Answered2 years ago

Will my DTV be canceled if I cannot travel to Thailand within 3 months of approval?

Thailand Visa DTV Visa Visa Activation Immigration Rules Expat Information

Anonymous *************

asked Dec 28, 2024

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I am an Australian and was approved for a DTV in September. I received the approval email with QR code, however I have been unable to travel to Thailand since. The application process stated that you should only apply for a DTV if you will be arriving in Thailand within the next 3 months (which I now won't). Will they cancel my DTV if I haven't used it? Does it need to be "activated" within a certain period after obtaining it?

Answer summary

If you hold a DTV approved visa but haven't traveled to Thailand within the 3-month guideline stated during the application, it is generally safe. The issued visa does not require activation within a specific period, and you can enter Thailand any time before the visa's expiration date, which is typically up to 5 years after issuance. The 3-month time frame is mainly a recommendation for applying rather than a strict rule for using the visa.

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J.P. *********

They go by the expiration date on the visa. You can enter any time before then. The three months was more of a guideline so you only apply when you need it and they can have appropriate data.

When arriving in Thailand, the officer won't look to deny entry if you don't have an entry stamp within a three month period of the issue date. They will see your DTV and stamp 6 months from arrival date.

2 years ago

Anonymous *************

Thanks JP. Appreciate your input.

2 years ago

Winston ************

So why did you apply if you had no intentions of going to Thailand within the stipulated time frame?

2 years ago

Anonymous *************

Where did I say I had no intentions?

2 years ago

Anonymous ******************

The visa doesn't need to be 'activated'. Once granted you can use it anytime within the 5 years. You could even decide to fly into Thailand 4 years later and it'll still work

2 years ago

Anonymous *************

Anonymous participant 138 Thank you. This answer addresses my question.

2 years ago

Andrew ***********

A Jetstar ticket there can be had as low as $320 AUD. Just travel quickly to activate it

2 years ago

Anonymous *************

Approx AUD $1500 - $2000 return over the holiday period. It isn't really the money cost it is the time cost at this point.

2 years ago

Anonymous *************

The question is whether there is such a thing as "activation". I don't think there is. What evidence are you aware of to support the concept of "activation" you mention?

2 years ago

Andrew ***********

Anonymous participant I was Under the impression that there is a 3 month period, don't hold me to that

2 years ago

Greg ********

I think you will be fine - never seen anything about activating it in a certain period. The application within three months is probably a local embassy local rule but once issued you are fine.

2 years ago

Anonymous *************

@Greg *******

It might be an Australian embassy rule to help prioritise the processing. I had to supply the date or my flights as part of the application, but I can no longer travel on those dates and my application was approved months ago.

2 years ago