What should I do to avoid confusion with Thai immigration when entering on a DTV visa?

Question

Following the *"socially in-ept"* post, I thought I’d share my experience from today as well. Before I go into details, I just want to point out that the officer was very likely just confused—I don’t mean to stress anyone out.

Anyway, here’s the story:
I entered Thailand today for my second entry on a DTV. My first time last October went smoothly, and I stayed for about a month.

For context, last year I was mainly on an education visa for 11 months and extended it multiple times. Before applying for a DTV, I canceled the ED visa as usually advised, and I had never overstayed.

In my case, the officer was neither rude nor particularly friendly. (For privacy, I’ll use *they* as a pronoun.) They first asked if I had a return ticket—I said not yet. Then they asked, *"How long are you going to stay?"* I said a few months, adding that I know I can stay for 180 days. (Probably not the best answer—better to have a plan! 😅)

Next, they asked, *"What are you doing here? Why did you stay so long last year? And where are you going?"* I told them I had been on an education visa and was studying Thai (for real). Then I said, *"I'm just traveling,"* and gave them a rough idea of my plans for the next few weeks.

They mumbled in Thai, *"But you already stayed too long,"* then added, *"And you don’t have a visa."* I replied in Thai, *"I do, I have a DTV."* They then checked my passport, found the DTV page, and quickly stamped the opposite page with a 180-day stamp.

So, I wouldn’t say it went smoothly—they asked a lot of questions, and I felt they were a bit suspicious. But maybe they were just confused because of all the extensions I had with my education visa last year. Plus, not handing in a printed copy of the DTV probably didn’t help. I guess an e-visa is more convenient in that sense.

Overall, no big deal, but make sure the officer knows you’re entering on a DTV. A printed copy would definitely help—it would have saved me a few drops of sweat! 😊

I hope this gives some useful feedback to some of you!

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user shares their experience entering Thailand for a second time on a DTV visa. They encountered confusion from the immigration officer, who asked several questions about their stay and previous visa history. The importance of presenting a printed copy of the DTV visa along with the passport is emphasized as it could help clarify the situation and ease the entry process. Several comments provide advice on best practices for approaching passport control.

Sala ******* · Answer

lost me at they

Ian ******** · Answer

When I approach passport control I make a habit of telling the IO what I'm entering on. Often times in my case it's a Non O Retirement Visa Extension with a Multi - Re-entry permit. It just makes passport control much easier than to give them a passport full of stamps and let them have to work it out.

Henrik ***** · Answer

Open you passport on the page you want them to put most attention to ( the DTV page ) or the printed put PDF if your DTV came that way.

Makes it easier for both.

John ********** · Answer

It sounds like you might have a DTV sticker rather than an evisa? If so always present your passport open to the page with the visa sticker in it

Wannikea ********* · Answer

I second, that handing over a visa printout with passport would have likely informed the officer immediately why you are in Thailand. It's their job to be suspicious. Especially with your entry history. You know what's required and expected, you created your own chaos.

Winston ************ · Answer

Well, that was quite stupid of you, and your post just seems to bring unnecessary drama here. Most sensible people know you present BOTH your passport and visa printout to the officer. You don't just hand over your passport and expert them to guess what visa you're arriving on. Delete this ridiculous post! You're making a fool of yourself.

Joel ********* · Answer

How is using a different pro noun adding to the privacy?

James ******** · Answer

Wise advice to have a printed copy of the email you received with the DTV Visa in it.

Andi *********** · Answer

I think just showing them the DTV straight away next time will avoid any drama.

Evan ******** · Answer

Yes, you answered your own issue, not handing them a printed DTV. If you have studied Thai or even in english, I wonder why you didn’t point them to your previous DTV stamp 🤔

What should I do to avoid confusion with Thai immigration when entering on a DTV visa?

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