Answered10 days ago
Can I apply for a Thai DTV visa while traveling outside my home country?
So I didn't realised the rules has changed and I left my homecountry. I was planning to apply for visa while travelling. Are there any agencies that can help? I am not in Thailand.
Answer summary
The recent changes to Thai visa regulations state that applicants must apply for the DTV visa from their home country or a country where they hold permanent residency. It is not possible to apply from another country, even with the help of an agency. Applicants need to remain in their home country during the visa processing period, which can take up to 4-6 weeks. Many commenters emphasized the importance of adhering to these rules and advised against using agents who may not be familiar with local embassy processes.
79 repliesnewest first
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Oleg ***********
Pm
James ********
@Oleg **********
what's the secret?
Arun ***************
Hi Anna! Unfortunately, due to the new DTV regulations effective August 31, 2026, applicants are now required to apply from their home country or a country where they hold permanent residence. Applying from another country where you're only visiting as a tourist is no longer accepted.
Also, even though the DTV application is done online, you must remain physically present in the country where you apply, from the time you submit your application until you receive the result.
Even if you use a visa agency, they would still need to follow the Thai Embassy's requirements, so they cannot bypass these rules.
Our honest advice is to return to your home country when you're ready to apply, unless you hold permanent residence in another country.
Just to share, we've successfully assisted over 500 students with their DTV applications through our cooking programs in Bangkok and Phuket. We also have an in-house visa support team that helps guide applicants through the process.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like a free consultation. Happy to help! 😊
Also, even though the DTV application is done online, you must remain physically present in the country where you apply, from the time you submit your application until you receive the result.
Even if you use a visa agency, they would still need to follow the Thai Embassy's requirements, so they cannot bypass these rules.
Our honest advice is to return to your home country when you're ready to apply, unless you hold permanent residence in another country.
Just to share, we've successfully assisted over 500 students with their DTV applications through our cooking programs in Bangkok and Phuket. We also have an in-house visa support team that helps guide applicants through the process.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like a free consultation. Happy to help! 😊
Nigel *******
@Arun **************
No, it says you have to apply THOUGH your home country embassy, not that you have to BE in your home country.Sojou*****
Sorry the rules changed mid-move, that's stressful. Applying from a third country usually means checking which embassy accepts your nationality and what proof they want. Platforms like SojournHub connect people with vetted local visa agents, so that could be worth a look alongside asking recent applicants here.
Kurt *************
Not possible
Timetobefree ****
There’s no gray area here, you have to be in your country of nationality to apply. No agent will be able to help you with that. Trust me, the Thai government doesn’t play.
Timetobefree ****
There’s no gray area here, you have to be in your country of nationality to apply. No agent will be able to help you with that. Trust me, the Thai government doesn’t play.
Nigel *******
@Timetobefree ***
Show proof of the law that says that?Redwan ****
@Nigel ******
please don’t mislead everyone with unverified information. I’ve been dealing with DTV applications for a long time, and many people here are sharing real experiences. Wrong advice can lead to visa rejection, wasted money and cancelled plans. Please check official Thai visa rules and some real experience and before advising others. This isn’t something to guess about especially when people’s money and future plans are at stake. And Google is free. Don’t confuse people with an account hiding on the back.Timetobefree ****
@Nigel ******
I’m not your Google search engine. It’s clear as day on the Thai evisa government site. Everyone else here is confirming the same. What are you confused about this?Nigel *******
@Timetobefree ***
I was just on their site, i dont see anywhere it says you have to physically be in the country WHEN you apply. it says you have to SHOW PROOF that your RESIDE in the country WHERE you apply at. So if you apply in the USA, you have to show proof that you live in the usa, you dont have to be in USA when you apply, just show proof you live there. Read This article *******************************************************************************************************
TheBatman**********
I can help you. Please transfer 50,000b to my agency and I'll do the rest
SugarFree*********
Whatever country your passport is from is the country that you need to be in when you apply. Pretty simple
Henrik *****
You have to go back and apply in your resident country and have to stay there during the whole visaprocess which can be up to 4-6 weeks ( specially now in the highseason ), if you leave your resident country during the visaprocess you may be rejected, and there by loose the 10.000 Baht visafee.
