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What are the current issues and delays concerning Thailand's Digital Nomad Visa (DTV)?
Digital Nomad VisaDTV VisaVisa DelaysThailand ImmigrationExpat IssuesVisa Application ProcessRemote WorkFinancial RequirementsEmbassy Communication
Jun 10, 2025
a year ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERNew article on DTV visa delays
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around delays in the processing of Thailand's Digital Nomad Visa (DTV). Some commenters criticize applicants who lack sufficient funds to sustain themselves traveling in the region, suggesting that such individuals should not apply for the DTV. Others express frustration with the lengthy approval process, calling for better communication and clearer timelines from the authorities. There are also notes on the bureaucratic challenges faced in processing applications, especially when requirements were initially set low, leading to a surge in applications. The discourse touches on varying approval times, particularly highlighting that medical applications typically receive quicker approval.
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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Oussama ********
So many salty idiots in that forum post. Gosh how many brain cells did I just waste on that lol.
Anonymous ******************
“Run out of money after being in Cambodia five 5 weeks”
Well, he shouldn’t be applying for the DTV visa if he can’t afford 5 weeks in Cambodia.
I hope the embassies tighten up on these type of people applying for the DTV visa
Well, he shouldn’t be applying for the DTV visa if he can’t afford 5 weeks in Cambodia.
I hope the embassies tighten up on these type of people applying for the DTV visa
Elías ********
"Delays"? 😂
Callum *******
Got mine back in February (workcation route) in Vietnam and they were really thorough but fair. They verified my employment etc but if they were stricter I still wouldn't mind. Only ones complaining are usually the dosser backpackers trying to squeeze on the soft power Muay Thai or cooking class route 😅
Anonymous ******************
@Callum ******
The people complaining are those who applied end of April to latter part of May, when processing times jumped from from 5-7 days to weeks even whole month, with no notice, warning or explanation. People were just left hanging, in some cases with their visas for host country running out. And this affected people on all DTV pathsJohn *********
Anonymous participant 625 always check calendar for Thai public holidays, never apply around that time, unless you want unnecessary delays 🤷🏾♀️
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 625 I applied in Hanoi at the end of April and was approved in early May, a total of 5 full working days. I juts made sure to submit all of my documents correctly to cover any potential issues in my application. Hanoi are thorough but fair as
@Callum ******
rightfully pointed out. Hanoi embassy juts simply doing their job properly. Providing your application is legitimate and you submit all supporting documentation , then no one is going to have a problem there!Reply to
Anonymous ******************
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Anonymous ******************
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Anonymous ******************
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John *********
There are always a few that will apply to the club and not be approved, it’s life, it’s not for anyone unless you meet the requirements, don’t have and criminal record etc. 5-8/working days is about the standard turnaround time if you tick all the boxes.
Anonymous ******************
This article is garbage - there is real time monitoring.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 327 Its pretty useless, basicly "you are at this stage" with nothing else. What would improve it is actual ETAs, like "Pending Approval. ETA 5 Days" with the ETA calculated by recent average processing times. I applied and got DTV during the the worst of this, previously HMCM had processing time of 5-7 working days (and states on website 5 days) so i decided to pad some extra time and stay full 2 weeks, ended up being there 3 and half weeks. Did the embassy communicate anything? No. Just stuck refreshing page, rebooking accommodation every 2 days (and hopeing place staying at did not fill out, meaning would have to move), basicly in limbo. To date they have never explained to anyone why suddenly everyone took 3 times or more longer, though we can guess
Greg ********
Anonymous participant 625 Why not draw up a proposed SLA (Service Level Agreement) and send it to the MFA?
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 625 and where is the issue? They might wanna see if you have funds to stay.
Also you can leave the country, but your not allowes to enter thailand.
The evisa is pretty straight forward and well done.
Im waiting three weeks already so stop being a crybaby
Also you can leave the country, but your not allowes to enter thailand.
The evisa is pretty straight forward and well done.
Im waiting three weeks already so stop being a crybaby
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Anonymous ******************
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Tod *********
I think it was the fact that they had the requirements set SO LOW early on causing everyone to jump on the "let me get a 5 year DTV" band wagon and because it's a visa that a person can get for a variety of reasons the checking takes longer for the documentation.
