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Is the DTV visa worth it for long-term stay in Thailand, and can you reapply after 6 months?

DTV Visa long-term stay visa rules border hopping immigration policy Thai visa visa reapplication expat advice

Sep 22, 2025

4 days ago

Michael ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi all, I am looking at staying in Thailand long term.  Is the DTV worth it? Can you reapply for it once the 6 months expires? 

I had planned on border hopping for a bit while i find a place to settle but I would be staying 30 days or so out of the country in Vietnam or Phillipines rather than day flights in and out.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) is a topic of significant discussion among expats considering long-term stays in Thailand. The visa is valid for 5 years, requiring a check-in every 180 days rather than expiring after 6 months as some may mistakenly believe. While border hopping was a common tactic to prolong stays, it is becoming less viable due to stricter immigration controls. Many users recommend the DTV for its long-term stability compared to border hopping, which poses risks of being denied entry. However, it is crucial to adhere to the visa's requirements and understand its nature as a tourist visa.

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

DTV is not a long term visa, but for now you can use it that way as long as the loophole of borderbouncing existss to get back to back stays of 180 days each time as long as you still comply to the visa requirements.

But don't expect it to have the advantages of long term visa, as having the possibility to open a bank account and get a 5 years valid drivers license.

DTV is a tourist visa.

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A. ************

Border runs aren't a game you want to play anymore. If you are seriously attempting to live long-term in Thailand, that means you will have stuff you will be leaving behind while you attempt to do a run. What happens to your stuff if you get turned away by an IO? The DTV is valid for 5 years and, for 5 years, you don't have to worry about getting turned away when you have to do your reset every 180 days.

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Henrik *****

You should start reading the Thai Embassy website thoroughly, sincerhe way you ask you have even the fundamentals wrong.

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Michael ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

thanks. I did have the fundamentals wrong. I thought it was 6 months total rather than multiple entry with a 6 month max stay each time you enter. Definitely seems easier getting the DTV over border hopping as I meet all the requirements.

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Michael ********

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John *********

Tell me you’ve heard about the DTV without doing a single search on the Internet about the DTV

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Todd *********

Is it worth it? Have you seen a cheaper, easier to acquire 5 year visa anywhere on earth?

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Dee ******

The 6 months don’t expire. Once approved your DTV is valid for 5 years, you have to exit the country every 180 days. So after 6 months the visa doesn’t expire you just exit and re enter.

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

Getting a DTV is very easy if you meet the requirements. Border hopping won't get you entry into Thailand for nearly as long as a valid visa will. If you want to live here long term, you need a valid visa. If you don't believe people in this group, believe the immigration officers when they tell you the same thing.

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Wannikea *********

Long-term and border hopping are incompatible. Immigration is clamping down and people using back to back free visa exempt stamps.

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Paul ********

Border crossings are a thing of the past. They want ex-pats paying taxes and not engaging in nefarious activities.

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John *****

I have a theory about visa exempt border runs. If you are going to end up being tax resident or look like you're at risk of it then you run a good chance of being denied entry. For example if it's June and you've already done over 100 days in the country then at the rate you're going you are likely to end up tax resident. (180 days in a calendar year) So I think it's rather the case that they don't want you tax resident on visa exempt entries for one reason or another.

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Todd *********

they are border bounces and done more now than ever. Very easy

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Paul ********

It's a matter of time, it's completely changed since Feb.

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Todd *********

lol. Nothing has changed. At all

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James ********

Hmmmm 🤔 I believe that you are wrong about the border bounce not a problem. Since July last year, it's been more difficult to do a BORDER BOUNCE multiple times...

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Henrik *****

Nothing has changed since february !

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Bob **********

it’s a 5 year multi entry visa not an exempt stamp the visa was designed for this where are you getting your information?

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Reply to

Bob **********

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Andrew ********

How exactly is border hopping easier?

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Todd *********

@Andrew *******

this really depends on where you live. If close to a border point or international airport, border bounces are incredibly easy. But more difficult/expensive from other locations

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Andrew ********

I mean generally not. But a flight from most airports to Vietnam is extremely cheap.

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Octo *******

@Andrew *******

much better places to go than Vietnam.

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Andrew ********

Vietnam is quite good but I’m strictly speaking from a cost perspective.

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Todd *********

@Andrew *******

if your intent is legit nomadic existence, border bounces are simply and easy way to handle entries into Thailand. Especially as you get 60 days+30 now. And yes, flights to all neighbouring countries or Singapore, Indonesia, China and Vietnam and easy, fast, fun and cheap. Great way to see the region

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Todd *********

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