It is clearly explained on most Thai Embassy websites, so read the one from your resident country thoroughly, and forget about other Embassy websites.
The same applies when you read posts in thus group, the only ones that are relevant is those of your resident country Embassy.
Do not use agents, They do not know how the Embassy in your resident country processes visa.
Take control of your future life as a responsible adult.
Use the manual in the top right corner of the application website.
Search the group for posts, and include the Embassy name in the search, prioritize posts after
It is clearly explained on most Thai Embassy websites, so read the one from your resident country thoroughly, and forget about other Embassy websites.
The same applies when you read posts in thus group, the only ones that are relevant is those of your resident country Embassy.
Do not use agents, They do not know how the Embassy in your resident country processes visa.
Take control of your future life as a responsible adult.
Use the manual in the top right corner of the application website.
Search the group for posts, and include the Embassy name in the search, prioritize posts after
****
Nigel *******
@Henrik ****
No, show me where it says that?Hilton ******
Tiffany ********
@James *******
this poster doesn't say anything about being physically in your home country when you apply, wondering why you are sharing it?James ********
@Tiffany *******
for those who have followed the DTV visa forum... they know the answer to your question.James ********
@Tiffany *******
I'll let you answer the question. Bottom line... You MUST be in the COUNTRY WHERE YOU APPLY FOR THE DTV visa... and it MUST be your home country. Exception if you hold a residence visa status in a country where you are applying for the DTV visa.
Proficie*********
Yeah its simple, go home
Redwan ****
It’s not possible to get DTV anymore without home country
Redwan ****
It’s not possible to get DTV anymore without home country
Nigel *******
@Redwan ***
No thats not correct. The new law says you can only apply to the embassy that covers your home country, not that you have to be there when you apply. That would be stupid, do you think they are stupid?Redwan ****
@Nigel ******
I suggest checking the updated DTV requirements effective 31 August 2026 also check the Thai visa rules. The Thai Embassy has clearly stated that applicants must be physically present within its jurisdiction when applying, according to its specific requirements. Also, when you select an embassy through the Thai e-Visa system, your application details, including your location ip are recorded btw. For many sometime in-person interview is required, you must be able to attend at that embassy.The new requirements also include proof of permanent residence and a police clearance certificate. So applying through your home country’s embassy doesn’t automatically mean you can apply while physically staying anywhere in the world. Embassy jurisdiction still matters. That’s the point I’m making. You better check resources
Nigel *******
@Redwan ***
ok sir, im not trying to give wrong advice, i just didnt see that on their website where they demand you have to be physically in the USA when you apply. I guess different territories may have different requirements. thanks.Redwan ****
@Nigel ******
In that case, you need to select the appropriate embassy or consulate under it their is no option and just need to make sure documents show up too. You’re welcome to try your own approach but please don’t confuse people who are here looking for accurate information. Wrong advice can cost them time, money and even a visa rejection.Redwan ****
@Nigel ******
that’s a visa agency article, not an official government source. I’m not saying you claimed otherwise, but immigration rules should be verified through official sources especially for DTV After after recent changes. Check the Thai Embassy websites, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and official immigration regulations. Google is free too.I’ve dealt with many from different visa applications myself from different corner or the world, and there’s a difference between reading an article and actually going through the application process. Embassy jurisdiction matters too and and for DTV embassies clearly require applicants to be physically present in the country where they’re applying. If an interview is requested, you also need to be able to attend.
I’m not here to argue, but people make real travel and financial decisions based on this information. So before confidently telling others what is or isn’t possible, please verify the current requirements with the relevant embassy. If you have an official government source confirming your claim, I’m happy to read it. And get some experience after getting some visa, lot of people said same too I believe no one throw any information without experience here too
Nigel *******
Ok sir, i stand corrected if you can post a link to an official website that says that. here is an article i read
*******************************************************************************************************
James ********
@Redwan ***
or the country where you hold residence visa status.Redwan ****
@James *******
Yeah, it need be long term residence but getting police clearance is hard from 2nd country 😑
Knowledgea***********
It’s probable
James ********
KnowledgeableWolf3453 not possible or probable.
