Answered2 years ago

Can you wait 5 months after getting a DTV visa before entering Thailand?

DTV visa Thailand visa rules visa entry requirements immigration expat advice

Philippe *********

asked Feb 21, 2025

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When you have your DTV can you wait 5 months before making your first entry?

Answer summary

Yes, you can wait up to 5 months after obtaining your DTV visa before making your first entry into Thailand. However, it's important to note that the visa validity starts from the issue date. Therefore, if you wait 5 months to enter, you would have only 4 years and 7 months remaining on the visa. While there’s a mentioned 3-month guideline often linked to embassy practices, many users confirmed that the DTV visa is valid for a full 5 years, advising applicants to apply accordingly if planning to enter within that timeframe.

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Chris *********

I don’t think the answer to your question is as straightforward as the above answer .

Example :- if you applied to study Muay Thai boxing or a cooking course you would of had to book a few months in advance as proof for the application and I don’t think the consulate where you applied would approve a visa that is not used for the first 5 months .

That’s my opinion

2 years ago

Stuart *********

@Chris ********

The OP stated they had the visa already. Once they have it then consulate rules don’t apply.

2 years ago

Chris *********

@Stuart ********

So what you’re saying is that if you apply to do Mauy Thai boxing for the DTV and you book 3 to 6 months of courses as proof and you are approved for the DTV and decide not to do the Mauy Thai boxing after gaining the DTV , that would be okay ?

2 years ago

Graham ******

@Chris ********

yes, there no need for subsequent "proof" once the Visa is issued unless you go for an in country Extension of Stay

2 years ago

Henrik *****

It is recommended at most Embassy website’s that you should not apply more than 3 months before entry, and some will reject based on that.

2 years ago

Steve *******

You can wait up to 5 years if you want.

The three month "rule" mentioned in the other comment has nothing to do with the entry, but with the visa application. Embassies don't approve visas for travel further than 3 months after the application, based on the tickets/travel plans you submit when applying.

2 years ago

Nongnuch ********

WATCH OUT, there was a report regarding this matter! A user shared their experience entering Thailand for the first time with a DTV visa, noting that it had been 5 months since approval without any issues. They referenced a supposed 3-month entry rule linked to visa approval, but multiple comments clarified that there is actually a 5-year validity for the DTV visa. Some comments suggested that the 3-month guideline could be related to embassy practices rather than official rules, encouraging applicants to apply only if planning to enter within that timeframe. . .

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2 years ago

Barry ********

How much is one btw ?

2 years ago

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

@Barry *******

10,000 THB but embassies apply their own exchange rate so can cost a little more .

2 years ago

Stuart *********

@Barry *******

Depends on the embassy where you apply. Approx 10k baht or equivalent unless you’re in NZ where it’s 40k.

2 years ago

Andy ************

Yes you can, but remember the visa starts ticking from the day it's issued, so if you enter after five months, there will be only 4 years and 7 months left

2 years ago

Stuart *********

You can wait up to five years.

2 years ago