Answered2 years ago
Is a DTV a guaranteed reentry into Thailand?
In my recent experience a DTV isn't a guaranteed reentry into Thailand ( words from an IO)and IOs are asking to see proof that you do what you said you did on your original application. Doubt most people will be asked but i'm certainly going to have a print out of my original application next time. X (land border) 99 % of you toe rags will be fine, i'm just saying have a bit of proof with you as some of the IOs are jobsworths.
Answer summary
Recent discussions indicate that having a DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) does not guarantee reentry into Thailand, as Immigration Officers (IOs) may request proof of the details provided in the original application. While most travelers report no issues upon reentry, it is advisable to carry supporting documents such as a printout of the original application or a working contract. Community members emphasize the importance of being prepared, recognizing that immigration practices can vary.
73 repliesnewest first
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Siggi *******
Another troll post, why it's allowed to post anonymous, it's not a question the poster ask it's a lie! Imigration officers ask random people even normal tourists questions, to find out if there is something to worry. And this all imigration officers in all country do. Why can anonymous people trough in wrong facts? Especially here when 99% of the members do not have any clue about Thailand and how it's working here in the country.
Jef ********
😂🤣😂. I’ve been in and out 7 times now since November on my DTV……. No questions asked
Marco ***********
always carry your working contract printed just to be sure 555.
Paul *******
@Marco **********
I don't think that's necessary. Just tell them what you do and they should be fine. It's all about profiling.Anonymous *************
OP@Marco **********
more or less yes
Sean *******
What did you apply under? Where did you get your DTV?
Anonymous *************
OP@Sean ******
irrelevant, i'm saying IOs may ask for proof of course or business just for a flex.Anonymous *************
OP@Sean ******
londonSean *******
Anonymous participant Having an ED visa previously is getting people questioned too.
Sean *******
Anonymous participant What did you apply under? Where did you get your DTV?
Larry ********
@Sean ******
I had an agency do it for me in Pattaya. They charged me ฿8,000. Which I thought was very fair and a good price. The agency is called “Settle Abroad”. And they are out of Pattaya.Sean *******
@Larry *******
Nice one mate that's not a bad price.Larry ********
@Sean ******
I applied under Muay thai soft power, and I applied in Los Angeles, California and from the time that I applied, it took exactly 5 working days to get my DTV Visa
Andrew ********
Glorified tourist visa... We have banked your 10k baht... (Other expenses are your problem...5:years of digital tracking cost... Hmmm) Enjoy it whilst you can... Caveat Emptor
Anonymous *************
OP@Andrew *******
best visa ever for thailand, lets be honest. You didn't get married did you?Anonymous *************
OP@Andrew *******
yeah I will, cheers!Greg ********
It actually says this on the MFA website and the MFA guy in his FCCT interview reiterated this. Final decision lies with Immigration. Now how this is applied in a practical sense it is too early to know long term as the visa is just over 6 months old.
Anonymous ******************
@Greg *******
And the requirements for visa extensions in Thailand are clear and well-established. There is absolutely no point in being strict with those extending their visas and paying for it while being lenient with those exiting and re-entering.Greg ********
Anonymous participant 381 Oh and if people think immigration does not make changes overnight then think again
Last week in Pattaya immigration stopped agents applying for new retirement visas and certain extensions. A few days later back to normal. TM30 reporting after any travel was implemented a few years ago nationally then it was left to local offices to make up own rules. The local offices and entry points also have leeway in their own policy. They are run like fiefdoms and the local head can make decisions. Just look at some of the land border crossing. Some saying cannot do DTV while others have a price. Immigration in Thailand is not one cohesive department with aligned rules and policies.
Last week in Pattaya immigration stopped agents applying for new retirement visas and certain extensions. A few days later back to normal. TM30 reporting after any travel was implemented a few years ago nationally then it was left to local offices to make up own rules. The local offices and entry points also have leeway in their own policy. They are run like fiefdoms and the local head can make decisions. Just look at some of the land border crossing. Some saying cannot do DTV while others have a price. Immigration in Thailand is not one cohesive department with aligned rules and policies.
Greg ********
Anonymous participant 381 It took Immigration almost 6 months to issue guidelines for the DTV extension. The MFA guy in his interview mentioned he did not know what they were and that was 4 months after implementation. Re-Entry policies can change and be implemented anytime they like. For now it looks fine but what happens 2 or 3 years down the line? In soft power they can ask for proof that a person attended and they have further courses or appointments booked.
Anonymous *************
OP@Greg *******
exactly , i'm just saying ppl should bring some back up (proof) of what they do in Thailand. I'm personally sorted tbh.Greg ********
Anonymous participant When immigration suddenly took a dislike to the Ed visa they started asking more questions and people stopped at entry. At the moment DTV seems to be fine but nobody can predict the future and be 100% definitive about it. In Thailand never say never.
Anonymous ******************
Sounds like they are doing their job trying to keep the riff raff out 😁🤣
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 682 To be expected... That's the job of immigration to check people entering.
Anonymous *************
OPAnonymous participant 682 exactly! Luckily they liked me.
