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What should I do if my DTV visa was stamped for only 3 months instead of 6 months at Thai immigration?
Aug 7, 2025
9 months ago
Golden ************
ORIGINAL POSTERHi! I recently got back from vacation and when myself & my daughter showed the airport immigration agent our DTV’s she literally laughed & mockingly asked “ what will we do in 6 months when it’s time to renew our visas! “ But get this, she stamped both of our passports for only a 3 month stay & not 6 months like our DTV’s grant us. Please be aware of what’s being stamped on your passports too! And if anyone has advice on how to avoid this, please share.
TLDR : Answer Summary
An expat shares their experience of returning to Thailand with their daughter, where the immigration officer only stamped their DTV visas for 3 months instead of the expected 6 months. The officer questioned what they would do at the 6-month mark, leading to confusion and concern about the validity of the stamps. The community discusses the importance of checking stamps immediately at immigration and offers advice on correcting mistakes at local immigration offices, emphasizing that such incidents can happen. Users urge caution and proper documentation to avoid issues.
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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Anonymous ******************
funny how all the thailand warriors want to protect dumb immigration officers lol.
IO are clearly the most corrupted
IO are clearly the most corrupted
Luit *****************
From what you read in the opening post, you cannot draw the conclusion if the IO is dumb or not, or corrupt, just not enough info, so why your (anonymous) statement?
Reply to
Luit *****************
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Delfina *********
Yeah they like this game
Filip *******
More proof needed ? It does happen , happend to me too.
You all should know that This is Thailand . A lot can happen.
You all should know that This is Thailand . A lot can happen.
Anonymous ******************
@Filip ******
Glad you came to post about it here 👍. Hopefully, some people will start being more realistic and stop spreading false information. Immigration officers do as they please; visa holders can be denied entry or even granted fewer days than usual.And for the ones who still not believe it, READ the MFA website (even though not common):
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0a31a?utm_source=perplexityReply to
Anonymous ******************
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마리오 ***
Please show a copy of the stamp.
Luit *****************
@마리오 **
Why are so much people here curious about a simple Thai entry stamp? I guess we all know how it looks like.Reply to
Luit *****************
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Anonymous ******************
Same thing happened to me. Went to my local immigration when I noticed (a month after entry), they kept passport for 24hours, phoned BKK airport immigration, double checked my details and then corrected on my passport by pen + stamp. Since then I make sure every time I come back to Thailand that the airport immigration officer knows I am entering with a dtv visa. Suggest you do the same
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 509 Means they had to check with the IO at airport to understand why she/he put less days than usual... Interesting and possible whether that was a mistake or not. IOs can give whatever "not exceeding" the usual allowance (180 days for DTV).
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Anonymous ******************
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Pierre ********
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ScenicPer*********
You guys are asking for a stamp upload? Some people are weirdos. Who lies about something so trivial?🤦🏾♀️
ScenicPer*********
The group is turning from people seeking help, to creeps asking to see personal documents, and justifying it. There is a difference between seeking help, and letting people know your experience. People don't want to post because of the weird questions. Let immigration do the interrogations. I will let you close the discussion on that note.
Luit *****************
I also see no reason why somebody should lie about this, but some here just want to make stories unbelievable if they don't fit their philosophy.
But on the other hand I believe in the opening post not everything is told, I just don't believe an IO stamps 90 days without motivation, and also not just ask what to do in 180 days to renew visas.
I even wonder if an IO would even call it "renew visas" because that is incorrect terminology.
But on the other hand I believe in the opening post not everything is told, I just don't believe an IO stamps 90 days without motivation, and also not just ask what to do in 180 days to renew visas.
I even wonder if an IO would even call it "renew visas" because that is incorrect terminology.
ScenicPer*********
@Luit ****************
Some just want to play investigation police. I understand that. The reality of it is, regardless of what the stamp says, immigration made a decision.Luit *****************
ScenicPersimmon526 Some people here present DTV as a kind of ideal visa, which, once obtained, would provide unrestricted access to Thailand without conditions.
When posts then appear that show there are indeed conditions, they are dismissed as nonsense.
