Answered10 months ago
What challenges can I expect with the Thailand Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) and re-entry requirements?
Hi all.
Slight difficulty on my 3rd entry on the DTV (workcation, granted December 2024). I've stayed close to the full 6 months the previous 2 entries. Haven't had a flight booked out before.
Entry 1: Jan 2025 -> July 2025. No questions asked for the first entry. Tried to extend in July. Immigration officer said docs were perfect, but 12 days remaining validity wasn't enough time, needed to be 15 days or more in advance. He suggested I fly to KL and back on the same day.
Entry 2: July 2025 -> Dec 2025. Did as they suggested, and hardly a word said when I got the second stamp. Flew back home (South Africa) in Dec.
Entry 3: Jan 2026. Flew into Phuket after 3 weeks at home. Officer asked how long I'm here for, and I said until June when I'll book a flight out and back in. Probably shouldn't have said I'd come straight back, but that's what they suggested last time, so thought it was fine. She called the supervisor, was pulled over to the side and had to book a flight out right there and then... luckily just to any other country. Booked one way to KL, showed them confirmation on my phone, and then was stamped through.
Bit of a non-issue, as a flight out is a requirement for all tourism type visas I think. No mention of the 20k cash or 500k in the bank. Just wanted to share my experience and see if anyone has had anything similar?
Once stamped in, I asked if I could apply for the DTV extension in the country. The IO said that they could deny it if I've been staying "too long term". Was a bit confused - am I not using the visa as intended? I thought you could technically re-enter back to back every 6 months for the 5 year validity. Not planning on staying here for 5 years, but thought it was possible. Guessing I just ran into a stickler for the rules - will make sure I have a ticket out for future entries.
Slight difficulty on my 3rd entry on the DTV (workcation, granted December 2024). I've stayed close to the full 6 months the previous 2 entries. Haven't had a flight booked out before.
Entry 1: Jan 2025 -> July 2025. No questions asked for the first entry. Tried to extend in July. Immigration officer said docs were perfect, but 12 days remaining validity wasn't enough time, needed to be 15 days or more in advance. He suggested I fly to KL and back on the same day.
Entry 2: July 2025 -> Dec 2025. Did as they suggested, and hardly a word said when I got the second stamp. Flew back home (South Africa) in Dec.
Entry 3: Jan 2026. Flew into Phuket after 3 weeks at home. Officer asked how long I'm here for, and I said until June when I'll book a flight out and back in. Probably shouldn't have said I'd come straight back, but that's what they suggested last time, so thought it was fine. She called the supervisor, was pulled over to the side and had to book a flight out right there and then... luckily just to any other country. Booked one way to KL, showed them confirmation on my phone, and then was stamped through.
Bit of a non-issue, as a flight out is a requirement for all tourism type visas I think. No mention of the 20k cash or 500k in the bank. Just wanted to share my experience and see if anyone has had anything similar?
Once stamped in, I asked if I could apply for the DTV extension in the country. The IO said that they could deny it if I've been staying "too long term". Was a bit confused - am I not using the visa as intended? I thought you could technically re-enter back to back every 6 months for the 5 year validity. Not planning on staying here for 5 years, but thought it was possible. Guessing I just ran into a stickler for the rules - will make sure I have a ticket out for future entries.
Answer summary
The poster shares their experience navigating the Thai Digital Visa (DTV) during their third entry, including difficulties with immigration officials regarding exit flight requirements and concerns over potential extension denials. The community discusses various challenges, including anecdotal evidence of inconsistencies in enforcing these requirements, suggestions on border runs to secure extensions, and frustrations over the perceived tightening of immigration rules in Phuket. Overall, there is confusion and varying experiences among expats concerning the DTV, its intended use, and the ongoing changes in visa regulations.
46 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Bill *****
I maybe wrong but appears DTV not easy to navigate through the renewal periods & when you exit, a few barrels, maybe over 50 it’s better been on a retirement visa
Gary ***********
@Bill ****
definitely retirement is better than DTV if you qualifyIvan ************
@Ga**
this depends on the person. If you work remotely as OP does that is explicitly allowed on the DTV. I personally don't think remote work is banned on any visa, they made no legal changes for the DTV, but many do think it's not allowed on retirement. But for a remote worker, a DTV is more aligned with their actual purpose than retirement, even if they are over 50.Bill *****
@Gary **********
that’s what I believe now, as I thought DTV is more flexible also you don’t pay for leaving the country, is better value?
Ziyaad *************
When you applied for your dtv were you in South Africa? Or did you apply for it in another country?
Luke ********
OP@Ziyaad ************
I applied when I was in SA, had to submit last entry stamp picture.Ziyaad *************
@Luke *******
Thank you,I would have thought if anyone applied in there home country for the dtv they would not be questioned. I thought it would be more lightly to be questioned if you applied for the dtv in a neighboring country to be questioned,
Pierre *********
Thanks for reporting. That is something I was expecting to happen at some point unfortunately since they closed bank accounts for DTV holders and became stricter with visa exemptions. I would be careful if the plan is to get some kind of Thai residence with the DTV. Some people here with DTV were bashing heavily users of visa exemptions while forgetting their DTV was also just a long term tourist visa.
