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What was the experience of entering Bangkok immigration like for a British passport holder on a DTV?

Sep 17, 2025
2 months ago
I entered BKK yesterday, it was insanely busy. Took almost an hour to reach the immigration desk.

I handed my British passport, printed A4 DTV and boarding card to the IO. I had the DTAC on my phone but knew they didn't need to see it directly from me.

She stamped me in for 6 months. No questions asked. I was not asked anything, literally. In fact I said literally nothing. Nothing about purpose of visit, how long I stay, evidence for onward ticket etc.

FWIW I first obtained the DTV November last year. This was only my second entry on it. For the first entry I stayed 93 days.

I also want to point, while I know it was silly not to, I did NOT do my 90 day reporting on that first entry.

The IOs all look so stressed by the insane lines I think they were just happy to process people as fast as possible that didn't need 'intervention'. I noted the Brits before me were stamped in on their exemption on arrival stamps in the fastest I've ever seen an IO deal with someone. Literally 45 seconds at the desk.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user shared their recent experience entering Bangkok with a DTV visa. They faced long immigration queues but received a 6-month stamp without questions regarding their purpose of visit or onward ticket. They noted an increase in immigration processing speed, possibly due to the stressed state of immigration officers. In the comments, others shared tips about fast-tracking immigration, the importance of showing all documentation, and concerns about not filing the 90-day report.
90 DAY REPORTING RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Use the trusted Thailand 90 Day Reporting Service to get your in-person report done and mailed to you for as low as 375 THB (even if the online system doesn't work for you).
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Anonymous ******************
I've entered Thailand twice on the DTV, each time staying for approx 2mo and no problems at all. 👍
Anonymous ******************
Same for me 3rd time coming with DTV and No question asked.
Andi ***********
I arrived last Wed 1130PM and In a taxi just before midnight. Hand luggage only, IO very familiar with the DTV, no questions asked just enjoy your stay.
Daniel **********
Good to know about 90 day report. Who would know about this obscure rule? Its not mentioned as part of the DTV requirements, it's not mentioned anywhere.
Henrik **********
@Daniel *********
it is actually mentioned on the “front page” when you submit your arrival card (TDAC)
Joe *****
Please go back to your home country..please
Henrik *****
Show ALL your papers at once, Passport, print of DTV, print of TDAC QR.

That way you help the Immigration Officer, and that gets you easy points in his evaluation of you.

Do not play the waiting game, to see if the officer want to see all.
James *******
Amazing story, thanks.
James ********
The Thai Immigration Officers are not checking whether or not you filed the required 90 day report when you are in Thailand for 90 days.

Simply...You are not following the rules of Thai Immigration. Not 🚫 a Wise Decision to ignore the Thai Immigration rules.

Are you ALSO failing to have the TM30 address registration filed with Thai Immigration ?
Jeff *******
@James *******
90 day report is the traveler's responsibility. TM30 is the hotel/GH/landlord's responsibility.
James ********
@Jeff ******
and if the owner/landlord refuses to file a TM30 ???
Jeff *******
@James *******
That's the endless, unanswerable question. And really has nothing to do with this thread. Fortunately, prior TM30'sare not required to enter the country.
James ********
@Jeff ******
it's clear from the posters statement that no 90 day report had been filed.

That likely also means a TM30 has not been filed either.

With the New rules regarding filing in person the TM30 with the local Thai immigration office each time you have entered Thailand, the poster is again in violation of Thai Immigration rules.

Why risk losing the DTV visa over failure to follow the rules of your Thai Visa ?
James ********
James ********
James ********
Liam ***********
Well done

My last 4 visits over 18 months I never had to queue more then 15 minutes,really surprised this time of year it’s so busy
Biff *******
Due to the potential for long queues I always book fast track for immigration in Bangkok
Dana **********
@Biff ******
how do you book it ?
Biff *******
@Dana *********
Google search ‘fast track Bangkok immigration’ will give you a few results. Should cost around ฿1200