I think it's good that everyone knows that there are indeed strict conditions and that they are checked occasionally.
When posts then appear that show there are indeed conditions, they are dismissed as nonsense.
I think it's good that everyone knows that there are indeed strict conditions and that they are checked occasionally.
ScenicPer*********
@Luit ****************
I guess we can justify anything that we want. I believe I'm not the only one who thinks interrogating people is ridiculous. 🙏🏾Luit *****************
ScenicPersimmon526 Interrogation is for IO when they think it is necessary, not for group members here.
Asking additional info sometimes is useful to give better advise.
Asking additional info sometimes is useful to give better advise.
ScenicPer*********
@Luit ****************
I stopped reading about 20 minutes ago. 🙏🏾Reply to
ScenicPer*********
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Greg ********
ScenicPersimmon526 It's like a Trump press conference in here sometimes. It's all "Fak3 News" 555
ScenicPer*********
@Greg *******
Apparently so. My common sense told me long ago, Immigration does what they want.Greg ********
ScenicPersimmon526 Your common sense is correct. The MFA on their website makes it clear a visa does not guarantee entry even if they have issued it. The final say is down to Immigration. The senior MFA official interviewed at the FCCT reiterated thst point. It is there on YouTube for all to see.
Reply to
Greg ********
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Callum *******
Where's that anonymous moron who usually comments something along the lines of "how dare you disrespect the kingdom!!" etc etc ? 🧐🧐
Anonymous ******************
I check the date every time before I walk away. They should correct it right then
Arnold *****
I told them stamp me a month is fine cause i'm only staying a week and they said cause I had DTV she'll stamp me 6 months everytime.
Biff *******
When you check the stamp you’re given and it’s incorrect, that is the time to get it corrected there and then.
James ********
@Biff ******
Correct ✅Reply to
James ********
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DTV_Be*******
Miscues happen it’s imperative you look for anomalies in the stamp before exiting the area
You will have to go back to the airport and get it resolved if you fail to get it resolved and believe you can stay 180
Days on a 90 day stamp the I/O’s will code you as overstay
฿500 a day to a max of ฿20,000
Good Luck
You will have to go back to the airport and get it resolved if you fail to get it resolved and believe you can stay 180
Days on a 90 day stamp the I/O’s will code you as overstay
฿500 a day to a max of ฿20,000
Good Luck
Elías ********
Steve *******
Another "give me attention"-post with no basis in truth.
Provide the airport you landed at and photos of the stamps, or stop posting bs.
Provide the airport you landed at and photos of the stamps, or stop posting bs.
Rocky ****************
@Steve ******
the name is “golden she eagle” attention is an understatement. she’d give her daughter away for a million views 🤷🏽♂️Reply to
Rocky ****************
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Anonymous ******************
everything up to immigration officer. krub
Todd *********
Anonymous participant 736 no, it’s not. No immigration officer has the power to overturn the regulations obviously.
Luit *****************
@Todd ********
What regulations are overturned here? IO can decide about entry and can stamp up to 180 days.
When less than 180 days I should expect the IO has to explain why, but I think we don't see the whole story here. The question "What will we do in 6 months" highly unlikely comes just out of the blue.
Todd *********
@Luit ****************
nobody said there was anything overturned. I’m simply responding to ‘everything up to immigration officer’. Which is false. Agree, if the discussion was about DTV and IO was aware he had one, the IO made a mistake by not stamping 180 days
Peter ***********
@Todd ********
Immigration Officers overturn regulations regularly when they're paid bribes by visa agents 😂Todd *********
@Peter **********
not really at all. They opt for less rigorous enforcement. Same as everywhere reallyPeter ***********
@Todd ********
"Opt for less rigorous enforcement" isn't opting to change the regulations? 😂😂😂😂Todd *********
@Peter **********
obviously.Peter ***********
@Todd ********
Which I guess means the IO can choose to stamp someone in for 90 days instead of 180 if they're having a crap day? They do have wide-ranging powers of discretion.Todd *********
@Peter **********
no they don’t. And no IO is without supervisor on site. They have a clear cut chain of command and regulations to adhere to. Thinking they have ‘wide ranging powers of discretion’ at the sharp end is hilarious. They do as they are toldPeter ***********
@Todd ********
You'd be surprised how much discretion they have!Todd *********
@Peter **********
no I wouldn’t. They have no decision making authority. And any denial or problems will move up the local chain of command. Understand the system, and use it. Have the 3 proofs. If you have a dubious history use an agency or FastTrack entry services.