Luke ********
OP@Pierre ********
Yes, don't think it's in the 'spirit' of the visa to stay back to back for the 5 years. Hopefully some clarity emerges on the actual rules... not holding thumbs though 😅Nickna******
Weird. Haven't been asked for exit flight when entering on DTV. Many of us don't necessarily have solid plans 6 months in advance!
Kei ******
never had this problem first 2 times (DTV workation) but last month i did. at suvanaabumi they told me to provide all the docs I submitted for DTV (over year ago + new bank statement) i pulled it up like it was nothing really quickly and got on my way easy. Another friend who entered with me who had same visa who got different officer was told that he can't stay over 6 months per year and work b/c of tax blah blah but was still stamped and was let through. weird .... maybe i should do the 6 month additional extension at the embassey instead to not go thru this trouble hmmmm
Nickna******
@Kei *****
ok thanks for sharing that experience. Perhaps they are getting more strict with it. I'll be ready for next entry. But I wouldn't take tax advice from that official! 🤣
Steve *******
Nickname9876 Onward travel within 180 days is a requirement whether you have solid plans or not
Ivan ************
@St***
would you have a reference for that? I know it's a requirement on a shorter term tourist visa but I haven't seen any indication it's an actual requirement on longer ones. The vast majority of people are NOT being asked for onward tickets with DTVs, OP's case stands out as an exception not the rule.Ivan ************
@St***
Elite, which allows you to stay 20 years without leaving, is also a tourist visa. You can't book flights over a year out.I know onward travel is required for short term tourist entries. I'm asking for a reference to say it's a requirement for DTV specifically.
Official sources like embassy and the MFA state that onward travel at the point of entry is required for visa exempt and visa on arrival.
It's also required to apply for a tourist visa. Check out this list of requirements from the MFA here, you'll note that "Travel Booking Confirmation" is required for all the 60 day tourist entries but is explicitly NOT required for the DTV:
***********************************************************************
Steve *******
@Ivan ***********
It's a requirement for every tourist based visa or visa exempt entry. Check out any official siteNickna******
@Ivan ***********
yep, first example I've heard of it. I've entered 3 times now on DTV.
Sylvia ********
@Bill ****
not that simple for some and you can't have a bank account
Erica ********
Thanks for the update. Thankfully, I arrived at BKK airport last night and no questions asked. I didn't have a ticket flying out of Thailand either.
Luke ********
OPThanks for the info
@Erica *******
! BKK might be a good choice if I come back later this year.
Karsten ********
Didn't you put a flight out on tdac?
Ivan ************
@Kar****
it's an optional field, you don't have to fill it in. I didn't and that wasn't a problem entering in BKK.Luke ********
OP@Ivan ***********
Same, haven't filled it out previous 2 times. Think for my first entry it was still mandatory on the TDAC, but I just put "unknown", and got through fine.Ivan ************
@Lu**
I have seen the suggestion that if you click the box it becomes required, but if you don't click into it, it's not.Luke ********
OP@Karsten *******
Fair enough! Will definitely do so on my next entry, thanksKarsten ********
@Luke *******
I always put a flight in... 3rd entry on my side without any questions asked.
Ian **********
Phuket immigration is the worst at the moment. They are just trying to be tough with everybody. The poster played right into their lets get tough hands. If I was asked when I was leaving I would politely say I haven't decided yet. He would not have had the same trouble at just about any other entry point. I'm not sure why people are bothering with extensions.
Luke ********
OP@Ian *********
Agreed, I definitely didn't say the right things this time round! Good idea to say I haven't decided yet.
Kim *******
Thai immigration is just getting so strict anymore. Making up new requirements at their own whim. Shooting themselves in the foot, they are.
Graham ******
@Kim ******
I've yet to see an Immigration Officer limping 555
Wannikea *********
Phuket was ground zero for the recent letter of the law crackdown. They are just giving you a hard time. I'd avoid entering there over the next year or so.
Brook ********
It’s a tourist visa, not a non immigrant visa.
You can’t even open a bank account.
You can’t even open a bank account.
Area *************
@Brook *******
that's the point DTV is a tourism visa. Over 180 days you are a resident and should become a taxpayer in TH.
Frank **********
In other groups they seem to only have a problem if you apply for the extension. The best thing to do is make a border run and let them stamp you in for another 180 days. Extensions on the DTV seems to be the problem.
