Two rule changes shape 2026. Since 31 August 2026, every DTV application needs proof of permanent residence and a criminal record certificate. Since 15 September 2026, visa-free entry is 30 days for 60 countries and territories, for tourism only.
What this section covers
- The DTV requirements in full, and the three DTV categories.
- What each category asks you to prove: remote work, a soft power activity, or family ties.
- How the DTV compares with the tourist visa and visa-free entry.
Documents themselves (funds, residence proof, tourist papers) are in documents. The police certificate is in police clearance.
Pick by trip
| Your trip | Route | Main extra requirement | Read |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holiday, up to 30 days | Visa-free entry, if your passport is on the list | Tourism only | After the 30-day change |
| Holiday, up to 60 days | Tourist visa (TR) | Bank statement, flights, booking | Tourist visa 2026 |
| Several trips in 6 months | Multiple-entry tourist visa (METV) | Higher funds than the TR | METV |
| Remote work for months | DTV workcation | Contract, employer letter or portfolio | Workcation |
| Muay Thai, cooking or medical stay | DTV soft power | Letter from the school, gym or hospital | Soft power |
| Spouse or child under 20 of a DTV holder | DTV family | Proof of relationship and the holder's DTV | Family |
The DTV in four lines
- Stay: up to 180 days per entry, one extension of up to 180 days at Thai immigration (London).
- Validity: 5 years, multiple entries (London, Washington DC).
- Funds: 500,000 THB or the local figure the post sets.
- Since 31 August 2026: proof of permanent residence where you apply, and a criminal record certificate.
The full document list and the fee at each embassy are in the DTV requirements guide.
DTV or tourist visa in one table
| DTV | Tourist visa (TR) | METV | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stay per entry | 180 days | Up to 60 days | Up to 60 days |
| Validity | 5 years | 3 months | 6 months |
| Residence proof and police certificate | Yes | Not listed | Not listed |
The full comparison, with funds, fees and visa-free entry, is in DTV vs tourist visa.
Before you choose
- Count your days in Thailand per trip and in total.
- Name your purpose: tourism, remote work, a course or treatment, or family.
- Check whether your passport is on the 30-day visa-free list.
- For the DTV, check that you are a national or permanent resident of the country of the post you will use. See which embassy.
Ready to apply? Check your documents with the DTV pre-check or the tourist visa pre-check first.
Frequently asked questions
Which Thai visa do I need for a stay of three months or more?
A tourist visa gives up to 60 days, about 90 with an extension. For three months or more in one trip, or for remote work or a long course, look at the DTV.
Can I work remotely on visa-free entry?
The MFA says the 30-day visa-free scheme is for tourism only. The DTV workcation category covers remote work.
What changed for the DTV in 2026?
Since 31 August 2026, every DTV application needs proof of permanent residence in the country where you apply and a criminal record certificate.
How long can I stay on a DTV?
Up to 180 days per entry, with one extension of up to 180 days at Thai immigration, according to London.
Sources
- washingtondc.thaiembassy.org/en/page/dtv-visa (read 22 Oct 2026)DTV 5-year multiple entry; funds 500,000 THB or USD 16,000; page dated 10 Sep 2026
- london.thaiembassy.org/en/page/destination-thailand-visa (read 22 Oct 2026)DTV categories DTV1-3, 180-day stay, one extension of up to 180 days; page dated 8 Sep 2026
- moscow.thaiembassy.org/en/publicservice/adjustment-to-supporting-documents-for-destination-thailand-visa-dtv-a (read 22 Oct 2026)31 Aug 2026 DTV document change: proof of permanent residence and criminal record certificate
- moscow.thaiembassy.org/en/publicservice/83954-2-tourist-visa (read 22 Oct 2026)TR 3 months validity, up to 60 days; METV 6 months, 60 days per entry; page updated 12 Sep 2026
- mfa.go.th/en/content/pb-summary-03092026-en (read 22 Oct 2026)30-day visa-free scheme for 60 countries from 15 Sep 2026, tourism only; does not affect other visa categories
- washingtondc.thaiembassy.org/en/page/trsingle-entry (read 22 Oct 2026)tourist visa: 60 days, extension of up to 30 days to a maximum of 90 days from entry; updated 27 Aug 2026
Reviewed by the Thai Visa Pre-Check team
We check documents; we are not a law firm and not the Thai government. We read each embassy page named in the sources on the date shown.
We sell a document check. We do not apply for you, and only the embassy decides your visa.
- Last checked
- First published
What changed
- first published. Retargeted from DTV requirements to the broad "which Thai visa" question. The full DTV list now lives only on the DTV requirements guide.
Found an error? Write to support@tdac.info.