Peter ***********
@Todd ********
You've much to learn about Thai immigration. The smart ones amongst us have never had a problem and never paid a bribe!Todd *********
@Peter **********
you don't know the system at all then do you? Let me guess, this is your first effort as an expat. The smart ones amongst us have LTR because they knew how to prepare for retirement. It sounds like Asia and travel are quite new to you. Look out for that next agent and all his powerPeter ***********
@Todd ********
Agent not required. 22 years in Thailand. I know the system inside out. Are you the same Todd McGowan who twelve months ago was telling everybody that the DTV extensions will cost 10,000 baht at immigration, and 10,000 baht each time a holder re-enters? I rest my case. Yeah, you really know how it works don't you? 😂😂😂😂Todd *********
@Peter **********
lol. Are you the same Peter Bentley who has never used an agent, never used fast track, never done a visa run or border bounce attempting to advise people after getting a visa your wife got for you? 😂😂 I rest my case. I understand your experience, and if I see people here who need advice on standing in line and being compliant, I will tag you for sure.Peter ***********
@Todd ********
Not married so not me! 😂😂😂😂Todd *********
@Peter **********
unsurprising. Poor lass.Peter ***********
@Todd ********
I live in Thailand ffs. Why would I buy a book when I've joined the library?Luit *****************
@Todd ********
With DTV the IO also has the right to stamp less than 180 days, but then there has to be a good reason, it is not necessary a mistake.I agree with you an IO has the power to overturn regulations, but regulations give IO a lot of power.
Reply to
Luit *****************
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Elías ********
Participante anónimo 736 Yes and no. Of course the IO can deny your entry, even if you have a valid visa, but as for the number of days, then can't just ignore the written rules: either reject their entry, or grant 180 days.
Anonymous ******************
@Elías *******
they do have some discretion. I got stamped in for 30 days when I should have gotten 60 on visa exempt. Admittedly I was lucky to even get that as they wanted to send me back home, my passport got damaged on the flight over so I didn’t complain at all.Greg ********
Anonymous participant 774 I once made a contribution via an agent for a little discretion when a visa was cancelled. Instead of leaving country next day I got 7 days to do a border bounce :-) :-) there was another time HR asked immigration to give me 14 days rather than the usual 7 after WP and B cancelled. They were fine with that.
Reply to
Greg ********
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Luit *****************
@Elías *******
They can stamp you for any number of days up to 180, but they should give an argumentation for it, maybe we miss part of the story.Greg ********
@Elías *******
I was wrong - it is "Not up to" but rather "Not Exceeding" - pretty much the same thing. The IO does not have to give the full period allowed by the visa - they have discretion to give shorter amounts. "the period of stay is granted by an immigration officer upon arrival at the port of entry and in accordance with the type of visa. For example, the period of stay for a transit visa is not exceeding 30 days, for a tourist visa is not exceeding 60 days and for a non-immigrant visa is not exceeding 90 days from the arrival date. The period of stay granted by the immigration officer is displayed on the arrival stamp.
Greg ********
@Elías *******
I am sure the wording will be "Up to X" many days to give leeway for any visa. As others have said - sometimes people do not get the full amount allowed. Certainly happens with a "B". I once got 1 year 9 months for some strange reason :-)Anonymous ******************
@Greg *******
Exactly. "Not exceeding". In other words equal or less. MFA point 8. *************************************************************************************
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0a31a?utm_source=perplexityReply to
Anonymous ******************
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Anonymous ******************
@Elías *******
They don't need to follow the 180 days if the holder cannot provide sufficient proves. Happens on other visas until the holder solves his issue with immigration. That's, lets say, the fairest alternative to a denied entry so you can prepare yourslef and pack your stuffs.Anonymous ******************
@Elías *******
they absolutely can, just like they did to the OP.Reply to
Anonymous ******************
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Anonymous ******************
Could you provide a stamp? You've posted quite a few messages in this group, so I might eventually believe it, but I need some confirmation and details.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 719 her profile looks pretty legitimate. People here always say that anonymous posts are lying, but OP’s post history on this group suggests otherwise..
