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

Dec 28, 2024

a month ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

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?

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TLDR : 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.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
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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.

a month ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks JP. Appreciate your input.

a month ago

Reply to

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

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

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

a month ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

Where did I say I had no intentions?

a month ago

Reply to

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

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

a month ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

a month ago

Reply to

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

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

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

a month ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

a month ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

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?

a month ago

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

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

a month ago

Reply to

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

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.

a month ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

@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.

a month ago

Reply to

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

What should I do if I'm waiting for my DTV and want to travel to Thailand?

92 comments

a month ago

Can I enter Thailand with my DTV visa after a wait of two to three weeks post-approval?

2 comments

a month ago

Do I need to enter Thailand within 3 months of applying for the Thai soft visa?

4 comments

2 months ago