Answereda day ago
What are the best tips for a smooth immigration process when arriving in Thailand?
I just re-entered through Bangkok ony way to Chiang Mai. Process took about 5 min, which was 4 min longer than expected. I actually had a delay in receiving my QR code through the app… and was listed as pending when I entered the immigration area. Despite that, no issues; confirmed with the officer that I would be okay for 90 day report, she confirmed I was good to go and I was off.
Received my QR code about an hour later… just a delay in processing. Usually, I do this the night before, but forgot this time… did it on arrivai. Best to do before you board the flight just in case.
BTW, as there always seems to be someone who claims they had an entry problem, here are some tips:
1. Be patient and polite. If there is a problem, smile, be friendly, and answer any questions they may have. The only time I ever see issues at immigration is when people seem to have an attitude about the process.
2. Arrive early. Anticipate there will be delays, a line, or something that comes up along the way. The process will take as long as it takes, so just let it.
3. Be prepared. Have your documents ready, passport, Bording pass, and any documents you MIGHT need ready to go. It is so easy to print hard copies that you can instantly pull out and share if asked.
4. Look presentable. You don't need to wear a suite and tie, but perhaps a collared shirt, pants or at least a nice pair of shorts and actual shoes. Thailand is conservative country, so be respectful of their culture when you arrive. I usually keep a shirt and pants in my carry-on and change on arrival, before immgration.
The reality, if you look presentable, you are polite and patient, and have all your documents ready to go, you will sail right through. Remember, we are guests in their country so make sure you present as a guest they would want in their home.
Received my QR code about an hour later… just a delay in processing. Usually, I do this the night before, but forgot this time… did it on arrivai. Best to do before you board the flight just in case.
BTW, as there always seems to be someone who claims they had an entry problem, here are some tips:
1. Be patient and polite. If there is a problem, smile, be friendly, and answer any questions they may have. The only time I ever see issues at immigration is when people seem to have an attitude about the process.
2. Arrive early. Anticipate there will be delays, a line, or something that comes up along the way. The process will take as long as it takes, so just let it.
3. Be prepared. Have your documents ready, passport, Bording pass, and any documents you MIGHT need ready to go. It is so easy to print hard copies that you can instantly pull out and share if asked.
4. Look presentable. You don't need to wear a suite and tie, but perhaps a collared shirt, pants or at least a nice pair of shorts and actual shoes. Thailand is conservative country, so be respectful of their culture when you arrive. I usually keep a shirt and pants in my carry-on and change on arrival, before immgration.
The reality, if you look presentable, you are polite and patient, and have all your documents ready to go, you will sail right through. Remember, we are guests in their country so make sure you present as a guest they would want in their home.
Answer summary
The post shares experiences and advice on navigating the immigration process in Thailand, particularly upon arrival at Bangkok airport. The author recounts a recent entry experience that was surprisingly smooth despite a slight delay in receiving a QR code. Key tips include being patient and polite, arriving early to anticipate potential delays, being prepared with necessary documents, and dressing presentably to show respect for Thai culture. The commentary from others reinforces the importance of respect and presents various perspectives on how to manage immigration effectively.
95 repliesnewest first
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Locked ********
Maybe learn some Thai. Would help a whole lot better than dressing like a CEO coming off a airplane
CJ ******
I always try to join a line that has a male immigration inspector...never issues. The female officers on the other hand always act like they are PMS cramping or haven't had any nookie for a couple of months...ie like my ex-wife.
LovelyPa********
Thank you for actually posting the stamp 😅
William *********
Fantastic advice and can happily agree on all of those points. Especially the "Be Nice , respectful" and "Dress presentably". When they see a tank top short and flip flops, they see "Another Dumb Farang" that doesn't understand how to look neat and tidy in someone else's country".
Ben *****
No one chose where they were born: Birthplace is luck, so restricting movement based on it is arbitrary and creates huge inequality between people born in rich vs. poor countries • Earth as commons: As you put it, no person or government created the earth, so no one has a natural moral ownership claim that justifies excluding others from land • Freedom: If freedom means being able to live, work, love, and travel where you want, then border restrictions are a major restriction on freedom, even if they're normal • Control vs. protection: Critics argue borders function less to protect people and more to control labor, maintain hierarchies, and let governments decide who counts as belonging
Ben *****
Great tips.
