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What should DTV visa holders know about re-entering Thailand?
DTV VisaThailand ImmigrationVisa Re-EntryRemote Work VisaImmigration ProceduresVisa AbuseImmigration OfficeVisa DocumentationExpat ExperiencesTravel Tips
Mar 24, 2025
a year ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERHello, I just want to share my experience with re-entering on the DTV visa in Phuket (remote work).
A few days ago I arrived back to Phuket after a short 2 day trip in Dubai. I presented my passport to the immigration officer and he said "oh DTV". He took my passport to his colleague and after a quick chat asked me to follow him to the immigration office. I was asked to provide all the documentation I used to apply for the DTV visa. Luckily I had it on my laptop.
The immigration officer asked all sorts of questions like: Did I apply for the DTV visa myself? Why did I apply in Hanoi if I am an Australia citizen and UAE resident? How much money do I have?
After about 1 hour of talking to multiple immigration officers and sending my documents via email to the imm. office at the airport, I was granted a 180-day stamp.
All the immigration officers were very nice and even explained why they decided to check all my documents. According to them, it turns out that a lot of fake papers were used to obtain DTV visas in Vietnam, Loas and Myanmar,... He said if I applied in Australia or Dubai then there would be no issues. The imm officer said they do a better job of checking papers in non SEA countries.
I have a remote work DTV visa (workaction) and am employed by a US registered company. Everything is fully transparent and documented.
However, I do want to use this opportunity to caution people against using DTV visa services, where agents will provide "all the papers you need" for a fee. I have seen many ads like this around FB and telegram groups.
One person next to me in the imm. office was issued a DTV visa with what they suspect to be fake papers and according to the immigration officer they will contact the embassy of that individual and notify them that the visa has been cancelled. I don't know what happened to that person after that, but it doesn't sound like you get a chance to just buy a ticket to KL and leave.
Please use common sense when deciding to apply for the DTV visa and treat it like you are applying for a visa in any other European or western country. If you applied for a DTV visa with a 2 week cooking course and are re-entering after 6 months, expect some questions. If you have used dodgy or even fake employment or course papers to apply for a DTV, then good luck to you.
Hope this info helps. Happy to answer any questions on my experience if I forget to mention something in the post.
A few days ago I arrived back to Phuket after a short 2 day trip in Dubai. I presented my passport to the immigration officer and he said "oh DTV". He took my passport to his colleague and after a quick chat asked me to follow him to the immigration office. I was asked to provide all the documentation I used to apply for the DTV visa. Luckily I had it on my laptop.
The immigration officer asked all sorts of questions like: Did I apply for the DTV visa myself? Why did I apply in Hanoi if I am an Australia citizen and UAE resident? How much money do I have?
After about 1 hour of talking to multiple immigration officers and sending my documents via email to the imm. office at the airport, I was granted a 180-day stamp.
All the immigration officers were very nice and even explained why they decided to check all my documents. According to them, it turns out that a lot of fake papers were used to obtain DTV visas in Vietnam, Loas and Myanmar,... He said if I applied in Australia or Dubai then there would be no issues. The imm officer said they do a better job of checking papers in non SEA countries.
I have a remote work DTV visa (workaction) and am employed by a US registered company. Everything is fully transparent and documented.
However, I do want to use this opportunity to caution people against using DTV visa services, where agents will provide "all the papers you need" for a fee. I have seen many ads like this around FB and telegram groups.
One person next to me in the imm. office was issued a DTV visa with what they suspect to be fake papers and according to the immigration officer they will contact the embassy of that individual and notify them that the visa has been cancelled. I don't know what happened to that person after that, but it doesn't sound like you get a chance to just buy a ticket to KL and leave.
Please use common sense when deciding to apply for the DTV visa and treat it like you are applying for a visa in any other European or western country. If you applied for a DTV visa with a 2 week cooking course and are re-entering after 6 months, expect some questions. If you have used dodgy or even fake employment or course papers to apply for a DTV, then good luck to you.
Hope this info helps. Happy to answer any questions on my experience if I forget to mention something in the post.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post shares an individual's experience re-entering Thailand on a Digital Visa (DTV) after a short trip abroad. They faced scrutiny from immigration officers who asked for extensive documentation due to concerns about the authenticity of DTV applications from certain countries. The author warns against using agent services for visa applications, citing potential risks of cancellation for fraudulent submissions. The post highlights the increasing scrutiny and stricter immigration checks on DTV holders, advising applicants to ensure all documentation is legitimate and transparent to ease re-entry.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
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Mark *******
This actually might be some insight as to why people are asked more questions - I recently posted that I made it through without any questions other than if it was my first time reentering - but I didn’t mention that my DTV was obtained in the U.S. thanks for the post and it seems you might have identified one of the reasons why some are getting more questions than others!
