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What should I enter as my 'date of departure' when applying for a visa to stay in Thailand?

Thai visa Visa application Departure date Non-O visa DTV Visa rules

Apr 28, 2026

2 days ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

So are people usually flying out of Thailand to Vietnam or nearby countries just to wait the three months, or what do you normally put here? 😄

Also, what does it mean that the “date of departure” has to be filled in? I’m applying for a visa to stay, so I would assume I can leave whenever I want.

What do you usually enter there? Do people just put six months, since you need to leave the country periodically anyway?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion revolves around the confusion regarding what to input for the 'date of departure' on a Thai visa application and the common practice of applying for visas while currently in Thailand. It is suggested that applicants can enter any realistic date as long as it is less than 180 days from the estimated date of arrival. Some users caution that when applying for a visa, one should ideally do so from outside Thailand, while others provide advice on necessary documentation and requirements. Overall, it highlights the importance of understanding the different types of visas and their respective durations.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

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Lynnette *******

A visa is for you to enter the country and there are several categories. Tourist visa 60 days. Non-O Retirement visa 90 days. DTV 5 years with 180 day stays each entry. METV. Etc etc. Which type are you applying for?

a day ago

ข้าว ********

You can skip the departure date as I just learned.

2 days ago

Robert *******

Usually people apply for a VISA BEFORE they intend to go to Thailand, not after living illigal in Thailand.

It means that you missed the purpose of this website. Go back to the start and you can see that people can choose for dozens of visa, it is not specially made for YOU.

INTENDEND means your plans NOT booked, paid and confirmed tickets, easy for most DTV as they can NOT meet any requirement for an Extension of STay so they have to leave after maximum 180 days of stay.

Again you need to leave as DTV holder after 360 days, day of entry is day 1.

NOT 180 days.

2 days ago

Dave *******

You may well be asked for proof of funds,return travel booked,and a reservation for the 1st night, it's up to the immigration officer, they have the power to change rules at any time so cover all aspects.

2 days ago

Waqar ********

Make sure to print your DTV after you get approved. That's a must requirement. Everything else is just chill. ✅

2 days ago

Dave *******

@Waqar *******

you don't need to print it, I wish people wouldn't guess for advice to tourists, save the qr code you received on confirmation email on your phone.

If you don't have a phone?or a device to save and somehow if required then print.

2 days ago

Graham ******

Dave Allen the email with the PDF tells you to print it so if you want to get into an argument with an Immigration Officer as to why you chose not to print it then good luck with that

a day ago

Waqar ********

Dave Allen relax, that's a funny statement we all make here

2 days ago

Reply to

Waqar ********

Steve ********

Am I the only one confused, or are your questions somehow confusing?

You should not apply for a Visa now if you want to arrive in Thailand e.g. in October.

If your expected arrival date is within the next three months, everything is fine.

What does that have to do with leaving the country and waiting three months? Officially (!) you have to apply for a Visa outside of Thailand, i.e. when you are applying now, you should already be outside of Thailand.

And no Thai Visa is for an indefinite period of stay. So if you are applying for a normal tourist visa, your intended departure date should be within the validity period of the tourist visa (60 days). The same applies for the DTV (180 days).

2 days ago

Dany ********

just put something that could be realistic. thats all. no proof needed.

2 days ago

Efficien*********

You can just put any date. It does not have to be exact. It should be less than 180 days

2 days ago

Will ************

Less than 180 days after your estimated date of arrival

2 days ago

Reply to

Will ************