What is the experience of traveling to Thailand with the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) from India?

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My Experience Traveling to Thailand with the New DTV (Destination Thailand Visa) from India

Hi everyone, I wanted to share my recent travel experience using the new Digital Travel Visa (DTV), which might help others planning their trip.

I received my DTV in early March (I’ve already shared a thread on how I got it—check the group for details). I traveled to Bangkok on March 24th via IndiGo Airlines, but I faced an issue at check-in. The airline staff was unaware of the DTV and initially denied my check-in for not having a return ticket. They insisted that Indian passport holders are only allowed a 60-day stay. Unfortunately, I had weak internet and couldn’t open the official portal to show the updated guidelines.

After a few minutes, another staff member searched online and found the new visa rules, after which I was allowed to board.

✅ No issues at Indian immigration (Bengaluru Airport).
✅ At Bangkok immigration, I was in the regular line (while most Indians were sent to the visa exemption queue). I informed the officer about my DTV and mentioned I was looking for a house for long-term living. He asked about my work and whether I planned to buy property in Thailand. I replied yes, and he smiled and welcomed me warmly!

Key Takeaways for DTV Holders:
➡️ Many airlines are still unaware of the new DTV. Carry proof of your visa and be prepared to explain it.
➡️ Immigration officers in Thailand seem well-informed and welcoming.
➡️ Internet access at check-in is important—have screenshots or saved documents just in case.

Happy to share that I’ve now secured a beautiful villa in Phuket and will be relocating with my family next month! We are looking for like minded families to get along and friends for my 6 years young, energetic and English speaking daughter in Thalang. I'm a Entrepreneur and a Youtuber working from home.

Hope this helps others planning their journey. Feel free to ask if you have any questions!

Safe travels, everyone! ✈️

Ask Thailand · Answer

The post details the author's experience traveling to Thailand using the new Digital Travel Visa (DTV). Upon check-in, the airline staff was initially unaware of the DTV, causing a brief scare about check-in denial due to the lack of a return ticket. However, they were eventually allowed to board after validation by another staff member. At Thai immigration, the author had a pleasant interaction and was well-received, highlighting the importance of carrying proof of the visa and having internet access to support their information if needed. Key takeaways include being prepared to explain the DTV to airline staff and ensuring documentation is handy for immigration.

Von *********** · Answer

Congratulations [mention redacted], what is the name of your YouTube channel?

Jins ******** · Answer

Great sharing Suhaan , would be interesting how you picked Phuket is it because it alligns with your business also. I was thinking Phuket is getting crowded these days

마리오 *** · Answer

How did you buy a villa? I thought they were cracking down on company owned properties in Phuket?

Anonymous ****************** · Answer

Similar situation here! I was on a flight from Mumbai to Bangkok and was asked about the return ticket. I didn’t have one but had my DTV printed out. I explained it is a 5 years visa showing the 5 years validity date. They checked again and allow me to board.

James ******** · Answer

Thank You for your helpful report 👍

Congratulations 👏👏👏

PRINT OUT THE EMAIL THAT HAS YOUR DTV VISA.

That's what you should do... print it out.

You may have to show PROOF of your DTV Visa to airline staff on check-in for your flight ✈️ to Thailand...even to the connecting airline staff. Or to the land border crossing entry Thai Immigration Officer.

Upon arrival into Thailand, show the DTV visa to the Thai Immigration Officer and look at the STAMP placed in your passport to be sure you are STAMPED in for 180 days.

Alain *************** · Answer

Maid the airline is unaware of the dtv because you called it digital travel visa? 😱 glad it worked out well

Adam ******* · Answer

Congratulations on everything.   I lived in Phuket 2 years!! In Thalang if you need a good taxi driver by the way, I highly reccomend [mention redacted]   she's the best, and very friendly and big suv

What is the experience of traveling to Thailand with the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) from India?

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