Adnan ********
Things can change after the visa issue so its immigration Officer job to double check, some can be rude but most of the officers are just doing their job.....this is normal everywhere, specially in Europe and Americas, get used to it. if the Visa Holder has done nothing wrong at the time of visa application then he/she should not be worried and be ready for some scrutiny. i travel every 3-4 weeks to different part of the world because of my work and trust me its normal, thailand is just catching up.
Quincy *******
It would be easier to get a thai girl pregnant than wrangle this DTV nonsense😅😂
Im gonna name the kid Visa DTV
Im gonna name the kid Visa DTV
Cliff *********
To the Procotors:
Please clamp down on "Anonymous " and inappropriate use of this forum.
Maybe you should screen any further posters who try to hide this way.
Possibly their "stories " are true, possibly they have a real reason to hide.
More likely they are scammers trying to sow fear and confusion.
Thank you.
Please clamp down on "Anonymous " and inappropriate use of this forum.
Maybe you should screen any further posters who try to hide this way.
Possibly their "stories " are true, possibly they have a real reason to hide.
More likely they are scammers trying to sow fear and confusion.
Thank you.
Adnan ********
@Cliff ********
this is normal, i have couple of stories that i don't like to say using my real name, trust me when i say this we are not the only one watching this fb group...so i understand when someone don't want to mention there name even if i don't like....Anonymous ******************
Adnan Khairi exactly… 👍
Reply to
Anonymous ******************
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Anonymous ******************
@Cliff ********
Lots of assumptions. You're bringing zero knowledge or sources. Not everyone is a scammer. Learn to use the search function and register on visas forums other than DTV, where you'll find expats with at least some immigration experience.Reply to
Anonymous ******************
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Bruno ***********
I do not trust your publication. Your story about the person sitting next to you getting his visa canceled is laughable. The fact you said that you witness this entiere process, that barely took an hour, is a non sense. I will leave you one opportunity to prove the opposite : Send us a screenshot of your entry/out stamp in dubai and the stamp of entry in Thailand the supposed 48 hours later. But i am almost sure you will not do it because your story is a fairytale
Winston ************
@Bruno **********
yeah this sounds completely bogus. Imagine if IOs spend an hour doing this with every DTV holder with a DTV issued in a SEA country. Ridiculous story!Bruno ***********
@Winston ***********
yes, i believe some stories where IO asked a few questions. It happens and this is the normal process at borders. But beeing brough to the office for a deep screening of all your documentation. (most likely in english and it already took several days for the embassy to check).. i don't buy this.Reply to
Bruno ***********
Reply
Adnan ********
@Bruno **********
you dont get any stamp in/out in dubai if you are residence or been there atleast once, they use bimatrice try to travel more....Bruno ***********
Adnan Khairi no but get stamp in/out of Thailand. OP could provide easily a screenshot of them to support his story. It literally takes 20 sec.
Reply to
Bruno ***********
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bruno **********
May I ask what reason you think I would have to fabricate this story? I only chose to share it in the hope that it might be helpful to others, just as the community supported me during my own DTV application process.Regarding the Dubai stamp—if you’ve traveled to the UAE, you may be aware that passports are not typically stamped upon entry or exit, as biometric gates are used instead.
At Phuket immigration, there was no privacy during the questioning process. Everyone was in a shared holding area, and it was easy to overhear the conversations taking place. As I mentioned, I’m not certain what ultimately happened to the individual in question, but I was present throughout the time they were being questioned. The immigration officer was using Google Translate to ask about their bank statements and other documentation. After I was done, the officer apologized for the delay and commented that the other traveler may have used false documents to obtain a DTV visa. I also overheard another officer inform the individual that their DTV visa would be canceled and that their embassy would be contacted.
Bruno ***********
I could think of many different reasons to publish this kind of statment to scare people. You could be one of the many upsets by this DTV visa : Agent, holder of non O or elite visa, troll ect... As other people in this group already said.
