Answered2 years ago
Can the DTV visa be cancelled in Thailand?
Hi, is it true that dtv visa cannot be cancelled. I asked at the immigration and the immigration officers said it cannot be cancelled. Does anyone know or experienced about the dtv visa cancellation?
Answer summary
The conversation discusses the nuances of canceling or converting a DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) in Thailand. Most participants agree that while some immigration officers claim DTV visas cannot be canceled, it is possible to convert them to another visa type, such as a Non-B visa, under certain conditions. Experiences shared include needing to cancel old visas before applying for new ones and suggestions about consulting with a visa agent for solutions. Some members mention that simply exiting the country can effectively nullify the DTV, allowing for a new visa application upon re-entry.
81 repliesnewest first
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Joseph *********
Great question. There are a lot of unspoken disadvantages to the DTV including tax reporting (unconfirmed) but also time frames, jobs, etc.
You could change visas. Find a Thai language school and ask for an ed visa. You will pay again but it will null your DTV. Great question. Your options are limited because technically you have a retroactive tourist visa with higher stipulations.
What if you have to show income proof and have a bad month or two?
Yeah. Again good thinking ahead.
You could change visas. Find a Thai language school and ask for an ed visa. You will pay again but it will null your DTV. Great question. Your options are limited because technically you have a retroactive tourist visa with higher stipulations.
What if you have to show income proof and have a bad month or two?
Yeah. Again good thinking ahead.
Anonymous *************
OP@Joseph ********
Yes. Changing to ed visa can be another option to exple the dtv but my intention is to apply for Non-B visa and when applying for Non-B for work, my visa history would be complicated. It’s a hard process. 😥I kind of regret holding thr dtv visa.
Joseph *********
Good luck bro
Anonymous *************
OP@Joseph ********
thanksSweet *****
Simply exiting the country will cancel your current permit to stay, no need to cancel the visa, just get a new Non B from a nearby country and ask the embassy to stamp your DTV as used, they will not reject your Non B application. When re-entering make sure you show the IO your Non B, if the embassy hasn’t already stamped the DTV as used the IO will.
Anonymous *************
OP@Sweet ****
make sense!! Thank you.Anonymous *************
OP@Sweet ****
dtv visa is multiple entry visa and won’t be cancelled if only go out of the country. But thank you i might need to apply non-b which will automatically cancel the dtv.Sweet *****
Anonymous participant correct, the visa won’t be cancelled on exiting as it’s a multiple entry, but your current permit to stay (the stamp) will be, this is likely what the IO was referring to when he said “cannot”. Just go and apply for a new Non B, no need to ask anything at the immigration office, they only deal with extensions, transferring extensions etc. Remember immigration don’t issue visas, this is done by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, completely different department from immigration that don’t even talk to each other.
Greg ********
If I was you I would contact a "Connected" Visa Agent. If they do not have answers at hand they should be able to call an Immigration Office and find out the process - good luck
Anonymous *************
OP@Greg *******
thank youGreg ********
Anonymous participant I understand the frustration - went through similar in 2019. Was told one process but it did not work. I used to live and work Singapore so did not mind 2 paid trips there - saw pals etc. The company employing me also paid me during the whole process even though I was not officially employed which was very nice of them.
Greg ********
Interesting question. I was on an "O" Retirement when I was offered a role, so I needed the "O" cancelled so I could fly to Singapore and apply for the "B" visa. We were told they would not process the "B" at the embassy while the "O" was live. I was advised to fly to Singapore and come back, but ask Immigration at BKK to let me in on Visa Exempt, thus cancelling the "O". Well, I had a multi-re-entry permit, so they would not let me in visa exempt.. I spent about 30 minutes at a desk with them trying to help me. In the end, they told me I had to have it cancelled at the issuing office due to the multi-entry. Long story short - I had to pay a "Facilitation" fee to have the visa cancelled and have 7 days to leave Thailand. Did a Cambodian border bounce and came back with a Visa Exempt. Flew to Singapore and got my "B" for 90 days. Back to Thailand, a WP and B issued for 2 years. I hope you have it easier with DTV - it did get me 2 times 5 nights in a 5* in Singapore though on expenses :-)
Anonymous *************
OP@Greg *******
sorry to hear that and thanks for sharing if i were to apply non-b outside Thailand i would have to stay there for at least 3 weeks.Greg ********
Anonymous participant That is a long time. We were told 3 days Singapore ie hand in one day, SMS the next to come in day after. I have no clue about getting a "B" in Thailand itself. Everyone I know has always left to get it. I did to Cambodia in 1999 and Singapore in 2019. Last time I worked for a large global MNC that is BOI. The HR told me it is easier to apply outside and they know exactly what Singapore require so go there. Good luck - it can be frustrating but after that it is plain saling for renewals etc.