Laura ********
Unfortunately no, you have to go back to your country of permanent residency to apply and stay there whilst awaiting the outcome of your application. You will need to provide evidence of your permanent residency where you are applying from.
Elías ********
Not possible
Za *******
At least you realized it now before applying from somewhere else and losing your application fee😊
Anonymous ******************
You have to apply from home. No agency is getting around that
ScenicPer**********
Nope. You have to apply in your country of residence and stay there for the time of application - no agent can circumvent this requirement
Nigel *******
No, you dont have to physically be in your home country, you just have to select the correct embassy matching your home country when you apply online. There is no wording that says you have to physically be in your home country when you apply. You just cant be in thailnd. read this article
*******************************************************************************************************
James ********
ScenicPersimmon2836 correct ✅
Alredo *****
Only you can help yourself by going back home and apply from there. Have a safe flight
James ********
WEigeneSmith NOT 🚫 TRUE
Alredo *****
WEigeneSmith nope
DTV_Be*******
WEigeneSmith that was the original policy, but they purposely changed in on Aug 30th. If they only cared about what you said above, they wouldn’t have gone through the hassle and changed the rules
Greg ******
WEigeneSmith Not true at all. And you’re contradicting yourself. They may ask for an interview as you say, but that’s not the only thing they can do. They may also ask for proof of location. There are numerous posts reporting this.
BravePers*********
@Alredo ****
is your account real? You have a famous Opera singer as your pics?Greg ******
BravePersimmon1025 What's wrong with the information he just gave to the OP? That's correct.
Alredo *****
BravePersimmon1025 Why shouldn't it be real? I guess it's better than having cats and dogs or vampires as profile pic. What do you think?
Ali *************
No agent can help !
John **********
Nobody can get you a DTV if you're not in either your home country or another country to which you hold permanent residence rights
Nigel *******
@John *********
That is WRONG, the new law changes WHICH EMBASSY you have to apply to, not where you have to be when you apply. Now you have to apply at the embassy that covers your home country, so you cant apply to any embassy like before. It doesn't say your feet has to be physically be in that country which would be ridiculous. see this article: *******************************************************************************************************
Tiffany ********
Everyone saying you have to be in your home country aren't actually correct in terms of what is possible. The changes actually put the emphasis much less on where you physically are when applying but on providing proof of residency. The requirement to be in the country of residence is purely so you are able to attend an in-person interview if one is requested.
You do not have to prove your whereabouts.
As long as you're not in Thailand (which is the only thing they actually care about) the only risk of applying from a different country is being invited for an in-person interview and not being able to attend. Depending on the country/ Embassy, it's possibly only a slight risk so worth taking if it's going to otherwise cause significant inconvenience or cost to return home to apply.
You do not have to prove your whereabouts.
As long as you're not in Thailand (which is the only thing they actually care about) the only risk of applying from a different country is being invited for an in-person interview and not being able to attend. Depending on the country/ Embassy, it's possibly only a slight risk so worth taking if it's going to otherwise cause significant inconvenience or cost to return home to apply.
John **********
@Tiffany *******
odd that the 2nd question one is asked in the application is for your location. Your location determines the consulate your application goes to. What do you think will happen once they determine you lied in your application?Tiffany ********
I'm not advocating people lying. It's a matter of weighing up all the variables to make a decision or take a risk as appropriate to their situation, including interrogating the purpose of the questions being asked. The question of your current location determines the Embassy you apply through. Yes, indeed.
It sounds like a pretty stressful situation and illogical for people who are already travelling and are not in their home country to have to travel back to apply for a visa.
It's also illogical to have to get an ACRO for a 5 year old but the wording suggests you need one and the application asks for one.
