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What are the recent experiences with DTV visa arrivals in Chiang Mai?
DTV VisaVisa Arrival ProcessImmigration ProceduresChiang MaiVisa IssuesThai ImmigrationVisa Payment ProblemsVisa Duration
Jul 8, 2025
10 months ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERHey everyone. I was approved for dtv workaction after 4 days in Hanoi. My wife then took an extra 4 days to get dtv as a spouse. Just a heads up, the payment portal hasn't been working the best and you might need to contact the embassy. This has been a common problem for a month apparently. Also, when we entered Chiang Mai, all of the people with a dtv were told to step to the side. It was like they had no idea what the visa was and they don't have the technology for the qr code so you have to fill out a manual form and they question you a lot. Has anyone had this experience?
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user shares their experience of being approved for the DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) after a few days in Hanoi, and notes that their spouse faced similar processing times. They mention issues with the payment portal and the need to contact the embassy due to frequent malfunctions. Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, DTV holders faced additional scrutiny and manual processing, leading to concerns about immigration officers being unfamiliar with the visa. Several comments corroborate the difficulties faced by DTV visa holders at Chiang Mai and suggest differing experiences based on arrival locations.
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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Mary **************
Makes me wonder if this is just in Chiang Mai as during our arrival there was no hassle. We landed in DMK
Anonymous ******************
They know exactly what the DTV is about. They’re just becoming a lot more strict now
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 228 strict about what though? If someone has paid for the visa and it has been approved, what more is there to say?
Luit *****************
Anonieme deelnemer Paying for the visa and getting approved does not mean visa requirements are not valid anymore like some people here think. When entering the country, IO should decide if you are allowed in and when they find out you are abusing the visa because your visit does not match the visa or you do not comply with requirements anymore, they can refuse you to enter.
Reply to
Luit *****************
Reply
James ********
Thank You for your helpful report 👍
Congratulations 👏👏👏
PRINT OUT THE EMAIL THAT HAS YOUR DTV VISA.
That's what you should do... print it out.
You may have to show PROOF of your DTV Visa to airline staff on check-in for your flight ✈️ to Thailand...even to the connecting airline staff. Or to the land border crossing entry Thai Immigration Officer.
Upon arrival into Thailand, show the DTV visa to the Thai Immigration Officer and look at the STAMP placed in your passport to be sure you are STAMPED in for 180 days.
Congratulations 👏👏👏
PRINT OUT THE EMAIL THAT HAS YOUR DTV VISA.
That's what you should do... print it out.
You may have to show PROOF of your DTV Visa to airline staff on check-in for your flight ✈️ to Thailand...even to the connecting airline staff. Or to the land border crossing entry Thai Immigration Officer.
Upon arrival into Thailand, show the DTV visa to the Thai Immigration Officer and look at the STAMP placed in your passport to be sure you are STAMPED in for 180 days.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@James *******
did all that, but it didn't matter. They pulled everyone to the side, no matter what documentation one had. Only one officer out of 10 knew anything.James ********
Anonymous participant that's appears to be what is happening with the Chiang Mai Thai Immigration Officers upon arrival.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@James *******
what about Bangkok? Is it pretty seamless going through BKK?James ********
Anonymous participant so far... Yes okay 🆗 at BKK Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Reply to
James ********
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Luit *****************
I don't think it is about not knowing DTV, I think it just is because they know DTV very well, and know it needs some extra checks because it is abused a lot.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Luit ****************
they certainly didn't seem like they know it. When I explained workcation to them, they had no idea. A young immigration officer was the only one who knew. The other 10 sitting around confused had no idea.Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Shandy ********
Huh. Maybe this has become standard procedure because so many DTV-ers come in on the flights from Vietnam. When I flew in from Taiwan, I didn't get asked any questions and the female IO certainly didn't seem confused about what the DTV was. I was probably the only DTV holder on the flight though.
Brandon ************
Multiple posts about this for Chiang Mai. It's a process that the CNX airport has implemented for all DTV arrivals.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
I wonder its the same coming through Bangkok?Brandon ************
Anonymous participant no. Only Chiang Mai
Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Mercy *********
They pulled me aside, but they mentioned it as because I was entering for the first time using the DTV. Not sure if they'll do it for later entries. Filled the form, didn't get asked many questions.
Stephen *******
Congratulations! How did you pay in the end if the portal was not working?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stephen ******
there are other ways that you can sort with the embassy. But you have to be proactive about it.Stephen *******
You mean, go in person?
Reply to
Stephen *******
Reply
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