Tammi *****
I believe it gets cancelled if you were to secure another visa.
Greg ********
@Tammi ****
When I was on a "Live" "O" Singapore Embassy would not process my "B". This was just my experience in 2019.
John *******
@Tammi ****
Most embassies won’t let you apply for a new visa, if you already have a valid visa via MoFA. It needs to be canceled first. This is why individuals with METV have had to wait the six months before applying for a DTV. Only extensions made by immigration in Thailand can be canceled.Sweet *****
@John ******
this is because they are effectively going from one tourist visa to another, MoFa are not going to block the OP from starting his new job, which is what they would be doing if they declined his Non B application. I can’t speak for DTV but I’ve applied for non B’s in the past when I’ve had a valid multi non O, never had a problem. I also had expat staff in one of my previous companies do the same thing. Again DTV might be different but I doubt it.Anonymous *************
OP@John ******
thank youJohn *******
Anonymous participant - Don’t think it will work, but can try.
Anonymous *************
OP@John ******
i should also visit MoFA i guess. i only visited Government ComplexJohn *******
Anonymous participant - the point about single vs multi was the fact that in that process you are switching from MoFA to Immigration extension, hence why you can change visa later on. In your case, both visas are under MoFA, so not sure there is a process to cancel. Never been such a long validity period for an MoFA issued visa before.
Anonymous *************
OP@Sweet ****
thank you :))Sweet *****
Anonymous participant just my useless opinion but the chances of you being rejected for Non-B AND losing your DTV at the same time is about 0.01% 😊
Sweet *****
@John ******
correct, no multi entry Non-B’s now, it’s been several years since. When I switched from a Non-O multi entry visa to Non-B single entry I was not on an extension granted by immigration, I always did my utmost best to stay away from immigration offices and seek my “permission” from embassies instead, but of course now its not so easy to do this.Anonymous *************
OP@John ******
I haven’t applied non-b yet but holding dtv. It’s not a problem for me not getting multiple entries for Non-B. I’m finding possible ways to get Non-B and exempt the dtv visa. The problem is they do not do cancellation for DTV so I cannot apply Non-B. It’s like running in circles:((John *******
Anonymous participant - It is a new area. Traditionally, MoFA has been unable to issue one a new visa while you have a valid visa. Where people get confused is the fact that immigration can extend visas, etc.. For example, if you applied for a non-o via an embassy, you would receive a 90 day single entry visa. That visa expires 90 days after you enter or after you exit Thailand. However, if you change it, via Immigration, to a 1-year multi entry non-o visa, immigration can cancel that for you whenever. In addition, if applying for a new visa at an embassy, it is common that the embassy wouldn’t have record of that 1 year non-o and would move forward
Anonymous *************
OP@John ******
I’m now holding dtv and want to apply non-b but they can’t cancel dtv. I’m willing to hold one visa which is non-bJohn *******
@Sweet ****
- If I understand correctly, the MoFA does not issue multi-entry Non B visas. If you apply for a Non-B via the MoFA (embassy / consulate), it is a single entry 90 day visa. Any changes to that visa are extensions made by immigration (different government entity). When you applied for the Non-B, had you already changed to multi, year visa via immigration?Anonymous *************
OP@Sweet ****
good to know that. Anyways I’m left with one option which is to apply non-b outside of the country. I’m also concerned and worried about getting rejected and losing the dtv visa at the same time. That would be a lost for me.
Dca *****
it seems that someone would want to "cancel" (more likely convert) an active DTV Visa to another Thai Visa: could be Non–B in order to work in Thailand (perhaps received a new job offer), Non–O after getting married to a Thai Spouse, or any other Thai Visa....
A Thai Embassy/Consulate usually does not cancel an active Thai Visa and any active Thai Visa cancelled by a Thai Embassy/Consulate would definitely need approval from the Ministry before being able to do so. Now, with all Thai Visa's nowadays from Thai Embassies/Consulates being Thai E–Visa, it is very difficult to do, as those who have genuine errors made by the Thai Embassy/Consulate, the Thai Embassy/Consulate cannot edit in the Thai E–Visa System and re-print, but only by printing out a Thai E–Visa and manually changing their error by hand/ink and making a notation is usually the current practice for Thai E–Visa errors made by a Thai Embassy/Consulate
Now, in the regulations, a DTV Visa can be converted in-country to another Thai Visa, but so far, there have been no field reports thus far of someone successfully converting their DTV to another Thai Visa
But, if you want to cancel an active DTV Visa, then contact the Thai Embassy/Consulate that issued the DTV Visa and see what they say. There is no point in contacting your local Thai Immigration Office about cancelling an active DTV Visa issued by a Thai Embassy/Consulate.
