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Can I travel outside Vietnam while waiting for my visa application approval?
Vietnam visavisa applicationtravel restrictionsDTV visaimmigration rulesproof of lifevisa processing
Mar 21, 2026
a month ago
Cui ******
ORIGINAL POSTERApply in Vietnam ——Can I leave Vietnam?
I had no experience applying for a Vietnamese visa the first time,Only applied for 15 days（to Mar.31），My visa status is currently pending approval，If I haven't gotten approval by then, can I leave Vietnam and just travel around the neighboring countries?
I had no experience applying for a Vietnamese visa the first time,Only applied for 15 days（to Mar.31），My visa status is currently pending approval，If I haven't gotten approval by then, can I leave Vietnam and just travel around the neighboring countries?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses whether one can leave Vietnam while waiting for the approval of a visa application. It is generally advised not to leave the country during this waiting period, as doing so may lead to the cancellation of the application. Several comments note that staying in the country where the visa was applied is necessary until a decision is made, and there are potential risks of additional document requests which can delay the process.
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.
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Iliyana **********
I applied from Zambia, left the country 10 days later to South Africa (where the processing embassy was), I waited for 25 calendars days in total. No additional docs were requested, but I never thought/knew I have to wait in the country I applied from.
Cui ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Iliyana *********
😆Did it Success？James ********
@Cui *****
STAY in the country where you are applying for the DTV visa until the decision is known.Cui ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@James *******
😆😆I only applied for a 15-day Vietnamese visa. I'm kind of an idiotJames ********
@Cui *****
that's cutting it short. Especially with the Thai Embassy or Consulate often request additional documents which then resets the clockwork in the processing of your application.Reply to
James ********
Reply
Iliyana **********
@Cui *****
yes :)Cui ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Iliyana *********
Thanks for sharing thatReply to
Cui ******
Reply
Greg ********
If they find out you have left Vietnam there is a high chance they will cancel your application. Have a search through the group for this. The condition is you remain in Vietnam while your application is processed.
Cui ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Greg *******
OMG This is such a hassle, hope it gets approved soonPierre **************
@Cui *****
don't worry Thai embassy cannot know if you are travelling to Cambodia or Laos from Vietnam ... but avoid to go back Thailand ...Greg ********
@Pierre *************
They have asked for "Proof of life" pics and a further copy of all passport pages though during the application. Not always but been enough times to know it is a risk.Anonymous ******************
@Greg *******
what are proof of life pics?Kurt *************
Anonymous participant 391 picture infront of a special location
Greg ********
Anonymous participant 391 They ask you to take a recent picture with a receipt of a purchase that proves you are still in Vietnam.
Reply to
Greg ********
Reply
Greg ********
@Cui *****
Good luck - hope it goes well.Reply to
Greg ********
Reply
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