (dont remember price), which gave 30 days. I assume it is the same for Laos. Most other nationals dont have the exempt option, so have to pay for the visa at arrival, I assume if you are from one of the 163 countries, you could as well.

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Zay *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

ahh I see, if I apply for the visa on arrival, would it affect the DTV application by any chance?

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John *******

@Zay ************

No, your Laos visa doesn’t impact your DTV application. Most all DTV applicants in Laos will be on a visa on arrival

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Paul *******

No, it's not. Myanmar is different. Don't make such assumptions...

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Zay *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

oh, wait so I can’t apply for the visa on arrival is it?

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Paul *******

@Zay ************

For Laos, I very much doubt it...there's a specific agreement that pertains to Burmese nationals.

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Zay *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

ooo okii thank u very muchhh

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James ********

is your passport nation... Myanmar ?

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Zay *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

yes it is

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James ********

@Zay ************

Please keep us updated on what happens with your application. WHY did you not apply for the DTV at your Thai Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar? They appear to be a friendly Embassy in issuing Thai Visas.

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James ********

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Andi ***********

I think 14 day visa exemptions cannot be extended within Laos.

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Anna *********

It’s against the rules to go back to Thailand before your DTV is approved. Best option is to get an extension or a Visa for Laos so you can stay there while you wait for approval or go to another country to do your application

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Anna *********

Reply

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