These stories are always published by anonymous post AND they never ever provide a proof of what they said. You still can show a screen of the stamp out of Thailand then the stamp-in 48 hours later, but my pinky finger tells me that you won't 😄. Prove me wrong ?
These stories are always published by anonymous post AND they never ever provide a proof of what they said. You still can show a screen of the stamp out of Thailand then the stamp-in 48 hours later, but my pinky finger tells me that you won't 😄. Prove me wrong ?
Reply to
Bruno ***********
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Charles **********
These posts sound like they are made begrudged by elite visa holders who spent 900k on a visa when rhey could have spent 10k
Anonymous ******************
@Charles *********
are you new to Thailand? Because if not, you shouldn’t be that surprised or have any real doubts about these type of stories.. just sayingBruno ***********
@Charles *********
exactly, i would be mad too 😆Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERIf someone is able to afford 900K per family member for a visa, it's quite unlikely they'd go out of their way to share false stories in this group. I just hope we can all approach discussions here with a bit more common sense and mutual respect before making assumptions.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant right! If you can afford to pay 900k for the visa, it is unlikely they are working under the table in Thailand.
Charles **********
Anonymous participant btw I also got my DTV from Vietnam at Christmas, and went to Japan last week
No questions atoll, asked at phuket immigration airport, just stamped straight through on my return flight
So if its policy you story dosent make much sense , why are they only enforcing it for random people and not all people who got Vietnam DTVs
No questions atoll, asked at phuket immigration airport, just stamped straight through on my return flight
So if its policy you story dosent make much sense , why are they only enforcing it for random people and not all people who got Vietnam DTVs
Anonymous ******************
@Charles *********
Are you serious? Do you really think they have enough officers to check each single person? No one said they are questioning everyone. It was said it could happen 🤔Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant That's the only argument they have: bringing zero knowledge or sources, just assuming all anonymous posters are liars. Everything is getting stricter for DTV, whether it's during the application process, extensions in Thailand, or crossing the border. There are plenty of reports from various types of posters. The extension rules are official, and many people are now failing to extend because they no longer qualify.
Reply to
Anonymous ******************
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Anonymous ******************
Elite Visa holders, agents, aliens… Are you bringing any materials or sources to support your argument, or are you just clinging to your delusional belief that you have special immigration immunity?
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Anonymous ******************
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Terin ********
I mean an Australian passport done in another country that works for the US business. Is a red flag 🚩
Maurice **********
And what for people who got the DTV as a digital nomad in a physicall way at the Embassy? All the documentation has already been sent and there is no way to check this yourself. Besides, as a digital nomad, you have many clients that pay indirect first to a third paymentprovider and then to your bank. And your contracts are always fluctuating - thats why its called digital nomad.
Christopher ********
@Maurice *********
it’s not exactly a nomad visa. It’s a destination Thailand visa. Remote work doesn’t mean you move around. You can be a remote worker in your own country.Maurice **********
@Christopher *******
thats correct but I am talking abt the different clients/contracts that keep changing compared to when you applied for the DTV.Reply to
Maurice **********
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Anonymous ******************
This seems very strange as what happens if you don’t have it with you. It’s not a legal requirement for you to carry those documents with you and they can’t check whether those are the documents used for the application anyway.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 191 if you are a legit remote worker, it would be very suspicious to not be able to prove it on the spot. Most digital workers are fully competent with tech. I would have no problem personally showing proof if needed at an airport. Cracking down on fraud is reasonable.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 191 In which country can you hold a visa you are not entitled to or are no longer entitled to? Although it's not common, immigration authorities conduct checks (questions/documents), why would the DTV be an exception? It's not about showing documents of the original application, it's about showing recent valid documents.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 912 what makes you no longer entitled to it? You met the criteria at the time of application, I don’t believe it says anywhere that the criteria is to maintain remote employment or fixed bank balance etc for the entire 5 years
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 912 the visa has a 5 year validity, if your circumstances change within those 5 years it doesn’t make the visa invalid.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 191 To keep a business visa, you'll need to prove an ongoing work. If you decide to resign or get fired, you lose your visa immediately (even if it's a 1 year visa). That's how things are working here in Thailand. That's the same for marriage (divorce), education (end of studies), etc. For example, holding a Muay Thai DTV without having a valid ongoing class may be an issue. That's at least what immigration tells you when extending your visa in Thailand; you need an ongoing activity/work and 500k on a bank account.
