This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
Can I travel to Thailand with visa exemption and wait for my DTV approval?
Nov 1, 2025
6 months ago
Zay *************
ORIGINAL POSTERHello, 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.
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.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking advice on whether they can enter Thailand with a 14-day visa exemption while waiting for their DTV visa approval from Laos. They are concerned about the potential need to return to Laos if their DTV is not approved within 14 days. Responses indicate that returning to Thailand without DTV approval is against the rules, and alternatives such as getting a tourist visa on arrival in Laos, which provides a longer stay, or considering other countries for visa options are suggested.
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.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted DTV Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Justin *******
If you are not in the country then they will deny your visa
Justin *******
Go to Vietnam. It is better
Mika ********
can you go to another country where you get a longer visa exempt? cant come back until dtv is approved
Zay *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mika *******
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 endMika ********
@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 windowReply to
Mika ********
Reply
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?
Or are the 14 days for Laos visa instead?
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?
Luit *****************
@Zay ************
Why not apply in Myanmar?Andi ***********
@Zay ************
*****************************
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.
Zay *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Elías *******
ahh I see, I am interested in the VOA, would me getting a VOA in Laos affect my DTV application?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.Zay *************
ORIGINAL POSTERMr 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
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.
Reply to
Mr *******************
Reply
Andi ***********
Zay Paing
******************************
You can apply online for 30 day visaReply to
Andi ***********
Reply
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.
Paul *******
@John ******
Not an option....John *******
@Paul ******
- Are you sure. There is an agreement for Thailand and Cambodia for 14 days exempt (don’t have to pay for it), but can still walk up to the visa on arrival desk, buy the visa and get 30 days.Paul *******
@John ******
No, not for Laos. You get in on a visa exempt or apply for a visa at the consulate or embassy if you're an ASEAN citizen.John *******
@Paul ******
- Now I know that isn’t true. My partner is Thai and we did visa on arrival for a 3 week trip.Paul *******
@John ******
Cambodia is different and you're misunderstanding the difference between visa exempt and visa on arrival.John *******
Other option then is to apply for an evisa
Reply to
John *******
Reply
Zay *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@John ******
oh I could do that? Okay I will go research into it. Thank youuJohn *******
@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.Zay *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@John ******
ahh I see, if I apply for the visa on arrival, would it affect the DTV application by any chance?John *******
@Zay ************
No, your Laos visa doesn’t impact your DTV application. Most all DTV applicants in Laos will be on a visa on arrivalPaul *******
@John ******
No, it's not. Myanmar is different. Don't make such assumptions...Zay *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul ******
oh, wait so I can’t apply for the visa on arrival is it?Paul *******
@Zay ************
For Laos, I very much doubt it...there's a specific agreement that pertains to Burmese nationals.Zay *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@John ******
ooo okii thank u very muchhhJames ********
is your passport nation... Myanmar ?
Zay *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@James *******
yes it isJames ********
@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.Reply to
James ********
Reply
Andi ***********
I think 14 day visa exemptions cannot be extended within Laos.
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
Reply to
Anna *********
Reply
39 comments
6 months ago
10 comments
8 months ago
45 comments
8 months ago
14 comments
10 months ago
13 comments
a year ago
27 comments
a year ago
9 comments
a year ago
22 comments
a year ago
20 comments
a year ago
6 comments
a year ago
3 comments
a year ago
13 comments
a year ago
14 comments
a year ago
27 comments
a year ago
6 comments
a year ago
5 comments
a year ago
2 comments
a year ago
9 comments
a year ago
7 comments
2 years ago
32 comments
2 years ago
23 comments
2 years ago
9 comments
2 years ago
26 comments
2 years ago
2 comments
2 years ago
7 comments
a month ago
9 comments
a month ago
21 comments
a month ago
16 comments
a month ago
8 comments
a month ago
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.