But the last part about us being guests is inaccurate... nobody has ownership on the earth. Countries borders and governments are just here to control people. Which is absolutely against freedom and everyone's right to this amazing earth. Everyone is allowed to enjoy anywhere they wish to go
But the last part about us being guests is inaccurate... nobody has ownership on the earth. Countries borders and governments are just here to control people. Which is absolutely against freedom and everyone's right to this amazing earth. Everyone is allowed to enjoy anywhere they wish to go
Ben ************
Ben Gur people like you should stay where they are. You’re a guest so act like it
Ben *****
@Ben ***********
maybe you go back to LondonstanBen ************
Ben Gur Go to North Korea if no one has ownership of earth
Ben *****
@Ben ***********
nobody really asked you asol
Jim **************
Its luck of the draw really. You could have eberything in order bu1 15 people in front of u might not
Kenneth ************
OMG !! You Sound Like some kind of Control Freak
Samsunshine ******
Wouldn't it be helpful to know your nationality?
Roger *********
All good honest advice.
Laurent *********
🔥🙌
Pete *********
How do you arrive early?, tell the pilot to get a move on
Thomas ******
👏luck you have a wonderful time in Thailand 🇹🇭. 👏
Ian **********
If the IO suspects you are not a genuine tourist, then you will be selected for secondary screening. They mostly base this decision on your past entries and visitor patterns.
Jeff ********
Good advice, just show respect!
Ferdinand *******
I dont need Tipps any more. There are many other countries eather!
Jodie ********
Personally, I don't think looking presentable matters. I'm generally always just wearing whatever. I've entered twice now on DTV, and I think the only thing that really seemed helpful specific to DTV is to have the DTV printed out on paper to hand over. This was also helpful boarding the initial flight in case they ask for a return flight or proof of visa etc. There is an app now for doing the QR code needed on arrival, although I haven't used it yet, but maybe it makes it easier/faster.
Jorma **********
I have never had any trouble entering the country. Over the years, I have stayed here under various arrangements—including "airport stamps," "visa runs," 3-month visas, and O-A visas—for stays of varying lengths. During my last two visits, they paid closer attention to whether I had travel insurance. I have always completed the TDAC and all other required registrations on time. All the necessary information can be found on the Immigration website and in the app. It is also very convenient now that many procedures can be handled remotely via the app. It is a good idea to check with Immigration regarding any information that may have changed.
I have driven both cars and motorcycles here using both an international driving permit and Thai licenses. In the latter case, you actually need two separate licenses—one for a motorcycle and one for a car. The vehicle category you are authorized to drive is indicated on the back of the license.
I have driven both cars and motorcycles here using both an international driving permit and Thai licenses. In the latter case, you actually need two separate licenses—one for a motorcycle and one for a car. The vehicle category you are authorized to drive is indicated on the back of the license.
Andrew *********
I always dress presentable and smart in Thailand. No flip flops unless your on the beach. You will always get more respect dressed appropriately and smart
Philipp ***********
Is it sure there is the need for a 90 day report on the DTV?
Lewis ********
One thing I don't wear that the immigration officer would see is my pants? In Thailand and most other countries we have trousers 👖 on the outside.
Philipp ***********
Lewis Stacey Its one of the differences between American and British English ;)
Kenvil *****
You've been on drugs and marijuana for 6 months in Thailand
Johm ***********
I will get my son to buy selecta ice cream chocolate chip
Nigel *********
I arrived here on November 4th early afternoon, flight landed at around 1.00pm and I exited the airport after 3.30pm.
Walking along the main concourse towards immigration I had just passed a sign pointing to immigration 170m when the queue started. The place is becoming an absolute joke, respect is something that is earned not demanded and treating guests to their country in such a manner hardly gives a reason to me to be especially respectful to anyone.
After eventually passing passport control I won't go into the carnage that met me at baggage reclaim due to the delay of so many getting there.
For the usual internet doubters that were not there and will know better than myself and hundreds more that were I do have pictures of this utter debacle.
Walking along the main concourse towards immigration I had just passed a sign pointing to immigration 170m when the queue started. The place is becoming an absolute joke, respect is something that is earned not demanded and treating guests to their country in such a manner hardly gives a reason to me to be especially respectful to anyone.
