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Can I use a tourist visa to travel while my DTV application is pending?
Jan 14, 2026
4 months ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERQUESTION: If my DTV does not get approved in time for my travel, can I go on a tourist visa, leave the country and comeback to activate DTV?
TLDR : Answer Summary
Traveling to Thailand on a tourist visa while your DTV application is still pending can lead to complications. If you leave the country, your DTV application may be canceled, resulting in a loss of fees. While some travelers have returned to Thailand after traveling abroad without issues, it is risky, and staying outside the country is highly recommended to avoid rejection of your visa application.
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.
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Benjamin *********
No. You must stay OUT of country.
If immigration sees you're in the country (and they can, and sometimes they check) you wil be rejected.
If immigration sees you're in the country (and they can, and sometimes they check) you wil be rejected.
Christina ********
You can do it, some people get away with it others dont. I personally wouldn't want to risk it.
Elías ********
You can but it's against the rules, so you risk a rejection.
DioPar******
If you don't mind getting your visa cancelled and you being blacklisted then go ahead. I just remind you that when you applied for a visa you agree with "you must stay in the country you applied for the visa for the WHOLE process time". Play stupid games win stupid prizes
Ryan ********
You must remain in your consulate's jurisdiction until you're approved.
Anonymous ******************
Exactly what we did. 2 week holiday in Malaysia, came back and got the stamps no questions asked.
Tapan ********
If you have applied for DTV and you travel to Thailand on visa free entry, your DTV application will most likely get cancelled and you'll lose the fees.
It's recommended to stay parked at the location where the DTV is filed from till the processing is completed.
It's recommended to stay parked at the location where the DTV is filed from till the processing is completed.
Johnny *******
@Tapan *******
and it was based off of nothingElías ********
The Thai Embassy in Korea has the very same warning, they used red letters, actually.
Reply to
Elías ********
Reply
Reed **********
@Tapan *******
on my last exit I asked the manager immigration officer he said while waiting that I could come back on visa free amd that it won't affect the application. Unsure if true though.Bob **********
@Reed *********
an immagration officer has nothing to do with who’s issuing you the visa they say you have to stay but if your a gambler go for itLuit *****************
@Reed *********
Immigration officer has nothing to do with issuing DTV, so not a good source for info about this.They will not deny your entry, but embassy cancel your visa application when they find out.
Reed **********
Yep was just sharing what I was told. I wouldn't personally risk it. Im applying in vietnam instead what I can ad is everyone says don't apply in Malaysia anyway as its very strict.
DTV_Be*******
@Reed *********
I can also say my neighbor said “x, y, z” but if they are not involved with the process, their voice means nothingReed **********
Thai Immigration officer is more likely to at least have intimate knowledge about a visa he is scrutinizing holders of upon entry than a random idiot on facebook or reddit though. I never said his statements were true amd people have confirmed thry did this without losing the visa later.
Reed **********
@Luit ****************
agreed but he seemed certain on it I specifically said im asking because so many people online said both yes its OK and no it is not.Tapan ********
@Reed *********
Nothing much left to add on this now. All the best to you, if you are going to apply.Reply to
Tapan ********
Reply
Tapan ********
@Reed *********
Hi, there have been reports recently from UK, applicants are being asked for declaration that they will remain in UK till their application is being processed.Reed **********
Seems every embassy different but the guy leading into Malaysia said its OK fir the Malaysian Thai dtv
DTV_Be*******
@Reed *********
- The visa is processed by the MoFA, not the Department of Immigration. Who did you speak with?Reply to
DTV_Be*******
Reply
Johnny *******
@Tapan *******
most likely? What are you basing this off of?Anonymous ******************
@Johnny ******
Embassies have it in their conditions, the fine print that no one ever reads...Tapan ********
@Johnny ******
Hi, the rules state what I have shared. Certain people were lucky that their breach wasn't detected and managed to score the Visa. If the breaking of rule is spotted then the application gets cancelled.Reply to
Tapan ********
Reply
Kool *******
As long as it doesn't get rejected because you are no longer in that country, as it could.
Reply to
Kool *******
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