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! ✈️
TLDR : Answer Summary
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.
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