A Thai Embassy/Consulate usually does not cancel an active Thai Visa and any active Thai Visa cancelled by a Thai Embassy/Consulate would definitely need approval from the Ministry before being able to do so. Now, with all Thai Visa's nowadays from Thai Embassies/Consulates being Thai E–Visa, it is very difficult to do, as those who have genuine errors made by the Thai Embassy/Consulate, the Thai Embassy/Consulate cannot edit in the Thai E–Visa System and re-print, but only by printing out a Thai E–Visa and manually changing their error by hand/ink and making a notation is usually the current practice for Thai E–Visa errors made by a Thai Embassy/Consulate
Now, in the regulations, a DTV Visa can be converted in-country to another Thai Visa, but so far, there have been no field reports thus far of someone successfully converting their DTV to another Thai Visa
But, if you want to cancel an active DTV Visa, then contact the Thai Embassy/Consulate that issued the DTV Visa and see what they say. There is no point in contacting your local Thai Immigration Office about cancelling an active DTV Visa issued by a Thai Embassy/Consulate.
Siggi *******
@Dca ****
not true, easy to cancel just leave and return with a different visa. How long you have an evisa you have to show it every time you enterAnonymous *************
OP@Dca ****
thanks so much for the explanation. I’m about to apply non-b and company will provide the documents. What my company asked was the dtv visa cancel stamp despite telling them the options;either change visa inside country or to apply mon-b outside of the country. that’s why I’m finding way out. Anyways, thank you very much.Dca *****
Anonymous participant currently, most people getting a Non–B would just get one (with all the company/business documents) at a Thai Embassy/Consulate as it is somewhat easier than trying to convert from another Thai Visa to Non–B in-country at a local Thai Immigration Office.
However, those other Thai Visas were usually no longer than one year (e.g. Non–O, ED, etc.), so many just wait until their previous Thai Visa expires or one can just go apply at a Thai Embassy/Consulate since they were Single Entry Thai Visa's. The new and novel thing about a DTV Visa is that it is a 5-Year Multiple Entry Visa, so no one really knows.
You can (from the Immigration Bureau Order implementing the DTV) convert from DTV to another Thai Visa in-country, but is the Company/Business willing to provide more paperwork and going through more procedures to enable you to do so, or, going to get a Non–B outside Thailand at a Thai Embassy/Consulate (but with an active DTV): you will have to contact the prospective Thai Embassy/Consulate beforehand about applying for a Non–B E–Visa while holding an active DTV Visa....
However, those other Thai Visas were usually no longer than one year (e.g. Non–O, ED, etc.), so many just wait until their previous Thai Visa expires or one can just go apply at a Thai Embassy/Consulate since they were Single Entry Thai Visa's. The new and novel thing about a DTV Visa is that it is a 5-Year Multiple Entry Visa, so no one really knows.
You can (from the Immigration Bureau Order implementing the DTV) convert from DTV to another Thai Visa in-country, but is the Company/Business willing to provide more paperwork and going through more procedures to enable you to do so, or, going to get a Non–B outside Thailand at a Thai Embassy/Consulate (but with an active DTV): you will have to contact the prospective Thai Embassy/Consulate beforehand about applying for a Non–B E–Visa while holding an active DTV Visa....
Anonymous *************
OP@John *********
yes. Thank you.John **********
Anonymous participant ridiculous or not, inconvenient for you or not, that's the case. Get the paperwork to convert inside Thailand and the problem solves itself.
Anonymous *************
OP@John *********
dtv is 5 year visa and it would be ridiculous to wait until the visa expires 😬John **********
@Dca ****
the people who said they were on ED visa but got another visa outside of Thailand were not on a visa at all but on an extension of stay. Those on valid visas (such as the METV) have been refused visas by Thai consulates and told to wait until the visa expired, the same will be true for the DTV. No way to get another visa from a consulate so it will be essential that the company they wish to work for supplies the paperwork to convert the visas at an immigration office inside Thailand. I can't see any way out of that.
Paul *******
@Dca ****
Theres no good reason to force people to apply outside of the country. Just insist your employer gets the paperwork to convert in country. It's a ridiculous and pointless bureaucracy that suggests it's "easier" to apply abroad. Why? Certainly not for the applicant it isn't and any serious company would pay for the travel expenses associated with their future hire to go outside of country to apply, which also adds extra time to the whole process.Anonymous *************
OP@Dca ****
thanks so much forGreg ********
@Dca ****
I had multi re-entry on my "O" and trying to cancel it turned into a nightmare - posted full story further down
Andy ************
Why would you want to cancel it?
