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Answered8 months ago

Why was I denied entry to Thailand while my DTV visa was being processed?

Justin ********
asked Mar 7, 2026
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Thailand refused my entry and is deporting me back to the country of my connecting fligh (my DTV is being processed, submitted 02/28 in Ankara). I flew IST to AMM to BKK..

They are forcing me to fly to AMM Jordan, despite US travel advisory.

To make matters worse. There is no flight for 5 days, so I may be held in immigration detention until then.

Dont know which is worse...

Please note, I did not post anonymously because I dont want the peanut gally to claim this is a fake story.

The multiple racist comments speaks volumes about those who are making them, as does the reaction of those who find the situation funny...
Answer summary
A traveler shared their experience of being denied entry into Thailand while waiting for a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) application approval and being sent back to the country of their last connecting flight. The discussion revealed conflicting views on entry rules and visa application processes, with many commenters highlighting the importance of remaining in the country where a visa is applied for until it is approved. Several expressed sympathy, while others emphasized that the traveler had made a mistake by attempting to enter Thailand while their visa was still being processed, suggesting that this was a growing issue with immigration enforcement in Thailand.
96 repliesnewest first
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Aaron ******
Aaron ******
Everyone knows you have to wait until DTV is processed. You cannot enter Thailand until DTV is approved .
Justin ********
Justin ********
OP
@Aaron *****
Citizens from 93 countries can enter visa-exempt for up to 60 days. A DTV is a specific type of visa. It us not required for short term stays. My attempted entry was not for any of the DTV approved categories (software power, remote work, ...). It was for tourism, which is what the 60 day visa exemption is designed for...
Arto ****************
Arto ****************
You tried to enter the country without a valid visa and apparently not eligible for any visa on arrival or visa exemption? Yea, that's what'd happen.
Justin ********
Justin ********
OP
@Arto ***************
I was eligible for visa on arrival. They chose not to give it to me this time. They have been doing that to a lot of travelers lately.

Many countries have visa exemption policies for travelers from countries with strong diplomatic relations. Thailand is the only country that has these agreements, but is still known to arbitrarily reject qualified travelers based on the whims of the agent working the desk.

Every country has the right to control its immigration. They way Thailand chooses to do it leaves a very bad impression with the rest of the world. The US is beginning to do the same thing and it isnt going over we'll with US allies either...
Arto ****************
Arto ****************
@Justin *******
well two things: almost 100% surely there was something in your passport to be denied entry. The obvious guess would be your DTV application saying you have to "wait in the country where you applied until you get approved" and that's pretty obvious so maybe quit the yapping about Thai immigration and take responsibility. Second is how many times did you enter visa free in the last 12 months? Why are you avoiding when people make these points?
Tony **********
Tony **********
cant you then come in under tourist visa for 60 days... then head back in 60 days when everything has hopefully calmed down and then apply for the DTV outside of Thailand?

They are pretty clear - no DTV applications from "within" Thailand.
************************************************************
Live and learn I guess 🙁
Justin ********
Justin ********
OP
@Tony *********
pleased re read my post. At no point was a DTV application applied for while in Thailand. It was applied for while I was in Turkey.

I can assure you that this is happening to a lot of people. Even staff at IST claim that they have seen many Turkish people rejected by Thai immigration when traveling using the 60 day visa exemption.

This type of "visa" is common in many countries, especially the EU. Thailand is the only country with a reputation for these arbitrary denials and seemingly ever shifting criteria and enforcement.
Glyn ********
Glyn ********
Why do people insist on trying to enter a countrwithout the correct visas in place? I have never been refused entry to Thailand having flown in and out at least 100 times in the past 20 years.
Justin ********
Justin ********
OP
@Glyn *******
Thailand has a 60 day visa exemption for travelers from my country, as im sure you know. Im glad you havent experienced any issues. I hope that continues to be the case...
Glyn ********
Glyn ********
@Justin *******
thanks. I am retired with a visa.
David *******
David *******
Makes no sense..you fill out a tourist 60 days!...you don't need to enter on your dtv!!..I think you have other issues dude..that can't happen
Justin ********
Justin ********
OP
@David ******
do more research. This has happened to a lot of people in the past few months. The government has even issued a formsl response to the uptick in reports. The detention center has been at max capacity the entire time. If a bed opens, it is filled within an hour. The lassies working the unit have said they have never sent it like this...
Andy **********
Andy **********
Another quality tourist !
Tongjun **
Tongjun **
@Andy *********
And you are 😂
Kurt *************
Kurt *************
You tried to enter thailand before your DTV was done ??
Quinten ****************
Quinten ****************
I rarely feel sorry for people on Facebook

But man good luck and make the best out of it.

