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What is the experience of entering Thailand on a DTV visa and what documents are required?

Mar 25, 2025
7 days ago
Divya **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Wanted to share my experience entering via Suvarnabhumi Airport on DTV visa.

As soon as the IO lady saw my DTV, the first question asked to me was “how long you’ll stay here?” I answered 4 months. Then she said “what will you do for 4 months?”, I said I’m a remote worker for a US company and I plan to travel and work online. She then asked me to show almost all documents I used to apply for the DTV visa. Thankfully, I had them on my laptop.

I was asked to show my Employment Contract, Employment Letter, Company registration documents, Bank statements, rent agreement for my stay in Thailand, my portfolio website. The IO lady kept noting something down on a sheet of paper. She asked why I applied for the DTV from Laos instead of my home country. I replied, “because I came to know about DTV while I was in Thailand on visa exemption already, and flight to Laos was much cheaper than a flight to my home country.” She gave me a odd look and finally was stamped for 180 days.

Overall, it seems if you’re entering on DTV, you’ll have to pass their questionings. Better have all the required documents and the required bank balance as well.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The entry experience on a DTV visa at Suvarnabhumi Airport can vary significantly based on the immigration officer. One traveler shared that they were closely questioned about their stay and required to show all documentation related to their visa application, including work contracts and bank statements. Some commenters noted increasing scrutiny for DTV visas from certain countries, while others reported smooth entries without any questions. There appears to be a sense that entry experiences differ markedly depending on various factors, such as the officer’s discretion, the applicant's nationality, and the documentation available.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Anonymous ******************
As always I believe it is based on profiling, country of nationality and how you present yourself. A lot more dodgy backpacker, scruffy types showing up with dtv visas than I think immigration expected 😅
Jack ********
Thailand has becoming a huge pain the a$$ 🤬
Holp ******
Wow that's a bit excessive. Hopefully your case is an exception to the general rule of entry on DTV Visa and you won't have any issues next time.
Anonymous ******************
The questioning isn’t the same for everyone. If you’re from a non-Western country, you can usually go through immigration with a DTV easily. But if you have, for instance, an Indian passport, they might ask you questions because they’re worried about illegal work…
Robert ************
0 issues, maybe 6 or 7 entries.

In fact the last one was accompanied with a big smile and "welcome back"
Joe *******
Got my stamp at Don Mueang today. I just said, "Miss I have a new visa" and handed over the emailed document from the embassy. Stamped till
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/25. (No questioned asked she just nodded) I only had to wait about a minute before I went up to the window and I was thinking, yes, this young female immigration officer doesn't look like she's going to give me any trouble. 🙂
Peter *********
@Joe ******
Yep. I think 99% won't have a problem.
Mark *********
Never had a problem so far, have entered 3 times via Phuket.
Paulie ********
Again a lady immergration offcer there like blood hounds
Greg ********
@Paulie *******
One once scrutinised my passport that has 2 year BOI Visa - she told me I have to renew it in 6 months lol
Paulie ********
Andrew ********
As much as I hate to admit it, I think that they are giving certain countries a much harder time than others on this.

Being a white dude from Australia I’ve never even had 1 question asked on 3 entries.
Peter *********
@Andrew *******
More to do with where you get your DTV from.

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Joe *****
It's political at the moment...

A hypocrite thing...lol..Thailand will soon be reminded of their fragile economy again...no worries....

They need people here or the locals are suffering
Hein *******
Glad you got it. Can you elaborate on company registration document you had to show?
Fontaine **************
That’s ridiculous.. They just looked on the computer and stamped my passport and I walked right in 🙌🇹🇭
Anonymous ******************
@Fontaine *************
It can happen... It's just not common.
M.L. *******
Thanks for sharing
Phyo *************
Nothing asked what I did is

- visit Singapore for 1 week ( not border bouncing)

- wore branded clothes and shoes

Looks like you only stay a few days at other country
Peter *********
@Phyo ************
Is your DTV from Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia or Myanmar?
Anonymous ******************
Did anyone miss how even with perfect documents, you still risk wasting time in an explanation minigame with a rude officer 'just doing their job', before being let in?

Unless you buy insurance (fast track).

