Can I apply for a DTV visa in a country other than the US while in Thailand?

DTV Visa Visa Application Process Visa Exemption Thai Visa USA Passport Residency Rules

Oct 12, 2024

4 days ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

I’ve been scrolling through this group and learning a lot! There’s something I wanted to confirm. I have a USA passport. Currently in Thailand on visa exemption and have been planning to go back to the US to apply for DTV visa in a couple weeks. 

I’m seeing that people are applying in countries other than their home country. I was under the impression that I had to be in the US to apply. But does this mean I can go to Vietnam for example and apply there?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

You do not need to apply for a DTV visa from your home country (the USA). Many expats have successfully applied for the DTV visa while in neighboring countries such as Laos, Malaysia, and Singapore, as these locations have Thai embassies. As long as you are not applying from within Thailand, you can choose to apply from other countries, provided they have a Thai embassy that accepts USA passport applications.

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.

Cliff *********

You can go to any country that has a Thai embassy and accepts USA passport.

You can’t do it from Thailand.

2 days ago

마리오 ***

Ah, I applied for the DTV online through the LA consulate while I was in Singapore and was approved. You just need to show proof of residence in the US, not actually physically be there.

3 days ago

Kaung **********

Yes, as long as you aren't in Thailand.

3 days ago

Katy *******

I'm American, applied and received in Vientiane. No need to be in your home country.

4 days ago

Katy *******

In Person, and it was Soft Power

3 days ago

Abbey ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Katy ******

last question, how long ago was this and how long did it take to get approved?

3 days ago

Katy *******

@Abbey *****

September 10th. Picked up on September 12th. With Vientiane you need to plan ahead because they require an appointment.

3 days ago

Reply to

Katy *******

Abbey ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Katy ******

this is great to know thank you! Did you do evisa or in person there? And soft power or remote work?

3 days ago

Reply to

Abbey ******

Yiba *******

My friends went to malaysia, one went to Laos, other did it in Myanmar. They are chinese, American and Spanish citizens

4 days ago

Abbey ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Yiba ******

that’s awesome! Do you mind me asking which route they took- soft power/remote work? I work remotely but also get treated for lupus already so I’m kinda thinking medical papers are easier to get together.

3 days ago

Yiba *******

@Abbey *****

they are both freelancers so it was east for them to gather all documents and their bank accounts have enough funds.

3 days ago

Reply to

Yiba *******

Jared *********

I'm from USA and took a trip from Thailand to Taipei to get my DTV. Jakarta is another good choice. Note: requirements, rules for residency, how long it takes to get approval, etc

4 days ago

Abbey ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you! Do you mind sharing if you went the soft power or remote work route? I work remotely but seems like a headache getting my boss to get all the paperwork together and I already get treated here medically for lupus anyway so I’m thinking I might go medical route… just not sure if they will then question, where is my money coming from?

3 days ago

Reply to

Abbey ******

Jeiz ***************

You don't have to apply in your home country. You should be able to apply in neigboring countries. I have a PH passport. I applied and got approved in Laos. Suggesting that you have to go back to the US can cost both a lot of time, money and effort which in my opinion is not worth it.

4 days ago

Abbey ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jeiz **************

great to know thank you! Yes flying to the US is very expensive. And I wasn’t exactly looking forward to seeing my in-laws either hahaha😅

3 days ago

Jeiz ***************

@Abbey *****

yeah, pick a consulate nearby. Good luck!

3 days ago

Reply to

Jeiz ***************

Henrik *****

Always best to apply in your homecountry, where the Embassy is used to seeing the kind document, the application is based on.

And you avoid problems about residence.

4 days ago

Abbey ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Henrik ****

see this was my understanding of it originally, but I’m seeing more success stories with less wait times from Americans who are applying outside of the US.

3 days ago

Reply to

Abbey ******

Can a person apply for a DTV visa from within Thailand?

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