I Got Approved for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), and Here’s How You Can Too!

10 min readOct 9, 2024

Thailand has long been a haven for travelers seeking a mix of adventure, culture, and affordable luxury. But for digital nomads, remote workers, and long-term visitors, staying in the Land of Smiles just got a whole lot easier thanks to the new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), launched in July 2024. This visa is an absolute game changer, offering a 5-year opportunity to experience all that Thailand has to offer with some incredible perks.

Imagine staying for 180 days at a time, renewing once for a full 360 days, or even doing a quick border run and hopping right back into Thailand with another 180-day stay. All this freedom is available without the constant hassle of visa runs or complicated renewal processes. I recently got approved for the DTV, and I’m here to show you step-by-step how you can too.

What Is the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)?

The DTV is designed for digital nomads, remote workers, and freelancers who want to stay in Thailand for an extended period while working or immersing themselves in the local culture. It’s also a strategic move by Thailand to revive its economy post-COVID, welcoming long-term visitors who can work remotely or engage in “Soft Power” activities like Muay Thai training or culinary classes.

Here’s the breakdown:

Visa Length: 5 years
Stay Duration: 180 days at a time
Renewal: One in-country renewal allowed for an additional 180 days, for a total of 360 days, for a fee of 10,000 Thai Baht (~$275 USD).
Border Runs: Or the most popular option, you can leave Thailand, do a border run, and return the next day to start another 180-day stay.

Now that you know the basics, let me guide you through the exact steps I took to get approved — and how you can do the same.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Approved for the DTV

The application process for the DTV might seem overwhelming, but with a little prep work, it’s smooth sailing. Let’s dive into what you’ll need and how to apply.

1. Gather Your Documents

First things first — you’ll need to gather all the necessary documents to prove your eligibility for the DTV. Here’s what you’ll need:

Passport Photo
You’ll need a passport photo that is newer than 60 days. This is crucial because outdated photos will get your application rejected. Head to a professional photo service for this — trust me, it’s worth it to make sure it’s perfect.

Bank Statement
You’ll need to prove that you have at least 500,000 Thai Baht (about $14,000 USD) in your bank account. Some embassies require only one month’s bank statement, while others ask for up to six months. I played it safe and submitted three months of statements, and it worked perfectly.

Proof of Remote Work
To qualify for the DTV, you must prove that you can work remotely. You can do this by providing:

A letter from your employer or HR department stating that you can work from anywhere
A contract that explicitly mentions remote work
If you’re a freelancer or business owner like me, you can write your own letter, explaining your role and stating that you work remotely. Don’t forget to sign it!

If you’re a digital nomad, showing proof of what you do is important. For example, if you’re a designer, you can provide screenshots of your portfolio, website, or social media profiles. Freelancers and content creators can include links or screenshots of their YouTube channels, Instagram, TikTok, or any other relevant platform. This helps demonstrate that you can work remotely while living in Thailand.

Passport Copy
A clear, high-quality scan of your passport’s information page is mandatory. Double-check this to make sure every detail is legible because blurry or unclear scans could lead to delays.

PRO TIP: You don’t need to have your flight or accommodation booked in advance to apply for the DTV. I simply used potential flight options I found on Skyscanner and tentative hotel bookings through Agoda when filling out my application. It’s all about showing intent, and this method worked like a charm for me.

2. Submit Your Application via the eVisa System

Thailand’s eVisa system makes the DTV application process far easier than in the past. You can apply from anywhere in the world (as long as you’re not in Thailand), upload your documents, and track your application online.

One key thing to remember: You cannot apply for the DTV from within Thailand. You’ll need to apply using an address from outside the country. I used my mortgage statement and a utility bill as proof of my home address. Some applicants have successfully used a hotel booking from places like Bali or Vietnam to fulfill this requirement.

Once you’ve got your documents in order, head to the official Thai embassy eVisa portal, fill out the application form, and upload your documents. It’s as simple as that.

3. Wait for Approval

How long does the approval take? It varies depending on the embassy. For me, I submitted my application to the Thai embassy in Washington, D.C., and it took about 15 days to get a response. They did request an additional document from me: a letter proving I could work remotely, which I had forgotten to include initially. They also asked for my previous year’s tax return, which seems to be required at some U.S. embassies, including D.C., L.A., and Chicago. So I had a total of 17 days (not business days, 17 days including Saturday and Sunday) to get approved. It was very easy. I did provide 6 months' bank statements just to be sure.

Tax Returns: This only seems to be happening in the USA and most speculate it is a USA Government requirement to make sure you are not behind on taxes.

Pro tip: If you’re in a hurry, try applying in person at an embassy. While this is becoming rarer due to the shift to eVisa applications, it’s still possible in some locations to get approved in as little as 72 hours. Friends of mine have been approved quickly in places like Dubai, Jakarta, Hong Kong, Taipei, and Vietnam.

What Happens After Approval?