Maybe take a book of 2 you always wanted to read a out
Mark *********
Mark *********
Follow the simple rules of the visa process and this is simply avoided
Peter ********
Peter ********
Try to convince them to let you fly to another country... I was able to convince Vietnamese immigration to let me fly to Cambodia instead of the US .. I know Thai immigration are bigger a holes but it's worth a shot. I don't think they even want to keep you there for 5 days so it's in the best interest of everybody
Tracy *********
Tracy *********
Peter Jillen Hi Peter, quick question. Are they cracking down on border bouncing in Vietnam as well? Just curious.

We’re planning to travel around Asia for about five years, moving between different countries. Ideally, we’d like to stay around 3 to 6 months in each place if possible. We’re 60 and 59, so we could apply for a retirement visa in Thailand, but we’re not sure we want to commit to staying there for a full year just yet.

I know Thailand currently allows a 60-day stay with the option to extend another 30 days, but I’ve been hearing some talk that it might change back to a 30-day visa on arrival this summer.
Peter ********
Peter ********
@Tracy ********
the days of boarder bouncing in and out of Thailand are done. You can come here once a year for sure (they "say " you can leave and come back 1 more time within a year but at that point it seems to be up to that individual immigration officer so I wouldn't chance it.

If you want to come in and out of Thailand the best thing you can do is apply for a real visa: DTV or retirement. A DTV essential will cost you 10,000 baht fee.. and I will have to sign up for a school( that you don't have to attend) for
*****
baht...but the 5 year hassle free in and out guarantee is well worth it
Justin ********
Justin ********
OP
Peter Jillen thank you for the productive comment. Im working with the US Embassy to attempt to do just that. I am not able to contact immigration directly at this point unfortunately.
Peter ********
Peter ********
@Justin *******
I was in that same detention center. It's terrible they make you pay money to sit in a jail.(Detention centers in other countries aren't like that. Yes they have security..but you are free to walk the airport and buy food or whatever...

1) If possible don't get Thai immigration any more money...

2) the US embassy is limited in what they can do..they will only handle major life threatening issues and they will . And they do routine stuff like make a new passport. They normally won't get involved with Thai law. Imagine Thailand telling the USA how to deal with ICE..it's kinda the same thing in reverse

3) my best advice is to try to ask the people in immigration to let you go somewhere else..ask them to ask a supervisor please..tell them 5 days is too long to sit in that area no fresh air or anything like that. Even in real jail I think you can go outside. They might have some sympathy

Anyways

And also this crackdown has been going on for a least a years. It's made the major news here a few times people will make viral videos. When I was in that cell a year ago it was about 20 of us in there.. I was able to leave after a day though.
Peter ********
Peter ********
@Justin *******
no problem.
Justin ********
Justin ********
OP
Peter Jillen thank you. I have actually been doing what you suggested as it matches the advice given by the embassy as well. They have not let me speak to immigration, but I believe i was able to contact them via email last night.

I am grateful that this detention is in Thailand, as I am aware that my country's immigration detention facilities are much worse. At least I have access to my phone, carry-on luggage, and wifi.

Though this is not a positive experience, I still deeply respect the Thai people and culture and fully support their right to control immigration into their Kingdom. I just wish the process was less arbitrary and allowed for departure on any available airline/route.

Thank you for the clear headed advice and productive comments.
LavenderD*********
LavenderD*********
I don't understand the obsession so many people have to get to Thailand before the DTV is issued. In most cases it takes like a week, come on. You can't wait that long? Seriously?
Andy **********
Andy **********
LavenderDragon7301 There is always a hidden agenda, like how do they make a legitimate living bouncing around all over ?

Coming in on crappy flights from back of nowhere airports instead of through the front door with the right paperwork.
Justin ********
Justin ********
OP
LavenderDragon7301 the place I was in (Turkey) has been intercepting missiles from Iran. The US State department advised US citizens to leave the area. Granted, I didn't need to fly to Thailand, I could have picked a different country, but staying in that area is not a good idea...

I have no problem leaving Thailand. Their insistence that I fly to Jordan, the location of my last connecting flight, which is more dangerous then Turkey, as opposed to letting me fly to the US or anywhere else, is what I take issue with. Especially scince the next flight was 5 days out.

