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Answered4 months ago

Will I face issues re-entering Thailand after maximizing my initial 90-day stay and applying for a DTV in Vietnam?

Anonymous *************
asked Jun 26, 2026
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Hi Im planning to enter Phuket again and this is only my second entry but I have maximized my initial 90 days. I flew to Vietnam for 7 days and I would like to come back to Th and get my dtv processed, am just worried that I might get questioned from Th immigration since I have already exhausted my 90 days during my first entry.

Appreciate your advice
Answer summary
The user seeks advice on re-entering Thailand after maximizing their initial 90-day stay, having flown to Vietnam to apply for a Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). Community comments suggest that DTV applications must be submitted outside Thailand, and that prior usage of the tourist visa should not hinder re-entry. However, immigration may question travel patterns. Evidence of the DTV application and proof of onward travel can strengthen the case for entry.
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Thai ************
Thai ************
If you’ve used your initial 90-day stay and exited Thailand properly, re-entering itself usually isn’t the issue — the bigger question is your DTV application timing, since DTV must be applied for outside Thailand. Immigration may ask about your travel pattern, but a short trip to Vietnam and re-entry isn’t unusual on its own. The key is making sure your current permission to stay and your DTV application plan are aligned so you don’t create a gap.
James ********
James ********
@Thai ***********
and it's important to Apply for the DTV visa and Stay in Vietnam until the decision is known.
Thai ************
Thai ************
@James *******
Small clarification — if the DTV is already approved and valid, you don’t re-apply each time you exit. The key issue here is whether the traveler has respected the conditions of their current stay and whether the re-entry pattern looks consistent with the visa’s purpose. Immigration may ask questions, but it’s a different scenario from applying fresh.
Adnan ***********
Adnan ***********
Go to laos
Mike *********
Mike *********
Submit DTV in Vietnam HCM just understand they are really slow ....alot of nightmare stories...you are allowed back in to Thailand (post 90 Days) for another 30 days to packup if needed...
James ********
James ********
@Mike ********
MUST STAY in the country where the DTV visa application is submitted until the decision is known.
Mike *********
Mike *********
@James *******
correct, but if the application is not approved, the individual can return to Thailand on another 30 day tourist visa
James ********
James ********
@Mike ********
sounds okay 👍...as long as they show PROOF of departure ticket to their home country within the number of days stamped in on arrival.... Subject to the Thai Immigration Officer.
Mike *********
Mike *********
@James *******
The Scenario:

- Person used a 60-day Tourist Visa (or extended to 90 days) in Thailand

- Exits Thailand to apply for a DTV (Destination Thailand Visa) from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

- DTV application is denied or delayed

- Needs to return to Thailand to pack up belongings, close affairs, etc.

The Rule:

Thailand offers Visa Exempt entry to many nationalities (typically 30-45 days depending on passport). This is separate from any prior visa used. As long as the person is eligible for visa-exempt entry by nationality, they can return and receive a fresh stamp — the previous tourist visa does not block this.

Yes

- Thai Immigration officers have discretion at the border

- They can deny entry if they suspect visa running, intent to overstay, or other concerns

- But if the return is genuine (packing up, closing rental, etc.) and the person has proof of onward travel, funds, and a reasonable story, entry is typically granted

Practical Consideration:

- Having evidence of the DTV application (receipt, rejection letter, etc.) helps explain the situation

- Proof of departure ticket from Thailand supports the "genuine temporary visit" narrative

So they can return for another 30 days (or whatever their nationality's visa-exempt allowance is) even after using a prior tourist visa, provided immigration is satisfied with the purpose of entry.
James ********
James ********
@Mike ********
If they return to Thailand, without a Thai Visa, and are eligible for Visa Exempt entry or Visa on Arrival, they will need to clear Thai immigration. Thai Immigration officers make the decision to allow entry or not.
Robert *******
Robert *******
You maximised your 90 days, WHAT do you mean by that?

Get my DTV processed, What that does mean?

Worried about questions from Thai Immigration, easy way to avoid, go to other countries.
Michael ********
Michael ********
Do you understand anything about the DTV?
GrayWal********
GrayWal********
You cannot apply for DTV in Thailand
JoyfulT********
JoyfulT********
Cannot do DTV inside of Thailand.
Phil ******
Phil ******
DTV outside of country. Do in Vietnam @

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