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What are the important distinctions between the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) and the standard Tourist Visa in Thailand?
Destination Thailand VisaDTVVisa applicationsTourist VisaThailand visa rulesExpats in ThailandImmigration adviceNon-immigrant visa types
Dec 12, 2025
5 months ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERHope 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".
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".
TLDR : Answer Summary
The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) should not be referred to as a tourist visa in application documents. The Thai Embassy clarifies that DTV is distinct from typical tourist visa applications. Confusion arises as some consider DTV a special type of tourist visa. Therefore, it's essential to use the terms "DTV" or "Destination Thailand Visa" only, avoiding the term "tourist visa" to prevent complications during the application process.
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.
And that's true.
But DTV still is a special tourist visa, as defined in Thai law.
Happy **********
Did you tell him to drop his attitude and just give you the long term tourist visa like a good old chap. 😂
Anonymous ******************
Happy Thailand I would have!
Reply to
Anonymous ******************
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Lateese ******
Thanks for sharing.
George **********
Did they swallow your 10k baht for that 😂
John *********
Never use western logic trying to solve problems in Thailand..its irrelevant
Dnatjugweme ************
@John ********
Never use logic.Reply to
Dnatjugweme ************
Reply
Andrew ********
Except it is classified as a tourist visa on all accounts - the name "Destination Thailand Visa" is just a catchy name for marketing
Anonymous ******************
Yes great Interpretation of what's been written. Now go get your non-tourist Thai bank account...
Luc ************
Go to a Thai bank and ask that same question again. They will say it's a tourist visa.
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?Reply to
Christopher ***********
Reply
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
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
Anonymous ******************
@AllSabaai *****
so it's a Tourist visa then?AllSabaai ******
Anonymous participant 917 a special type of Tourist visa ka
Reply to
AllSabaai ******
Reply
Terry *******
@AllSabaai *****
hence why half the world has no idea what visa they need ! it’s baffling to a first timerReply to
Terry *******
Reply
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.
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.
Reply to
Robert *******
Reply
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