One would think if they want me to leave, they would let me...
Fabio *********
Fabio *********
Flying before visa got approved was not the smartest move TBH, and it would most likely result in DTV being rejected. Ouch.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
What an idiot, you were supposed to stayed on the country you were applying the visa until getting it approved 🙈🙄
Matthew *******
Matthew *******
Why did you enter before your visa was granted ?

Sorry no sympathy as this is all your own doing
Samuel *********
Samuel *********
Text me inbox I know who can help u
Margaux ************
Margaux ************
Exactly do that , they will reply to you asap with further questions maybe and depending when u applied , and when they validate it , u fly to cambodia and return and show the DTV printed
Justin ********
Justin ********
OP
@Margaux ***********
immigration already told im welcome to come back with a visa or after a longer wait between visits. No ban or fine. Just not let in this time. I am forced to fly out on the airline I flew in on, to the country i came from. That route fly 2 a week right now. So im am stuck unless immigration decides to let me fly somewhere else, on a different airline.

This area has been at .ax capacity the entire time. The people working it say its usually not this bad. They are rejecting a lot more people then they used to. Likely in preparation for the elimination of the 60 day visa free entry. The new government recommended reducing it to 30 days...
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
Make sure you have cash on you and stock up on snacks asap. You can take it all into the detention center, they just take away anything that can be used as a weapon. You'll need to pay 500thb a day for evening access to your phone and they will put black tape over the camera which crumbles if you try to remove it. 5 days will feel like a lifetime in there. Sorry you are in this situation 😔 get a good lawyer asap and make sure you can share location with them in real time in case they try to move you. Good luck 🥲
Don *******
Don *******
Anonymous participant 674 problem is when you need to squat over that cesspit
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
@Don ******
that wasn't my experience but not all the cells and idc1/idc2 are the same. The toilets were indeed pretty rough though. Sad for those that had to sleep so close to it.
Jesper *******
Jesper *******
This is a educational post for those who are applying for DTV and trying to sneek in before thier visa is approved the terms and conditions of application clearly states that one should stay in the country of application until visa is approved ......thanks alot for your contribution
Justin ********
Justin ********
OP
@Jesper ******
the information on the site specifically stated that you do not need to stay in the country where you applied. A trip being a visa run is a subjective decision made by the immigration officials. I have definitely spent a lot if time in Thailand. I applied for the DTV because I wanted longer stays then 30-60 days.
Robert *********
Robert *********
@Jesper ******
his application for DTV is irrelevant. He got denied entry because his frequent visa runs
Jesper *******
Jesper *******
@Robert ********
its relevant...he is applying for DTV because he is afraid of being denied entry due to frequent visa runs....he was doing right until he made a BIG mistake of not waiting for DTV to be approved....
Tohksic ******
Tohksic ******
So you are retarded and just want to vent about it on Fartbook. Alrightey^^
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
I was kinda in the same situation. You should contact a Thai lawyer asap.
Eduard *********
Eduard *********
That’s unfortunate but all could’ve been avoided easily…

Sorry to hear about your struggles.

Not sure if you did your DTV with an agency or

not but you should’ve waited until your visa is done as you must be outside of Thailand before your visa is approved.

Wish you good luck and hopefully you will be back in Thailand in no time!
Wesley ********
Wesley ********
At least you still have access to the internet, and they aren’t flying you home
Justin ********
Justin ********
OP
@Wesley *******
I am greatful for the internet and hospitality of those working the area. I actually prefer to fly back to the US as opposed to being sent to the middle east. Th we y are not yet giving me that option.
MemorableCr***********
MemorableCr***********
Your visa is processing in Istanbul. There is no danger there, but it is all that you want to play the system and come in Thailand while your visa is not yet issued.

Meanwhile it is almost clear that you are a visa extension privilege abuser. And your luck ends that day and the officer you met doesn't like what you are doing.

So..you get the result of your previous actions .

And yes if there is no flight to the destination they want to send you. They will keep you in detention zone till you get your ticket confirmed to leave.

Don't try to argue and make problem more

Because they can send you to your own country as well.

Simply they don't care, when they don't care
Nick *********
Nick *********
@Justin *******
their not going to care about refugee status unless you're from Myanmar.
MemorableCr***********
MemorableCr***********
@Nick ********
Americans are not refugee...

