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

DTV visa Visa application process Thai immigration rules Medical requirements for visas Visa fraud concerns Non-O visa Visa application from abroad

Nov 5, 2024

20 hours ago

Mike ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

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!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post raises concerns about whether American applicants for a DTV visa might face issues proving their location during the online application process. It highlights reports of embassies asking for proof of current location, including plane tickets, and mentions that most DTV applicants typically apply from within Southeast Asia. Additionally, there are inquiries about the medical requirements, with responses noting that different embassies may have varying criteria, which could include as few as one medical procedure.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

Janelle *****

I went to Taipei. Same day service and got the visa

7 hours ago

James *********

Try the "Sneaky Fraudsters Thai Visa Tips" page...

11 hours ago

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.

16 hours ago

Mango *******

@Eric *****

wait why can't you do your non imm o in surrounding country ?

12 hours ago

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.

9 hours ago

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.

9 hours ago

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.

8 hours ago

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.

7 hours ago

Reply to

Brandon ************

Frankie ********

If you apply whilst in Thailand, it'll be picked up when leaving Thailand. You can apply from any country outside Thailand also.

17 hours ago

Bob **********

A good chance your IP address just might give you away

Kim *********

not necessarily

Bob **********

try it they know all about VPN’s and they won’t refund your money when they catch you

15 hours ago

Robert ***********

@Bob *********

Well that's not true because I use a VPN all the time regardless where I am, even home in NY.

11 hours ago

Bob **********

@Robert **********

try it with a Thai embassy or try it with Capital One

8 hours ago

Kim *********

@Bob *********

interesting. However I don't cheat

15 hours ago

Bob **********

@Kim ********

not worth the chance I’m hearing the turn around for e visa has been pretty quick

15 hours ago

Kim *********

@Bob *********

I live here permanently - I was just commenting on the vpn

15 hours ago

Linhof *********

@Kim ********

VPN changes location. I think it is detectable. I keep getting locked out of banks and ebay

14 hours ago

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

13 hours ago

Linhof *********

@Kim ********

yeah we use Nord, supposed to be good, but I have been having all kinds of issues

13 hours ago

Bob **********

@Kim ********

same

14 hours ago

Reply to

Bob **********

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.

20 hours ago

Garrett ***********

@Brandon ***********

Your drivers license is enough for proof of location

20 hours ago

Mike ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

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.

20 hours ago

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.

20 hours ago

Mike ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Yes I'm aware, and I'm not in Thailand. Current position makes it difficult to get, hence my question. Cheers.

20 hours ago

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?

18 hours ago

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.

18 hours ago

Reply to

Kool *******

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What are the best locations for Americans applying for the DTV visa for medical treatment in Thailand?

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