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What should I expect during my entry into Thailand with a DTV visa?

Feb 26, 2025
21 days ago
First entry with DTV visa

Suvarnabhumi

presented my passport and DTV visa. immigration officer looked frustrated/angry and called a superior over and i was taken to the interrogation area.

Waited around an hour in the interrogation area with about 50 other people until my name was called, sat down and the officer said "oooh DTV visa very nice, I dont know why you pulled over here, the officer must have been confused, enjoy your stay" .. no other questions asked.

weird and inconvenient
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user recounts their entry experience at Suvarnabhumi Airport on a DTV visa, describing a frustrating encounter with immigration that resulted in a temporary detention in an interrogation area. Despite this ordeal, the immigration officer eventually let them proceed without further questioning. Comments reveal varied experiences from others entering Thailand on a DTV visa, with some facing similar issues and confusion while others report smooth entries. The discussion highlights the inconsistency in immigration procedures and potential anxiety for those navigating the DTV visa process.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Mick *********
Wow, who would go through the hassle of getting one, only to be hassled?
Anonymous ******************
Maybe the new IO was too embarrassed to ask for help with DTV and to save face sent you to interrogation.
Josep *********
Today new entry, my fourth time with DTV at Phuket airport. Really different, now I think the officers are instructed to ask the holders of this type of visa. In my case: "what is the name of the town where you will live in Phuket?"
Brian ********
Had my second DTV entry today. 5 day gap after being in Thailand for 5 and a half months.

Glanced at my phone boarding pass.

Carefully stamped my passport - so the curves lined up with the previous stamp, smiled and waved me through.

Zero questions. Just smiles when I said hello and thank you.

Another 6 months approved.
마리오 ***
Been in and out about 5 times now on my DTV and never had a significant problem. I always make sure to dress decently and greet the IO politely. The first time I went through with my DTV there was some confusion because the IO had never processed one before, but only took a few minutes to sort out with her supervisor's help.
Warren *********
@마리오 **
dressing up definitely helps
Steve *********
You have been randomly selected for interrogation
Sherif ********
Soon everything will be electronic
Wannikea *********
The disturbing part is 50 other people in that room being held for questioning. Then again thousands upon thousands arrive every hour at that airport.
Jess ******
Strange, but glad that the second officer just let you move on easily. 👍🏻
Garry ******
I was held for two hours with a return tix just for a short visit lmao. The senior on the interogation area looked at my passport and return ticket and asked two questions and she just straight up. "Yeah I dont know why you got sent here".
Jess ******
@Garry *****
wondering what visa you have, since you mentioned a return ticket?
Garry ******
@Jess *****
normal 60 day exempt
Jess ******
@Garry *****
thanks for sharing
James ********
Oh god, my anxiety would be through the roof. 😂
Digna *****************
I’ve heard of similar stories with DTV.
Marb ********
@Digna ****************
yup I was one of them. First entry with DTV, only one stay previous on tourist visa, no border bounce, asked a million questions, proof of where I’m staying, asked to see my business website, live banking details etc. was out of control, made me feel as if I was doing something wrong. Terrible experience lol but apparently it’s rare so 🤷‍♂️
Tammi *****
@Marb *******
Which airport?
Anonymous ******************
Weird and inconvenient? Really? So why you’re still in Thailand now? 😂
BadBad ********
You should try their elite visa that interrogation room is even more scary it has mango juice in the fridge
Greg ******
@BadBad *******
😂 And yet some here keep dreaming of getting a visa without any chance of being interrogated.
Jarek ************
@BadBad *******
didn't know they had one for the elite members.
BadBad ********
Brian *********
Been in and out of there 6x in the last 2 months and never any issue. In fact the immigration officers already have a 6 month stamp with date set to process the dtvs
Paul *******
@Brian ********
Yep although at land borders, they have to manually set the stamp to 6 months or they write it in pen.
Brian *********
@Paul ******
they do that at cnx too
Felix ******
@Brian ********
mostly in bkk?
Brian *********
@Felix *****
all bkk. A couple to cnx as well but also no issues there. Once to DM and again fine
Felix ******
@Brian ********
nice 👍
Jef ********
@Brian ********
same bro ….
Aaron ********
Lol, annoying but funny to look back on.

Glad you made it in ok.
Greg ********
Given other posts and comments in the past I really believe there has been no training or guidance issued across the board about the DTV for all Immigration Officers.
JX *******
@Greg *******
ops normal. Officer insisted I needed a TM-6 stapled in last year coming back in from Lao. I told him they don’t use those anymore. Next local report they asked me why I had a TM-6 again. “We don’t do these anymore”… 😵‍💫
Chris ********
It happens sometimes
Thi ****
Is your passport the red colored?
Joy ******
@Thi ***
lol the Swiss passport is red too
Thorsten *********
@Thi ***
do you know how many passports are red in the world😅
Jackie ********
@Thi ***
why does this impact as mine is red.
Thi ****
@Jackie *******
because they thought you were a Burmese. The officer wants some under table money.
Jackie ********
@Thi ***
I understand. mine is actually more maroon from USA
Arnold *****
@Jackie *******
is that a government employee passport?
Garry ******
@Jackie *******
I thought regular american passport is navy blue.
Jackie ********
@Garry *****
I think I made a mistake. I just got mine. I’ll double check
Jackie ********
You are correct-blue.