You can confirm that by messaging the US
Nick *********
Nick *********
MemorableCrocodile2121 I agree, their not lol. Thailand doesn't try and take care of the world but it's certainly taken care of Myanmar refugees since their just across the border and have been having a very hard time for a long time now. Ide say that's acceptable. Is westerners do not become refugees just because a country we bombed bombed us back or happened to bomb our hotel while wer on holiday lol
Justin ********
Justin ********
OP
MemorableCrocodile2121 I book my flight to bkk they day they shot down Iranian missile. There is danger
Justin ********
Justin ********
OP
@Robbie ******
I was not black listed. Good luck relying on AI for your legal advice. My pending DTV application had nothing to do with the 1 time denial of the 60 day visa exception. I have spoken to actual Thai lawyers and I was not required to wait for visa processing since I was not attempting to enter using a DTV.

The 60 days approval is completely at the discretion of the immigration officials working when you arrive.

There is also a massive increase in the amount of people being rejected according to the airport employees I have spoken to. Virtually every detention room is at capacity. They say that they havent seen this before.
Cliff *********
Cliff *********
The worst thing is not following their rules and unfortunately they don’t like it.

Best of luck.
Alma ***************
Alma ***************
Cant you get the 60 days visa for now? Once your dtv is issued just flynout and reenter wihy it.
James ********
James ********
Nope he's on the Thai Immigration radar for abuse of the Visa Exempt Entry. Too many times AND with extensions during the prior 12 months.
Lynn *****
Lynn *****
@James *******
how do you know so much about this person? And his private visa history?
Stefan ******
Stefan ******
@Alma **************
That's not allowed as far as the DTV application terms are concerned. Apparently, there are many who have gotten away with it, but that doesn't mean it's approved. Immi have pretty wide authority to turn you away for a lot of reasons anyway, just like in any country, it's up to their discretion. It might have been another reason, maybe travelling through countries currently regarded as critical (just a guess), or some history of the poster.
Justin ********
Justin ********
OP
@Alma **************
that's what I thought would happen.
James ********
James ********
Your recent history of stay in Thailand for the preceding 12 months of visa exempt entry and extensions resulted in your DENIED ENTRY.

HAD you used a SAFE ENTRY service company to get you thru Thai Immigration on arrival into Thailand, you would have obtained the 60 Day stamp as Visa Exempt Entry.
Phil ******
Phil ******
Why did you fly?

Let's hope you DTV is processed before 5 days is up
DTV ******
DTV ******
A great cautionary tale. You are unintentionally being a hero to others, who need a guiding light and a shining example of not being very smart and making bad decisions. 🤷‍♂️
Mo ******
Mo ******
Why did they deny you entry? Because of the DTV being processed?

This is not a smart move from you anyways…
Justin ********
Justin ********
OP
@Mo *****
to many visits. They assumed it was a visa run.
169****
169****
@Justin *******
may I ask how frequent of your entry records to Thailand before?? It sounds quite a Red flag of your record. You always used the visa exempt and stay near most of the time in a year?? happy to see your reply so I can avoid it.
Justin ********
Justin ********
OP
169adam I have always used visa exemption, but had multiple short (3 - 6 week trips). I stayed 58 days once.

I kept trying to get away for the full 2 months and kept getting forced to leave for various projects in other countries. I work with US, Chinese, and Vietnamese manufacturers.
Robert *********
Robert *********
@Justin *******
they assumed correctly then…?
Mo ******
Mo ******
@Justin *******
yes you should fly to a nearby country then like Vietnam or the Philippines!
Mo ******
Mo ******
@Baz ********
yes you just taught me something, I didn’t know thanks! I sent to Vietnam several times with a French passport without asking myself too many questions. I tend to think it’s the same visa free destinations for all “first world” countries but that is a mistake
Baz *********
Baz *********
@Mo *****
USA, Australia and Canada and a few other countries require visa before entry to Vietnam..

The airline won't allow you to board the flight without a visa..

The UK and EU passport holders and most ASEAN countries can enter with visa exemption
James ********
James ********
That's why I suggested Taipei... USA 🇺🇸 is visa exempt entry for 30 days.
Mo ******
Mo ******
@Baz ********
oh really? I thought no visa required like EU-passport! Ok I guess I can understand why….
Baz *********
Baz *********
@Mo *****
He would need a visa for Vietnam on US passport..

