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What was the process and requirements for obtaining a DTV visa from Vientiane, Laos?

DTV Visa Thailand Immigration Visa Application Process Expats in Thailand Visa Length Travel to Thailand with Pets Visa Regulations for UK Citizens

Aug 13, 2025

2 days ago

Ranald ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Approved from Vientiane : )

I am a UK citizen but have residency in Seoul, SK

Arrived in Phuket Dec 2024, was on tourist visa until I left Thailand July 26th (without overstays). I was warned on my last entry to Phuket that next time I may be denied entry and they recommended I apply for the DTV.

Left Thailand by car and arrived in Vientiane on 26th (brought my dog with me too!)

Submitted docs by morning of 28th on Thai E visa portal.

- passport bio page

- photo of myself 

- entry stamp to Laos in my passport

- Bank Statements for last 3 months. I made PDF for this showing my South Korean bank details and bank statements for 3 different accounts. I made sure every screenshot, downloaded file clearly showed my name, my account numbers, bank name, bank logo and the balances visible, I even made extra pages with these screenshots zoomed in so it is clear.

- Letter of employment (from my boss) + copy my company's south korean business registration + Proof of salary (showing received money in a bank statemement that shows my compay's name and money received every month + mini work portfolio showing what i do. I merged this all into 1 PDF

 The Embassy was closed on this day (28th) so had to go to Thai consulate to pay for application on the 29th (no online payment available for Vientiane)

On the 29th there were too many people in line waiting to pay for applications and I (along with many others) was unable to make payments before they closed at noon.

I had to return the following day

July 30th - paid for application

July 31st - got email for interview date for August 13th

I knew there would be some waiting time sohad planned for this anyway and went to Vang Vieng for 8 days- amazing place

Came back to Vientiane on 10th

Had interview today at 10:25 am, was done by 10:35, got email approval by 11:20

Good luck everyone! Thank you to this group, Thank you Thailand and Thank you Laos! Lets go!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A UK citizen residing in Seoul successfully applied for a DTV visa after leaving Thailand, detailing steps taken such as submitting documents via the Thai e-visa portal and receiving approval shortly after an interview. The applicant highlighted meticulous preparation of financial documents, employment proof, and challenges faced in processing due to consulate closure and queues. Community comments shared congratulations, inquired about traveling with pets, and offered advice concerning proof of visa during travel.

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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Sanjib ******

From December 2024 to July 2026, you stayed in Thailand for almost 17 months. In this 17 months, how many time did you go out and came in?

10 hours ago

Ada ******

Very detail, thank you. It takes 2 weeks for the appointment, really need to spare time.

2 days ago

James ********

Thank You for your helpful report 👍

Congratulations 👏👏👏

PRINT OUT THE EMAIL THAT HAS YOUR DTV VISA.

That's what you should do... print it out.

You may have to show PROOF of your DTV Visa to airline staff on check-in for your flight ✈️ to Thailand...even to the connecting airline staff. Or to the land border crossing entry Thai Immigration Officer.

Upon arrival into Thailand, show the DTV visa to the Thai Immigration Officer and look at the STAMP placed in your passport to be sure you are STAMPED in for 180 days.

2 days ago

Ossie *********

Well done excellent news was there any problem taking a car or your dog in from Thailand as I would most probably do the same drive and take my cat with me

2 days ago

Paul *******

@Ranald *******

Cars not in your name can be taken to Laos as well with a letter of authorization. However, generally, rental car companies won't issue this letter (in rare cases they might). You can also self-drive a rental car in Laos, visit Avis. I know the general manager and founder of the company. Their cars are allowed to be driven into Thailand.

a day ago

Ranald ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ossie ********

so the main reason i came to Laos was because of my dog! I did not know how long this process would take and did not want to be separated from him for a long period (hes 13)..and compared to the other neighboring countries this was the most pet friendly

This what i got for him before leaving Thailand

- thai pet passport from a thai vet

- FAVN rabies test (you need this for coming back into Thailand)

- make sure relevant vaccinations are noted in pet passport

Only Thai or Lao people with vehicles registered in their name can enter Laos by car so we had to take a van taxi service

We drove from Phuket to Udon Thani (over 3 days) with a car rental and then paid for a van taxi service that do these border crossings reguarly - this cost 3,000 baht from Udon to Vientiane

At the Laos border immigration was super lax. I dont even think they looked at my dog or checked his pet passport..i had to pay 500 baht (i think) for some bringing my pet into Laos fee...my dog was in his dog bed in the back of the van chilling unaware we were entering a new country lol

We are still in Laos now but plan to go back to Udon Thani this weekend and will drive back to Phuket. Everyone has been saying the Thai land border immigration are pretty lax about pets as well. Pet passport should be enough everyone says...but to be sure..get the FAVN rabies test and a letter from local vet in Laos saying your pet is healthy for travel

Will let you know when we are back in Thailand!

2 days ago

Paul *******

@Ranald *******

Not true. Foreigners with cars in their name can cross the border.

2 days ago

Ranald ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Paul ******

thanks for letting me know - Will definitely do this next...all the way to Luang Prabang hopefully

2 days ago

Reply to

Ranald ********

Ossie *********

@Ranald *******

thanks for that I did send you a pm but you’ve answered my question safe trip back

2 days ago

Reply to

Ossie *********

Steve ******

Congrats, I was also warned by the Thai immigration for coming frequently and staying all the allowed 60 days, even extended for one more month sometimes. I used visa exemption to enter Thailand.

2 days ago

Sanjib ******

@Steve *****

How many times did you visit Thailand on Tourist Visa before you were warned?

10 hours ago

Reply to

Sanjib ******

Andi ***********

Congrats...very true Vang Vieng is amazing..

2 days ago

Reply to

Andi ***********