This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
What are the implications of the new Visa Exempt rules for DTV holders?
Nov 18, 2025
5 months ago
Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTERThis is the best written article I have seen on the new Visa Exempt rules.
The DTV is not effected but some reports of agents/border trying to charge same-day fees to DTV holders.
Do not hold off applying for DTV if currently relying on Visa Exempt and want to change.
The DTV is not effected but some reports of agents/border trying to charge same-day fees to DTV holders.
Do not hold off applying for DTV if currently relying on Visa Exempt and want to change.
TLDR : Answer Summary
This article discusses the latest changes to Visa Exempt rules in Thailand and their impact, particularly on DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) holders. It highlights that DTV holders are generally unaffected by the changes, but some agents and border officials have been reported to charge same-day fees. Community comments express concerns about border run fees, potential policy changes, and the safety of relying on DTV amidst strict regulations aimed at preventing visa abuse.
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.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted DTV Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Tim *****
It's very clearly aimed at visa exempt entry abuse.. Dtv is a Visa. Relax.
Anonymous ******************
One…. I wouldn’t necessarily believe anything from a website like this. Seems to be wrote by an agent. Two it doesn’t mention 120 day stay which DTV holders are entitled to. 3 I know this is incorrect because I was personally told to get off student visa and get a DTV. They look at student visa as fraud. I know because they pulled me into a room at Bangkok airport and told me this. On this article they are promoting student visas. Which is laughable. I’m not paying this any attention. Seems to be a scare tactic from some agency. At a site called “Thai.news” 😂
Anonymous ******************
Any update on the retirement visa changes? I heard before the 800k was to be increased to 2million Thai Baht. Hoping to apply before the increase.
Allan **************
Interesting to see they're going to start matching up TDAC with TM30 so people putting anything on their TDAC for arrival accommodation then there TM30 don't match of have no TM 30 may find they're going to have a problem.
Ivan ************
As far as I can see from the actual memo, it very specifically refers to tourist exempt entries, rather than any form of visa. The stuff in the article recommending other visas but not the DTV is interpretation and doesn't seem to be reflected in the memo as far as I can see. It doesn't recommend Elite/PE as good either, but that doesn't mean it's going away. The stamps the memo specifically lists, ผ.60, ผ.ผ.90, ผ.ผ.30, ผ.30 are all very specifically visa *exempt* stamps, as far as I know ผ stamps are unilateral exemptions and ผ.ผ are bilateral treaty exemption stamps (like with Brazil, South Korea, Russia, etc).
Wiz *******
@Ivan ***********
that's how I read it too. Yes, the south American are bilateral while Russia was unilateral, to my knowledge as well. Thank you for your time and input 🙏🏻Wiz *******
@Ivan ***********
exempt bilateral 90 stamp only applies to 4 countries in South America + South Korea. Is this who's being targeted for extra scrutiny? Exempt unilateral 90 stamp is what Russian passport holders had in 2024, but no longer have, correct? Are there any countries currently that can enter on an exempt, unilateral 90 stamp? Thank you for your input 🙏🏻Ivan ************
@W**
it lists four stamps and the first one, ผ.60, is the most common one that most countries get. It doesn't list an exempt unilateral 90 day stamp I don't think but ผ.ผ.90 which is the Brazil/Korea one. ผ.ผ.30 I think is the bilateral treaty Russia one.It does mention special screening for certain nationalities that are involved in problems, but as far as I can see the categories of stamps listed are just all the exempt stamps, not one in particular.
Reply to
Ivan ************
Reply
Fred *******
I came twice in 2025 once for about 45 days and once for full 90 but with about a month between each trip I am now back in home country and plan to return in January (so new calendar year) for a Marathon in February it will be just under 2 months since last exited when returnn and still on fence if need/want to go through DTV process - thought this would be fine before this crackdown but now concerns. Any recs so no hassle when return?
Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Fred ******
You should be absolutely fine. 1) New calendar year 2) You returned to country of domicile. If you are risk averse just get a Tourist Visa but I doubt you need it. Enjoy your RunJeffrey *********
Hi Greg very interesting read. I have a dilemma myself and wondered what your thoughts are.i arrived 21st March 2025 for 60 days visa exemption then again August 17th same process.im now due to fly November 25th which I booked in October. Obviously once the current statement was released it was then too late to apply for a tourist visa. I alwayshad a tourist visa before visa exempt was increased to 60 days.ive never ever extended or overstayed in 10 years and now retired and now wondering if I'll have a problem at immigration
Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeffrey ********
You do not fit the pattern they wish to excludeJeffrey *********
Thanks for your reply Greg I appreciate there are no guarantees and it's at the discretion of the IO but you've certainly put my mind at ease
Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeffrey ********
You absolutely do not fit the profile of those they are targettingGreg ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeffrey ********
If you returned to country of domicile between those trips I doubt very much you will have any issue. they are looking for people with abnormal visit patterns ie max out the 60 days plus 30 extension. Jump to a neighbouring country and doing same again. If you are asked (I doubt it) you can show you are a genuine visitor and not using Visa Exempt to live in Thailand. I understand the anxiety given much of the clickbait stories and actual misinformation by many on TikTok and elsewhere. You will be fine - have a great holiday.James ********
@Greg *******
I’ve read and re read the announcement severalTimes it restricts to 1 x 30 day extension and then a second 7 day extension. It would be helpful
If they actually came out and said no more than x amount or visits and a total of x amount of days. Then we would all know where we stand. But this is Thailand next week they will probably announce a 7 month multi entry visa for something like 5k baht no questions asked
Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@James *******
In any system there is always guidelines and discretion - there will always be edge cases where a "Human in the Loop" is required. As for a multiple-entry visa one already exists it is called the METV (Multi entry Tourist Visa) ***********************************************************************************
**********
*****
19a60?cate=5d5bcb4e15e39c*****
*****
James ********
@Jeffrey ********
let me know how you get one I’m in almost carbon city dialema as you I’ve even told my gf I may not be able to visit this timeGreg ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@James *******
If you have similar pattern you will be fine. The return to country of domicile is key as in not maxing out visa exempt + extension every time without returns home. Enjoy your holiday.Reply to
Greg ********
Reply
Fred *******
Thanks Greg, yeah I would think so too. Just weighing up whether the peace of mind is worth the hassle of a trip into London to sort a TR visa.
Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Fred ******
It's all online in UK now. Do not even need to send passportFred *******
@Greg *******
oh great! didn't realise that, may as well then.Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Fred ******
I can remember those trips to the Embassy back in *********
Reply to
Greg ********
Reply
Anonymous ******************
This English language communication from the PR Department is a little clearer. Focuses on visa exempt entries
Wiz *******
Anonymous participant 163 thank you for your patience I am following you 🙏🏻
Wiz *******
Anonymous participant 163 based on what you posted, am I interpreting #1 correctly, where it says that those on a 90 day exempt stamp are capped at 2 visa runs / year, meaning entry 1 grants 90 days, first visa run allows for 90 additional days on second entry, and the second visa run allows for a third 90 day entry, ie total of 270 days? Thank you for your input 🙏🏻
Anonymous ******************
@Wiz ******
It's 60 days on visa exempt, not 90Wiz *******
Anonymous participant 163 #1 in the attached document says 90 days. Is this an error? There are passports that allow 90 days visa exempt entry, hence my question. 🙏🏻
Anonymous ******************
@Wiz ******
They are referring to the 60 days with an extension of 30 days. It would appear immigration is clamping down on extensions if they notice a pattern of regular border bouncing. In another group someone has posted a picture of a 7-day extension as he was denied a 30-day extension. There's no actual maximum, but if you're doing back to back entries you will get 60+30 and if you re-enter on the same day, likely you will get only 60+7, so a total of 157 days. My understanding is after this you would need to return to your home country to reset your days so you can enter again on visa exempt basisReply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 163 that wording certainly changes things a bit.
Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
Paige **********
It doesn't mention DTV but does mention tourist visa, which DTV technically is. I don't think it's safe to say that the DTV is safe. I think the DTV will be collateral damage in this crackdown.