4 to 5 business days processing
James ********
James ********
He has to convince Thai Immigration Officers to allow that to happen. Usual procedure is return to the last city airport he used to fly to Thailand.
James ********
James ********
Correct
James ********
James ********
As you are American, see if they will allow you to fly to Taipei... visa free entry and China Airlines has several nonstop flights daily from BKK Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Not a war zone.
Nick *********
Nick *********
@James *******
he will have to book a flight with the airline he entered with so will be limited to what flights they offer I think.
Brandon ************
Brandon ************
First of all, you're being denied entry not deported. You cannot be deported from somewhere you didn't enter.

You already screwed up by flying to Thailand while you had a visa processing. You're required to remain in the jurisdiction of the embassy you applied while your visa is processing.

They also don't just do this randomly or for fun. It sounds like you've been abusing tourist entries and your luck finally ran out.

At this point there's not really anything you can do. IF your visa gets issued, you can try returning. If the embassy finds out you left and tried to enter Thailand, they'll cancel your application and you'll have to start over again.
Justin ********
Justin ********
OP
@Brandon ***********
they called it a deportation order. I am not banned, but simply denied entry this time.

Additionally, there is no requirement to stay in the jurisdiction while DTV is being processed, per the embacy website.

Applying for a DTV does not eliminate your right to attempt the vida free tourist entry.

DTV is not for tourist purposes
James ********
James ********
The DTV visa is considered a multiple entry 5 year tourist visa by the Thai Immigration and the Thai Foreign Ministry.
Nick *********
Nick *********
@Justin *******
mate no offence but staying in the country is literally a stayed requirement and all over every embassies guidelines for that visa. It didn't remove your right to enter and they should have still let you enter if you had a tourist visa. But the Dtv application you just royally messed up and everyone here is giving you good advice around that.
Fran *******
Fran *******
@Justin *******
bro your in a jail cell right now, maybe stop trying to teach others and listen? The regulations for dtv are a pain true and thailand should fix that mess but if you read carefully is there. You need to remain in place of country applied from.
James ********
James ********
Correct ✅
James ********
James ********
Totally WRONG as you sadly found out.
Nick *********
Nick *********
DTV Dude yeah it's a strange response from someone who just made the biggest mistake out of everyone in this group lol.
DTV ******
DTV ******
@James *******
haha this poster is like, “I’m in jail. Let me teach you about visas.” 😆🤡
James ********
James ********
Correct ✅
Ian ******
Ian ******
Why did you fly to Thailand if your DTV is still being processed? 🤷‍♂️
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
@Ian *****
because he is stupid
Richard-Kitty ********
Richard-Kitty ********
Anonieme deelnemer 437 say the anonymous
Justin ********
Justin ********
OP
@Ian *****
because there is 60 day visa free entry, which is what I used everywhere time without issue.
Margaux ************
Margaux ************
But when u arrived at the immigration did u mention u had a DTV visa in process or not ? Because if u don’t mention it they will let u enter as a tourist for 60 days , but maybe u abuse the stays as u said , sorry for u and wish u good luck go to Vietnam if u can they make DTV in 10 days
Justin ********
Justin ********
OP
@Margaux ***********
Thank you for the well wishes. Possitive comments are rare unfortunately.

I have spent a lot of time here, but never over stayed or even applied for an extension. They have been denying a lot of people recently (per the employees at the airport). Likely signaling a shift in the 60 day visa free policy.

I applied for the DTV so I could try longer stays and make the decision about buying property out here. I have been warned that policy and enforcement changes here on a regular basis. Im beginning to see that first hand.

It is a shame because this is suck a beautiful country, full of amazing people. Stories I've mine are becoming all to common. Most countries that have digital arrival card procedures will tell you if you are not allowed when you fill out the form. If they felt I had spent to much time here, or there was not enough time between visits, they should have denied my TDAC when I applied in advance. Waiting for me to get here and sending me back to a country that my government tells me is not safe is crazy. I would happily fly back to the US or one of the many other places that have a more reliable immigration process.
Nick *********
Nick *********
@Justin *******
by leaving the country you applied in before your application was approved you just voided your application. Some of us had to physically leave Thailand after literally living here, apply for that visa in places like Laos or Vietnam and wait weeks there at our own expense for the embassy to approve our visas. You will need to do the same if you want to apply for it again.
Marianne ********
Marianne ********
@Justin *******
But the guidelines specifically states that you are to stay in the country where you apply for the DTV until it is finished processing.
Robbie *******
Robbie *******
@Marianne *******
exactly only take two weeks
Andy **********
Andy **********
@Marianne *******
if people doesn't read the guidelines....🤣
BadBad ********
BadBad ********
@Ian *****
living life dangerously

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