Reply to
Anonymous ******************
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 191 That's true, there probably isn't any legal requirement to carry these papers when re-entering, but be prepared to show something like this if you were granted a DTV from the above mentioned locations.
They can't check if these papers match your original application, but they did scrutinize my employment contract and made sure that the inward remittance on my bank statements match the employer name. They possibly checked other things as well.
They can't check if these papers match your original application, but they did scrutinize my employment contract and made sure that the inward remittance on my bank statements match the employer name. They possibly checked other things as well.
Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Winston ************
Always anonymous 🤣
Anonymous ******************
@Winston ***********
What does it change exactly? Feel free to prove the poster is a liar...Reply to
Anonymous ******************
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Werner ************
Yes there was alot of fraud with the DTV which really comes down to poor processing by the embassies - they will likely review most DTV received in a third world country since many scam call centre gangs entered Thailand
Cliff *********
@Werner ***********
scam call center gangs?Anonymous ******************
@Cliff ********
that’s correct. Lots of them operating here. Some small scale operations, other much larger ones..Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
Irina ****
As always immigration officers like to play God and decide who is allowed to enter and who is not. Having any kind of visa is not a 100% guarantee that you will be allowed into the country
Biff *******
@Irina ***
That’s exactly the function of an immigration officer. Their job is to do that. They’re not ‘playing god’ they’re being an immigration officer.Reply to
Biff *******
Reply
Dany ********
Another anonymous anecdote 🤣🤣🤣
Anonymous ******************
@Dany *******
not all of us want our names attached to random immigration messages that would be viewable by friends and colleagues. Odd to not recognize that “Dany Nomads” which is your real name of course, right? 🙄Andy **********
@Dany *******
I don't understand why so many people post or comment anonymously, on this DTV page, if it's not an embarrassing situation, or could impact someone negatively, why do it?? Posting or commenting anonymously, it just gives people doubt if it's even genuine.Tae'lur ********
@Andy *********
to maintain their privacy, discussing taxes/visa stuff can be super personal to someone. honestly i understand why ppl do it.Andy **********
@Tae'lur *******
I'm not totally against someone posting anonymously, but only if it's for the right reasons as I suggested in my other comments, very often it's just a general discussion, some posts and comments that are anonymous, I personally think they have ulterior motives, I'm thinking they are visa and tax agents scaremongering to drum up business.Dany ********
@Tae'lur *******
but strangely all the negative posts come from anonymous users. while your point might be valid, there is plenty of old grumpy man and visa agencies that spread false stories and fear ;)Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dany *******
I am sure that everyone has their own valid reasons for posting anonymously. Mine is identity protection. I gave a lot of details in the original post and I don't wish for them to be tracked back to me in this public settingTae'lur ********
@Dany *******
fair point for sure Dany, this is overall tricky 😅❤️Reply to
Tae'lur ********
Reply
Anonymous ******************
@Andy *********
Maybe because we are dealing with immigration business... Not the wisest move to report a bad experience under your own name. Lots of people using their real names and agree with the poster though.Andy **********
Anonymous participant 912 how could this post have a negative impact on the person that posted it, nothing negative was said about the immigration officers, the post is basically a warning to people, that you could be required to produce the documents, you used in the application process, if pulled to one side at the border, upon re-entry to Thailand, immigration would probably be happy about people spreading the word, not to do "doggy" visas, because they are checking, I heard anyone that posts or comments anonymously on Facebook, the admins of the page can see who it is anyway, so I'm sure if immigration wanted to find out they could anyway 🤷😅
Anonymous ******************
@Andy *********
Well, that's your choice. But does that mean the poster is lying? Is there any official source that says otherwise? I'm always happy to debate, but if the main point is simply to call an anonymous person a liar, that doesn't add much to the discussion.Andy **********
Anonymous participant 912 I stated I think people have "doubts if it's genuine" with anonymous posts and comments, with some posts I'm convinced they have ulterior motives, and it's just visa and tax agents scaremongering, to drum up business, some people agree, and some people disagree with that statement anyway.
