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What are the requirements and alternatives for obtaining a DVT visa for medical treatment in Thailand?
DVT VisaThailand ImmigrationMedical VisaVisa RequirementsExpat ExperiencesVisa-free EntryHealthcare in ThailandVisa Alternatives
Mar 26, 2026
a month ago
John ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI am 86 years old and have a DVT Medical Wellness visa. I applied for it myself 10 days ago. I sent all the documents requested by the embassy (20 pages), including my hospital appointment in April 2026. I am now waiting for a decision; if it's not approved, no problem. My plan B is visa-free entry every four months, a 21-day stay in Thailand for my health update, and then departure. I would also enter similarly with a DVT visa, but definitely not for a long-term stay of 180 days.
TLDR : Answer Summary
An 86-year-old individual shared their experience applying for a DVT Medical Wellness visa in Thailand, having submitted the required documents 10 days prior. Several commenters questioned the sufficiency of an appointment alone to obtain the DVT visa and cautioned against relying on visa-free entry every four months, suggesting the need for a well-documented treatment plan with a legitimate medical professional in Thailand. Discussion included the potential for denied entries based on immigration history and the importance of obtaining the appropriate visa for extended stays.
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John **********
While you can get a DTV on medical grounds you need to have a a treatment plan of a minimum of 6 months, preferably longer, signed off by a recognised medical professional at a legitimate medical facility inside Thailand. Your alternative approach won't work
John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
Thanks, you should look at my Plan B. I'm trying DVT because Thailand has the best hospitals. I've already sent my diagnoses to the hospital for further health suggestions. My first consultation is in April 2026. I'm treating myself to a first-class hospital for my health; that's important to me. If the DVT is rejected, I'll stay calm because €350 isn't a big deal for me. The various stories here have shown me the different perspectives some people have.John **********
@John *******
Come to Thailand the first time on a tourist visa, do the consultation and get an approved treatment plan. Then leave Thailand and apply for the DTV using that plan. It's not about the money, it's about getting the visa, as without either the DTV or a long term visa such as a retirement visa your not going to be able to enter Thailand more than a couple of times before you get denied entryJohn ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
Now for something fundamental: I've been traveling to Thailand for 50 years (150), formerly for business, now for pleasure. I've never overstayed my visa. I have to say that many guidebooks give incorrect information. The 60+30+7 entry rule refers to land entry (visa hopping), which will soon be a thing of the past. Because of my travel class, I can use priority processing at immigration, so nobody has to worry about me, and I also speak Thai, which is a plus in Thailand. I was very pleased with the various comments, thank you very much.Reply to
John ********
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Brilliant**********
It’s too old for the DTV
Phil ******
BrilliantParrot9781 no
John ********
ORIGINAL POSTERBrilliantParrot9781 super thank you, you could be my Grandfather 🤣🤣🤣
Reply to
John ********
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Anonymous ******************
I dont understand you post???? Are you asking advice or What is your intention?? I think you should have posted here before your application. You just wasted your time. You need a approved hospital in thailand and the doctor must diagnose you with a medical plan. An appointment only is not sufficient to grant a long stay visa. I mean there may be no treatment required???? I dont understand why you want a dtv just come visa exempt get your treatment and go. Saves time ,money and being untruthful
John ********
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymer Teilnehmer 475 Thanks, you should look at my Plan B. I'm trying DVT because Thailand has the best hospitals. I've already sent my diagnoses to the hospital for further health suggestions. My first consultation is in April 2026. I'm treating myself to a first-class hospital for my health; that's important to me. If the DVT is rejected, I'll stay calm because €350 isn't a big deal for me. The various stories here have shown me the different perspectives some people have.⁵
Anonymous ******************
@John *******
i think you have too much time on your hands. 🤣🤣🤣 Why don't you volunteer in a thai hospital. Why don't you just continue treatment at home the doctors have you case under control. Hospitals are hospitalsJohn ********
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymer Teilnehmer 475Thanks for the advice. I don't have enough free time, I'm still working. Why have preventative healthcare in Thailand? Our healthcare system has too few doctors, so the waiting time is up to 3 months. For private doctors, the waiting time is 2 months, and the cost of an examination is €500. In Thailand, I get faster, more comprehensive, and better care for that price. We have a good healthcare system here, but it's a rushed process.