Once your DTV is approved, you’re free to enter Thailand and stay for up to 180 days at a time. Be sure to print out and show the immigration officer your DTV when entering Thailand. They might not see it on your file and give you a Upon Arrival Visa, which is only 60 days. Some of had this happen so just be upfront so you get the DTV Stamp in your Passport and avoid the hassle.

Here’s where it gets even more interesting: if you want to stay for longer than 180 days, you can renew your visa once while in Thailand, adding another 180 days to your stay for a total of 360 days. This renewal will cost you 10,000 Thai Baht (about $275 USD), which is a pretty good deal for an extra six months.

However, if you want to stay beyond the 360 days, the DTV allows you to leave the country and do a quick border run. You can go to a neighboring country like Vietnam, Bali, or Malaysia, and then re-enter Thailand the next day to start a fresh 180-day period. You can repeat this as many times as you want during the 5-year visa period, allowing for maximum flexibility.

Soft Power DTV: Another Route to Approval

If you’re not a remote worker or digital nomad, there’s another path to getting the DTV through what’s called Soft Power. This initiative lets you qualify for the DTV by engaging in Thai cultural activities or services, such as:

Cooking classes
Muay Thai lessons
Medical treatments
Wellness and spa programs
Scuba Diving Master or Training

To qualify through Soft Power, make sure the program you sign up for is accredited. You’ll need an official letter from the school, gym, or clinic confirming your participation. Typically, you must sign up for at least 6 months and prepay for the program. But once you have that, you’re good to go!

Keep in mind that the financial requirements are the same: you’ll still need to show proof of 500,000 Baht in your bank account, but the other documentation focuses more on your commitment to the cultural program rather than remote work.

My Application Experience and Insider Tips

Let me summarize my personal experience applying for the DTV:

I applied through the Thai embassy in Washington, D.C. It took 15 days for them to get back to me, and I needed to provide a letter proving I could work remotely, along with my tax return. 17 days total and I was approved. Please not not business days, this included Sat and Sun as well.
I didn’t book my flight or accommodation before applying. Instead, I found potential bookings through Skyscanner and Agoda and used those in my application.
Now that I’m approved officially, I booked my flight and will be heading to get my first stamp 😎
If you’re applying from outside the U.S., places like Dubai, Jakarta, and Hong Kong are known for quicker turnaround times.
You can stay up to 360 days in Thailand with one in-country renewal, or you can leave and re-enter the country after a border run for another 180 days.

DTV for Couples and Kids (Married & Dependents)

The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) offers couples and families the flexibility to enjoy long-term stays in Thailand with minimal hassle. To apply for a DTV as a couple or family, the primary applicant (usually the spouse with the main source of remote work or financial support) must first apply and get approved for their own visa. Once they are approved, their spouse, children, or other dependents can then apply for their individual DTVs, which will be tied to the primary applicant’s visa but remain separate. Each family member will have their own visa, meaning everyone can enter and exit Thailand independently without being bound by the travel schedule of the main applicant.

One of the major benefits of the DTV for couples and families is the flexibility it provides. Unlike some visa programs, where family members are restricted to traveling together, the DTV allows each person on the visa to come and go as they wish. This is ideal for families with different travel plans or for couples where one spouse may need to travel frequently for work. It also means that dependents, such as children, can take advantage of the long stays (up to 180 days at a time) and enjoy the unique opportunities Thailand offers for education, culture, and lifestyle.

Why the Destination Thailand Visa is Perfect for Digital Nomads

The DTV is an incredible opportunity for remote workers, digital nomads, and freelancers who want to enjoy the benefits of living in Thailand for an extended period. Thailand is already one of the most affordable destinations where you can live luxuriously if you know how to score the right deals. With tools like Skyscanner for flights and Agoda for hotels, it’s easy to find amazing deals on five-star hotels or flights without breaking the bank.

I’ll do a full blog post and YouTube Video on how to find a condo, what areas are best, which cities are best, and all the details. Prices have for sure gone up in Thailand since COVID. For example, back in 2020, I had the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok booked for just $100 per night. Now, that same room is going for $650 per night in 2024. Inflation and the demand for tourism have pushed prices up, but if you use my travel hacks, you can still find bargains. We had another one booked in 2023 for $150/night that is now $400/night. Can’t even touch it.

Final Thoughts and What’s Next?

If you’ve ever dreamed of living in Thailand while working remotely or immersing yourself in Thai culture, the Destination Thailand Visa is the perfect opportunity. You can enjoy up to 180-360 days in the country, with the option to do border runs and come back for even longer stays. And whether you’re applying as a remote worker or through Soft Power activities, the process is simple and straightforward.

Need help with planning your stay? Check out my Ultimate Travel Guide and Cheat Sheets for a worry-free trip, or let me plan your vacation for you! Don’t forget to sign up for Nomad Health Insurance by SafetyWing before you go — it’s the best coverage for travelers abroad.

Until next time here’s to smooth skies, good company, a journey full of happy memories. I’m your Travel Hack Guide to affordable luxury tips. Catch you later. Peace

Travel Hack Guy

ZachusTravel.com & YouTube.com/zachustravel