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Answered9 months ago

Can I travel while my DTV application is being processed and what happens if I receive approval while abroad?

Anonymous *************
asked Feb 5, 2026
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I would like to ask a question and hear some honest opinions, if anyone truly knows the answer.

My job requires me to travel the world, and I need to be on the road constantly.

I came to London and started my DTV application on January 23rd. However, on January 26th I had to travel to Norway for work. There was no other option,

I had to complete the trip. I returned to London on February 3rd and I am now waiting for the embassy’s response, which they said could take up to 15 business days.

However, I will need to travel again soon for work.

Do you think I might have any issues because I traveled during the application process?

If the DTV is approved while I am outside the UK, would I lose my application?

If I do lose the application, would I be able to apply again from another country?

Thank you so much to anyone who can help clarify this.
Answer summary
The user is concerned about potential issues with their DTV application for Thailand after having to travel for work while the application was pending. Responses indicate that short trips outside the UK should not impact the application, but there are risks if the embassy requests an in-person interview. Most users suggest that as long as the applicant returns to the UK and is available for any necessary communications, they are likely to be fine.
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Frazer ************
Frazer ************
most likely wont be noticed
David ********
David ********
I look at this way. Is it likely to flag… probably not. However if it does flag they will rightly and justifiably cancel your application and you’ll have to start over. Is it a pain… YES. Is it the rules they clearly state regarding the application process… also YES
Kool *******
Kool *******
You either get it, or you don't. No one can speculate on your personal outcome, and you should know that.
Anonymous *************
Anonymous *************
OP
@Kool ******
I understand that it may be a matter of luck. But the purpose of the group is to share experiences, which is why I’m asking.
Kool *******
Kool *******
Anonymous participant if you've scanned through all the comments related to your particular case you've seen that some get approved, and just as many don't.
Derek ***********
Derek ***********
As long as you don't enter Thailand you should be good
Dave ***********
Dave ***********
If you don’t go into Thailand before your visa application is completed, you should be ok.

The only problem is if the Thai Embassy call you to go for an interview. If you are not in the country that might well be a problem.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
Will not cause an issue unless you miss an in-person interview with them if they request it.
Ian **********
Ian **********
Unless you actually travel to Thailand, which some applicants have done, they will never be aware you left the country.
Anonymous *************
Anonymous *************
OP
@Ian *********
I thought exactly the same, let’s hope everything works out 🙏🏽😊 thank you.
Chris *******
Chris *******
No problem at all. Just make sure you can prove your home address and can access documents while away that they may request.

I’m a remote worker with a dtv, similar situation to you and had no problem with getting the visa or using it. I’m in and out of Thailand often and never questioned. But never here for that long and never returning after a day or two so doesn’t look like a border bounce.
Sefton ********
Sefton ********
@Chris ******
you declare that you will remain in the application country. People have had applications cancelled for exactly this.

It's dumb. And I am sure the intention is you remain without going to Thailand during the application but still, it has happened
Anonymous *************
Anonymous *************
OP
@Sefton *******
As I mentioned in another comment below, unfortunately there was nothing I could do. I had to leave the country because the work opportunity was unavoidable, and I was the only one who could be on site.

I left, returned, and I am now awaiting the response in London.

From my perspective, unless they request an in-person interview and manually check my passport, there is no data sharing that would allow them to access where I traveled within Europe.

And even if they do, I can demonstrate the importance of travel as part of my work. There is really nothing I can do, I am constantly on the move.
Chris *******
Chris *******
@Sefton *******
it’s not dumb at all. If he’s a remote worker and has to travel for work then he’s not going to cancel work, I am a uk citizen and applied from the uk, during my application stage I had to travel abroad for work but my home address never changed. That’s what I’m saying, if it’s a similar situation which he indicates then he has no problem.
Anonymous *************
Anonymous *************
OP
@Chris ******
thank you Chris! I hope I have the same luck as you!
Brandon ************
Brandon ************
If they find out, your application will be cancelled. London especially requires you to stay in the country and submit a statement saying you will do that. They've also summoned people to the embassy for interviews with only 1 day notice to ensure they're actually in the country.

If they end up issuing the visa, then you'll be fine.
Chris *******
Chris *******
Brandon I had no problem with this, on application I told them I was a remote worker, travelling internationally and had no request not to stay in the uk. It wasn’t possible. But I wasn’t allowed to travel to Thailand and my dtv was approved quickly
DTV_Be*******
DTV_Be*******
@Chris ******
- I don’t think the embassy understood what you said as not being able to stay in the UK the entire time while the application is being processed. I too am a remote worker and travel a lot, but I did stay put for the application. Not everyone gets the call for the interview and not everyone that travels gets caught
Anonymous *************
Anonymous *************
OP
@Brandon ***********
I understand and agree with you that the information is clear. However, since I am now back in the country and awaiting the result, I do not see how this could negatively affect my application.

I agree that the ideal scenario would have been for me to stay here for the entire period, but unfortunately this work opportunity was very important, and I had to travel, there was not much I could do. :/

I am now rescheduling the second trip I would have had and will wait for the final result before making any further travel plans.

I believe the main reason for this point is to prevent people from returning to Thailand before the allowed time.
John **********
John **********
Anonymous participant just to clarify the reason is not to prevent people travelling to Thailand. The reason is that even though visa applications are now online Thai consulates still treat applications as if you had physically handed over your passport (therefore you would be unable to travel).
Luit *****************
Luit *****************
@John *********
I agree in the system before evisa travelling was simply impossible because you had to hand in your passport.

I wonder how all the people with "urgent" reasons to travel would have done that then.

But the big question is WHY you now should not travel.

I know about interviews, but for some people traveling from a neighbouring country could be more easy than travel inside the country.

I also understand they don't want you to travel to Thailand, because it is insane to apply for a visa and then without decision travel to that country.
Shirley ********
Shirley ********
I doubt they will be interested in any short trips you do to other countries, either for work or pleasure. Your DTV, once approved, is activated on your first arrival in Thailand. There is a time frame stated in the application process which you should have given information on when you are planning to travel to Thailand once your DTV is approved. I don't think you need to worry. 😊
Anonymous *************
Anonymous *************
OP
@Shirley *******
I hope you’re right! Thanks for the answer 🙏🏽😊
James ********
James ********
I hope so too 🙏🙏

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