The mind boggles. We shall see what happens next but my hope is that logic and common sense will prevail...
It sounds like a pretty stressful situation and illogical for people who are already travelling and are not in their home country to have to travel back to apply for a visa.
It's also illogical to have to get an ACRO for a 5 year old but the wording suggests you need one and the application asks for one.
The mind boggles. We shall see what happens next but my hope is that logic and common sense will prevail...
John **********
Adam Adamant you'll agree I'm sure that lying on a visa application is not wise.
WEigen******
@John *********
I do. I'm not implying that what is possible is either wise or moral; simply possible. But looking at the big picture, you could also estimate what harm to anyone might be caused by the attempt. And why is the rule there in the first place. And I understand that "if everyone did it" it would be a farce. But if someone is genuinely in need of a solution that causes no harm...Eddy *********
WEigeneSmith You can look at the "big picture" all you want, but if you cannot meet the basic requirements for your intended visa, you might have to abandon the idea and seek your fortune elsewhere.
James ********
WEigeneSmith your merely implied suggestion that not following the rules of getting the DTV visa USA is okay... misleads those who are here to learn the correct way to Apply for the DTV visa.
WEigen******
@James *******
what are you objecting to? Could you be more specific please? We are all here helping each other with the honest truth. Our truth is anecdotal. But it's still the truth. is it not?James ********
WEigeneSmith people are here on this forum seeking helpful and legal advice on how to apply for the DTV visa. Any deviation from providing the correct advice is not what should be inferred or posted.
John **********
WEigeneSmith and the second question asked on the application is your location
WEigen******
@John *********
This isn't actually correct. But you do need to be able to attend an interview if requested. They ask you to be "at home", but in practice, they can only tell if you are inside Thailand, they don't have the ability to see where you are exactly when applying.David ******
WEigeneSmith But when you enter Thailand is possible for them to notice that you were not in your country of origin when you applied.
When your passport is scanned at immigration, your passport number and personal details link to government or shared regional databases that log your entries and exits.
When your passport is scanned at immigration, your passport number and personal details link to government or shared regional databases that log your entries and exits.
David ******
WEigeneSmith Absolute rubbish, you need to actually apply from your own country. No way around it
Henrik *****
You are so wrong, most Embassies demand that you show that you are in the resident country.
And it is a breach of the requirements, which may lead to rejection and loss of the 10.000 baht visafee.
And it is a breach of the requirements, which may lead to rejection and loss of the 10.000 baht visafee.
WEigen******
@Henrik ****
possibly. But it didn't.James ********
WEigeneSmith Why are you giving false advice ?
WEigen******
@Clare *********
Dtv accepted yesterday. I'm not condoning my own behaviour. I'm not suggesting it's wise or moral, I'm simply stating it's possible, which is what the OP asked.Clare **********
WEigeneSmith do you even have a DTV to give this amazing advice? & if you do I’m sure it was while there were loop holes when first introduced I assure you there are no loop holes now!
WEigen******
@James *******
It's genuinely not false advice. It's 100% tried and tested fact. But don't ask me how I know...Clare **********
WEigeneSmith well
You also need a police check from your “home” country so that’s gonna be a bit of a 🚩 if you don’t submit one?
You also need a police check from your “home” country so that’s gonna be a bit of a 🚩 if you don’t submit one?
James ********
@Meetmes********
that's not the issue...to make the Thai DTV visa application you must be in the country where you apply for it and stay there UNTIL THE DECISION IS KNOWN.Meetmes********
@Clare *********
what stops you request police check from your home country while in another country?WEigen******
@Clare *********
You only need to send them a photo of the certificate, they don't ask you to send the original in by post. if you can upload a photo of your passport, you can also do so for the acro.DTV_Be*******
WEigeneSmith yes, you can commit fraud and hope it works out
Roxana ******
Even if you use an agent, you still need to go back home and stay there while waiting for your visa.
Nigel *******
@Roxana *****
no that is false. read this article: *******************************************************************************************************
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