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What are the current requirements for entering Thailand with an e-visa after recent changes?
e-VisaVisa RequirementsDTV VisaThailand ImmigrationVisa on ArrivalTravel DocumentationImmigration Process
Aug 21, 2025
8 months ago
Tee *********
ORIGINAL POSTERHmmmm looks like the paper visa’s are indeed a thing… arrived at BKK and yes they did ask for it even though it says it’s E-Visa!!!!!
TLDR : Answer Summary
This discussion highlights recent experiences with entry into Thailand using e-visas, noting the necessity (or lack thereof) for printed documents versus digital proof. Users share personal anecdotes and tips on handling the visa process, particularly concerning the new e-visa system, the reliability of immigration officers, and varying interpretations of visa documentation requirements. There is a consensus that while many successfully enter with digital visas, bringing a printed copy is recommended due to the potential for discrepancies at immigration.
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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I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
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Chris *******
Arrived on 31st July moving here one way from the UK, gave them the paper DTVs as had printed them for first time entry, but next time will try just showing on phone when I go on a biz trip in Sept (but will have paper one with me in case they ask…)
They never asked to see TDACs though. We were family of 4 = 2 adults and 2 kids.
They never asked to see TDACs though. We were family of 4 = 2 adults and 2 kids.
Danza *******
E-Paper
CapableC********
Make sure you ✨ laminate it like a 🤓
Christian ****
I’m on DTV and never shown it and didn’t even know I had one. Where do I find it ? I’m serious
Donna ******
@Christian ***
Check your emailChristian ****
@Donna *****
im serious not kidding from who ? I tried many times I couldn’t find any thing from what sender ?Donna ******
@Christian ***
Search e-visaReply to
Donna ******
Reply
Erica *******
They love paper in Thailand!
Garry ******
You don't understand what "If Any" means?
Terrance ********
“ If Any “
Some people print it out some just save it to their phone.
Some people print it out some just save it to their phone.
John *********
I just handed my passport in each time, no drama, stamped another 180 day stay. The IO knows you have a DTV ffs as you have already completed a tdac 🙄
Donna ******
While I don't totally disagree, with my experience the other week with an incorrect stamp (since corrected) , it's good to show them at least on the phone to remind them.
John *********
@Donna *****
just tell them DTV it's enough, they can see it on their screen once they scan your passport. Always check your stamp when they hand back your passportReply to
John *********
Reply
Don *******
Phone, DTV. Done. Not sure why these posts are made? Yes I’ve seen people pull out a laminated visa but my phone with the visa works just as fine. Nowhere does it say to print it out.
Heinz ***********
… „if any“
Pierre ********
most important tips;
****************************
Ashleigh ************
I’ve seen this and they were still ok with the digital version
Thomas *********
I came through on DTV and was absolutely fine , phone only
Donna ******
Gosh, I was so tired that I completely forgot to show anything last time I entered DMK a few weeks ago. The immigration officer initially put a 60 day stamp, then self-corrected and even asked (with concern) if she'd missed my partner's visa (he went before me). Yeah, it's good to have printed (and I do), but I take it from the "e-visa paper (if any)" that not totally necessary and maybe they mean "e-visa/paper (if any)".
Paul *******
@Donna *****
How can that be when your TDAC would have your visa details entered (or did you forget to enter your visa details in the TDAC system)? Since May 1, mistakes are no longer going to occur given this new requirement and the linking of the TDAC to your passport.Donna ******
@Paul ******
I did the TDAC correctly and she definitely put the wrong number of days initially. She caught it before handing back my passport though. Any time humans are involved, mistakes can happen, regardless of how many system safeguards.Paul *******
@Donna *****
That's crazy...so even the TDAC system they can't get working properly.Donna ******
@Paul ******
I suspect she stamped it without thinking and then looked at the screen properly, possibly when she was doing my son's entry.Reply to
Donna ******
Reply
Steven ******
Im not on a DTV but I've never actually showed them a printed copy of my Non O. What you can do of you're concerned about getting any issues is laminate an A6, slightly larger than a passport, copy of you e visa and just keep it in your bag. I saw someone going through immigration with one last time and they just left it in there passport.
