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What is the process of activating a DTV visa after approval while in Thailand?

Apr 24, 2025
4 days ago
Quick update on my DTV journey:

I applied for the DTV visa and flew to Thailand while the application was processing. I stayed for about a month on a 60-day tourist visa. Around day 20, I got the approval notice.

So I did a quick visa run—flew to Kuala Lumpur for a day, then straight back to Bangkok. At immigration, no questions asked. The officer already knew what it was about. I just mentioned I had to fly out to activate my DTV, and she stamped me in for 6 months with a smile and a “have a good stay.”

Smooth and easy.

Passport is Germany.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user successfully applied for a DTV visa while in Thailand on a 60-day tourist visa. They received approval after 20 days and performed a visa run to Kuala Lumpur, returning without issues. The immigration officer in Bangkok stamped them in for another 6 months. Comments from other users reflect on experiences and opinions regarding the DTV visa process.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Lek ***********
Did you fly in via BKK or DMK?
Joanna *********
Which country was the application lodged in?
John **********
You were lucky. Could so easily have had your visa application rejected
George *******
@John *********
Could do easily of got knocked down crossing the road. Don't you just love cynicism
Nathan ****
Can we stop these posts now. Why are we so shocked that an approved Visa works when entering Thailand 😂
Greg ********
@Nathan ***
no kidding.
Christopher ***********
Thanks and well done! There was a previous report of a German applicant being ‘invited’ for interview and not best pleased they had to travel two hours. Their only conclusion was that it must have been to check they were physically in their Country of application.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Christopher **********
I applied through the Dubai embassy, and I was ready to fly at any time to Dubai straight once they would invite me, but luckily they didn’t.
Dany ********
@Christopher **********
yes in germany they started with the interview a few months ago. happens many times now as it seems
Anonymous ******************
@Christopher **********
That's the risk indeed.
Anonymous ******************
Good to know it’s okay to return to Thailand while the visa application is still pending approval 👍

I guess they just want you to be in the country when you submit the application?
Anonymous ******************
It's actually not okay if you read the conditions. It doesn't always work that way, as you could be invited for an interview and asked to provide proof of your location. Some people struggle to follow the simple rules related to the DTV. Thus why it's getting stricter.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 688 if they got asked for an interview. could they not simply fly back to the country in which they applied at?
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 733 You will have exemption stamps in your passport... That will be up to them.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 688 fair point. But I guess it’s just down to whether the applicant wishes to take the risk or not.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 733 Of course. That's your responsibility but they could potentially deny you for this very reason.