Destination Thailand Visa serves three different purposes including remote workers, courses such as Thai culinary training, and spouses and children under 20 years old of DTV visa holders.
The DTV is in effect from 15 July 2024. This will help the country improve its economy. The inclusion of this new visa is a part of many other changes for visas such as visa exemptions for many countries, a new list of visas for arrivals, and student visas.
As per the decision of the Thai cabinet, no work permit is required for the DTV holders as far as the work for the non-Thai entity. Anyhow, for working for a Thai employer, even DTV visa holders need an extra work permit.
DTV qualification check test
To better process the DTV system, the Thai government has prepared an online portal designed for DTV applicants. It provides a qualification test if you are eligible for this visa. You can attend the test here online.
DTV for Digital nomad/remote worker/foreign talent/freelancer
The DTV for remote workers also known as Workcation will help the country get more skilled workers in the IT sector. DTV holders and their families can stay for five years with multiple entries, allowing cumulative stays of up to 180 days, extendable by another 180 days with a fee of ฿1,900.
Furthermore, applicants must show proof of funds or a guarantee. The complete requirements are as follows:
| Document types | Requirement |
| ID Document | Passport Biodata Page or Travel Document (Must be valid within 6 months from travel date). If you are staying in a country other than yours, then document indicating your current location (driving license, bank statement, or proof of stay) |
| Photograph | Photograph taken within the past six months |
| Financial resources | A copy of a recent savings or checking bank statement with an ending balance of no less than 500,000 THB or ($16,000 USD) showing the applicant’s name and date. Family statements require proof of relationship (i.e., birth certificate, marriage certificate) |
| Employment/Professional Status | An employment contract or employment certificate in their country or professional portfolio showcasing digital nomad, remote worker, foreign talent, or freelancer status. They must also show that these are full-time students (if living abroad on a student visa). For self-employed, business license or business registration indicating the applicant’s name. |
| Visa Fees | Ranging from ฿9,726 to ฿42,314 baht |
DTV for Thai Softpower
The Destination Thailand Visa can also be achieved for courses and reasons such as:
- Muay Thai
- Thai cuisine
- Education and seminars
- Sports
- Medical treatment
- Foreign talent
- Events related to art and music
The major requirements are as follows:
| Document types | Requirements |
| ID | Passport Biodata Page or Travel Document (Must be valid within 6 months from travel date) |
| Photograph | Photograph of the applicant, taken within the past six months |
| Current Location Document | Document indicating current location (driving license, bank statement, or proof of stay) |
| Bank Statement | A copy of a recent savings or checking bank statement with an ending balance of no less than 500,000 THB or ($16,000 USD) showing the applicant’s name and date. Family statements require proof of relationship (i.e., birth certificate, marriage certificate) |
| Acceptance/Appointment Letter | Letter of acceptance from the institute or company organizing activities, or a letter of appointment from a hospital/medical center |
DTV for Spouse and children DTV visa holders
The spouses and children under 20 can also join their DTV visa-holder family members. They must meet the following requirements in order to get the visa:
| Document types | Requirements |
| ID | Passport Biodata Page or Travel Document (Must be valid within 6 months from travel date) |
| Photograph | Photograph of the applicant, taken within the past six months |
| Bank Statement | A copy of a recent savings or checking bank statement with an ending balance of no less than 500,000 THB or ($16,000 USD) showing the applicant’s name and date. Family statements require proof of relationship (i.e., birth certificate, marriage certificate, certificate of adoption) |
| Personal Details of DTV Visa Holder | Personal details of a DTV visa holder (i.e., valid government-issued ID card, Passport biodata page, and the DTV visa approval of the DTV visa holder) |
There are extra documents required for the children under age of 20 to prove their relation with the main applicant:
- Copy of a birth certificate;
- Original letter of notarized consent for the minor to travel abroad from mother and father/ legal guardian if the applicant is traveling alone;
- A copy of the parent’s marriage certificate, in case of sole custody notarized copy of the court order, must be provided;
- Copy of passports or ID of mother and father/ legal guardian.
List of DTV-eligible countries
Passport holders of the following countries are eligible for the “Destination Thailand Visa”:
| Region | Countries |
| Americas | United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Uruguay |
| Asia | Bahrain, Bhutan, Brunei, China, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Laos, Macao, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Oman, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vietnam |
| Europe | Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saint-Marin, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom |
| Africa | South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Seychelles, Zambia |
| Oceania | Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea |
Country passports with restrictions
The following passport holders may face eligibility issues when applying for the DTV from countries that are not their own. It is recommended to confirm with the relevant embassy or consulate as restrictions may vary. These countries are as follows:
Certainly! Here’s the data formatted into a table with three columns:
| Algeria | Guinea-Bissau | Swaziland |
| Angola | Iran | Syria |
| Bangladesh | Kenya | Tanzania |
| Benin | Lebanon | Togo |
| Botswana | Lesotho | Uganda |
| Burkina Faso | Liberia | Yemen |
| Burundi | Libya | Zambia |
| Cameroon | Madagascar | Zimbabwe |
| Cape Verde | Malawi | |
| Central African Republic | Mali | |
| Chad | Mozambique | |
| China | Namibia | |
| Comoros | Nepal | |
| Congo (DRC) | Niger | |
| Congo (Republic of Congo) | Nigeria | |
| Cote d’Ivoire | Pakistan | |
| Djibouti | Palestine | |
| Egypt | Rwanda | |
| Equatorial Guinea | Sao Tome and Principe | |
| Eritrea | Senegal | |
| Ethiopia | Seychelles | |
| Gabon | Sierra Leone | |
| Gambia | Somalia | |
| Ghana | South Africa | |
| Guinea | South Sudan | |
| Sri Lanka |
How to apply for the DTV Thailand?
DTV can be applied in person at your nearest Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate. Note that you must apply from the country where your employment is located.
The application procedures may differ by embassy or consulate, so it’s wise to contact them beforehand to confirm their process and fees, which can range from ฿9,726 to ฿42,314.
Alternatively, you can use the Thailand e-Visa website to apply online. This method allows you to complete your application digitally and submit your documents either by uploading or mailing them.
While the e-Visa application is non-refundable, ensure you meet the e-Visa criteria before starting. Applications must be made from the country where you have a presence.