Ivan ************
@Pa***
as far as I can make out the actual memo talks about tourist exemptions, not tourist visas.Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paige *********
I think it is best not to speculate right now until anything is official.Paige **********
@Greg *******
You realize this entire post is speculation? The article doesn't mention the DTV at all. And you made a post based on an omission. If it doesn't say it explicitly, then that is speculation. We can only wait and see.Reply to
Paige **********
Reply
Anonymous ******************
No mention of the DTV as a safe path according to that article. Technically saying close to 180 days and leaving then coming back would fall inline with what they’re looking at. I certainly hope that’s not the case though.
Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 718 I think that is just a mistaken omission. I would not read too much into it. All visas mentioned seem to be Immigration Department Visas whereas DTV is MFA. Let's not speculate.
Reply to
Greg ********
Reply
Anonymous ******************
I never understood that. Why are they charging for DTV border runs? And why would anyone even use an agent to "assist" with a DTV border bounce? The visa is made for you to travel in and out frequently without issue
Ivan ************
Anonymous participant 457 there have been several reports already on this group that DTV holders are not being allowed to do land border bounces, either at all, or same day. Some agents can apparently get around this for a fee. Very possibly this restriction on visa holders in the wake of recent changes is not permanent but awaiting clarification, but that is apparently how it is now just in the last few days.
Anonymous ******************
@Ivan ***********
a land crossing with dtv is kind of a hassle unless you live close to a border. Best to fly in and out, take a small vacation. You would have to be staying in esaan or the north, anywhere close to bangkok or pattaya is a mission to drive now that the cambodia borders are closed, and just 1 myanmar border far away thats openIvan ************
Anonymous participant 457 like you say it sort of does depend where you live. I fly out at least twice a year anyway but if you were looking for either the fastest or cheapest option from Chiang Mai, that is a land border run to Laos. Even more so if you were somewhere like Chiang Rai. There is an international airport here but no longer good options for same day return (used be possible to go CNX-KUL-CNX same day).
Reply to
Ivan ************
Reply
Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ivan ***********
Since I posted I have read that too. I think they see a money making opportunity. Agents and BorderAnonymous ******************
@Greg *******
all Thailand and visa rules is just becouse they want more moneyGreg ********
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 584 and?
Ivan ************
@Gr**
I think it's possible the borders are just being overly vigilant with the new rules and they will relax again for visa holders in the future.Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ivan ***********
Over vigilant and opportunity :-) I would too.Reply to
Greg ********
Reply
Anonymous ******************
Anonymní účastník 457 because they just want more and more money as always
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 584 Whilst people are stupid enough to pay agent's fees, they will continually rise
Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 584 Value based pricing rather than cost based pricing. They are not stupid :-) :-)
Reply to
Greg ********
Reply
Andi ***********
Anonymous participant 457 You are correct but some people needlessly worry and agents know this and will take advantage.
Anonymous ******************
@Andi **********
exactly. 8000b for a border run for DTV. For what ?!? 😂Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 980 4300 from Chiang Mai ;-)
Andi ***********
Anonymous participant 980 Piece of mind with views of the Mekong river.
Reply to
Andi ***********
Reply
Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 457 The "Safe Entry" fee usually includes both countries as well. It can be inconvenient to get stuck in "No mans land" as has happened before.
Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 457 "Because they can". Is probably the answer.
Reply to
Greg ********
Reply
24 comments
5 months ago
10 comments
5 months ago
42 comments
6 months ago
62 comments
6 months ago
47 comments
7 months ago
90 comments
8 months ago
59 comments
8 months ago
127 comments
10 months ago
24 comments
10 months ago
57 comments
10 months ago
29 comments
a year ago
81 comments
a year ago
28 comments
a year ago
69 comments
a year ago
49 comments
a year ago
85 comments
a year ago
30 comments
a year ago
14 comments
a year ago
21 comments
a year ago
32 comments
a year ago
17 comments
2 years ago
3 comments
2 years ago
24 comments
2 years ago
48 comments
2 years ago
40 comments
2 years ago
7 comments
a month ago
9 comments
a month ago
21 comments
a month ago
16 comments
a month ago
8 comments
a month ago
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.