After eventually passing passport control I won't go into the carnage that met me at baggage reclaim due to the delay of so many getting there.
For the usual internet doubters that were not there and will know better than myself and hundreds more that were I do have pictures of this utter debacle.
Clayton ********
Nigel Anstice Took me 2
***
hours to go through Brussels immigration a month ago landed at 7 am. You're line about earning respect show you're not very insightful for being a traveler and guest of another country . If you dont like the wait at immigration and other things about Thailand maybe you shouldn't visit here. Obviously you have a bad attitudeNigel *********
Clayton Slentz After 26 years of coming here I am doing exactly as you suggest, re alligning my life with a view to moving on from Thailand.
As I said in my first post regarding the internet experts you seem to fit the bill perfectly. You didn't see all the immigration staff sat at the Thai passport and the airline staff desks doing absolutely F*** all whilst hundreds possibly thousands queued for an inordinate ammount of time at malfunctioning E gates. You didn't see the piles of luggage that said people had to sort through to find their own suitcase. But yes, you clearly know better than those that were there living it.
BTW I fail to see the relevance of what happens at Brussels airport and quite frankly I don't give a toss, this discussion is about Thailand.
As I said in my first post regarding the internet experts you seem to fit the bill perfectly. You didn't see all the immigration staff sat at the Thai passport and the airline staff desks doing absolutely F*** all whilst hundreds possibly thousands queued for an inordinate ammount of time at malfunctioning E gates. You didn't see the piles of luggage that said people had to sort through to find their own suitcase. But yes, you clearly know better than those that were there living it.
BTW I fail to see the relevance of what happens at Brussels airport and quite frankly I don't give a toss, this discussion is about Thailand.
Günther *******
Thats it exactly..
Leon *********
No such thing as a dress code at any airport hehehe
Alex *********
Leon Joubert there is a dress code at some business lounge. And obviously common sense suggests we shouldn't dressed as a twatpacker.
Asso ******
Leon Joubert There is not... But my modest 8 years experience of living in Thailand shows that it matters a lot when dealing with officials
Anthony ********
@Asso *****
leave and learn always be presentable , what you wear says something about youLeon *********
Anthony Wilson yeah wearing shorts and vest says I'm on holiday in a country that's 35 degrees Celsius!
Anonymous ******************
Only entry problems for a Mexican opera singer
Asso ******
Anonymous participant 545 And guys whose name is PoliteOrange235 or something similar...
Raymond *******
My experience was positive too about 3 mins didnt even ask to see my visa or Dtac despite all the scaremongering photo and fingerprints that was it
Gary *******
For the first time in my life I recently needed assistance to navigate BKK airport. Picked up at arrival gate and given VIP treatment all the way to the domestic departure gate.
Nigel **********
Good advice.
Julien ******
I waiting to my visa
Thomas ************
GIPHY
Demet *********
Which visa did you apply for? In order to receive an entry stamp for 6 months... ? Thank you
Craig *********
Great advice. Last entry I shaved my beard, covered my tattoos and had the smoothest entry in years
Paul *********
Good advice.. a little good will goes a long way! I entered in Phuket 3 days ago for the first time - no questions asked; 1 minute, stamp and go.
Breathtaki***********
@Paul ********
the question is. Were you wearing a suit and is your visa laminated?
James *******
A bit patronising, thanks.
Suja ********
Great post 👏
Rebecca ************
Agree, I heard stories about people on DTV being rejected at BKK but I was dressed nice, had all my documents ready to show, two people in que ahead of me (no idea about visa status) didn't get through, but I was fine.
Cliff *********
Great tips.Here’s another one.Book a connecting flight with the same airline or a partner when going from BKK or DMK to CNX, etc.You will go through immigration as Fly Through. It’s never busy.You will get your luggage and do customs at CNX.It’s a separate area so rarely busy.
John **************
🤡👻🤡
Breathtaki***********
Looks AI generated. People are coming for a vacation not a job interview. The first thing I do before landing on a 16 hour flight is change into shorts and t-shirt and flip flops.
Luit *****************
BreathtakingGoose8959 What makes you think it is AI generated.
