Hi all! I just got granted the DTV Visa (horray). The issue is that due to personal circumstances, I am not able to enter on the date that I provided while doing the application, I have to postpone my entry. I have not seen anywhere that there is a expected date for the firsst entry, but I am just asking in order to make sure that I do not lose the visa by not entering on the date I provided. Thank you for your help!

My soft power DTV was approved this week. I applied from Hanoi about 9 days ago.

I did not use an agent and did everything myself. Although the 3 months of banking statements was not a requirement, I still attached 3 months because it seems like they may be weighing the strength of each application against one another and going with the ones that hold more weight, also factoring in nationality and one's ability to support themselves.

Included within the application was a page at the beginning of each section, notifying the consular officer exactly what they would see.

I also split the PDF into several of the relevant sections and uploaded it to the applicable attachment area in the website. It might not mean anything, but if you want to leave no stone unturned, this is a way to show you put in extra effort.

I included a cover letter, explaining a little about myself as well as why I was interested in the soft power course I was applying to. I directly wrote that I did not intend to work for any Thai companies or compete with Thai nationals during the duration of the DTV. Also, I included how I make money to support myself, as well as what my plans were after the 12 month course ended. To put in more detail, I stated that I would continue to sign up for more soft power courses to honor the intention of the DTV. One of their main issues seems to be what people are doing after their 6-12 month course is over. This is just a way to assure the officer that you will continue to contribute to the Thai tourist economy.

Lastly, I included all airline tickets into Vietnam and Hanoi, confirming my location was in Hanoi. I included date-timestamped selfies of myself at designated areas in Hanoi. Additionally, I included receipt of accommodations in Hanoi as well as the accommodation and arrival flight I booked in Thailand.

Sidenote here, I was a bit worried due to news of what the US has done in adding Thailand on a restrictive list of 75 countries where their citizens' long-term visas would no longer be processed. The situation is volatile and unpredictable. I don't trust the US to act rationally and the ones most affected in the end may be American expats, unfortunately.

If you have any questions, please let me know. I debated posting this but I figured it would help some who were on the fence. There are way too many 'soft power rejection' posts regarding Hanoi but my experience was totally different than what's been posted online.

1.27.2026 update - I left Vietnam for Bangkok BKK Airport. Following the advice of some on this forum, I made sure to print out my Visa on an A4 size paper. Showed it to the IO and was promptly stamped in. The line was long and high season is definitely causing some backups. Now I need to figure out how to do a Certificate of Residence. I'll be going to Lak Si tomorrow to try and do that. Likely my last update on this forum. Big thank you to those who posted valuable information on the DTV Visa.

Does anyone know how long does it take to apply for DTV in Penang?

Recieved DTV in 5 days 😌

I’m Ukrainian citizen, applied in Indonesia 🇮🇩

Initially submitted an offer letter from my client, embassy additionally inquired payments slips & CV - I attached invoices as “payment slips”

hope this helps 😌

wishing everyone smooth visa reception

Hi, I'm an Italian looking for ways to obtain a DTV, would love some advice and I am happy to pay a fee for service, thank you

On approval of the DTV, can you enter anytime once you have the approval or is entry as per the entry date you stated in the application?

ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS:

CHANGES TO THE VISA EXEMPT ENTRY PROGRAM

Okay boyz & squirrellz it appears that the 30 day visa exempt entry program (which was previously for 57 countries) will be expanded to more countries AND will go from 30 to 60 days starting June 1st, 2024

The UK government updated their "travel to thailand" page showing that it's 60 days

AND

This graphic was put out by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is appearing on websites of the thai consulates now

We still have not seen an official posting in the Royal Gazette or any police order revision from Thai Immigrations about this visa exempt entry change

BUT

I'm getting tired of denying people who want to post about it so here is the thread.

We know what you know and that is just the same endlessly repeated news.

Guess we'll all find out together, June 1st at 12:01AM :O

What are the requirements to apply as an American, for a visa based on retirement, if I return to Chiang Mai on a tourist visa, or visa exempt?

Please Admin 🙏

I got job offer in school. I am currently holding ED visa which wi expire on March 2022. Here are some things I concern;

▪️Do I need to cancel my ED visa?

▪️Which visa can I get during process of changing visa type?

▪️Do I need to go home to make Business visa?

I hear that there is Covid-19 visa.

▪️Can I apply Covid-19 visa immediately after cancelling my ED visa in immigration?

Please kindly suggest !Thank you all 😊

For a Non O visa based on marriage, what is required as proof of me earning over 40,000baht every month?