ask
Search
Ask
Answered2 years ago

Can Americans Applying for a DTV Visa Face Issues Proving Their Location?

Mike ******
asked Nov 5, 2024
5.7k
views
56
replies
1
likes
Americans can apply online for a DTV while in America, but my question is, how would they know if you weren't in America at the time of applying?

Has anyone been in this situation and had no issues?

AND

For Thai soft-power reasons does anyone have any additional info for what's required... like how many medical procedures must I have planned and over what period of time to be able to use the recommendation letter?

Thanks!
Answer summary
The post discusses the eligibility of Americans applying for a DTV visa online while still in the US, and concerns over how authorities might verify their location during the application process. Responses highlight the need for proof of location, such as flight tickets, and an understanding that applying for a DTV while outside the US may raise suspicions of visa fraud. Additionally, there is uncertainty regarding the medical requirements associated with the visa, prompting requests for clarification on the number of medical procedures necessary and the usage of a recommendation letter.
56 repliesnewest first
20

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

Michael *******
Michael *******
You would need to use a proxy server, and ensure you have all ID and bank requirements in order
Rober *******
Rober *******
@Michael ******
you don't. Speaking from experience.
Michael *******
Michael *******
no doubt there are embassies out there with incompetent staff but wouldn’t bank on it
Dan *******
Dan *******
I applied online via Danish Embassy while I was in US for work. Got approved within 24 hrs. I did make proof of address in Denmark though. No flight tickets needed
Janelle *****
Janelle *****
I went to Taipei. Same day service and got the visa
Terary **********
Terary **********
@Janelle ****
I have never been to Taipei - did you enjoy it/
Janelle *****
Janelle *****
@Terary *********
absolutely. Lived there for 8 years ka
Sam *********
Sam *********
@Janelle ****
thanks I appreciate it
Janelle *****
Janelle *****
@Sam ********
raohe night market

Chun shui tang (invented bubble tea
Sam *********
Sam *********
@Janelle ****
I was thinking of doing that same run, any favorite food spots that are a must to see if I'm only there a day or two?
James *********
James *********
Try the "Sneaky Fraudsters Thai Visa Tips" page...
Rober *******
Rober *******
@James ********
honestly when Thais themselves don't follow their own rules. When in rome.
Eric ******
Eric ******
I had this same question about doing a Non O Visa from another country in SE Asia since I’m already over here instead of having to go back to the US. I thought using a VPN it wouldn’t be detected from the website, and wondered if they’d really go through all of my passport stamps to check on my travels. Even using an “onward ticket” from the US to Thailand for the inbound flight. I wouldn’t have actually done it, but I was at least curious to know if it would have been possible. I asked my agent, who if it was possible would be one who would know, and he emphatically shot the idea down from every angle and scenario I came up with. So I would say definitely not worth risking.

I also had the same question as you on the medical qualifications. It seems most answers you got concentrated on the first part of your question question only. I seem to remember Brandon reply to someone that each office has their own requirements and some want more information and details than others, while he said he knew 1 person that was approved for only a single dental visit. Hopefully someone knowledgeable will have the answer. I am interested in that visa also, since the Non O isn’t possible until I go back home. Hope it works out for you.
Terary **********
Terary **********
@Eric *****
I have applied for and gotten several Visa for Thailand from the Embassy in DC, while not in the US.