Ivan ************
@Fr***
OP didn't extend. Three entries, no extensions.Gary ***********
It's a badly thought through visa and I don't think the idea was that people would stay pretty much non stop for 5 years, seem they now see the faults with how it was implemented, can see them changing it significantly at some point
Pierre *********
@Gary **********
My thought too. It was a bit too good to be true when it first came. I wanted to see how it would evolve after 2 years as I was a bit skeptical it would be like an almost free Thai Elite visa. And the current nationalist government is not here to make any gift to foreigners compared to the previous one.
J **************
@Gary **********
agree! The new government will limit this visa for sure.
Colin *********
@J *************
who can know though, as the upcoming Election is still a month away, and, based on the last election, it could be another 3-4 months before a new Government is officially sworn in. Best thing a new Government could do is before making any new rules that affect foreigners, whether they be on long term Visas or tourist entries, is have Immigration/MFA/Embassies all involved in discussions and come up with Laws, rules or whatever that have little or no ambiguity, so that everyone clearly knows where they stand.
Trav **********
@J *************
Agree 👍
Jim ********
I thought you got 180 days and then could extend for 180 days? So god knows why they wanted to see a flight that could be potentially 12 months away 🤷♂️
Gary ***********
@Jim *******
I believe the in country extension can be quite trickyJim ********
@Gary **********
This is what I never understand. When they introduced this visa it was stipulated that you can stay 180 days and then extend by a further 180 days but yet people have issues for sticking to the rules. I know many people that have had various problems! I know this is Thailand but why do they make everything so hard work?Ivan ************
@Graham *****
people have got extensions although it does require all the documentation as to when you applied. Reports I have seen from Chiang Mai, if you are still employed and can show that end of it the only other requirement is 30 days 500k bank balance (foreign banks accepted), plus a letter confirming it's your bank account. Some people may have had issues getting that letter but at least one got the extension with it.I saw at least 2-3 people who posted with the requirements, which matched. They were all things you'd have anyway, other than the bank letter. I think one couldn't get that, one hadn't had the 500k in 30 days, and the other one had and got the letter and got the extension. It does seem at least in some offices that you can extend if you have all the docs you need, and the report from Chiang Mai at least, they do seem to have drawn up a fixed and stable requirement list that you either meet or don't, if you do, looks like you can get it.
Graham ******
@Gary **********
Correct, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and under a different Prime Minister at the time with no consultation with Immigration hence the issues for anyone trying to get an extension (has anyone got one?) and now, it seems, re-entering after staying "too long" on previous entries.Gary ***********
@Jim *******
as I understand the DTV was thought up by a different department from Immigration and is something that is regretted by certain authorities, as you say though they never make things straight forwardActivity
23 joined23
people
Related
25What experiences do people have with canceling a DTV visa at the Los Angeles Embassy?
2.6k19353mo
What should I do after my DTV Workcation visa application was denied, and has anyone had success reapplying from another country?
23.9k1673705mo
What are the best strategies and embassy locations for applying for the DTV visa as a Japanese citizen in June 2026?
8865125mo
What was your experience with the DTV visa application process in Thailand?
25.6k2402455mo
What is the process and experience of applying for a DTV visa in Thailand?
4.2k1335mo
What are the requirements and considerations for applying for a DTV visa under Workcation in Thailand?
633536mo
What documents should I carry when entering Thailand on a DTV visa?
10.6k871276mo
Do I need to leave Thailand with a DTV visa or can I extend my stay at the immigration office?
6.3k301287mo
What are the options for reporting or extending my stay after 180 days on a DTV in Thailand?
1.5k13128mo
What are the steps and documents required for obtaining a workcation visa in Thailand as a remote worker from the UK?
1.4k11129mo
What challenges do DTV holders face in residing continuously in Thailand?
11.8k941449mo
What documents are required for re-entering Thailand on a DTV after crossing the Chiang Khong border?
11.2k9611310mo
What alternatives are there for Israeli tourists in Thailand who can't do border runs?
6.7k3911010mo
What are the current rules for visa exemptions and extensions in Thailand for long-term stays?
6k54491y
What are the rules for a border run on a DTV visa in Thailand?
2.7k15151y
Should I wait longer before reapplying for a Thai DTV visa after my application was rejected in Ho Chi Minh?
4.4k34481y
What challenges do expats face when re-entering Thailand on a long-term visa?
11.8k951431y
What is the process and experience of obtaining a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) for Thailand?
3.8k31371y
How can I successfully apply for a DTV visa while working remotely from Thailand?
1.4k4201y
What should I know about re-entry to Thailand on a DTV visa after traveling?
13.2k862072y
What should DTV visa holders expect when arriving at Chiang Mai airport?
13.9k1061752y
What are the experiences and processes for obtaining the Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand?
16.1k712402y
What are the rules for border runs in Thailand regarding visa exemptions?
3.1k22304y
What advice do you have for entering Thailand after multiple visa extensions or runs?
1.5k1334y
What are the current immigration experiences and regulations for entering Thailand on a visa exempt stamp?
2.6k16248y
Resources
Need help with your DTV visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served