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If you are planning a Destination Thailand Visa, the supporting-document list changed on 31 August 2026. Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs now asks every applicant for two things the old process did not: proof of permanent residence, in place of the document showing your current location, and a certificate of criminal record clearance. Both take effect together, and both are straightforward to prepare.
Nothing else about the visa has moved. The five-year validity, the 180-day stays and the 500,000 baht funds test are all exactly as before — this is a paperwork update, not a new visa.
the change, in brief
The announcement is narrow: it changes the DTV document set in two ways and leaves the rest of the visa untouched. Both changes apply from 31 August 2026, across every route — Workcation, Thai Soft Power and Dependants. Applications submitted before that date are assessed under the old rules.
Which route fits you
Proof of permanent residence and a police certificate are now required.
On paper the change is small, but it shapes two practical things: where you apply and how early you start. Proof of permanent residence points most applicants home to file, and a police certificate takes a few weeks to obtain. Plan for both from the start and neither will slow you down.
the two new documents
Both documents are set centrally. The detail — how recent the police certificate must be, and what counts as proof of residence — is left to each embassy, so check the one you will use.
1. permanent residence
Where the form once asked for your current location, it now asks for proof of permanent residence — evidence you reside somewhere settled, such as a residence permit. You apply from home.
2. criminal record check
This adds a police certificate confirming a clean criminal record — the ACRO in the UK, with an equivalent elsewhere. Some embassies want one issued within the last six months.
3. who is affected
The announcement names no exception, so both documents apply across all three routes — Workcation, Soft Power and Dependants. Applications filed before 31 August 2026 keep the old rules.
4. what has not changed
It helps to know what did not change: the 500,000 baht funds test, the roughly 10,000 baht fee, five-year validity and 180-day stays are unchanged. You still apply from outside Thailand.
police certificate
Now required for every DTV application, and missions may want it recent.allow 3–4 weeks
The item most likely to delay you. Allow three to four weeks — but keep it recent enough to meet your embassy’s window.permanent residence
Replaces the old current-location document, so apply from home.apply from home
Replaces the old current-location document. In practice, you now apply from the country where you are settled.what it means for you
For most applicants the takeaway is simple: from 31 August 2026, apply from home and start a little earlier. Gather your proof of residence and request your police certificate before you begin, so neither holds up your file. The change does not make the DTV harder to win — it simply adds two documents most people can obtain without trouble.
allow time for the check
The police certificate is the likeliest thing to delay you. A UK ACRO runs £65 (ten working days) or £115 (two days). Allow three to four weeks — but not too early, as some want it recent.
dependants
Dependants are affected the same way — a spouse or child needs both documents too. Some embassies ease it for young children; London covers an under-16 with the main holder’s certificate.
how to prepare now
A simple sequence keeps this easy. First, confirm where you apply — proof of residence points you to where you hold settled status. Next, request your police certificate early, allowing three to four weeks. Then gather the rest as before: passport, 500,000 baht in funds, and purpose-of-visit documents. Last, check your embassy’s page, as the detail varies by mission.
If you want the new documents right the first time — the right proof of residence, a police certificate timed well, and the right embassy for your case — that is what we handle. Send a short note about your situation and a Bangkok specialist will reply personally, usually within a business day. If the DTV is not right for you, we will say so.
