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Do I need to show my DTV visa at immigration if I'm only staying in Thailand for a few days?

DTV visa visa exempt Thailand immigration expat advice visa regulations

Aug 5, 2025

24 days ago

LivelyEle*********

ORIGINAL POSTER

If I have a DTV but I'm doing some travelling and sometimes staying in Thailand for only a few days, does it make sense to even show the visa at the immigration as opposed to getting the visa exempt. I'm only talking about these times when I know I would be just stopping by.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

When traveling to Thailand for short stays, it's advisable to show your DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) at immigration instead of opting for visa exemption. Even for brief visits, your DTV is recognized in the immigration database, and not displaying it might complicate your entry. Multiple comments highlight the risks of being stamped in under visa exemption, which might raise questions about the intent of your stay. It's suggested that using the DTV avoids potential complications and allows more flexibility during your travels.

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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Bobby *********

They see your visa on screen

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David ********

Tv is multi entry you have it for 5 years. You must cancel it if you want another visa. You can come TI Thailand for 1 day and go and come back in 2 years for 1 day it doesn't matter the scenario

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Daniel **********

why would you make your life more complicated?

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Anonymous ******************

I've entered the country many times on the dtv, always showed them a print out. My most recent trip where I was only going to be in thailand for a few hours, I didn't give them my dtv print out because I wanted to see if they'll automatically stamp me in as VE. Interesting, I received the DTV stamp without saying anything. I guess it's on their system

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Ali **********

Anonymous participant 998

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Luit *****************

Anonieme deelnemer 998 of course it is on their system, but they can forget to look at it, so better show DTV and also check if stamped in correct.

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Luit *****************

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Wannikea *********

Getting stamped in visa exempt all the time is going to possibly raise eyebrows whereas stamped in on your DTV means nothing. Besides that you don't really have a choice since you have a valid Visa.

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Mike *****

The difference is that while on visa exempt, they may deem that your movement is trying to stay in Thailand long term without a proper visa and they can deny entry. While having a proper DT will allow you to say that you are allowed to come and go as you please as long as the visa is live and they should not deny entry.

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DTV_Be*******

Whether or not you see it as essential

You’re coded in the immigration database for having the DTV visa

So yes it’s imperative you show it every single time even if you’re just staying 3 hours

Plus you have to add your visa number in the TDAC

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Genevieve ****

I have flown in and out of Thailand 4 times since getting the DTV in May 2025. Latest one I stayed 3 days, upon entry at DMK the IO accidentally gave me a 60 days visa exempt and he kept apologizing when I told him I’m on the DTV. It was all good, I was just glad I didnt get any extra questioning!

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Greg ********

I once asked to come in on Visa Exempt while on an O with multi-entry. Immigration told me it could not be done.

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

why ask for VE with a multi entry visa?

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Greg ********

@Andi **********

I needed VE so I could get a B. Singapore would not process application for B while on a live O. In the end I had to pay a facilitation fee for the Immigration Office to cancel the O. Had 7 days to leave country. Did border run to Cambodia and came back on VE. Flew to Singapore got a 90 day B. Came back to Thailand had had B extended to 2 years with a WP. I got 2 free expense paid trips to Singapore out of it though :-)

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

ah ok.. a facilitation fee to the IO ??? means a few rounds of drinks up North ?

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Greg ********

@Andi **********

Jomtien. It cost 4k if I needed a week to leave or 1k to leave next day.

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Greg ********

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Biff *******

It makes no difference. Show it, don’t show it. It’s a multiple entry visa valid for five years. You can come and go as you please.

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

The DTV is made for multi visits of a few days or a non stop 6 month stay. You got the DTV, may as well use it.

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Elías ********

Whether you show the paper or not it won't make a difference. If your passport is associated with a valid visa, your entries would be processed accordingly. You CAN'T choose to enter on visa exemption before the other visa (the DTV in this case) expires.

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Elías ********

On the other hand, coming for a few days, then going to other countries, then coming back is what normally digital nomads would do, and what the DTV was designed for.

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Elías ********

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