What is the DTV? The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is a five-year, multiple-entry visa designed for “workcation” visitors (remote workers, freelancers, digital creatives) and people joining Thai “soft-power” activities (e.g., Muay Thai, culinary courses, wellness/medical programs). Each entry lets you stay in Thailand for up to 180 days. It’s flexible, and it’s perfect if you want a longer stay to enjoy Thailand and stack scuba training on Koh Tao. Official sources confirm the launch and the core rules: five-year validity with multiple entries, 180 days per entry, and availability since July 2024. Why divers care (the short version) More time in one trip: 180 days per entry lets you spread out your training—Open Water → Advanced → Nitrox → specialty courses and with time spare to go on to Dive Master and instructor training—without rushing against the traditional 60 day stays. Flexible returns: It’s multiple-entry for 5 years, so you can leave and come back when the season or your schedule suits. Family can join: Spouses and children under 20 can apply as dependents of a DTV holder. DTV at a glance Validity: 5 years (multiple entries). Stay per entry: up to 180 days; some missions note an in-country extension of up to another 180 days via Immigration (then exit/re-enter if you want more time within the 5-year window). Check local rules where you apply. Who it’s for: remote workers/freelancers (“workcation”) and Thai soft-power activities (e.g., Muay Thai, Thai culinary training, certain medical treatments). Dependents: spouse + children under 20 can be included (apply with relationship proof). Basic requirements (typical, may vary by embassy) Passport (≥ 6 months validity) and recent photo. Financial evidence: funds of about THB 500,000 (or equivalent) to support a six-month stay. Some posts list this explicitly. Proof of work/activities: for workcation, an employment letter/contract or portfolio showing you’re a remote worker/freelancer; for soft-power activities, confirmation from a gym/school/clinic. Where to apply: via the official Thai e-Visa portal or at a Thai Embassy/Consulate (requirements/fees can differ by location). Fees (and why they differ) Official communications and embassy posts note the DTV as a paid visa. Some missions quote a local-currency fee (e.g., ~€350 in Helsinki); others and legal guides reference a THB 10,000 government fee. In practice, the amount and how you pay can vary by the embassy or the e-Visa channel you use. Always check the specific mission handling your application. What you can (and can’t) do Workcation/remote work: The DTV targets people who work for employers/clients outside Thailand while staying here (“workcation”). It is not a local employment permit. Short, urgent tasks: Some embassy pages mention that for necessary/ad-hoc work under 15 days, a separate notification to Thai labour authorities is required after arrival. If this applies to you, follow the official process. Study & activities: Joining non-degree activities (e.g., Muay Thai camps, food courses, wellness/medical) fits the “soft-power” track. Planning a longer Koh Tao dive stay with DTV Here’s a simple way to use the 180-day window for your diving goals: Weeks 1–2: Open Water + Advanced + Nitrox, with plenty of easy reef dives. Weeks 3–6: Photography or Perfect Buoyancy specialties; Sail Rock trip; relaxed fun dives. Weeks 7–12: Rescue Diver + first aid refreshers; more deep/navigation practice; tidy buoyancy and trim. Weeks 13–24: Build experience, log varied conditions, and enjoy the island at an easy pace. Tip: If you’re considering professional training later (Dive Guide/Divemaster), a DTV stay is a great way to rack up dives and comfort before stepping into leadership courses. How to apply (practical steps) Check your nearest Thai Embassy/Consulate website for DTV specifics (documents/fees can differ by post). Start with the MFA overview and your local mission’s DTV page. Prepare documents: passport, photo, financial proof, and proof of remote work or the soft-power activity you’ll join. Apply online at the Thai e-Visa portal (if eligible) or follow your embassy’s submission process. On approval, confirm your first-night address and travel plans, then fly in and enjoy your 180-day entry. (If your mission lists an in-country 180-day extension option, plan time to visit Immigration for that step.) Good-to-know notes Rules can evolve: Thailand has made several visa updates since mid-2024. Always reconfirm details with official sources right before you apply. Fees vary by post: Don’t be surprised if your embassy lists a local fee that differs from a “headline” THB figure found elsewhere. Use the fee on your mission’s page. Scam watch: Apply only via official embassy/consulate pages or the official e-Visa site. Be wary of third-party “rush” sites that mimic government pages. Quick FAQ for divers Can I bring my spouse or kids? Yes—dependents (spouse/children under 20) can apply with proof of relationship. Can I extend beyond 180 days without leaving? Some embassy pages say an in-country extension of up to 180 days is possible via Immigration; afterwards, you must exit and re-enter (within the 5-year validity) for more time. Check your mission’s rules and timelines. Does DTV let me work for a Thai employer? No. It’s intended for remote work/soft-power activities—not local employment. If you plan to work for a Thai entity, ask about the correct non-immigrant/work authorization route. How Phoenix Divers can help Course planning: We’ll map out a relaxed training path that fits your visa window and travel days. Flexible scheduling: Weather-smart site choices, weekly Sail Rock trips, and easy add-ons like Nitrox and Perfect Buoyancy. Paperwork sanity: Need a course confirmation letter for your “soft-power”/activity evidence? Tell us what your embassy asks for—we’ll prepare what we can on our side. Useful links Ministry of Foreign Affairs – New visa measures (overview) Official Thai e-Visa portal Example embassy page: DTV details (5 years, 180 days, extension option) Official DTV requirements (workcation/soft-power/dependents) Ready to plan a longer Koh Tao stay? Tell us your dates and goals (learn to dive, level up skills, or just lots of relaxed reef time). We’ll build a simple dive plan that fits your DTV window—no rush, no stress, just warm water and steady progress. Message Phoenix Divers and we’ll get you set up.