Alex *********
Anonymous participant 304 I just wanna check if the officer wrote dtv on the stamp (just above the date) or something else. By the way, I hardly believe op's name is golden she eagle...
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 304 Yeah they need to change of strategy... Now it's about getting a stamp. 😜 But okay, let's wait for the OP to show it.
Luit *****************
Anonieme deelnemer 719 Strategy for what? Is this place full of conspiracy theorists or something?
Anonymous ******************
@Luit ****************
No, I mean the ones who directly go against anonymous posts, calling them lies without providing any relevant argument. Not everyone is a liar here...Reply to
Anonymous ******************
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John **********
Sounds like a simple mistake, they forgot to adjust the date on the stamp. You can try and get it corrected at your local immigration office but you may have to travel back to wherever you got the stamp. Always check your stamp before leaving immigration
James ********
@John *********
correct ✅Jef ********
@John *********
what stamps give 3 months though ?Golden ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jef *******
exactlyDavid ***********
@Jef *******
90 Day Tourist Visa, I have one in my passport.James ********
@David **********
Hmmmm... The SETV...Single Entry tourist visa... gets you 60 day STAMP on arrival and can be extended for 30 ADDED days at your local Thai Immigration office for 1900 Thai baht.Anonymous ******************
@David **********
TR is 2 months thoKyle **********
Anonymous participant 572 not all of the countries. Russians for example get 90 days. I kinda remember brazilians also get 90 days. APEC card owners also get 90 days
Reply to
Kyle **********
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John **********
@Jef *******
all of the Non-immigrant visa stampsJef ********
@John *********
there you go learn something new everyday 🙏🏽Reply to
Jef ********
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Luc ************
Show us the stamp. Guess you can't. 🙄
Filip *******
@Luc ***********
i can , had the same , DTV and only 3 month , was at Thai/Cambodia border coming back . Posted it then here too. I even told the IO it was 6 and not 3 but she refused to correct it. I did not make a fuss becaus i was leaving Thailand again 3 weeks later.
Reply to
Filip *******
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Paul ********
@Luc ***********
agreedReply to
Paul ********
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Darcy ************
This really sounds like there is something else we are not being told. In almost every case the DTV works, is accepted, stamped with non-issues at all
So what's the actual story?
So what's the actual story?
Luit *****************
@Darcy ***********
To me this also sounds like part of the story, the question about what to do after 6 months just out of the blue is highly unlikely.IO always has the right to stamp like this way, but I don't expect it to happen without any discussion or questioning before.
Reply to
Luit *****************
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Anonymous ******************
That’s so weird
Andrew *******
The best is when people in this group stand up for the IO when they act like this and act like it’s normal behaviour.
Anonymous ******************
@Andrew ******
typical thailand loser warriorsDTV_Be*******
@Andrew ******
you must be new in ThailandAndrew *******
DTV_Begpacker thanks for hiding behind an anonymous profile 💘
Greg ********
DTV_Begpacker Any immigration also. Biggest headache I had was border force UK giving me a hard time as a British Citizen living in Singapore. Not long after
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I got a lot of questions from one in Chicago over Cambodian stamps - he asked me if I had been collecting "Artifacts".Reply to
Greg ********
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DTV_Be*******
Can you show a copy of the stamp?
Nigel *******
Soft power or remote worker?
Anonymous ******************
Do you think it's possible she genuinely made a mistake?
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 814 Unlikely when considering the whole post.
Greg ********
Anonymous participant 814 I would have said mistake too but if there were questions then maybe not?
Reply to
Greg ********
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Ian **********
Show a picture of the stamp
Anonymous ******************
is cannot
@Ian *********
Reply to
Anonymous ******************
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