DTV (Destination Thailand Visa) application rules are not identical for every applicant. Depending on your nationality, you may benefit from a fee exemption, enjoy a longer visa-free stay without a DTV, or need to take extra steps when applying from a third country. This article covers the key nationality-based differences.
Application Fee Exemptions
The standard DTV application fee is 10,000 THB. However, nationals of four countries pay nothing at all — the fee is completely waived under bilateral agreements between Thailand and their home countries.
The Four Nationalities Exempt from the DTV Application Fee
Thailand has concluded "Reciprocal Visa Fee Exemption Agreements" with the following four countries. Nationals of these countries are exempt from application fees for all Thai visa types, including the DTV.
| Nationality | Exemption scope |
|---|---|
| Republic of Korea (South Korea) | All visa types — full exemption |
| Malaysia | All visa types — full exemption |
| Singapore | All visa types — full exemption |
| Tunisia | All visa types — full exemption |
This exemption was not created specifically for the DTV. These bilateral agreements were established in the early 2000s and automatically apply to all new visa categories, including the DTV introduced in 2024. The exemption is confirmed in official announcements from the Royal Thai Embassy in Seoul and the Royal Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
The Exemption Is Based on Nationality, Not Application Location
This is an important practical point: the fee waiver is tied to the applicant's nationality (passport), not to where they apply.
- A Korean national applying at a Thai consulate in Japan → Fee is waived
- A Japanese national applying at the Thai Embassy in Seoul → Fee is NOT waived (Japanese nationality)
Nationals of the four exempt countries receive the waiver regardless of which Thai embassy or consulate they use to apply.
A Note on Philippine Nationals
Thailand and the Philippines do have a partial fee agreement, but it covers only stays of 59 days or less. Since the DTV is a 5-year long-term visa, Philippine nationals are not exempt from the DTV application fee.
For Other Nationalities
Most nationalities — including Japanese, US, UK, EU, and Australian nationals — are not covered by any fee exemption agreement with Thailand. The full 10,000 THB application fee applies.
Thailand's Visa-Free Stay: Current Status (as of May 2026)
Many nationalities can enter Thailand without a visa. However, the number of visa-free days and the specific rules depend on your nationality.
| Visa-free entry type | Applicable nationalities | Stay limit |
|---|---|---|
| General visa exemption | Japan, US, UK, EU, Australia, and many others | 30 days (as of May 2026) |
| Bilateral agreement — special exemption | South Korea, Brazil, Peru, Argentina, Chile | 90 days (maintained) |
| Other bilateral agreements | China, Russia, and others | Per agreement (e.g. 30 days) |
May 2026 change: Thailand's Cabinet officially approved the end of the 60-day visa-free scheme (introduced in 2024). For most nationalities under general visa exemption (including Japan, US, and EU), the limit returns to 30 days (effective 15 days after publication in the Royal Gazette). Nationals covered by bilateral agreements — such as South Korea and the five South American countries listed above — are unaffected and retain their full agreement terms.
For Korean nationals specifically: South Korea holds two advantages at once — the application fee is fully waived, and the bilateral agreement means 90 days of visa-free stay is available without a DTV at all. As a result, the DTV becomes most valuable for Korean nationals planning stays beyond 90 days or wanting to enter and re-enter Thailand freely over a 5-year period.
As the 30-day limit returns for most nationalities, the DTV's 180-day per entry, 5-year validity becomes increasingly valuable for anyone planning longer stays.
Third-Country DTV Applications: When to Pre-Check
DTV applications can in principle be submitted at any Thai embassy or consulate outside Thailand. However, applicants from certain nationalities or regions may encounter additional requirements or restrictions when applying outside their home country.
Thai embassies in various locations publish guidance indicating that applicants from particular nationalities should contact the embassy before submitting an application from a third country.
Nationalities Where Pre-Confirmation Is Especially Recommended
If you hold a passport from one of the following regions, it is strongly recommended to contact your intended embassy directly before beginning the application process to confirm requirements, accepted application locations, and any additional documentation needed:
- Parts of the Middle East: Requirements and accepted application locations may vary
- Parts of South Asia: Home-country application or additional documents may be required
- Parts of Africa: Embassy-by-embassy variation is common
Note: Restrictions in this area do not mean applications are entirely prohibited. In many cases, applicants who prepare the required additional documentation (such as a criminal record clearance) and apply through an appropriate consulate can proceed successfully. Always contact your intended embassy to confirm the current requirements.
For All Applicants: Confirm With Your Embassy
Regardless of nationality, always confirm the latest requirements with your intended embassy before applying. Requirements can vary by location and change over time. For guidance on choosing where to apply, see Where to Apply for the DTV.
For Golf DTV consultation and support, visit the Golf DTV page.
This article is based on official information from the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Thai embassy announcements. Requirements may change. Always verify with your applying embassy before submitting. Last updated: June 2026