Then the rules don't exist. 💰

Is this about rules, or making money by creating a sometimes-yes-sometimes-no problem people can buy a solution for?
Alex *********
Anonymous participant 341 How do you pay for fast track and how much does it cost?
Alex *******
@Alex ********
there are many companies that advertise 'fast track' or 'green corridor'. You pay between 4000-5000 baht to one of the companies a few days before you are flying in. You send them a picture of your passport. They send it to immigration officer and he gives the all clear. Then when you arrive you will be taken over and stamped in with no issues. It works fine, I know many people who have used that service
Anonymous ******************
@Tod ********
: why doesn't immigration ever crack down on safe entry fast track services?

Seems like an easy hole to patch to help enforce the rules, no?
Tod *********
Anonymous participant 341 are you asking that question rhetorically?

why do you think they don't crack down on "safe entry"?
Anonymous ******************
@Tod ********
: good answer, should we ask
@Henrik ****
? The rules must be enforced to keep Thailand safe from people gaming the system!

Else, even the 60->30 day reduction of exempt entries will just mean even more money for border bounce and fast track services. That probably isn't the goal! 💰
Christopher ********
Anonymous participant 341 this is not Germany.
Tod *********
sorry Anonymous participant 341 got no clue who Henrik Mau is at all

and

no idea why we'd ask him anything about safe entry OR border bouncing with services 😛
Anonymous ******************
Hope we ever get the answer from someone,
@T**
. Every day, I wake up with this question and go to bed unresolved. My heart aches.
Anonymous ******************
You'll have to ask an agent
@Al**
, they work closely with immigration and openly sell their services in every corner of Thailand without ever facing a crackdown.

Totally not the same system. 💰
Dany ********
that will get interesting for all the people with their sketchy soft power („i only need a 2months course“) visa 😅
George *********
@Peter ********
my thoughts exactly !
George *********
@Dany *******
why " sketchy " I got my DTV via soft power quite legitimately from the Thai embassy in London . I will advise what happens when I arrive back in Thailand in the next week or so.
Peter *********
@George ********
He thinks his DTV is superior because he applied via workation. Even though they're all the same unless it says what category in the remarks 😂
Dany ********
@Peter ********
they will add it in the system which category you are under. and good luck to show any proof of ongoing soft power activity in the future 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️
Peter *********
@Dany *******
I haven't been asked, just stamped in.
Dany ********
@Peter ********
now yes. in the future? no one knows. everything is getting more strict. be ready to beeing questioned in the future and

show proof of whatever they request. 🤷‍♀️
Peter *********
@Dany *******
Nah. If that happens I'll use an agency for safe entry or border bounce. Don't sweat it man.
Peter *********
@Dany *******
They've all been remote workers up to now. Probably think they've been working illegally or up to no good.
Tomer *******
🙏🔥
Cliff *********
Thank you for the update and for having the courage to post under your own name.
Chris ****
Depends on the day and the mood and the crowd at the time you enter. Doesn’t follow any strict guidelines.
Jens *********
Did they ask for a new bank account receipt? Or is the old one from your visa application sufficient?
Alex *********
I'm not being sexist but I did see another expat say he avoids female IO officers because this was his experience😅I'm not claiming that so don't shoot the messenger just relaying what I saw him say
Chris ***********
@Alex ********
Yes and make sure it's after lunch time.
Alex *********
She also might have been being racist toward you. I don't like it but racism does exist in thailand and I've witnessed it first hand on many occasions
Greg ********
@Alex ********
True. Just like some people say avoid female IO people would avoid getting in the queue behind people of colour. Sad state of affairs but reality.
Letizia *********
Christopher ***********
@Alex ********
My own experience has been
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with male and female immigration officers. I have given tips to both sexes in order to make my life easier.
Alex *********
@Christopher **********
You can give them a tip? Isn't there a possibility that will be considered a bribe and get you in big trouble or upset the IO. Ok I know it's thailand but are you for real?
Christopher ***********
@Alex ********
Absolutely. After so long you can spot the signals. Turning your paperwork over and over, sighing and pointlessly turning empty envelopes upside down. You then ask ‘can we find a way around this?’. 500 baht usually avoids the need to go away and come back again so I’m happy and so is the IO.
John *******
@Christopher **********
- never had this happen
Christopher ********
It’s because you applied outside your home country.
Andi ***********
@Christopher *******
Many have applied outside their own country and never stopped.
Carmelito *******
I've entered and left 6 or 7 times on my DTV, the last time was 2 days ago and I've never been asked a single question. I've also entered in BKK, CNX and HKT and same same everywhere. I've also never seen anyone being questioned like this.
David ****
@Carmelito ******
where did you applyed for the dtv?
Carmelito *******
@David ***
back home in Germany
David ****
@Carmelito ******
anscheinend machen die echt nur Probleme wenn es in Asien beantragt wurde. Ich muss es in Spanien beantragen da ich nun hier lebe . Ich hoffe ich bekomme da keine Probleme 😂
Carmelito *******
@David ***
habe bisher nichts dergleichen gesehen und halte die Wahrscheinlichkeit für hoch, dass es keine wahrheitsgemäßen Beiträge sind.
Marcus *******
Like someone earlier suggested, it could be a good idea to apply for express lane entry, just to ensure a smoother entry.
Tyefia *******
Noam ********
@Marcus ******
how do I register for that?
Marcus *******
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233-Guided_Suvarnabhumi_Airport_Fast_Track_Lane_Service-Bang_Phli_Samut_Prakan_Provinc.html
Marcus *******
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Marcus *******
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Marcus *******
These links can give you more info :
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Mateusz ***********
This doesn’t make sense
Anonymous ******************
Again, we learn how randomly harassing DTV holders with useless questions will ultimately create more demand for fast track entry services to save time. Insurance against random nuisance = business model.

