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Can I apply for a DTV from outside Thailand and enter on a tourist visa while waiting for approval?

DTV visa Thailand visa rules tourist visa visa application process immigration policy

Feb 18, 2025

4 days ago

Riccardo *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Is it possible to apply for DTV and then enter Thailand on tourist visa while awaiting the DTV approval? Then once received DTV , exit Thailand again and re enter on fresh DTV

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion revolves around whether one can apply for a Thai Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) from outside Thailand and then enter the country on a tourist visa while awaiting approval. Most comments highlight that the official requirement is to remain in the country of application until the visa is approved. Attempts to circumvent this policy may lead to visa rejection without refunds. Several community members share personal experiences and emphasize the risks involved in trying to do it differently than stipulated.

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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Henrik *****

Want to risk loosing 10.000+ Baht by being rejected ?

Or maybe the DTV is not the visa for you.

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Michael *******

Not recommanded

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Jonathan *********

So all this being said, on the average how long does it take, start to finish, to secure the DTV?

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Lee ********

Stop wasting time with these posts ,

Respect Thailand and Thai policies if the Visa states wait until visa issued then wait , the status of your stay can't keep changing .

Other countries don't allow this so why think Thailand is any different .

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Erik *******

Unbelievable … It is stated clearly on the visa website you cannot do this and have to stay in the country you applying from.

Sometimes I wonder how these people can make it to Thailand without getting lost half way …. 🤦🏻‍♂️

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

please show this page

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Stuart *********

Anonymous participant 589 I haven’t gone through an application for a DTV so I don’t have any form of screenshot of the process but here’s a screenshot of the UK embassy’s rules. Regardless of visa applied for. I’m sure most if not all other embassy/consulates will stipulate the same rule - if not exact word for word.

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Stuart *********

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

Yes it's been done multiple times, states have to apply outside Thailand, doesn't say anywhere you have to sit and wait in the same place but if you need to attend the embassy you could be in trouble if not in the country

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John **********

Anonymous participant 589 while it may have been done it's a risky strategy. Many have been refused the visa and lost their fee having done just that

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

@John *********

Right. And many have got interviews.

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

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Wesley ********

If you do it by the book, no. But some people say they have done this

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Elías ********

It's possible, but against the rules. Might end up getting the DTV application rejected, without any refunds.

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

No, there are clear rules on that, and attempting it may result in denial.

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Tod *********

You sit tight in the country where you applied for the DTV until it's approved

THEN you come back

Many nearby consulates are getting wise to the fact that people go to the country and apply then leave to come back to thailand

SO after about 3 or 4 days they send you a request for documentation and ask you send images of every page of your passport (blank pages too) just to see if you left and came back to thailand

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Arnold *****

Yup in Vietnam they even asked for photos of me holding a receipt that's dated to show i'm still in country.

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Arnold *****

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Wannikea *********

Against the rules

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James ********

@Wannikea ********

correct ✅

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James ********

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Jeremy *****

It clearly states on the thai visa website you are to STAY in the country you apply from until approved 🤦‍♂️🙄

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

does it ? Never seen that only says have to be in the country you applied in, please show where it states you have to wait in the country you applied at

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Jeremy *****

It's literally in the application process it tells you I won't argue fafo 🤷‍♂️

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Erik *******

Anonymous participant 589

In English language, you are applying until you receive the results of your application . Applying is not just submitting documents ffs…

You want to live in Thailand ? Then you better improve your English mate …

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John **********

Anonymous participant 589 your application is not completed until you have received the results of your application. Embassies have been known to request copies of every page in your passport to ensure you are still in the country just before issuing the visa or even call you in for interview

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John **********

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Peter ********

My friend did the same. And it's NOT advice, it's a fact 😊

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Wannikea *********

why don't you keep that tidbit you keep repeating to yourself, it's risky advice/proposition

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Peter ********

@Wannikea ********

that was the question, so i answered. Honestly, i will apply soon in Cambodia, I'm in Phnom Penh in the last 3 years. But I won't try this. I have time, i will wait here for the result.

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Wannikea *********

it's the old tickle a bears nuts question. Can I do it and will the bear like it? Sure you can try to do it, but it might turn out bad.

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Peter ********

@Wannikea ********

yes, and someone will try it anyway 😊

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James ********

wise decision ✅

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James ********

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Tod *********

and your friend was just blind lucky,

More and more consulates are getting wise to people applying then coming to thailand to wait for the DTV to be approved AND they email you after 4 or 5 days and ask you send images of every page of your passport (blank pages too) just to see if you bailed out and went back to thailand

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Tod *********

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