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What was the experience of entering Thailand with a DTV visa and what should I know about immigration checks?
DTV VisaThailand ImmigrationVisa Entry ProceduresMedical Stay in ThailandThai Immigration OfficeVisa RenewalsImmigration Questions
Mar 19, 2026
a month ago
Ronnie ***************
ORIGINAL POSTEREntered last night at Surarnabhumi airport, went through the Thai passport line with my Thai girlfriend. Female IO, only question was asking me my purpose of my visit. I said for medical appointments. She spoke to my girlfriend in Thai about how cheaper medical care is here in Thailand and stamped my passport for 180 days. I have enter multiple times since getting my DTV over a year ago with no problems.
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user shared their experience entering Thailand at Suvarnabhumi Airport with a Digital Thailand Visa (DTV) for medical appointments. They were questioned briefly by the immigration officer about the purpose of their visit, which is common even for holders of valid visas. This opened a discussion about immigration experiences with others who have entered Thailand with a Thai partner. Several comments highlighted that questioning can stem from concerns over the visa's purpose and the need for additional documentation. The conversation stressed the importance of being prepared with necessary documents and the fact that the visa does not exempt one from immigration scrutiny.
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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Cliff *********
How many time have you gone through the Thai line with your Thai GF?
Is this a viable option when entering with a Thai person?
Is this a viable option when entering with a Thai person?
Ronnie ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Cliff ********
alot before the DTV and now about 5 times with the DTV.Reply to
Ronnie ***************
Reply
Anonymous ******************
I was questioned too while entering through bkk with my thai girlfriend.
They want to see my rental contract, tm30 etc. I guess money has been drying up, they need that fast track money.
They want to see my rental contract, tm30 etc. I guess money has been drying up, they need that fast track money.
Trent *******
Anonymous participant 334 you can’t get a TM30 until after your through immigration, am I right? Should I be traveling with my rental contract too upon landing? I go to Phnom Penh for travel on the 26th-30th. I’ve never had an issue with my DTV and I’ve come back to Thailand 4 times with it now. No questions and stamped without fast track.
Anonymous ******************
@Trent ******
I was already staying in thailand for 6 months.Trent *******
do you recommend I bring my rental contract? I’ve needed that or had issues. Flying through DMK on the way back.
Anonymous ******************
@Trent ******
Better keep it or just photos in phone would work as well.Trent *******
Anonymous participant 334 I haven’t had issues since having my DTV since last August and have travelled to multiple countries since then. Do you think fast track is really necessary? Any experience with DMK immigration?
Reply to
Trent *******
Reply
Marcin ************
Why did you get a question on a purpose of a stay while on dtv, that's seem strange
Ronnie ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Marcin ***********
not really. I had an IO question my job before saying you can't do that online. I said my visa is medical, not online work. They can ask you anything they want at anytime.Marcin ************
@Ron***
But you have the visa, so why they do question that on the border on arrival? I understand during visa approval process but can not understand questioning already granted visa at the borderGreg ******
@Marcin ***********
Your visa is permission to stay for a specific duration and purpose. It does not grant you immigration immunity.Marcin ************
@Gr**
But the immigration is not the entity for visa processing, so?Greg ******
@Marcin ***********
Yes, that's correct. The MFA issues the DTV, while Immigration is responsible for border and in-country controls and certain visa renewals. That’s why you may still be checked, even if you already have a visa. Obtaining a visa is an initial screening step to help authorities prevent crime, but it is not a long-term guarantee especially for visas valid for up to five years.Marcin ************
@Gr**
It looks like you might be right — this isn’t the EU and the system works differently. I get that they can deny entry based on screening, but revoking a visa on the spot still feels odd to me but it looks like it actually can be done on a spot.Greg ******
@Marcin ***********
They will not revoke it, but they may deny entry or simply question you (ranging from a quick check to a more detailed interview). Revocation can happen, but usually only in cases of misconduct or criminal activity.Marcin ************
@Gr**
So if they deny entry but not revoke, what's the situation? Can try to re-enter in few hours? - lol... I guess that it is flagged and there is a problemGreg ******
@Marcin ***********
It depends on the reason they denied you. They will put a note in the system, and you may or may not be able to enter again either immediately or after some time.Reply to
Greg ******
Reply
Anonymous ******************
Not really. You should be able to answer the question.
Sometimes it will pick out those travelling on visas don't don't match the purpose of their stay.
Sometimes it will pick out those travelling on visas don't don't match the purpose of their stay.
Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
Pierre **************
Can I ask if you paid some medical care before to get dtv or enough to have medical programmation ?
Ronnie ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Pierre *************
I saw a doctor in Bangkok before I applied for DTVPierre **************
@Ronnie **************
And he gave you some document ? Ambassy ask you for precise document ?In my case I have a document from Bangkok hospital with detail but not sure it's enough
Ronnie ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Pierre *************
I got my DTV over a year ago when they first came out. I gave them a letter from my doctor on official hospital letterhead stating I was a patient of hers and that hospital. I got the DTV from my home embassy, DC.James ********
@Ronnie **************
And a year ago it was easy to get the DTV visa for medical reasons. Now it's much more difficult. Added medical information about your condition and a detailed care plan with support of the hospital and doctor or dentist in some cases.Pierre **************
@James *******
for me it's dentist ...about 2 years treatmentReply to
Pierre **************
Reply
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