What are the rules for extending a DTV visa in Thailand and the risks of re-entry?

DTV Visa Thailand Visa Regulations Visa Extensions Re-entry into Thailand Expat Visa Advice Immigration Procedures in Thailand

Oct 16, 2024

3 days ago

Luan *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Do I understand the DTV correct? 

I can stay for 180 days. 

Extend for another 180 days at the immigration. 

After that, I have to leave thailand for 1 day.

Can entry again for 180 days, extend for another 180 days and so on? 

For a maximum of 5 years? 

Is there any risk that they decline me re-entry after some time? 

Thanks for advise.

1,926

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The DTV (Destination Thailand Visa) allows holders to stay in Thailand for 180 days per entry, which can be extended for another 180 days at immigration. After the extension, you need to exit Thailand for at least a day before re-entering to obtain another 180-day period, repeating this process for up to five years. While there are procedures to follow, such as the possibility of submitting application documents during extensions, many users indicate that re-entry and extension have been straightforward. However, it's advisable to keep abreast of any changes to the regulations, as experiences may vary.

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.

Apple **********

Destination Thailand Visa | DTV Visa Thailand 2024

 Visa Duration: 5-years

 Visa Type: Multiple entry

 Length of Stay per Entry: 180 days

 Extendable: Yes, once per year

 Obtainable From: A Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate or online through Thailand’s official e-visa website

 Minimum Age for Primary Visa Holder: 20 years old

 Option to Include Family: Yes

14 hours ago

John *******

That's what it reads like when looking at the documentation.

But no one can tell you for sure because no one has even reached the end of the first 180 day period because the Visa doesn't even exist that long.

And it wouldn't be the first time that things are different than they are documented in Thailand all of a sudden. To be 100% sure I would ask the same question again in about 2 to 3 months to see what the actual real life experiences are of those who did the first Visa run after 180 days.

But it's likely going to be fine, don't worry. 🙃

a day ago

Henrik *****

You don’t need to leave for any certain amount of time, can go back immidiately if you want to ( not stay out 1 day)

a day ago

George ******

didn't they make a statement recently saying that you are allowed to stay for 180 days, extend for another 180 days, and then your visa will be cancelled?

2 days ago

Mason *******

@George *****

Your DTV is single entry?

a day ago

George ******

@Mason ******

no, there was some announcement made the other week with more details about how the visa works. I'm pretty sure it said the visa is valid for 5 years, but you only get 180 days plus a 180 day extension. then canceled

a day ago

Mason *******

@George *****

Wow sorry to hear this about your visa. Maybe you can get another one after your single entry?

20 hours ago

George ******

@Mason ******

my visa isn't single entry. this was an announcement from the thai authorities with more details about how all dtv visas work

18 hours ago

Reply to

George ******

Braydon *********

@George *****

that's pretty significant, do you know where you heard this?

a day ago

George ******

@Braydon ********

pretty sure the guy who runs this group posted it about a week or so ago. when the statement was released by thai immigration

a day ago

Reply to

George ******

Romain ****

I would visa run every 180 days to avoid paperwork at immigration. And dont forget to file 90 days report every time after 90 days (2 weeks before until 1 week after)

2 days ago

Wannikea *********

Each entry is eligible for 1 extension. That said nobody knows what the extension process might entail, such as resubmitting updated application documents. At this point it's advised to exit and re-enter as this process has been shown to be straightforward and smooth.

2 days ago

Tommy **********

You can only extend a further 180 days once in country. You will have to leave the Kingdom each time to Aquire each 180 day period.

3 days ago

Biff *******

Probably easier to just leave and come back every 180 days rather than extend.

3 days ago

Roberto *********

@Biff ******

I agree. This is a great visa and immigration will go out of their way to make extension difficult as they do with every other visa. Just a simple bounce for another 180 days

14 hours ago

Luit *****************

@Biff ******

Only easier when you live far away from immigration and very close to the border.

It still is not 100 percent sure what extending will cost, but when it is the same as other extensions, 1900 baht is not very much to leave the country and get back in.

2 days ago

Biff *******

@Luit ****************

true. I think it will more depend on the evidence required for the extension.

2 days ago

Luit *****************

@Biff ******

I cannot see why the evidence required for the extension could be difficult, for getting the visa it was quite simple, so I don't expect problems there unless requirements for the extension are different from requirements for the visa itself.

But personally I don't think I need an extension, because I cannot be over 180 days a year in Thailand, because my Thai wife needs to be at least 180 days in Netherlands, otherwise she might loose het Dutch residence permit.

That also is why DTV is exactly the right visa for me.

I exactly will use the visa how it was meant.

It is not meant to live permanently in Thailand, like a lot of people on this group try to do.

2 days ago

Reply to

Luit *****************

Stephan ***********

Yep, all correct. No, no risk at all. You have a 5-year-visa with multiple entry. You can come and go as many times as you want.

3 days ago

Tommy **********

@Stephan **********

No Sir not correct. Extension only once in country for 180 period .

3 days ago

Romain ****

@Tommy *********

read the comment again

2 days ago

Stephan ***********

@Tommy *********

Read his post again... that's exactly what he asked and I confirmed it. He do one extension, then he leave and start over with entry stamp and extension... and so on...

2 days ago

Reply to

Stephan ***********

Su ********

I don’t see any reason they will decline. They might ask questions but they will eventually let you in for 6 months entry. Just my guess. Don’t let any fear limit you.

3 days ago

Stephan ***********

@Su *******

Nobody will ask anyone for anything who has a valid visa on entry.

2 days ago

Reply to

Stephan ***********

Do you need a re-entry permit when leaving Thailand with a DTV multiple entry visa after 6 months?

20 comments

11 days ago

Is it true that each entry into Thailand grants 180 days, and does re-entry reset the count?

8 comments