Answered3 months ago

What are the options for entering Thailand while waiting for a DTV approval and switching visas thereafter?

DTV visa Thai visa visa exemption tourist visa visa application expat advice

Rand ******

asked Aug 11, 2026

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Hello, my couple wants to apply to DTV (I already got it), we already departed our home country and are travelling.

We plan to enter Thailand at the end of August. I have 2 questions:

- If her DTV is still in processing (not approved, not denied), she will enter with a tourist visa or visa exemption. Any problem? Will the DTV still be granted when she's already inside?

- In that situation, if the DTV gets approved a few weeks after she gets in, can she switch to the DTV or still needs to exit Thailand after 60 days and reenter this time with the DTV?

- Which embassy should she apply to? the one of our home country? (We are already travelling)

Answer summary

The poster is inquiring about the application process for a Dependent Visa (DTV) while traveling and entering Thailand. They have questions about entering with a tourist visa or visa exemption if the DTV is still in process, transitioning to the DTV if it gets approved after entry, the correct embassy for application, and expectations regarding proof of accommodation and exit flights for entry into Thailand.

9 repliesnewest first

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John **********

You don't have any choice as to where you apply, you apply via the evisa system using the consulate that serves the location you are currently in at the time you apply and you must remain in the jurisdiction of that consulate until such time as the visa process completes.

3 months ago

John **********

You're planning is poor. As you should be aware from your own application the evisa website asks for your current location during the application process, that's so they can route your application to the consulate appropriate to that location. It's normal for consulates to ask for proof of you being present within their jurisdiction as part of the process and also common for them to ask for proof you remain in their jurisdiction just prior to issuing the visa, they can also request that you attend the consulate in person for interview. If you don't think you will have time to complete the process I'd suggest not applying at this time and waiting until you do have enough time. Leaving the jurisdiction of the consulate carries the risk of being denied the visa and losing the application fee.

2 months ago

Rand ******

Thanks

@John *********

! So I think this time she will get into with a regular tourist visa (or visa exemption) as the schedule is tight and stay for 60+30 extension days. Then we can move out to Bali for 1 month or a bit more, and enter back to Thailand for another 60 days, again with a tourist visa. I believe that should be no issue if you prove that are travelling and don't plan to stay longer. Would you foresee any issue with it?

I'd like to ask for a follow-up regarding my DTV. I got it granted on February, will make my first entry in 15 days. But I don't recall if I need a return/exit flight for me when I get in; and the same for accommodation. Do I need to prove accommodation and exit flight when entering with the DTV? We're building and adapting the travel plan a bit on-the-fly, don't know the exact date for exit, as it depends on how good we find ourselves in Thailand.

Thank you!!

2 months ago

Rand ******

Graham Seal Graham Seal And what about using a tourist visa instead of a visa excempt? (on both entries, separated by 1 month). Would that work fine if I can justify an onward travel plan when she enters the second time?

2 months ago

Rand ******

Graham Seal And what about using a tourist visa instead of a visa excempt? (on both entries, separated by 1 month). Would that work fine if I can justify an onward travel plan when she enters the second time?

2 months ago

Graham ******

Rand Duck If you do one 60+30 visa exempt then leave for a month do not be surprised if you have issues returning on visa exempt and you can probably forget the 30 day extension if admitted

2 months ago

Rand ******

Thanks for your answer

@John *********

> using the consulate that serves the location you are currently in

Are you sure the application does not go through the consulate's country on your passport? I did for myself in Spain, and they requested some documents that are in Spanish, etc. If we're already travelling, I would have assumed that my couple application would reach to the consulate in Spain too.

> you must remain in the jurisdiction of that consulate until such time as the visa process completes

We may apply from one country and continue travelling during the processing. Are you sure you cannot abandon the country where you applied from until gets granted? What if you do it?

We leave in 17 days from country where we are travelling now, and we go to Thailand. She may get in with visa exemption for the first 60 days if the DTV is not ready. At least that was the plan, and why I'm double asking.

3 months ago

Maria *************

Rand Duck you got the correct answer from mod

@John *********

, and this is also clearly mentioned on the e-visa website

3 months ago