The question comes up frequently. This group has their opinions which is nice but the opinion that matters is the Embassy and the Immigration officer.
Eric ******
Eric ******
@Terary *********
interesting. That is the Embassy I use also. Thanks.
Mango *******
Mango *******
@Eric *****
wait why can't you do your non imm o in surrounding country ?
Eric ******
Eric ******
@Mango ******
I was mistaken. I got that and the METV confused. Thanks for the post. Now I have the option to get it here in Vietnam. Take care.
Brandon ************
Brandon ************
@Eric *****
the only visas that requires you to be in your home country are multiple entry tourist visa and non-OA. Pretty much anything else can be obtained from an embassy that offers services to non-residents, as most of the ones in SE Asia do. But there are definitely Thai embassies that specifically state on their websites that they only offer visas to residents of the country they are in.
Eric ******
Eric ******
@Brandon ***********
yep. Bungled that one. We had talked about the METV and he Non O. I seemed to have gotten them confused. I’m in Vietnam now and will look into the Non O, or do the exemption depending on how long I stay. Thanks again for the heads up.
Brandon ************
Brandon ************
@Eric *****
It's through whatever system the Thai embassy uses in that country. Some are e-visa and some are in person. Vietnam just switched to e-visa a few weeks ago.
Eric ******
Eric ******
@Brandon ***********
I could have sworn we messaged on here that it was only available to me in the US. My previous Non O expired a few weeks ago and I asked if I could get another Non O in Vietnam and was told only in your home country. I’ll have to go back and review that post. When you say obtained from an embassy (in Vietnam?), is that through eVisa, which I think you mentioned in the post that they had switched to, or in person? Thanks.
Eric ******
Eric ******
@Mango ******
I was told by an agent and read on here it has to be done from your home country only. Not sure why or what difference it makes, but apparently those are the rules.
Frankie ********
Frankie ********
If you apply whilst in Thailand, it'll be picked up when leaving Thailand. You can apply from any country outside Thailand also.
Rober *******
Rober *******
@Frankie *******
Incorrect. I've applied previously for a regular tourist visa online while in Thailand. Left. Came back. Maybe I was 'lucky' unless you have hands on experience on this, I think visa rules are followed as much as it depends on which immigration officer you end up with.
Frankie ********
Frankie ********
@Rober ******
the query was about DTV not a regular tourist visa
Bob **********
Bob **********
A good chance your IP address just might give you away
Rober *******
Rober *******
@Bob *********
That's assuming they care. They don't. Speaking from experience.
Kim *********
Kim *********
@Bob *********
not necessarily
Bob **********
Bob **********
@Kim ********
try it they know all about VPN’s and they won’t refund your money when they catch you
Robert ***********
Robert ***********
@Bob *********
I lost track???? You are too funny
Bob **********
Bob **********
@Robert **********
yes so we’re did you loose track of this post pull your head out of your A—
Robert ***********
Robert ***********
@Bob *********
No sh*t. You are really sharp at this. SMH.
Bob **********
Bob **********
@Robert **********
you cannot apply for an e visa at an embassy outside of Thailand while your in Thailand they require proof of your location so what good would a VPN be ???
Robert ***********
Robert ***********
@Bob *********
And it's **you're
Robert ***********
Robert ***********
@Bob *********
I am in Phuket. And what does that have to do with your statement about VPN's getting flagged by the E Visa system? You can't get a DTV in country.
Bob **********
Bob **********
@Robert **********
ok your not in Thailand
Robert ***********
Robert ***********
@Bob *********
NY. And I always log in through a VPN. Never an issue
Bob **********
Bob **********
@Robert **********
from where ??
Robert ***********
Robert ***********
@Bob *********
I just got my DTV 3 weeks ago and my METV 6 months ago and no issues using the E Visa system with my VPN. And he was talking DTV, not bank or credit card.
Bob **********
Bob **********
@Robert **********
try it with a Thai embassy or try it with Capital One
Robert ***********
Robert ***********
@Bob *********
Well that's not true because I use a VPN all the time regardless where I am, even home in NY.
Linhof *********
Linhof *********
@Kim ********
yeah we use Nord, supposed to be good, but I have been having all kinds of issues
Kim *********
Kim *********
@Linhof ********
ok -​ some of the top ones should be able to hide that a vpn is used but I don't know if that's the case
Linhof *********
Linhof *********
@Kim ********
VPN changes location. I think it is detectable. I keep getting locked out of banks and ebay
Bob **********
Bob **********
Kim *********
Kim *********
@Bob *********
I live here permanently - I was just commenting on the vpn
Bob **********
Bob **********
@Kim ********
not worth the chance I’m hearing the turn around for e visa has been pretty quick
Kim *********
Kim *********
@Bob *********
interesting. However I don't cheat
Brandon ************
Brandon ************
One of the questions on the visa application is "proof of current location." Also they will want to see your plane ticket from the US to Thailand.

There have been multiple reports recently of embassies also asking for proof of location AGAIN a few days after the application was submitted to ensure that the person did not leave the country afterwards.

