What are the options for obtaining DTV visas for family members of a U.S. citizen entering Thailand?

DTV Visa eVisa Thailand Visa Process American Expat Visa Dependent Visa Tourist Visa Visa Exemption Southeast Asia Consulates

Dec 12, 2024

6 days ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello, we’re 4 Americans for the DTV Visa. I expect to get approved for my DTV via eVisa process through the Los Angeles Consulate. I made the mistake of not realizing the eVisa process is 15 business days and don’t have enough time in the States to apply for my Spouse and dependents before we head to Thailand. Therefore we need to pivot.

Now the plan is that I will enter with my DTV. It looks like we need to do an eVisa as a tourist visa for each of them before they arrive in Thailand. Can anyone confirm this? I’ve heard it just rolled out this month. I assume I will also need to show a flight of them leaving Thailand within 60 days on the day we enter.

We’re now looking at going somewhere in SE Asia to apply for their DTVs in that 60 day window. So far we’re looking at the consulates below. I know you need to book an appointment for several of them.

* Phnom Penh, Cambodia

* Vientiane, Laos

* Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Does anyone have a recommendation on what Consulate we should go to and if there is anything crucial we’re missing? Thanks in advance.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Four Americans are navigating the DTV Visa process and need to arrange tourist visas for dependents before entering Thailand. They are exploring the possibility of applying for the DTV visas at various Southeast Asian consulates after entering Thailand on a 60-day visa exemption. Community members provide insights, indicating that Americans can enter Thailand without a tourist visa and suggesting different consulates for obtaining the DTV visas.

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.

Christopher ********

Ok can apply for their DTV now, they can enter on 60 days exemption then do a border run in 60 days to activate the DTV.

6 days ago

Helen ********

If you can go right away, try Taipei. It's walk in and you can do all dependents in one go.

6 days ago

Christopher *********

I recommend Indonesia Jakarta for getting visa for your family.

6 days ago

John *******

Americans do not need to apply for a tourist visa as they can receive 60 days visa exempt (on arrival). Your airline (flight to Thailand) might require proof of onward travel though. The three embassies you mentioned above are all using the e-visa system (Laos starting in January). Therefore, you do not need to book appointments, but you need to be present in that country. Cambodia takes 11 business days, so kind of long, but very straight forward/easy process. Malaysia seems to be a difficult embassy to apply through. Laos has also been easy, but it might be different as it moves to evisa.

6 days ago

Jeremy *********

No evisa yet 60 days on entry for US citizens still✌️

They say maybe June 2025 for the online pre-approval now

6 days ago

Reply to

Jeremy *********

What are the best destinations for a quick DTV visa application turnaround from Thailand?

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