Welcome to Thailand. 💰
Emile ******
Anonymous participant 341 they're just doing their job. The DTV is not some sort of elitest entitlement and free entry pass.

I would have no problem with them asking questions to confirm, it's part of immigration and border control.

It happens all over the world, why should Thailand be any different? Can some questions be a nuisance, sure, but it is no different from what foreigners go through at USA borders. And they usually have to deal with stupid questions twice on the same trip, once in their home country where the USA has set up a pre-boarding checkpoint and then again when they land.

Just deal with it, if you have a legitimate purpose and your paperwork is all good, there shouldn't be any issues. It is those that are, or have in the past, abused the system that should be fearful, and it would be good to root those people out anyways.
Anonymous ******************
Sure, very useful rules. Then why does Thailand sell a paid workaround at the same time?

Don't break your head,
@Em***
.
Dave *****
I was asked also. Applied from Sydney.

DTV is getting more strict for sure. My guess is they will check based on how busy they are on the day 😂
Anonymous ******************
@Dave ****
thank you for sharing your experience. It amazes me that so many people in this group are denying that this is even a possibility. How long have they lived in Thailand for ? 6 months, - year? Anyone who’s lived here long enough shouldn’t be at all surprised!
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 535 Most of experts here have "months experience" with immigration without actually dealing with it, except at the border (no questions asked, very smooth). Hopefully people will become curious enough to see what's done with other visas on other forums....
Winston ************
@Dave ****
what exactly were you asked, and did you have to "show all your original documents" like is mentioned in this post?
Dave *****
@Winston ***********
started with normal questions but then he asked me to step aside and then took me to the side area. The supervisor came and then asked me whole bunch of questions relating to my remote job and finances.
Paul ********
@Dave ****
Is that your home country?
Dave *****
Winston ************
I still find it hard to believe these kind of posts. So, you mean to tell me you pulled out your laptop at that IO's desk, powered it on, presumably turned it towards the IO, then starting browsing and opening your documents? Like, how does that go down exactly? Because at Suvarnabhumi the IOs are sitting behind enclosed glass booths, so I'm having a hard time picturing this scenario. Unless you were taken to a separate room, but you don't mention that. And your portfolio website, did you connect to WIFI to load that? I'm really skeptical here. Sounds made up to me. Also, how would have a rent agreement to stay in Thailand on the day you arrive in Thailand? Wouldn't you have to talk to and meet and agents/landlords first? None of this adds up.
Liam ***********
@Winston ***********
I agree,another post of such suspicions events when the majority have no problem at all and why describe a lady IO ,should we avoid them
Anonymous ******************
@Liam **********
Yes, please avoid us and the group altogether. You might want to start being realistic… it’s not a good look.
Nick *******
@Winston ***********
Ive been interrogated there before, they take you to the side lane behind the counters. Then u need to provide all documents there. I was not on DTV visa when this happened, but still. My friend has also gone trough some hefy interrogations in suvarnabhumi.
Chris ***********
@Winston ***********
They have an area off to the side that they take people to for further questioning. It's very common to be pulled aside these days.
Dany ********
@Winston ***********
and then OP went silent 🤣
Brett ***********
@Winston ***********
the signed rent agreeent was a red flag for me, of course could have signed before when on the visa exempt but sounds unlikely as no guarantee of long term stay at that point ( unless hoping for successful back to back border runs every 60-90 days ).
Ke *****
@Winston ***********
old people... it's not hard to open a laptop and connect wifi 😅
Anonymous ******************
@Ke ****
And to be put aside in an interview room and book an accommodation on Airbnb... Funny guys.
Jonathan ******
@Winston ***********
Exactly. I'm torn between staying in this group and leaving, because about 20% is useful and the rest is a waste of time.
Carmelito *******
@Jonathan *****
The older sex tourists have a lot of time on their hands and make up random stuff because they just like "being right" with their negativity. That's the vibe I'm getting.
Christopher *********
That's crazy I recently came back and I was not asked any questions.

