Answered2 years ago
What are the disadvantages of the Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand?
I’m aware of the Pros, but what are some on the Cons people have experienced with the DTV?
Answer summary
While many expats view the Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) positively, several cons have been highlighted by users. Major drawbacks include the inability to work legally on this visa, a non-refundable application fee of 400 USD if declined, and restrictions on banking services — with some banks requiring a work permit to open an account. Furthermore, the DTV is limited to a duration of only 5 years. Additionally, some individuals have reported issues with re-entry documentation and proof requirements, which could complicate travel plans.
49 repliesnewest first
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Andrew *******
The banking system views the dtv the same as a 60-day tourist visa, and will not open an account for dtv without a work permit/agent in most cases.
Colin ********
Good visa for my situation I come for 6 months every year to escape UK winter no border runs no extensions just 1 90 day report
Chris **********
Con - it's only 5 years. Can't speak for the rest of Thailand just yet, but Chiang Mai is amazing and I could see myself here far longer than 5 years.
Jamie *************
I would say the only downside is that once you’ve agreed to this type of Visa, you cannot easily take Work inside the kingdom. But that is all part of being a digital nomad, I suppose.
Wannikea *********
Extension requirements in country.
Greg ********
It is a very good DTV and if comparing to METV, Visa Runs or ED for those working online and wanting longer term stays it is way ahead. If comparing against an O for retirement or Spouse there could be a further discussion but then it is down to a personal situation and not blanket cover. All in all for those who the visa is genuinely aimed at it is an excellent visa and any cons are vastly outweighed by the pros
Aaron *******
400 USD fee is not refundable if you are not approved.
Wesley ********
Con compared to what?
It’s probably the best tourist visa you can get.
Cons are, it’s not a non-Imm visa
It’s probably the best tourist visa you can get.
Cons are, it’s not a non-Imm visa
Bob **********
You can’t open a bank account and people getting pulled aside and questioned on re entry ask for proofs
Tommy ********
@Bob *********
it’s a long term tourist visa. Not work permit. Normal for tourists who stay longer than usual to get pulled at immigration
Martino *******
@Tommy *******
yes but this "glorified tourist visa" allow you extended stay, if you respect the rules of DTV i don't see why they should be pulled...Tommy ********
@Martino ******
it’s just normal. Immigration want to know why you’re staying so long if you’re a digital nomad. Technically digital nomads travel to different places regularly, not just in one place…Wannikea *********
@Bob *********
both statements practically falseBob **********
@Wannikea ********
search and see what’s been happeningWannikea *********
@Bob *********
I recall maybe 3 instances being mentioned, 3 out of 11,000. Questioned is normal, grilled is unusual, but not unusual in light of someones stay history. The visa is not a magic spell warding off scrutiny.
Dennis ************
@Wannikea ********
i have been questioned on every re-entryMartino *******
@Dennis ***********
what are the 'right' answers? 🤣
Thomas ********
@Dennis ***********
Yeah, so you did it to yourself.Dennis ************
@Thomas *******
it's noted in their system bcs that was my answer in the past on the question 'why are you in Thailand'Thomas ********
@Dennis ***********
They would have no knowledge of a GF simply by having a DTV. Your story isn’t adding up.Aaron *******
@Dennis ***********
If you are questioned on every re-entry. You must be setting off a red flag, for some reason. I've been coming for 12 years, may have been asked 3 or 4 questions total out of 20+ trips.Dennis ************
@Nickel ******
what are you doing here? How you earn money? You allready marry your gf? Are you planning to marry your gf? Can you speak Thai to me?
Nickel *******
@Dennis ***********
what are they asking you mate and what are your responses? Just curious as i'll be hopping in and out eventually
Ray *****
@Bob *********
where are they getting asked for proof?TBF they ask questions on every visa. I've been on non O for years and have been asked at the border although not at the airport
James *******
@Bob *********
Proof of what, do you know?Bob **********
@James ******
they wanted proof of accommodation and an exit date and questions about what are you doing here
Tom ***********
@Bob *********
FWIW I got my DTV approved in August and have since been in/out the country four times. Not once have I been asked for any such information.Andi ***********
Many say they can't open a bank account with it or get a DL. An agent can easily sort out a bank account though. I do not see any negatives with it as I know exactly what it is and the limitations of it.
Jon **********
@Andi **********
I thought it was that you can’t get a full 5 year DL? A tourist on 30 day waiver is able to get a 2 year temporary license, I don’t see why a DTV holder couldn’t 🤷♂️
Jon **********
It’s typical Thai bureaucracy: a year long non imm visa can get a 5 year license, a 5 year DTV visa can’t….. 🤯
Andi ***********
@Jon *********
Sense is often way down the ladder of decision making in a lot of govts.Andi ***********
@Jon *********
I think someone recently posted that it is possible to get a temp DL as a DTV holder.
Rusty ******
@An**
I am on DTV and have both Thai DL and BA. Use a Visa agent and you won't have nay issues.Nickel *******
@Andi **********
being able to open a bank acvount would be a good idea. I mean, the Thai govt is trying to encourage foreigners to come spend $$ in their country. Surely, facilitating that with local bank accounts, bank cards etc supports their cause 🤷 you'd thinkGreg ********
@Nickel ******
it is individual bank policy regarding account opening unless the BoT (Bank of Thailand) has issued guidelines. There are two issue in play 1) the reporting of accounts now Thailand has signed up to CRS may mean more work for banks without much gain 2) the crackdown on money laundering and scams. There has been a lot of publicity around this and the use of "Mule" accounts.Andi ***********
@Nickel ******
I agree, it makes sense to allow DTVers to easily open accounts especially as they boost the economy. A senior immigration official said that decision depends on the banking governing body not immigration.Melissa ********
OP@Andi **********
I already have both of those so that’s not an issue for me. But it sure will be for others who don’t, bummer. Thanks for the feedback.Andi ***********
@Melissa *******
Yes, a bummer for many who overestimated the power of the DTV in terms of gaining access to bank accounts, DLs etc.Nickel *******
@Andi **********
how is your airport experience going in and out of country? I just converted my DL car and moto but used agent.
Tiko ******
Darcy ************
@Nickel ******
& @Andi **********
I have been advised by reputable (real person 555) agent in Phuket that they can open a Bank account with Bangkok Bank and have my Australian Drivers licence converted. I am hoping she can do both car and Motorcycle for me. Bangkok Bank will absolutely open a bank account for DTV holder on a walk in basis in both Krabi and Aonang, BUT.... They ask for a THB30K life insurance policy to open the approval gate. The agent in Phuket has advised she can do it with a THB7K accident insurance policy
Roberto *******
@Darcy ***********
if you could please provide me with you agent, that would be amazing, thanks!
Zaw ******
@Darcy ***********
that is truth. Bank advised me to get insurance 28K TBH for one yrsDarcy ************
@Lee **********
check your inbox mate
Lee ***********
Can you share the agent please
@Da***
🙏🏼Andi ***********
@Darcy ***********
Ok..wise move!Darcy ************
@Andi **********
agree 1000%, that's why I stopped and looked for an agent.Andi ***********
@Darcy ***********
39k is waaaasy too much. 7k is more of the norm even less in Pattaya.Andi ***********
@Nickel ******
My arrival, showed my DTV, the IO said "welcome, I will give you a 6 month stamp" and then spent 1 min asking about Manchester and its' football teams. Departed via an electronic gate which makes such a difference. Very fast, no lines. So very easy process entering and leaving. No hassle from airline with one way ticket also into Bangkok.Activity
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