Now that the vetting has gotten marginally better (since everyone is with the online system and several nearby consulates require in person interviews before the visa is issued) we're seeing a bottle neck where the processing time is stretching out at certain consulates (especially the pay in person ones Vientiane/Savannakhet)
It does appear that a DTV for MEDICAL reasons is the fastest to be approved no matter what consulate you apply thru. If you have hospital records, paperwork stating you need long term medical treatment (not just you need a hang nail cut off) along with doc letter etc, those are pretty much approved right away
Now that the vetting has gotten marginally better (since everyone is with the online system and several nearby consulates require in person interviews before the visa is issued) we're seeing a bottle neck where the processing time is stretching out at certain consulates (especially the pay in person ones Vientiane/Savannakhet)
It does appear that a DTV for MEDICAL reasons is the fastest to be approved no matter what consulate you apply thru. If you have hospital records, paperwork stating you need long term medical treatment (not just you need a hang nail cut off) along with doc letter etc, those are pretty much approved right away
Richie-Rich ********
@Tod ********
I think most people want it for remote working or Muay Thai, not medical thoughTod *********
@Richie-Rich *******
most people sign UP for Muay Thai for 6 months to get a FIVE YEAR visa and then never show up even once at the gym 😛AND
Sadly the "digital nomad" Work-cation category is the most paperwork intensive category to qualify for the DTV for <- and the visa was originally designed for them
Anonymous ******************
@Tod ********
If DTV wer made for Digital nomad then it for the wrong ppl... Becors ***
DN Are so broke... Live Day By Day skrabe money together just to Pay rent and food... Never see are DN Who is not broke in som way or are nother... DN Are more broke rest off the the ppl try to get Are DTV...Richie-Rich ********
@Tod ********
yep, but I think that’s the easiest way. Personally I went the remote worker route and got it fairly quickly… since I’m indeed a remote worker hehReply to
Richie-Rich ********
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Bobby *********
“I’ve run out of money” yea buddy that makes no sense in this context DTV isn’t for you. Living in Thailand isn’t for you if 15,000 dollars disappears and is never replenished in as little as 5 weeks… it seems like you never had it to begin with. Get back to work at home.
James *******
@Bobby ********
agree. How can you run out of money when you’re meant to show the minimum requirement for the dtv to Begin with.DTV and travelling is not for them
Paul *********
@Bobby ********
you think everyone makes 3K usd a week or something. Don’t forget it’s not just staying in a 15 k per month apartment it’s hotel prices when waiting outside for visa delays it cost me almost 20,000 baht extra for the delaysAnonymous ******************
@Paul ********
That’s what he trying to say “go back home and work more” Tbh, they should require minimum 2M in bank account to apply for 5 years Visa not just 500k 😅John *********
@Paul ********
where did you apply and how many nights hotel etc did you book for?Paul *********
@John ********
was there a total of 19 daysBobby *********
@John ********
I applied in my home country like a normal person 😅 we have a treaty with Thailand so I suppose some of this a privileged point of view…but that seems to be a separate issue here. How the hell is 500,000 baht gone in one month…in south east Asia. Or anywhere in Asia for that matter. Did he decide to apply in Singapore 😂Reply to
Bobby *********
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Anonymous ******************
@Paul ********
That’s 20,000 THB extra for a 5-year visa. Have you checked what other visas cost, including fees, yearly renewals, multi-entry, services, etc.? And remember, that money isn’t being spent on nice holidays like in your situation. "Visa delays" aren't delays: there is no guarantee on processing times, only estimations made by persons who have no idea.Paul *********
Anonymous participant 135 it’s irrelevant as the delay is only realised when your committed and it wasn’t a holiday lol
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Paul *********
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Greg ********
The original story from The Thaiger would not surprise me if culled from this group. The comments lol. They may have rebranded it "ASEAN Now" but the ghosts of Thai Visa are still rampant. The original business was in Suk Soi 23 Bangkok as a visa agent. Better not say any more :-)
Richie-Rich ********
@Greg *******
..?Reply to
Richie-Rich ********
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