ask
Search
Ask
Answered4 months ago

What is the experience of entering Thailand with a DTV visa at immigration?

Indoin*******
asked Jul 6, 2026
3.1k
views
13
replies
44
likes
I landed in Bangkok (BKK) last night after a 4-day trip to Taiwan. At immigration, the officer called another IO to escort me to a separate room, where I waited for around 30 minutes.

After that, an officer called me over and asked if I had ever used the VIP lane/Fast Track service before. (I had used it once on my first DTV entry last year through an agent.)

I told him that I hadn’t used it this time because I didn’t think I needed it since I have a DTV visa. This was my third entry, and I also didn’t use it on my second entry.

He simply said, “You did the right thing. You don’t need to use that anymore since you have a visa, and immigration officers will no longer provide that service.”

They didn’t ask me anything about my job, my income, or the type of DTV I have. I think the only issue was that I had used the VIP line service once before, and that was it.

After that, they stamped me for 180 days and let me go. That was the entire process.

So, based on my experience, there’s no need to worry too much about some of the scary posts in this group. Of course, everyone’s situation is different, but in my case everything went smoothly, and the only thing they seemed concerned about was my previous use of the Fast Track service.
Answer summary
The author shares their recent experience entering Thailand through Bangkok's immigration with a DTV visa. After being briefly escorted for questioning, the immigration officer confirmed that the use of the VIP lane was unnecessary with a DTV visa and that it would no longer be offered for them. They were granted a 180-day stamp without further inquiries about employment or income. The discussion highlights varying experiences among expats with DTV visas, emphasizing that while some face challenges, many report smooth entries.
13 repliesnewest first
13

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

Trevor *********
Trevor *********
Be careful where you apply. Different embassies have very different success rates for DTV applicants. At the moment, Laos is popular because they seem to approve most applications. However, I have no crystal ball that says that will definitely continue...........
GrayWal********
GrayWal********
You might be able to do it once or twice and then at re-entry they might pull you aside and ask questions
Sean ********
Sean ********
Nomad
Sean ********
Sean ********
Better off with mad visa
Dom ********
Dom ********
That’s the perfect way to use a DTV 👍
Tyler *******
Tyler *******
The DTV permits multiple entries and 180-day stays, repeatedly doing 180 days in, two weeks out, then returning could eventually attract immigration scrutiny. There isn't an official rule prohibiting this pattern, but admission is always at the discretion of the immigration officer.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
Isn't the visa renewable once every 6 months as well? So in theory you only need to go out once every 12 months?
Sam ******
Sam ******
Anonymous participant 746 in theory yes but in practice immigration officers make it very difficult to extend
James ********
James ********
Your plan is workable ✅
Kuba *******
Kuba *******
This is what this visa is for.
Khun ******
Khun ******
No problem 👍
Klaus ********
Klaus ********
That's how it works. I even do same day returns. Don't need to stay for 2 weeks outside.
Greg ********
Greg ********
What you were describing is exactly how thousands of others are using it and do not seem to have any issues whatsoever.

Activity

13 joined
Indoin*******
Indoin*******
Indoin*******
Indoin*******
Indoin*******
Indoin*******
13
people
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)
...members
Member 1
Member 2
Member 3
Member 4
Member 5
Member 6
Member 7
Member 8

Related

25
What is the process for entering Thailand with a DTV soft power visa?
2.7k17432mo
What are the requirements for re-entering Thailand on a Soft Power DTV visa after completing a course?
3.1k29273mo
What was the experience of entering Thailand with a DTV visa at BKK immigration?
2.5k8584mo
What should expats know about the DTV visa process and entry at Bangkok immigration?
6.5k47934mo
What should I expect during immigration when entering Thailand with a DTV?
1.6k5354mo
What is the process of getting a DTV extension in Thailand and how can I prepare for it?
2.3k16326mo
What was the experience of entering Thailand with a DTV visa at Suvarnabhumi Airport?
2.5k15406mo
What questions might immigration ask when re-entering Thailand with a DTV visa?
2.3k162610mo
What was the experience of getting a DTV visa on arrival at Bangkok airport like?
8.1k3017210mo
What challenges did you face applying for a DTV visa from Dubai and how did you overcome them?
4.8k27791y
What are the experiences and challenges faced by expats with the DTV e-visa in Thailand?
10.8k831381y
What was your experience with getting a DTV visa in Thailand?
1.7k9221y
What could have caused the rejection of a Soft Power Muay Thai visa application in Hanoi?
6.5k64362y
What are the potential impacts of multiple visa runs on my DTV visa application in Thailand?
1.7k9202y
What should I do to avoid confusion with Thai immigration when entering on a DTV visa?
2.7k16342y
Do Thai immigration officers ask for proof of DTV status upon re-entry?
2.1k14162y
Can I obtain a 5-year DTV visa by completing a 2-week Thai cooking course?
2.4k18172y
Can I extend my stay in Thailand every 6 months for 5 years with the DTV?
7.4k65632y
What are the requirements and procedures for applying for a DTV visa in Thailand?
1.6k1062y
Can I let my education visa expire and re-enter Thailand on a DTV?
1.7k1392y
What type of visa should I get as a British citizen married to a Thai with a child while frequently traveling to Thailand?
6.6k54682y
What documents and requirements are needed for a DTV visa in Thailand, and how long does the process take?
3.4k26232y
What are the re-application requirements for the new DTV visa in Thailand?
2.1k1762y
What is the process of home visits by Immigration for the NON-O married visa in Thailand?
4.7k35323y
What was the experience of doing a visa run to Kanchanaburi like?
3.2k21409y

Resources

Need help with your DTV visa?