I will leave and come back in April so we will see if things changed
Simon ******
From all the information posted here seems that if you get the visa from outside your home country then there are more questions.
AllSabai ******
Is this your 1st Entry? Or the 2nd entry?
Thiên ******
Following
Kaitlyn *********
My husband and I had no issues and weren’t questioned at all. I think it’s just what officer you get and how they feel
Raquel ********
@Kaitlyn ********
when did you arrive
Kaitlyn *********
Raquel ********
@Kaitlyn ********
yeah that’s why they recently started cracking down on visas like in the last 2 weeks
Dave ********
Good they are checking.
Travelling ********
@Dave *******
yeah let people jump to the same exact hoops they have already jumped through to get the DTV.

This is super unfriendly, and super unwelcoming and unnecessarily overly bureaucratic. Like the 90 day report. They really got a handful of that here.
Anonymous ******************
@Travelling *******
Lots of complaints about one of the easiest and longest visas to obtain. The 90-day requirement isn't new, and you should have known about it before applying. You should be grateful instead. Try getting a similar visa in another country. 😒
Travelling ********
Anonymous participant 800 Cambodia: a year without having to do anything

Grenada: Also a year and you're fine

There are plenty of countries where you don't have jump through hoops.

It is also easier in the Philippines

But since I like to switch it up, I am now here. But they are definitely, again, overly bureaucratic.
Andi ***********
Someone posted that DTVS from Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia are being scrutinized as that is where many scam applications have been found. Good that you had all the docs to hand to show.
Alicia ********
@Andi **********
I was told by lawyer consultant to apply via Cambodia or Laos. I hope that doesn’t cause me 5 years of issues.
Greg ********
@Alicia *******
Certain agents and lawyers were advising these countries because seen as easier and some agents strongly hinted they had contacts in some if the places.
Andi ***********
@Alicia *******
Why did they say that? You applied for Workcation ?
Alicia ********
@Andi **********
yes, for ease.
Andi ***********
@Alicia *******
ok, best to have your application docs to hand if arriving over the next few months while the crackdown is on.
Alicia ********
@Andi **********
annoying. I coulda done in USA if I knew it’d get extra looked at.
Greg ********
@Alicia *******
Add the proviso to your guide about moving to Thailand :-)
Andi ***********
@Alicia *******
Yeah, it is annoying. No one could predict how certain SEA embassies would be exploited though. Anyone who has the DTV should have docs to hand. I will do the same for my return next month.
Paul *******
@Andi **********
Laos seems strict so I don't understand the scrutiny other than the possible fact that agents are used there a lot.
Andi ***********
@Paul ******
That is why the scrutiny has been upped. Many "agents" used Laos especially via SP. Unfortunately, IO cannot distinguish between agent applications and genuine applications.
Sujy *********
@Andi **********
What is SP?
Andi ***********
@Sujy ********
Soft Power
Anonymous ******************
Yeah, it definitely seems like Thai immigration is getting stricter across the board. If they’re already questioning people more aggressively on arrival, it wouldn’t be surprising if they take a similar approach when DTV holders go to renew after 180 days. They might start asking for more proof of ongoing remote work, and income etc.. it’d probably be wise always having those prepared to get be on the safe side.
Dany ********
Anonymer Teilnehmer 535 you need all documents again (new proof) when you extend. plus residency documents. nothing new and easy
Anonymous ******************
@Dany *******
I mean even when doing a border run to activate the 180 days. But this is obviously not going to be an issue for the legit remote workers, so I don’t mind if it weeds out the visa abusers, and criminals
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 535 That's exactly what we need before it is too late... Genuine holders may, after some time, understand how things work in Thailand.
Dany ********
Anonymer Teilnehmer 535 the whole post is pretty stupid i would say. because if these were the entry requirements then they would need to be publicized so that you know what you have to show again. no one will take a guess and get all documents with a fresh date and signature and stamp, etc… i dont think this is true at all. need to show 500k when entering the country? what will be accepted for that? a stamped and signed bank statement? or just showing my bank account on an app? translations? i need to have a new work certificate in my pocket with a fresh signature and stamp from my employer? nothing is clear and this wont happen at all.
Anonymous ******************
@Dany *******
immigration officers can request anything they like and have the power to make decisions on the spot when and how they see fit. And yes, maybe they could request to see a recent online bank statements or printed statements showing a minimum of 500k.
Anonymous ******************
@Dany *******
Since when does immigration publish special entry requirements for its various visas? You said it yourself, extension rules are pretty clear. These are their expectations. Why not ask immigration directly instead of making assumptions about how immigration officers should do their jobs? You're a legit nomad, aren't you? So there's nothing to be afraid of. Just have your documents ready, just in case.
Dany ********
Anonymer Teilnehmer 800 entry requirements are allways official and publicly available.

