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What are the important distinctions between the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) and the standard Tourist Visa in Thailand?

Dec 12, 2025

2 days ago

Hope this helps others:

I've applied for the DTV and the embassy wrote back to me with this comment: "DTV is not a tourist visa application, meaning of DTV is Destination Thailand Visa, omit the word Tourist visa".

Hopefully this helps others avoid that wording problem as I've seen many others in DTV-related facebook groups referring to DTV as a kind of tourist visa, apparently the Thai Embassy does not consider it as such.

So in short when referring to the visa in any of your application documents (e.g. letter from your employer) it can say "DTV" or "Destination Thailand Visa" but not "DTV Tourist Visa".

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is not classified as a tourist visa application by the Thai embassy, which can be a point of confusion for many applicants. When applying, it is crucial to use the correct terminology, as referring to it as a 'DTV Tourist Visa' can lead to misunderstandings. Although the DTV may function similarly to a tourist visa, the embassy emphasizes not to categorize it as such in official documents. The conversation further explores the nuances between DTV and other visa types, affirming that while they share similarities, legal definitions and classifications are significant.

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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Maksym ***********

"DTV is not a tourist visa APPLICATION"

And that's true.

But DTV still is a special tourist visa, as defined in Thai law.

2 days ago

Happy **********

Did you tell him to drop his attitude and just give you the long term tourist visa like a good old chap. 😂

2 days ago

Anonymous ******************

Happy Thailand I would have!

14 hours ago

Reply to

Anonymous ******************

Lateese ******

Thanks for sharing.

2 days ago

George **********

Did they swallow your 10k baht for that 😂

2 days ago

John *********

Never use western logic trying to solve problems in Thailand..its irrelevant

2 days ago

Dnatjugweme ************

@John ********

Never use logic.

2 days ago

Reply to

Dnatjugweme ************

Andrew ********

Except it is classified as a tourist visa on all accounts - the name "Destination Thailand Visa" is just a catchy name for marketing

2 days ago

Anonymous ******************

Yes great Interpretation of what's been written. Now go get your non-tourist Thai bank account...

2 days ago

Luc ************

Go to a Thai bank and ask that same question again. They will say it's a tourist visa.

2 days ago

Christopher ***********

@Luc ***********

Odd that any embassy would take the time and trouble to correct an applicant upon their terminology? Some might believe the OP is rubbing salt into the wounds of DTV holders without Thai bank accounts?

2 days ago

Reply to

Christopher ***********

AllSabaai ******

Then you don't understand the reason of that sentence

They said this to separate it from the Tourist visa application TR,

It is same as ( Non Immigrant)

Category is Non Immigrant O

Or Non-Immigrant ED

Non Immigrant OA

Non-Immigrant B

All are non Immigrant

So you can't choose Non Immigrant ED for example while you aim Non-Immigrant B

Although all are Non-Immigrant visa types.

This is the reason

Yet.. DTV is a ( Destination Thailand Visa) as a Name to be chosen, yet it is classified as a Special type of Tourist visa

2 days ago

Anonymous ******************

@AllSabaai *****

so it's a Tourist visa then?

14 hours ago

AllSabaai ******

Anonymous participant 917 a special type of Tourist visa ka

14 hours ago

Reply to

AllSabaai ******

Terry *******

@AllSabaai *****

hence why half the world has no idea what visa they need ! it’s baffling to a first timer

2 days ago

Reply to

Terry *******

Robert *******

I sounds confusing to me: Destination Thailand Visa Tourist Visa,

for what visa do you like to apply

1. Destination Thailand VISA

2. Tourist VISA

of you use both it is confusing.

Mix and match is not for us to do, just use the same wording as the Embassy.

2 days ago

Reply to

Robert *******

What does DTV stand for in relation to visas in Thailand?

1 comments

6 days ago

What are the differences between DTV and soft DTV visas in Thailand?

3 comments

17 days ago

Can the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) be applied for after arriving on a tourist visa, or must it be done beforehand?

4 comments

2 months ago