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Answered8 months ago

How do I activate my Thailand DTV visa after applying while in Thailand?

Anonymous *************
asked Feb 12, 2026
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So here’s my experience getting a Thailand DTV visa… and doing it the way everyone says NOT to do it.

HANOI DTV APPLICATION TIMELINE:

02/06 Applied

02/09 Requested more info

02/10 Submitted additional documents

02/11 Flew back to Bangkok (forgot my external HD and needed files ASAP)

02/12 DTV approved 😫

Honestly way faster than I expected, especially considering I left Vietnam mid-process.

Now the real question… how exactly do I get this stamped into my passport? Anyone gone through activation yet?
Answer summary
The user shares their experience with obtaining a Thailand DTV visa while being in Thailand, despite advice against it. After a quick approval process from Hanoi, they are unsure how to get the visa stamped in their passport. Other users weigh in, advising the poster to exit Thailand for a few days and re-enter with the DTV approval printout for the 180-day stamp. Some users share similar experiences, while others caution that entering Thailand during the DTV application process could lead to visa cancellation.
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Andrew ********
Andrew ********
Leave thailand and come back with DTV print out stay gone for a few days. When you come back have the print out ready and you will get the stamp
Dany ********
Dany ********
print it and do a border bounce
Dave ***********
Dave ***********
Go out of of Thailand asap for a few days, and back in with your DTV print out, to get 180 day stamp. You might well get asked by Immigration when you EXIT Thailand why you didn’t use your DTV yet. Explain what happened. It is already registered in the system that you have DTV even before you get your first stamp

A very similar thing happened to me. Application submitted in HCMC Vietnam. Additional documents submitted, and the system said ‘Pending Approval’

I had a family emergency back in Thailand before my application was finished. I called the Thai embassy in HCMC to explain, and sent an email.

I was back in Thailand on a Friday with 60 day visa exempt stamp, and my DTV was approved on Monday.

I stayed in Thailand around 6 weeks before exit to Lao, via Nong Khai.

On Exit though immigration at Nong Khai, the IO told me to go to the IO supervisor office. They asked me why I didn’t use my DTV yet. I explained what had happened, and the IO said it was no problem, I could come back in with my DTV and get 180 stamp. He reminded me to file the TDAC before coming back into Thailand and put the visa number in the form.

Back into Thailand a few days later through Nong Khai Immigration, DTV printed out, and absolutely no questions asked, 180 day stamp inked in.

I am just sharing my experience, BUT this is NOT advice to others to try and get away with coming into Thailand before visa is granted.
Pierre **************
Pierre **************
Very interesting so you prove that the Thai embassy files are not connected to Thai immigration file ... so far so good .., let us know next step please
Anonymous *************
Anonymous *************
OP
will do. going to look at flights for this weekend to pop out and back to see what happens
Pierre **************
Pierre **************
Participant(e) anonyme Tks
Biff *******
Biff *******
In the email you got saying it was approved it says exactly what you should do next. Print out the visa and present it at immigration at the border when you enter Thailand.

If they ask you why you came back to Thailand whilst the visa was processing, just tell the truth
Marc ********
Marc ********
You can only hope they don't realize you left vietnam before approval.

Otherwise you are screwed as they will cancell your visa
Andi ***********
Andi ***********
You got it but you do know similar have had theirs rescinded on arrival or at later dates.
Andrew *******
Andrew *******
@Andi **********
only in theory, I highly doubt that has happened to anyone
Andi ***********
Andi ***********
@Andrew ******
it has, at least 2 such applicants documenting it on TikTok. One used an agent who failed to tell them of the risk. Banned for 5 yrs
Andi ***********
Andi ***********
I did not record the accounts, someone uploaded one of them here. I saw them both on TIktok, they were from last year. One said he was banned from entering Thailand for he duration of the DTV he applied for.
DTV_Be*******
DTV_Be*******
@Andi **********
share the account. Banned?
Tiphany **********
Tiphany **********
So now you are in Thailand on a visa exempt?

If you entered Thailand during the process of visa, your application might be cancelled cause you are not supposed to be in Thailand during the process.
Anonymous *************
Anonymous *************
OP
@Tiphany *********
I'm on visa exempt currently. DTV was approved after I returned.
Tiphany **********
Tiphany **********
Participant(e) anonyme legally your visa should be cancel. But it's Thailand 🙂 you never know, as some says maybe they will not connect and you will be fine.

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