Thailand introduces new visa application rules from today

Thailand is introducing new rules for visa applications, requiring applicants for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) to submit proof of permanent residence and a police clearance certificate.

Applications under the new rules will have to be submitted from Monday (31 August).

The Royal Thai Embassy in Dhaka recently announced the new requirements in a statement.

According to the embassy, applicants for Thailand’s five-year DTV will be required to submit proof of permanent residence in the country from which they are applying, along with a police clearance certificate.

The police clearance certificate or other official document confirming that the applicant has no criminal record must be submitted in both the original language and an English translation.

Under the new rules, applicants must submit:

1. Proof of permanent residence in the country from which the visa application is being made.

2. A police clearance certificate issued by the applicant’s home country or country of permanent residence, or an official document confirming that the applicant has no criminal record. The document must be submitted in its original language along with an English translation.

Authorities have advised applicants to carefully check the complete list of required documents before submitting their visa applications.

Applicants seeking further information or wishing to apply for a DTV have been advised to use Thailand’s official e-Visa portal.

The Destination Thailand Visa is a multiple-entry visa designed to allow eligible categories of people to stay in Thailand for extended periods.

Royal Thai Embassy approval is required for DTV applications before payment of the visa fee. The visa can be applied for for purposes including work, Muay Thai courses, Thai cooking classes, sports training, long-term medical treatment, seminars and music festivals.

The spouse and dependent children aged under 20 of a DTV holder are also eligible to apply.

The DTV allows each holder to stay in Thailand for up to 180 days per entry. The stay may be extended once for each entry, subject to the applicable conditions.

Visa holders may enter Thailand as many times as necessary while the visa remains valid.