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

DTV VisaVisa ExemptionThailand Visa RulesLaos VisaVisa ExtensionTravel Advisory
Nov 1, 2025
2 months 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 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.
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Justin *******
If you are not in the country then they will deny your visa
2 months ago
Reply
Justin *******
Go to Vietnam. It is better
2 months ago
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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
2 months ago
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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 end
2 months ago
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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
2 months ago
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Reply to
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?
2 months ago
Reply
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?
2 months ago
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Luit *****************
@Zay ************
 Why not apply in Myanmar?
2 months ago
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Andi ***********
@Zay ************
*****************************
2 months ago
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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.
2 months ago
Reply
Zay *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Elías *******
 ahh I see, I am interested in the VOA, would me getting a VOA in Laos affect my DTV application?
2 months ago
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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.
2 months ago
Reply
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
2 months ago
Reply
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.
2 months ago
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Reply to
Mr *******************
Reply
Andi ***********
Zay Paing
******************************
You can apply online for 30 day visa
2 months ago
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Reply to
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.
2 months ago
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Paul *******
@John ******
 Not an option....
2 months ago
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John *******
@Paul ******
2 months ago
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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.
2 months ago
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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.
2 months ago
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John *******
@Paul ******
 - Now I know that isn’t true. My partner is Thai and we did visa on arrival for a 3 week trip.
2 months ago
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Paul *******
@John ******
 Cambodia is different and you're misunderstanding the difference between visa exempt and visa on arrival.
2 months ago
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John *******
Other option then is to apply for an evisa
2 months ago
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Reply to
John *******
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Zay *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John ******
 oh I could do that? Okay I will go research into it. Thank youu
2 months ago
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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.
2 months ago
Reply
Zay *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John ******
 ahh I see, if I apply for the visa on arrival, would it affect the DTV application by any chance?
2 months ago
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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
2 months ago
Reply
Paul *******
@John ******
 No, it's not. Myanmar is different. Don't make such assumptions...
2 months ago
Reply
Zay *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ******
 oh, wait so I can’t apply for the visa on arrival is it?
2 months ago
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Paul *******
@Zay ************
 For Laos, I very much doubt it...there's a specific agreement that pertains to Burmese nationals.
2 months ago
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Zay *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John ******
 ooo okii thank u very muchhh
2 months ago
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James ********
is your passport nation... Myanmar ?
2 months ago
Reply
Zay *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
 yes it is
2 months ago
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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.
2 months ago
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Reply to
James ********
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Andi ***********
I think 14 day visa exemptions cannot be extended within Laos.
2 months ago
Reply
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
2 months ago
Reply
Reply to
Anna *********
Reply
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