Ask question

This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

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

3 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.

1,716

views

2

likes

37

all likes

19

replies

0

images

15

users

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.

Pelle Eriksson

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted DTV Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Bobby *********

They see your visa on screen

Like

Reply

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

Like

Reply

Daniel **********

why would you make your life more complicated?

Like

Reply

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

Like

Reply

Ali **********

Anonymous participant 998

Like

Reply

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.

Like

Reply

Reply to

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

Reply

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.

Like

Reply

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.

Like

Reply

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

Like

Reply

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!

Like

Reply

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.

Like

Reply

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

why ask for VE with a multi entry visa?

Like

Reply

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 :-)

Like

Reply

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

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

Like

Reply

Greg ********

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

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

Like

Reply

Reply to

Greg ********

Reply

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.

Like

Reply

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.

Like

Reply

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.

Like

Reply

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.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Elías ********

Reply

What do I need to present when entering Thailand on a DTV visa?

6 comments

3 days ago

Do I need to show more documentation than just my DTV and passport when entering Thailand?

14 comments

24 days ago

Do I need to stay abroad for a certain number of days after leaving Thailand on a DTV?

10 comments

a month ago

What should expats know about entering Thailand with a DTV visa?

127 comments

a month ago

Do you need to request a visa exempt stamp if you hold a DTV but want to enter Thailand for tourism?

7 comments

3 months ago

Is it permissible to do multiple entries to Thailand on a DTV visa?

3 comments

3 months ago

Do I need to show the DTV confirmation printout when re-entering Thailand?

32 comments

4 months ago

Do I need to do a 90-day check-in with a DTV visa in Thailand?

44 comments

4 months ago

What should I do when I arrive at immigration in Bangkok with my DTV visa?

3 comments

4 months ago

Can I stay in Thailand for just a week on my DTV visa and return months later without issues?

24 comments

5 months ago

Can someone with a DTV be denied entry into Thailand?

4 comments

5 months ago

What should I present to immigration when entering Thailand with a DTV Visa?

2 comments

5 months ago

Do DTV visa holders need to report every 90 days to immigration in Thailand?

35 comments

5 months ago

Will I have issues leaving Thailand after just 2 days on a DTV visa?

19 comments

6 months ago

What do I need to show at immigration when arriving in Bangkok with a DTV visa?

6 comments

6 months ago

How do I use my DTV visa upon arrival in Thailand?

14 comments

6 months ago

Do Thai immigration officials have access to details about the specific type of DTV visa, such as digital nomad or soft power?

35 comments

7 months ago

Are there hassles with immigration for DTV visa holders when entering or exiting Thailand?

16 comments

7 months ago

Do I need a re-entry permit for a DTV visa when leaving Thailand and coming back?

12 comments

7 months ago

What additional steps are required after obtaining a DTV to enter and stay in Thailand?

13 comments

7 months ago

Will I need to show proof of onward travel when entering Thailand with a DTV visa?

12 comments

10 months ago

Can I choose not to activate my DTV visa upon entering Thailand?

8 comments

10 months ago

What should I expect when entering Thailand multiple times on a DTV visa?

9 comments

a year ago

How do you show you have a DTV visa upon arrival in Thailand?

22 comments

a year ago

What should DTV holders do when entering Thailand to avoid complications with immigration?

24 comments

a year ago

What is the best cannabis dispensary in Bangkok?

7 comments

a month ago

Where can I find the best cannabis dispensary in Chon Buri?

9 comments

a month ago

What are the best dispensaries in Phuket?

21 comments

a month ago

What is the best cannabis dispensary in Surat Thani?

16 comments

a month ago

Where can I find the best weed in Chiang Mai?

8 comments

a month ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.