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How can I effectively secure a DTVA visa for Thailand?

Mar 20, 2025
12 days ago
Seun **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I truly appreciate all the posts that gave tips (good, bad and the trolls lol) on how to go about securing a DTVA visa!

My approach:

- Applied on 3/13 @ 11pm EST

- 3/19 morning: status changed from Pending Documents Review to Pending Approval

- 3/19 @ 3pm EST: received email notification (see below)

5 business days total!

I applied under Soft Power thru the Washington, DC office. $400.

Documents submitted:

- Copy of passport

- 1 Photo

- 1 month's bank statement

- Thai cooking class acceptance letter (House of Taste)

- Lease agreement

- Utility bill in America, showing my current location

- Letter to the Thai consulate stating that during my previous visit (I left Thailand March 5), I dedicated a portion of my time to volunteering at a Community Center and I would like to continue my efforts if granted the visa

MOST IMPORTANTLY❗️❗️❗️

- For the lease agreement and Thai Cooking class acceptance letter, I combined these files and added a Table of Content to help the reviewer better understanding what they were looking at

I also indicated that I'll be returning to Thailand first week in April. There was no request for additional documents.

Let me know if you have any questions, I'll be more than happy to help.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user shares their successful experience in applying for a DTVA visa submitted through the Washington, DC office. After applying with required documents including a Thai cooking class acceptance letter, lease agreement, and a personal letter about volunteering, they received approval in 5 business days. The user highlights the importance of organizing application documents and mentions key tips from community comments.
Kamren ********
Which embassy was this at?
Meg ***********
Did you haev to scan everything to submit online or upload photos taken of your passport etc?
Mo *******
In addition the "letter of acceptance", did they also provide the certified business registration document? Thanks in advance.
Antonia ********
Hello how much did your 1 month bank statement balance need to be ?
Kami *******
Congrats!! This was so simple and easy!!! 🙌🏾🙌🏾
Toni ********
Congratulations my brother!
Monique *******
Alice ********
@Seun *********
, what is the total duration of the cooking class you booked please?
Seun **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Alice *******
7 classes, spread out for 6 months. You can take the classes at this own space. House of Taste gave me the option to pick my own dates. Reach or to them via Line @ houseoftaste. See screenshot.
Anthony ******
How much did you pay for the cooking class? It seems very cheap in their website??
Seun **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Seun **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Anthony *****
10K Baht. Message them on Line @ houseoftaste
Anna *********
Well done but volunteering is considered work so perhaps best not to mention it at immigration 😀
Seun **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Anna ********
no, it's not. Y'all just be coming up with random nonsense 😂
Anna *********
@Seun *********
‘To volunteer in Thailand for an extended period, you'll need a Non-Immigrant "O" (Volunteer) visa, which is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance, allowing you to stay in Thailand for up to 90 days. ‘.

I really hate misinformation
Anna *********
@Seun *********
ok but it’s not random nonsense Everything I have ever read about volunteering in Thailand requires a visa that allows volunteering. And why the need to be rude and dismissive
James ********
Thank You for your helpful report 👍

Congratulations 👏👏👏

PRINT OUT THE EMAIL THAT HAS YOUR DTV VISA.

That's what you should do... print it out.

You may have to show PROOF of your DTV Visa to airline staff on check-in for your flight ✈️ to Thailand...even to the connecting airline staff. Or to the land border crossing entry Thai Immigration Officer.

Upon arrival into Thailand, show the DTV visa to the Thai Immigration Officer and look at the STAMP placed in your passport to be sure you are STAMPED in for 180 days.
Elle *********
Congratulations