Anonymous ******************
@Andy *********
I can confirm I am not. I am only someone who prefer seeing rules getting stricter to have a chance to enjoy it as long as possible. Abuses of visas aren't a great thing and didn't serve other visa (education, volunteer).Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
Anonymous ******************
@Dany *******
And? Your name is "Dany Nomads". Do you better qualify?Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 912 the fact that someone using an alias suggests anonymous posts aren’t trustworthy 😭😭
Reply to
Anonymous ******************
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Sean *******
@Dany *******
I agree but what is clear is that DTVs from certain locations are scrutinized more by some IOs.Anonymous ******************
@Sean ******
Well, you're seeing what some refuse to see. There is a world where immigration has every right to randomly check the eligibility of a visa holder.Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
Sean *******
@Dany *******
I'm also suspicious of anonymous posts. But this one is not and is similar. An Aussie getting a grilling with a DTV from Cambodia.Dany ********
@Sean ******
2.5 months old… while we have 20.000+ DTV holders… of course there will be some storiere here and there, that’s pretty normal, dont you think? for visa exemption i am now reading daily posts of people getting denied at the border. immigration is getting very strict now… and answering a few questions on entry isnt really an issue for any legit DTV holder. i dont see any big problem here.Reply to
Dany ********
Reply
Chris *********
If schools provided a unique qr code on the receipt that only matched to the details of the student this wouldn't happen.
Sean *******
@Chris ********
All these documents have barcodes on them. But they can only be read by the computer system of the company/organisation which made them.Chris *********
@Sean ******
that's why I'm saying they should have a qr code when scanned goes to the companys website that confirms the name, number of pages, date on the document. That way you couldn't copy someone else's.Reply to
Chris *********
Reply
Biff *******
@Chris ********
Schools?Sean *******
@Chris ********
The OP is a remote worker...Chris *********
@Sean ******
same system could be used for any official document, bank statements, tax returns but for whatever reason these companies and governments don't care about reducing document fraudReply to
Chris *********
Reply
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous stories are the best
Sean *******
They can easily check to see if you got approved while in Thailand too. Which means you might have used an agent and will probably get it cancelled as well.
Erik *******
Unfortunately It’s clear that DTV has already been abused heavily. No surprise here: DTV replaced both the ED (Education) and Volunteer visa that has been heavily abused in the past, particularly during covid times, for folks who choose to go the “dodgy” way.
I guess DTV will then follow the path of ED and Volunteer visa : increasing scrutiny and tightening … You can thank once again the system abusers .
I guess DTV will then follow the path of ED and Volunteer visa : increasing scrutiny and tightening … You can thank once again the system abusers .
John *******
My understanding though is that immigration can’t cancel a visa. They can deny you entry, but the visa was issued by MoFA, so only can be canceled by them.
John **********
@John ******
while that might be true immigration can certainly make it very difficult, if not impossible, for someone to enter the countryJohn *******
@John *********
- yes, like I said, they can deny you entry.John **********
@John ******
I actually meant after denying you entry,if you try again later. It's a work of moments to flag someone in their databaseJohn *******
@John *********
- yes, once they deny you, it is easy for them to continue to deny you.Reply to
John *******
Reply
Anonymous ******************
Get ready to be labeled an agent by those delusional enough to think a DTV grants immunity from immigration checks. There are more and more reports of DTV checks in Chiang Mai and now in Phuket. It’s a logical progression, as many bad actors (not the genuine nomads) are taking advantage of the DTV because it’s cheap and easy. Abuse of exemptions has become harder, so people are switching to the DTV instead.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 912 That’s exactly right. And this is only the very beginning of it..
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Anonymous ******************
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Anonymous ******************
Congratulations on your success, but a BIG F-you to people abusing the system that will eventually make things more difficult for those who wish to apply legally.
Greg ********
Anonymous participant 974 The Vol all but went. It means genuine charities and NGOs cannot get real volunteer workers due to unscrupulous agents abusing it.
Greg *******
@Greg *******
We received personal letters of support from Members of Parliament, the Ministry of Education, and school directors we assisted. Despite this, immigration refused to extend a volunteer visa for a volunteer due to widespread past abuse by others. Even obtaining an Elite Visa becomes impossible if you’ve ever held a volunteer visa, as immigration often assumes it was obtained fraudulently.
The DTV is a fantastic visa, and hopefully, immigration won’t treat it the same way they currently handle extensions for medical or volunteer visas. You can still cross the border and re-enter, though you might face some questions—similar to those asked of education, medical, or volunteer visa holders who obtained theirs from an embassy.
Greg ********
@Greg ******
Agree. There should be a pathway for genuine volunteers. There is a need.Reply to
Greg ********
Reply
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 974 Exactly. That's why checks are conducted.
Reply to
Anonymous ******************
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