Check with AI detector says: We are highly confident this text is entirely human.
Why change into shorts, t-shirt and flip flops?
You're landing on an airport, not some beach cafe.
Check with AI detector says: We are highly confident this text is entirely human.
Why change into shorts, t-shirt and flip flops?
You're landing on an airport, not some beach cafe.
Locked ********
@Luit ****************
The fact you dont know that something is generated by Ai means your opinions are moot 😂Breathtaki***********
@Luit ****************
because I feel comfortable like that. Is that okay with you?Luit *****************
BreathtakingGoose8959 When that makes you feel comfortable, why not get into the plane like that in the first place...
You did not answer why you think OP is AI generated.
You did not answer why you think OP is AI generated.
John **********
BreathtakingGoose8959 A lot of people on a DTV live in Thailand. We're past the "shorts and t-shirt" excitement. Some of us have 12 month leases, own property and have Thai wives/girlfriends. For some of us, it's not a vacation. We actually spend the full year here, and will do this for the next 5 years or so.
Paul ******************
John Davidson shorts and t-shirts for many of us who have homes in Thailand are nothing to do with excitement. Just practical attire for tropical weather.
Breathtaki***********
John Davidson wow, congratulations. You do you. I was alluding to the pointless remark in the opening post about wearing casual smart attire.
By the way. I also live here, have a Thai partner and also for me it's not a vacation.
By the way. I also live here, have a Thai partner and also for me it's not a vacation.
Alexander **********
I flew in the other day, looked entirely not presentable, no “documents” needed.. obviously you need a passport.. not sure how you arrive early on a flight lol..
Officer didn’t even look at me. Handed her my passport, did my finger prints, not a word was spoken, not even a hello, stamped and on my way in 45 seconds
Anyone that has trouble entering is likely an idiot doing something they shouldn’t
Officer didn’t even look at me. Handed her my passport, did my finger prints, not a word was spoken, not even a hello, stamped and on my way in 45 seconds
Anyone that has trouble entering is likely an idiot doing something they shouldn’t
Primož *******
Alexander Amnessia You used the world, but I would characterized idiot as somebody, that pulls out such conclusion on the basis of his unique experience. 1or even 20 individual experiencies is far from being statistically significant enough to provide such conclusion.
Paul *********
Alexander Amnessia - things move and change. At certain periods they are strict; maybe they are under orders to crack down. At other times - and it may be that tourism is quiet at the moment - they can be lenient; you can never make a sound judgement.
Vincent *********
Alexander Amnessia Obviously, you don’t know the Thai customs officials.
WealthyP*********
Arrive early? Did you tell the pilot that 😂😂😂😂😂
John-Paul **********
I’m not a mathematician, but that looks like 180 days?
Karen ************
@John-Paul *********
yes.but you must report every 90 days to immigration with your passport and TM30.
Garry *******
@Karen ***********
do you do this, so many people say they do not & has not been an issue. Intrigued as I start using my visa an a few weeks
Damo ***********
@Karen ***********
what a waste of time partly reading your post.. you didnt wrote anything new or worthwhile reading (starting to read)Option for you to do your 90 day reporting ‘online’ but your 1 lst 90 day report had to be in Immigration Office.
Ps. You could have made your post a bit more entertaining advising how you were planning on recouping those 4 minutes you lost 🤦🏼♂️
Damo ***********
@Ciarán ******
another Karen post with no real point. 🤡 See you 👋👋🤣Damo ***********
Greg Hoff you are so smart... where did you learn to count? Sometimes you need to be detailed with people so they understand... ala yourself 🤡 But glad to know you interested in my post.. keep it going champion 💪💪
Ciarán *******
Damo Fernandez your on fb complaining about wasting your time
Greg ******
Damo Fernandez “partly” reads one sentence.
Responds with three paragraphs. 👌
Responds with three paragraphs. 👌
Nick ***********
Damo Fernandez why are you being a troll. The post is to let people know that immigration isn’t questioning everyone with a DTV visa not to entertain you. 🤨
John-Paul **********
@Karen ***********
ok got it
EfficientD**********
Qr 3day
TO ****
TDCA im Flugzeug machen , da hatte ich noch nie Empfang .
Dave Warfeild
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