Paul *******
@Steven *****
ALWAYS show them your visa, whether it's a printed copy of an e-visa or your visa sticker as IOs are prone to making mistakes and your visa is NOT in their system, they will only know about it if you tell them (although with the TDAC, they should be able to see it in their system as you enter your visa details in there) hence why, since May 1, it should no longer be the case that your visa is overlooked.Philip *******
@Paul ******
I have a newly issued DTV and it is definitely in the system. I passed through immigration 2 days ago. First thing I passed to the IO was my passport and boarding pass. She only took up the passport, didn't look at the boarding pass and before I could shower her my DTV or TDAC she had stamped my passport with the correct stamp. So easy now. 😊Paul *******
@Philip ******
Yes that's what happened to me on my last reentry but sometimes IOs still make mistakes.Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Steven ******
@Paul ******
I do, I just said I never show them a printed copy.Paul *******
@Steven *****
Still best to show a printed copy (if it's an e-visa). The same may be requested at flight check-in, since if you don't hold a visa you'll need proof of outbound travel from Thailand and the only way of avoiding your airline demanding you book an outbound ticket (if you don't already have one) is by showing proof you hold a Thai visa of some sort. OK, I guess you can show it on your phone, but it's still better to bring a printed copy as well.
Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
James ********
@Steven *****
This is a VERY good idea 💡Steven ******
@James *******
I've considered it myself, I had no issues showing the IO my visa on my phone but when entering Thailand it never hurts to be prepared.Reply to
Steven ******
Reply
Claire ********
I showed my phone,.so did my husband - no issues. Stamped and through in less the 5 mins.
Thet *******************
Always make people confuse
Andy *******
@Thet ******************
I was at Immigration yesterday and the format of the quite simple form made my head hurt 🤕555Thet *******************
@Andy ******
we all have to get used to it bro … can’t help 😆Reply to
Thet *******************
Reply
Meredith ********
I suppose everyone interprets that differently because when I read that I assume they are asking me to have the Visa paperwork I received via email not a printed paper as it doesn’t say printed or copy. I’ve entered several times this year and was never asked for a printed or copy version.
Paul *******
@Meredith *******
The correct interpretation and the only one they would ask for anyway is your e-visa approval letter. Yes, I suppose it doesn't mention whether it should be a paper or electronic copy, so it could be either. I'd recommend a paper version though, but you're right, it could be interpreted either way.Tee *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Meredith *******
I could understand that. The immigration officer definitely asked me when I was there and I handed the “paper” to herPaul *******
@Tee ********
I would automatically put that in my passport when I arrive. I'm on a visa sticker and have yet to ever receive a Thai visa via the e-visa system. However, when I travel to countries with e-visa systems such as Vietnam (from now on, no visa required anymore for me but previously it was), Myanmar and Cambodia (where you have the option of using an e-visa or applying for a visa on arrival) I'd always bring paper copies and all these countries demand paper copies without exception.Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Anonymous ******************
I've entered three times on DTV. Just show my phone. No problem! 👍👍
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 893 Until you get a stricter IO... I think it's even mentioned on the confirmation email you need to print it.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 739 Confirmation email is from MFA - nothing to do with immigration. I'll deal with the stricter IO when I get to that bridge!
Reply to
Anonymous ******************
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Alexander *******
Does that just mean a printed version of the aproval?
Andrew ********
@Alexander ******
or on your phoneAndrew ********
@Alexander ******
yes printed approvalJames ********
Tee *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Alexander ******
yes- the one they send you via PDFJames ********
@Tee ********
Correct ✅Reply to
James ********
Reply
Paul *******
E-visas are NEW...most people would still be using visa stickers unless their visas were recently issued. Over time, immigration will become more used to e-visas, particularly by next year when the only visa stickers left will be visas on arrival and older DTV visas and other types issued pre-2025.
Strange that immigration is asking travelers to prepare their TDAC, when that should be automatically visible in the immigration system.
Strange that immigration is asking travelers to prepare their TDAC, when that should be automatically visible in the immigration system.
