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Do you have to enter Thailand soon after receiving your visa, or can you fly in whenever?

Thai visa rules DTV visa Non-immigrant visa visa entry requirements expat advice immigration policies

Feb 12, 2025

10 days ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

Can you fly in whenever, or do you need to be in Thailand soon after recieving visa?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The DTV visa allows for a 5-year validity period in which you must make your first entry. While there is no strict minimum time required to enter after receiving the visa, it is advisable not to delay your arrival significantly, particularly for practical reasons related to appointments or engagements in Thailand. Most countries provide a considerable time frame for utilizing visas, but for the DTV, you get almost 6 months on each entry.

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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Paul *******

Nearly all countries give you up to 90 days to utilize their visas and in many cases longer. For the DTV, it's valid for 5 years from the date of issue. You get almost 6 months (180 days) on each entry during the visa validity.

8 days ago

Luit *****************

You have 5 years to enter, but when you got the visa for soft power, it might be better to be in Thailand during the appointments.

It might give a strange impression when you book a training and arrive a year after.

8 days ago

Stuart *********

You have 5 years to use the visa. No minimum requirement. Except you probably won’t want to wait 5 years to use it. Your call.

10 days ago

Wayne *********

First entry on a DTV you need to parachute in and land at immigration 1, if you mess up the landing you get deported

10 days ago

Alain ***************

@Wayne ********

i landed in the roof of suvarnabhumi but didn’t find the ladder to climb down 🤣

10 days ago

Reply to

Alain ***************

James *******

Only when this group says it's okay.

10 days ago

Steve *******

You have to enter within the time limit for the visa..which is 5 years

10 days ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Steve ******

that seems rather achievable. lol.

Really though?

So you can get a soft power Muay Thai visa all set up without providing plane ticket details or anything and just travel to Thailand when you please?

Thank you for your answers. It’s very helpful.

10 days ago

Wannikea *********

Anonymous participant that would depend on the consulate you apply at. typically 3 months maximum in advance of your proposed activity. You'll need to supply the Muay Thai course registration details which would have a start date.

10 days ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Wannikea ********

ah ok. Conflicting opinions so far with two responses…. I feel like I’ve heard what you’re saying.

10 days ago

Steve *******

Anonymous participant you have 5 years to activate your visa by entering the country. But no embassy is going to give you a visa further then 3 months out from your trip.

10 days ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Steve ******

ah. Understood.

10 days ago

Reply to

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

Can I enter Thailand in September/October if I apply for a DTV in February?

6 comments

13 days ago

What are the entry requirements and stay rules for the DTV visa in Thailand?