Anonymous *************
OP@Andy ***********
to apply non-b visaAndy ************
Anonymous participant Ok, it will cancel immediately you apply for the non-B
Anonymous *************
OP@Andy ***********
Thank you. I might need to go out of the country to apply non-b since my company does not offer the option of changing visa inside the county.
Steven *******
New govt could easily end the whole program
Paul *******
Of course they'll issue a non B. The DTV is more of a temporary gimmick, a non B is a well established work visa.
Anonymous *************
OP@Paul ******
Yeah.. thanks very much.
Jim **********
@Steven ******
but that would only mean no longer offering new ones. They would not cancel existing ones.Anonymous *************
OP@Jim *********
you mean even I apply for non-b, they won’t probably issue?Steven *******
@Jim *********
You're probably right.
Andrew ********
why would you want to cancel it?
Anonymous *************
OP@Andrew *******
to apply non-b
Anonymous ******************
@Andrew *******
might want a work permit.John **********
Visas generally can't be cancelled, you either use them or not. As the DTV is based on tourism it is possible to change it to another type of visa inside Thailand at an immigration office, just as you can for a normal tourist visa or visa exempt entry.
John **********
The elite is a bit of a special case
Chris *********
@John *********
true storyChris *********
@John *********
I've chancellor my NO visa and switched to an elite before. I couldn't get the elite until my NO was canceled. That said I don't know about DTVAnonymous *************
OP@John *********
Thanks very much.
Mat ******
What is the sense to cancel?
I guess it will cancel automatically if you apply for a new Visa, for example Non-B
I guess it will cancel automatically if you apply for a new Visa, for example Non-B
John **********
@Mat *****
He won't be able to apply for a new visa anywhere other than at an immigration office inside Thailand where he could apply to change visasAnonymous *************
OP@John *********
How come?John **********
Anonymous participant immigration officers know absolutely nothing about applying for a visa outside of Thailand. Applications at consulates are handled by a totally different organisation.
Anonymous *************
OP@John *********
the immigration officer said it will automatically cancel if I apply non-b. There are different answers. I’m finding a way out.John **********
Anonymous participant no it won't. The application will be refused.
Anonymous *************
OP@John *********
applying another visa won’t cancel the old one?John **********
Anonymous participant because you can't cancel a visa and you can't simultaneously hold 2 visas. A visa application at a consulate will be refused due to the fact you already hold a visa.
Ariel ****
I asked the immigration and they said you have to go to the country you applied, and cancel there
Anonymous *************
OP@Ariel ***
yes, the visa team in my company also suggested me to go outside of the country. As soon as I’m out of thailand, they will start the WP3 process as they saidAnonymous *************
OPAnonymous participant my visa is still active and cannot start the process they said
Greg ********
Anonymous participant Do they not have to give you the WP3 as part of the package to apply for the "B". They do not have to wait for you to leave the country to start the process with the Ministry of Labour. I know some sites say the WP3 is for applicants not already in Thailand but they are getting that wrong/explaining it wrongly The employer can apply while you are in Thailand and give you it and all else needed to level and apply for the initial 90 day "B" - at least that is what I did and others I know.
Greg ********
@Ariel ***
Wow - in my case to cancel an "O" Immigration said could only be cancelled at office it was issued but going to country issued is crazyAnonymous *************
OP@Ariel ***
what is get is they the dtv holder must apply another visa outside of the country or change visa inside the county. They repeatedly said the dtv cannot be cancelled.Greg ********
Anonymous participant I think what you need answered is will an Embassy process your "B" application while you are on a DTV. If so then no issue - just fly to Singapore or wherever and apply. Check first though.
Greg ********
Anonymous participant The company I worked for preferred me to go to Singapore for the "B" rather than try in-country. The HR was very experienced with Visa and WP for foreign staff so I just went along with their preferences.
Anonymous *************
OP@Greg *******
I think they will issue coz when i go to immigration in bkk, they suggested me to submit chang visa form but my company does not process change visa so i left with only one option to go outside thailand to apply non-bAnonymous *************
OP@Ariel ***
they have different anwers to one questions. I’m finding the solution now :((
Anonymous ******************
Just don't use it or extend the 180 days
Andy ************
Anonymous participant 609 It still remains valid for five years. Can't be cancelled unless you replace it with another visa
Anonymous ******************
@Andy ***********
any visa can be cancelled at immigrationAnonymous *************
OPAnonymous participant 609 I asked at the immigration and they said dtv is a type of tourist visa and cannot be cancelled
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