Can I stay in Thailand while my DTV visa application is being processed in Laos?

DTV visa visa application process Thailand immigration visa exemption Thai embassy procedures

Nov 4, 2024

18 days ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

If I apply for DTV in Laos, do I need to wait in Laos until I get approved or can I return to Thailand and get a visa exemption until DTV is approved? In other words, can I be in Thailand while the DTV approval is in process?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user inquires about the possibility of applying for a DTV visa in Laos and whether they can return to Thailand while awaiting approval. One commenter raises a concern about the need for the passport to be at the Thai embassy during the visa processing.

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

I'm not sure how you plan to return to Thailand without your passport, since it will be at the Thai embassy while your visa application is processing.

18 days ago

Bob **********

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

it’s an e visa why would they have the OP’s passport

18 days ago

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

@Bob *********

Because the Thai embassy in Laos does not use e-visa. You apply in person and give them your passport along with your application. Appointment required.

17 days ago

Bob **********

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

ok thanks I thought they all went e visa

17 days ago

Reply to

Bob **********

Greta *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

Ok so I thought the DTV is issued digitally so they don't hold the passport

18 days ago

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

@Greta ****

it's issued digitally if you go to a country where the Thai embassy has adopted the e-visa system. But the Thai embassy in Laos has not. All applications are done in person and you must have an appointment.

If you go somewhere with evisa then you are required to remain in that country from when you apply for your visa until the visa is issued. It's exactly the same as if you filed in person, except you do it online. There have been many reports recently of people that applied for a visa and then a few days later were asked for proof that they are still in the country.

18 days ago

Damo ***********

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

a litte off topic so apologies for that...

If you were asked if you thought whether the DTV would be around in 6 months... 1 year.. what would your personal opinion be? Especially for those 5 year DTV's being issued for 'cooking' classes.. or a few Muay Thai classes?

18 days ago

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

@Damo **********

I don't think it matters. I think anyone that has it now will still be allowed to use it until it's done with. The only time that concern may come into play is if someone isn't sure if they want to get it immediately, then maybe they should apply sooner rather than later.

17 days ago

Greta *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

Thanks for the clarification

18 days ago

Reply to

Greta *****

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