Siggi *******
@Paul ******
no it's not new as you can apply max 3 month before everyone has only an evisa there is no visa sticker any morePaul *******
@Siggi ******
More misinformation. There is NO 3 month prior restriction for DTV visas. You can apply today and not use it until the last day in 5 years! E-visas are new...they've only been the only option since January 1, 2025. New in my book. Previously, only a few consulates were on the e-visa system and that only began during Covid, which means it's a RECENT development. The remainder caught up by late last year.
Siggi *******
@Paul ******
but nearly no one has stickers now as it's 9 month already and only the dtv visa longer than 3 month, so everyone who enters has a evisa, so hard to understand?Paul *******
@Siggi ******
Many people still have stickers including me.Siggi *******
@Paul ******
many are *****
or less and what is the point? It's only the first dtv and elite visas. 100.000 people enter daily Thailand so the stickers are less 0,01% at immigration boxPaul *******
@Siggi ******
Certainly not so few. In time, there will be fewer and fewer but as of right now, the e visa system is only 8 months old.Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Elías ********
@Paul ******
they ask people to "prepare" the TDAC not for showing it rather for people actually filling it. Last time I came in, about one month ago, some people did all the line and arrived to the counter, just to be sent back because they haven't filled the DTAC at all. (By the look on their face, I could say that some travelers even didn't know that the DTAC existed)Paul *******
@Elías *******
I hope that's what they mean, but what it says on the screen can be interpreted in both ways.Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Tee *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul ******
I totally understand the E-Visas are “new” although…. The DTV is about 1 year old now…. They still ask for it printed. I printed and laminated it and people thought I was doing extra lol but yet… here is the request directly from the Immigrations screen… 📺 and as for the TDAC , the PDF gets sent to you via email after completionPaul *******
@Tee ********
Great, therefore you've done the right thing. Printing the e-visa is to be expected, because they tell you to do that in your approval email. On the other hand, I'm surprised they're asking for proof of having done the DTAC thing. Some passengers will only do it on arrival and I'm pretty sure those machines in the arrivals concourse don't spit out a paper receipt (of course, if anyone can correct me there, please provide evidence). From my own experience - having done the DTAC twice now since it's inception on May 1, I re-entered Thailand through a large border for my first post DTAC re-entry. No proof was requested and I didn't have any proof of having done it (well, technically, I could have shown the email I received had that been asked for, but it wasn't).
Second re-entry through a smaller land border and immigration couldn't find it, so they asked to see proof. I went back to my car to retrieve my phone and showed a partial picture on my phone and they finally found it.
Therefore, Suvarnabhumi airport of all places should be the most advanced and least likely to require a paper print out, or even a QR code...everything should be in their system. It seems like smaller border crossings may require some sort of proof, while larger ones will have the capability of seeing it in their system without needing to show proof.
Tee *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul ******
I agree with you BKK out of all of the arrival points should be the most advanced. It seems they are not however, so I would say just for best practice, have a paper proof of everything. At least that’s what I believe I’ll do.Paul *******
@Tee ********
Did you also have a printed proof (or some other proof) of your TDAC? That's what is of most interest to me.John ****************
@Paul ******
I came through Suvarnabhumi Airport yesterday, they did not ask for proof of TDAC, I had done it & seems it must be on the system.The guy in front of me they turned away as he had not done it.
Paul *******
@John ***************
Good to know. As mentioned, on my last two post-TDAC entries, they were via land (one major land border, which didn't need to see it) and one smaller one (which did). My next re-entry is likely to be by air as I'm planning a trip to Europe soon.
Paul *******
@Dca ****
I don't want to show anything. That's the point. it should be showing in their system. People who don't have smartphones or they're out of battery shouldn't have to deal with this nonsense - if they've done their TDAC, it should be in the Thai immigration system, otherwise Thailand needs to upgrade it's IT infrastructure.When I come through the airport, I'm not going to have any proof on me. I will assume it's in their system.
If Aranyaprathet could stamp me without asking me for proof, that means Suvarnabhumi should be able to as well, as you'd assume their IT infrastructure is even better than any land border.
Tee *********
ORIGINAL POSTERYes with the barcode that was emailed 2 days before
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Tee *********
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