Although I haven't personally seen any reports of this type of activity from the US, it's almost not a common visa type to be applied for from the US, as most people applying for the DTV are applying for it from Southeast Asia as they are already in Thailand and looking for a way to stay longer.

Ultimately what you are asking about is visa fraud, and not a good way to get started with any government agency.
Todd **********
Todd **********
@Brandon ***********
What is a DTV?
Garrett ***********
Garrett ***********
@Brandon ***********
Your drivers license is enough for proof of location
Mike ******
Mike ******
OP
Appreciate the thorough reply, Brandon. I know it's not ideal, but this may be a last resort due to some extenuating circumstances that I'm trying to make it through.
Brandon ************
Brandon ************
@Mike *****
you can't be in Thailand to use a DTV anyways. So just go to Laos and get it. It's cheaper there anyways. And better than risk losing the entire cost of the visa if they ask for proof of location and you can't provide it.
Elías ********
Elías ********
@Mike *****
If you're not in Thailand, neither in the US. Why don't you apply either on/offline in the country you are?
Kool *******
Kool *******
@Mike *****
they know which country you are in, and specifically in your case not being in the US by simply checking with immigration. You were stamped out of the country when you left, and if there is no entry stamp after that then you are still out of the country. They know which country you are in simply by the immigration entry in the computer system, and it is shared data with other countries.
Mike ******
Mike ******
OP
Yes I'm aware, and I'm not in Thailand. Current position makes it difficult to get, hence my question. Cheers.

Activity

20 joined
Mike ******
Mike ******
Mike ******
Mike ******
Mike ******
Mike ******
20
people
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
...members60% approval
Member 1
Member 2
Member 3
Member 4
Member 5
Member 6
Member 7
Member 8

Related

25
Is it true that British applicants for the DTV only need 500k THB in their account for one month and must apply from their home country?
3.5k33311mo
What visa options are suitable for a family of three with a remote online business in Thailand?
1k993mo
Is it advisable to apply for a Thailand visa with less than 3 months of bank statements?
648554mo
Why was my DTV visa application rejected despite meeting all the requirements?
2.1k654mo
Will obtaining a Non-O visa affect my current 5-year DTV visa in Thailand?
902264mo
Can I switch to a DTV visa under the Workcation category using rental income from Japan?
18225mo
What are the implications of a recent job loss and fluctuating bank balance when applying for a DTV visa in Thailand?
2.4k1705mo
What are the bank statement requirements and turnaround time for applying for a visa from NZ to Thailand?
6k181486mo
Can you switch from a visa-exempt entry to a retirement visa while in Thailand?
5.9k55518mo
What should I do if my application for a Non-O visa is suspended while my DTV visa is active?
3.5k24418mo
What are the steps and requirements for applying for a DTV visa from London to Thailand?
2k14239mo
How does the DTV application process work for a Thai cooking class?
9644101y
Will I encounter issues applying for a DTV while my non-O spouse extension is still valid for one more day?
513142y
How can I convert my tourist visa to a retirement visa in Thailand?
5.3k43532y
How should I approach my DTV visa application as a remote worker with family in Thailand?
2.5k18232y
Can you change from a Non-O marriage visa to a DTV in Thailand?
952322y
How long does the 500,000 THB need to be in the bank for a DTV Visa application in Thailand?
2.5k15262y
Do you need to submit your passport for a DTV visa if it is approved, or is it an electronic visa?
1.3k962y
Can I apply for a DTV visa before my Non-O visa expires?
933562y
What are the requirements and procedures for applying for a DTV visa in Thailand?
1.6k1062y
What is the process to cancel a Non-O visa and apply for a DTV while going back to the UK?
1.5k1232y
Can I maintain my retirement visa status while working outside Thailand every year?
5.7k50472y
Do I need to leave Thailand every 90 days on a Non-O visa or retirement extension?
4.2k38302y
Do I need to keep 400,000 baht in my account for my first marriage extension application in Thailand?
1.5k9143y
Can I apply for a child dependency visa in Laos and what are the requirements?
2.1k15183y

Resources

Need help with your DTV visa?