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Can you wait 5 months after getting a DTV visa before entering Thailand?

Feb 21, 2025
a day ago
Philippe *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
When you have your DTV can you wait 5 months before making your first entry?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Yes, you can wait up to five months after receiving your DTV visa before entering Thailand, but it's important to note that the visa's validity starts from the date it was issued. If you delay your entry for 5 months, your remaining visa duration will be reduced accordingly. Some comments warn that embassies typically advise against applying for a visa more than 3 months before your intended entry date, which might lead to visa approval issues. Although there is a misconception about a 3-month entry rule, the DTV visa actually has a 5-year validity, and the 3-month guideline is more about the timing of the visa application.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Chris *********
I don’t think the answer to your question is as straightforward as the above answer .

Example :- if you applied to study Muay Thai boxing or a cooking course you would of had to book a few months in advance as proof for the application and I don’t think the consulate where you applied would approve a visa that is not used for the first 5 months .

That’s my opinion
Stuart *********
@Chris ********
The OP stated they had the visa already. Once they have it then consulate rules don’t apply.
Chris *********
@Stuart ********
So what you’re saying is that if you apply to do Mauy Thai boxing for the DTV and you book 3 to 6 months of courses as proof and you are approved for the DTV and decide not to do the Mauy Thai boxing after gaining the DTV , that would be okay ?
Graham ******
@Chris ********
yes, there no need for subsequent "proof" once the Visa is issued unless you go for an in country Extension of Stay
Henrik *****
It is recommended at most Embassy website’s that you should not apply more than 3 months before entry, and some will reject based on that.
Steve *******
You can wait up to 5 years if you want.

The three month "rule" mentioned in the other comment has nothing to do with the entry, but with the visa application. Embassies don't approve visas for travel further than 3 months after the application, based on the tickets/travel plans you submit when applying.
Nongnuch ********
WATCH OUT, there was a report regarding this matter! A user shared their experience entering Thailand for the first time with a DTV visa, noting that it had been 5 months since approval without any issues. They referenced a supposed 3-month entry rule linked to visa approval, but multiple comments clarified that there is actually a 5-year validity for the DTV visa. Some comments suggested that the 3-month guideline could be related to embassy practices rather than official rules, encouraging applicants to apply only if planning to enter within that timeframe. . .
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Barry ********
How much is one btw ?
Andi ***********
@Barry *******
10,000 THB but embassies apply their own exchange rate so can cost a little more .
Stuart *********
@Barry *******
Depends on the embassy where you apply. Approx 10k baht or equivalent unless you’re in NZ where it’s 40k.
Andy ************
Yes you can, but remember the visa starts ticking from the day it's issued, so if you enter after five months, there will be only 4 years and 7 months left
Stuart *********
You can wait up to five years.
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