What should I do if my DTV visa approval is pending before my flight to Thailand?

Aug 6, 2024
5 months ago
Viktoriya ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hey guys! I have a DTV visa question:

My flight to Thailand is approaching and I don't have an answer yet regarding visa approval.

Do I need to change my flight? Or is it okay if I go and and happen to hear back once I'm in Thailand already?

Would I need to exit the country and re-enter again? Or could I stay there and just go to immigration to let someone know the situation?'

Thank you!!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The poster is concerned about their pending DTV visa approval before traveling to Thailand. Community members suggest that entering Thailand on a visa exemption is an option, and once the DTV is received, a border bounce (exiting and re-entering Thailand) will be required to activate it. It's advised not to change flight plans. Additional comments highlight the necessity of applying and being present in the embassy's jurisdiction during the visa application process, with warnings against disclosing international residency during applications.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Sam **********
After DTV approval, how long do we have to activate the visa?
Bart **************
@Sam *********
five years
Moon *****
I have a similar situation. I applied from South Korea, and on the Tahi Embassy in korea website, there is a warning: 'The applicant must be in South Korea to apply for a visa and visa document from the Thai Embassy in South Korea. If you disclose that you are staying in another country during visa application or after visa issuance, the Embassy of Thailand may reject or cancel your application for staying outside the scope of the Embassy's authority.'

For now, I'm just waiting.Try contacting the embassy where you applied
Paul ********
Paul ********
@Moon ****
just don’t tell them your leaving anytime soon as the advice you need to be in the country you applied from less hassle and as it’s digital you’ll get it in your inbox
Paul ********
No all I’m saying is stick to your travel

Plans
Moon *****
@Paul *******
Are you saying that if I don't tell the embassy about my departure, they might not know that I have left the country?
Viktoriya ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Moon ****
I am also applying from South Korea, this is very helpful thank you!

I will try going to the embassy tomorrow in this case- will update!
Bart **************
@Viktoriya **********
or stay quiet, don't wake any sleeping dogs. That's the alternative approach.
Viktoriya ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bart *************
what do you mean? What's the problem with asking a few questions?
Bart **************
@Viktoriya **********
because they'll then just cancel your visa. They might pay extra attention if they know this.

Many things just work, until or unless you ask.
Viktoriya ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bart *************
Thanks for the heads up!
Moon *****
@Viktoriya **********
The website also mentions that the Destination Thailand Visa takes over a month to process. Since there isn't any other information available, I was curious about it too. I'll wait for your update. Thanks!
Viktoriya ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Moon ****
wow!! Most people have been receiving theirs between 3-15 days.. 😅
Moon *****
@Viktoriya **********
I sent an email to the embassy 7 days ago about this question, and I just got a reply.

They say that if you leave the country after applying for a visa, your visa will be canceled😭

When did you apply?
Viktoriya ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Moon ****
thank you for telling me! I was just getting ready to go there 😅

I applied on July 30th
Steph ********
Steph ********
John *******
Curious, when did you apply? What embasy?
Terary **********
I would not change your flights. You should be good to enter on visa exempt.

If/when your DTV is granted, you will need to exit/re-enter Thailand to activate the DTV.

If you have no travel plans you can go through an agent to a near land border, cross, come right back (border bounce). You can do it yourself also, if you're into adventures.
Viktoriya ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Terary *********
Thank you very much!
Anthony *******
Your addiction cancels out answers
Jim ********
DTV is an eVisa so you'll be sent the visa as a PDF document. If you're already in the country on a visa-exempt entry, just do a border bounce to activate the DTV.

Great choice of visa. The DTV will change the demographics of the Thailand expat population!
Viktoriya ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jim *******
thank you for your answer Jim!
Jan ******************
You can enter on a visa exemption, but you’ll need to do a border bounce to activate your visa when you receive it.
Viktoriya ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jan *****************
Thank you Jan!
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