Reply to
John ********
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Greg ********
As others have said the application is a bit light with just an appointment. A treatment plan and multiple appointments is usually required and signed and stamped. Could you get an METV instead. They can last almost 9 months with careful timing if you do not get the DTV. Better than chancing VE.
James ********
You're NOT ❌ going to be able to get a Visa Exempt Entry every 4 months. Those days are past history.
Bill ******
@James *******
180 days total and four entries allowed.James ********
@Bill *****
I disagree...try it and find out. Good Luck 🍀Bill ******
@James *******
I will be using tourist and medical DTV visas, I can only read and interpret what the Thai government puts on their website. The only consistency seems to be inconsistency. I am hoping within the 5 year DTV period that good options become available.James ********
@Bill *****
with the DTV visa issued you should be okay for its 5 years validity. Enjoy your trips to Thailand 👍John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@James *******
Now for something fundamental: I've been traveling to Thailand for 50 years (150), formerly for business, now for pleasure. I've never overstayed my visa. I have to say that many guidebooks give incorrect information. The 60+30+7 entry rule refers to land entry (visa hopping), which will soon be a thing of the past. Because of my travel class, I can use priority processing at immigration, so nobody has to worry about me, and I also speak Thai, which is a plus in Thailand. I was very pleased with the various comments, thank you very much.James ********
@John *******
I wish you SUCCESS in your entries into Thailand. Good Luck 🍀 and please get the correct Thai Visa for your many visits to Thailand.John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@James *******
thank you so much, sure for myself is important accept Thai Visa rules over 50 Years and applying for a visa if necessary, thank youReply to
John ********
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John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@James *******
Four visa-free entries are possible if you arrive at an international airport and have sufficient cash. I usually stay for 21 days and fly back. Immigration in Bangkok told me that the total stay in Thailand cannot exceed 180 days. My balance is 84 days per year.James ********
@John *******
sorry but that's highly unlikely. Times have changed. Your Thai Immigration history for the recent 12 MONTHS ( not calendar year) will put you on the Thai Immigration radar for questioning and likely will be DENIED ENTRY. IF you try to get another visa exempt entry be sure you are using a Fast Track Service Company that meets you on arrival and guides you thru Thai Immigration to get a New 60 day stamp. However you will not be able to get a 30 day extension of stay if you had obtained one during the prior 12 months. They will only grant you a 7 day extension and you need to leave Thailand.
Suggest you get the correct Thai Visa for your planned trips to Thailand.
Good Luck 🍀
Reply to
James ********
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Anonymous ******************
The Thai immigration WILL NOT let you in every 4 months on visa free LOL.
Bill ******
Anonymous participant 731 Why? If you don’t stay more than 180 days a year you should be able to visit Thailand on a tourist visa.
Anonymous ******************
@Bill *****
proper single entry tourist visa or 6 months multiple entry tourist visa are yes. Enter without visa (visa exemption) is not allowed more than 3 times per calendar year.Reply to
Anonymous ******************
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James ********
Anonymous participant 731 Correct 👍
Reply to
James ********
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Kool *******
If you have not personally met with your Thai doctor yet, and only have an appointment, you will be turned down.
Wannikea *********
Good luck with this, but I think simply an appointment at the hospital isn't going to get you the DTV. Typically you would go to the medical facility, see a doctor, get the diagnosis and treatment plan in writing, as well as schedule appointments, normally for 6 months plus.
John ********
ORIGINAL POSTERThanks, you should look at my Plan B. I'm trying DVT because Thailand has the best hospitals. I've already sent my diagnoses to the hospital for further health suggestions. My first consultation is in April 2026. I'm treating myself to a first-class hospital for my health; that's important to me. If the DVT is rejected, I'll stay calm because €350 isn't a big deal for me. The various stories here have shown me the different perspectives some people have.
@Wannikea ********
Reply to
John ********
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