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Why was I issued a Tourist TR visa instead of the DTV I applied for?
DTV VisaThailand VisasTourist VisaVisa Application ProcessMulti-Entry VisaVisa RejectionsSoft Power Activities
Dec 24, 2025
4 months ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERWondering if anyone else has had a similar experience. I applied for a DTV. Today I received an e-mail stating approved. However, visa type says Tourist TR. Multiple entries and valid for 6 months.
This does not seem to be the DTV. Can't understand why I was given a Visa I didn't apply for. Or indeed a rejection e-mail for the DTV. Any advice? Thank you.
This does not seem to be the DTV. Can't understand why I was given a Visa I didn't apply for. Or indeed a rejection e-mail for the DTV. Any advice? Thank you.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user inquired about receiving a Tourist TR visa after applying for a DTV. Responses suggest that the visa officer may have deemed the user ineligible for a DTV, leading to a Tourist TR being granted instead. This situation reportedly occurs when applicants don't meet certain requirements, particularly for shorter courses. Users shared similar experiences and emphasized the option to re-apply for a DTV if necessary.
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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Anonymous ******************
Zafer *****
It happened with me too. Despite having more than required funds they issued ED visa for my soft power Muay Thai DTV application at Delhi embassy.
After a month I applied again in Vientiane with same documents and DTV got approved.
After a month I applied again in Vientiane with same documents and DTV got approved.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERThank you. I applied in Vientiane but next time will try elsewhere.
Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Anonymous ******************
They deemed you didn't qualify for a DTV, but gave you an METV so you at least got something for your buck.
Dylan *******
Haha amazing. I had no idea they were doing that. They should either issue the DTV or nothing, IMO
John **********
@Dylan ******
having the METV prevents them from reapplying for a DTV anywhere for 6 months so I'm sure that's part of the calculationReply to
John **********
Reply
Donald **********
Haha. How much did you pay?
John *********
If the email Thai E-Visa you received doesn't state under B. VISA DATA
Visa type: DTV (Destination Thailand Visa)
And valid for 5 years then it's not a DTV
Those going for the soft option and the bare minimum course ie.3 months look likely to only be granted a Multi Entry Visa3-6 months. Its an expensive way to get an METV though
Visa type: DTV (Destination Thailand Visa)
And valid for 5 years then it's not a DTV
Those going for the soft option and the bare minimum course ie.3 months look likely to only be granted a Multi Entry Visa3-6 months. Its an expensive way to get an METV though
James ********
What's your passport nation?
Where did you apply for the DTV visa?
For what purpose? IF for a soft power activity, which one?
How many months did you sign up for the soft power activity?
Does the sponsor of the soft power activity have successfully sponsored others who have applied for the DTV visa?
Where did you apply for the DTV visa?
For what purpose? IF for a soft power activity, which one?
How many months did you sign up for the soft power activity?
Does the sponsor of the soft power activity have successfully sponsored others who have applied for the DTV visa?
Waqar ********
@James *******
these are important questions that OP has to answer for getting proper guidance. ✅Reply to
Waqar ********
Reply
Anonymous ******************
thank you for your donation 🫡
(you can re-apply every 6 months)
(you can re-apply every 6 months)
John *******
Yes, this has happened multiple times - I believe from Japan, Dubai and several others. If they determine that you don’t need a DTV, but need a short term visa, they will give you the METV. Most commonly it happens when people sign up for courses that are too short (less than 6 months). What embassy did you apply through and if soft power, how long was the course?
Andrew ********
According to his post the email said DTV approved 6 month entry
thats what the DTV is - a tourist visa that gives you 6 months stay at a time with multiple entry in 5 years.
Sounds like the person asking the question wasnt aware it was tourist visa that allows 6 months at a time when its valid for 5 years - common misconception.
Further more the METV ( Mutiple entry Tourist Visa ) is a 60 day visa that you can extend to 90 days then have to leave with unlimited re-entry in 6 months.
His statement didnt say DTV denied according to his own post- it would said denied and issued a METV so in part his statement is conflicting
thats what the DTV is - a tourist visa that gives you 6 months stay at a time with multiple entry in 5 years.
Sounds like the person asking the question wasnt aware it was tourist visa that allows 6 months at a time when its valid for 5 years - common misconception.
Further more the METV ( Mutiple entry Tourist Visa ) is a 60 day visa that you can extend to 90 days then have to leave with unlimited re-entry in 6 months.
His statement didnt say DTV denied according to his own post- it would said denied and issued a METV so in part his statement is conflicting
John *******
@Andrew *******
- No, he said his email said approved, it didn’t say he was approved for DTV. They approved him for a METVAnonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERThanks everyone for your feedback. As many of you have commented, although I had fulfilled all the requirements and had my documents in order, finances etc on the day they decided to give me an METV and not the DTV. I asked if it was unusual and according to some of the answers apparently not. Good to get the clarity.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERYes, correct. My post isn't confusing. Thank you.
Reply to
Anonymous *************
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Jan ******************
From time to time it happens that you are granted a METV even though you applied for a DTV, because the visa officer considers that you do not fully meet the requirements for a DTV. Instead of rejecting the application outright, they issue a METV instead.
James ********
@Jan *****************
correct ✅Reply to
James ********
Reply
Will ************
Whatever you signed up for on DTV isnt long enough or consistent with DTV and can be completed on a METV.
Passionat**********
In which country did you submit it?
Anonymous ******************
may be you were not qualify to DTV so they gave tourist visa instead. it happend to many people already. It better than got rejected and gets nothing
Rogerio ******
Anonymous participant 881 the visa fees are not even in the same ballpark, do u get a refund if this happens?
Anonymous ******************
@Rogerio *****
Nah. Visa fee is non-refundableReply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
David ******
Anonymous participant 881 well a DTV is a Tourist visa as well.
Anonymous ******************
@David *****
ya DTV 5 years tourist visa and normal tourist visa only 6 months LOLDavid ******
Anonymous participant 881 yep just a glorified Tourist visa that gets abused no end
Reply to
David ******
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