Andi ***********
Any visa or even visa exemption is not a guarantee of entry but vast majority enter with zero problems. Simple question like what is your job?, what are you doing in Thailand ? are not unusual to be asked by an IO to a DTVer. I'm asked more about UK football than my DTV status on reentry.
Paul *******
I don't really see immigration demanding proof of work contracts and bank accounts at the border. A verbal confirmation of what you're doing should suffice.
Anonymous *************
OP@Paul ******
I was asked at a land border what I did in Thailand and was asked for proof that I owned the business as I had explained that I was a tourist to Thailand as well as working remotely for my overseas business. I agree that this is unusual, however I was still asked.Andi ***********
@Paul ******
i think so and that has been my experience this far., The OP is a soft powerer and that option has been heavily exploited by the scammers so I can see how they may ask SPers on arrival for proof rather than the workcationers.
Tony *********
@Andi **********
🤣 I got pulled aside at Bangkok for using too many tourist visas by IO When the boss heard my Scouse accent , all he wanted to talk about was Liverpool,
Quickly stamped me through , his 2 subordinates who were just giving me grief couldn’t say anything
Andi ***********
@Tony ********
Yeah, another blessing being from LP. I was grilled on Manchester even though I'm from the Midlands. They love their football so it's good for us.Anonymous *************
OP@Andi **********
indeed, and now is the period of mass DTV ers reentering so bringing basic proof of what you do in Thailand would be my reccomendation.Andi ***********
Anonymous participant ok, I get what you saying now. You should have said that in the OP to avoid the backlash from people.
Andi ***********
Anonymous participant..was perfect but you added the T word ..so back on the bad boy bench 😊
Anonymous *************
OP@Andi **********
better?Andi ***********
Anonymous participant You make it worse with the P word......mmm you being naughty but ok
Anonymous *************
OP@Andi **********
ok ive edited.x
Nick *******
What a ridiculous statement. You present it like it’s a matter of fact. Maybe that has happened but it is has never happened to me or anyone else I know that has a DTV. I bet it happens in well less than 5% of times
Paul *******
@Nick ******
Explaining what you do should be fine. I doubt they need documentary proof at the border.Anonymous ******************
@Nick ******
You're a bit extreme with the "ridiculous statement," though. This happens with other visa types as well, and this isn't the first time I've heard of someone being checked with a DTV. Yes, it's not common, but immigration has the right to ensure you're fulfilling your visa requirements.Anonymous *************
OPAnonymous participant 381 don't worry he's my ex, still bitter about things.
Chris ******
Anonymous participant 381 He seems angry with the OP.
Anonymous *************
OPAnonymous participant 381 well said.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant Well, I got checked on another visa type... Most people got lucky and think this doesn't happen at all. As long as you have the documents linked to your visa purpose, you're good. Again, the requirements for extending the DTV kind of set immigration's expectations. Let's hope to see more so that people start to realize it.
Anonymous *************
OP@Nick ******
So when it does and you have a little bit of paper with you, you will be thankful.Nick *******
Anonymous participant I can prove it by showing them the same thing as when I applied. That’s not the point - you present something like it happens every single time. You are misleading people
Chris ******
@Nick ******
Ok well it doesn’t say he edited the comment but if you say so. You seem angry for an insignificant fb post. Btw I have the dtv never had any issues but will bring my stuff with me when coming back.Nick *******
@Chris *****
yes he has changed it so it is not misleading. That’s not what he originally said. Get you facts straight manChris ******
@Nick ******
He said “he doubts most people will be asked” in his last sentence. Relax man..Anonymous *************
OP@Nick ******
it does not happen every single timeAndi ***********
Anonymous participant Have you been asked by an IO to show DTV paperwork on arrival?
Andi ***********
Anonymous participant Ok,
Anonymous *************
OP@Andi **********
yes, I was specifically asked what I did in Thailand and then asked to prove it.Larry ********
It’s not a guarantee why I get it in the first place?
Greg ********
@Larry *******
The MFA clearly state on their website any visa they issue does not guarantee entry. The final decision is down to immigration. However in practice it is unlikely anyone will be prevented from entry. At least initially.Larry ********
@Greg *******
the reason I got the DTV Visa is because in September was my fourth time in Thailand in one year and they pulled me aside and asked me questions like why am I coming back-and-forth so much and then they told me that the next time I come in I would have to get a visaso that’s why I got the DTV visaLarry ********
@Greg *******
thank youGreg ********
@Larry *******
It is same in all countries. The "Interior" department has final say over entry and immigration is part of the interior department. They have to have final say and the MFA (Foreign Office ie exterior) are covering themselves by pointing this out. The MFA do not have access to all information the immigration departments have either. The notion that immigration have final say is just normal state of affairs. Up to now I cannot say I have heard of anyone actually refused entry first or subsequent entries.
Bernardo *************
And must bring your own gloves and kneepads to show your kicks and jabs to the IO.
Greg ********
@Bernardo ************
Or be knocking up a world class Pad Thai after all those cooking classes attended :-)Chris ******
@Bernardo ************
The IO will say spar with me lets see what you have learned.
Alex *******
No worries Gump 🐒
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