i asked immigration. they even just told me last week that i can go and come back anytime and get 180 days without any problems.

yes i have all documents. i did the extension as well ;) but as long as no one tells me that i will need a fresh financial proof and work certificate on re-entry, i will not show anything of that and i will not go crazy about it either. ;) there is no such requirement.

or did you see anyone on retirement visa beeing asked to show a bank statement on re-entry? no…
Anonymous ******************
@Dany *******
"Entry requirements are publicly available" Do you have a link? Why not for DTV then, is everything permitted?

Immigration said you can because they assume you've the required documents as per your extension. That doesn't mean you can't be checked at the border. That also doesn't mean anyone can enter if not having the right docs.

Retirement visas have stricter application and visa extension rules each single year, so there is surely less checks. That's not the case for education who massively got checked and this is well documented...
Dany ********
Anonymer Teilnehmer 800 retirment visa is not stricter on application or extension. the extension is basically the exact same. i did the process and i have many friends on retirement visa. exactly the same, just a 300k baht difference and local account. ;)

for DTV entrance you need your passport and your printed eVisa or sticker. thats all. same for all the other visa. with the addition that on visa exemption you need an outbound ticket. and dont forget the 20k baht in cash (or equivalent)… thats all the rules there is. everything else is just scrutiny by officers.

btw: i had ED before and never any issues. the people with issues are usualy flagged for whatever reason / sketchy visa, etc.. same with the DTV.
Christopher ***********
Anonymous participant 535 That’s already been reported several times. DTV holders applying for extensions at local immigration offices have faced questioning and given up, deciding to ‘border bounce’ instead.
James *******
Most people don’t get questioned. I was through in 30 second s
Paul *******
@James ******
Questioning is OK but if they start asking for documents that most people won't be traveling with, that will become a problem. Now I do travel with my laptop but I'm not planning on taking it out to show to an immigration officer. Luckily, my Thai is fluent and I have a way with officialdom, which allows me to breeze through in a way that most farang won't, but equally, I don't have a questionable immigration history either. I haven't used a visa exempt entry or tourist visa since early 2015. I've never overstayed. I've never held an education or volunteer visa. I'm not Burmese, Indian or from another third world country who's nationals often get scrutinized. I got my DTV legitimately without an agent.
James *******
@Paul ******
Yes, it appears doing things correctly and legitimately without a history of issues seems to ticket to being hassle free.
Rick ***********
@Paul ******
It's all good until it ain't.
Paul *******
@Rick **********
Yep, that's true.
Raquel ********
@James ******
I think it just started recently anyone who came in the last 2 weeks is having this experience
Peter **********
@James ******
Same here. I applied in Vietnam and been in and out a few times. Never asked anything. Not saying it can't happen, but so far it has been very smooth.
Anonymous ******************
@James ******
Yes, and this post doesn't assume it applies to all entries. But, at least we start to see that documents checks are possible at the border.
James *******
yes we document checks into any country is possible