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Can I travel while waiting for my DTV approval if I applied from the UK?
DTV VisaThailand VisaVisa Application ProcessUK to Thailand TravelVisa ExemptionImmigration RulesExpats in Thailand
Mar 13, 2025
a year ago
Rupert *********
ORIGINAL POSTERGood morning learned friends, I am hoping to draw on some of your experience and knowledge please...
I'm a UK citizen/passport holder and have just returned from Thailand having stayed just under 3 months on the 2 month Visa exemption plus 1 month extension. All good, no issues.
So, I'm currently back in the UK and beginning the online process to apply for the new DTV. I have a couple of questions I can't seem to find answers for.
If I submit the application online as required (plus all the correct documentation, of course)... while I'm waiting for the approval email (fingers crossed) can I fly to Spain, and then enter Thailand directly from there once I have that approval?
Similar to above question... Could I fly to Thailand on another visa exemption, then return to the UK (or somewhere else?) before re-entering on the DTV approval email?
(I know that some visa applications require that you stay in the country from which you are applying until completed; USA springs to mind re the green card. Or at least that used to be the case)
Hopefully, some legal mind or experienced UK DTV holder can shed some light on this issue for me. Thanks in advance for any insights.
I'm a UK citizen/passport holder and have just returned from Thailand having stayed just under 3 months on the 2 month Visa exemption plus 1 month extension. All good, no issues.
So, I'm currently back in the UK and beginning the online process to apply for the new DTV. I have a couple of questions I can't seem to find answers for.
If I submit the application online as required (plus all the correct documentation, of course)... while I'm waiting for the approval email (fingers crossed) can I fly to Spain, and then enter Thailand directly from there once I have that approval?
Similar to above question... Could I fly to Thailand on another visa exemption, then return to the UK (or somewhere else?) before re-entering on the DTV approval email?
(I know that some visa applications require that you stay in the country from which you are applying until completed; USA springs to mind re the green card. Or at least that used to be the case)
Hopefully, some legal mind or experienced UK DTV holder can shed some light on this issue for me. Thanks in advance for any insights.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The consensus among respondents is that you should remain in the UK while your DTV visa application is being processed. Traveling to another country, such as Spain, during this time may lead to the cancellation of your application. The rule is that applicants must stay in the country where they applied until the visa is approved. Once you receive your visa, you can enter Thailand from anywhere as long as your visa is valid.
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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Rupert *********
ORIGINAL POSTERSeems like the application process is significantly quicker than I believed from earlier reading, so the need / desire to travel whilst the visa is being processed is negated. I've always tried to do things the right way so I will be following the counsel here of staying put in the UK until I get the visa. Thanks to everyone who contributed.
Steve *******
Stay in the UK, London usually has a quick turnaround, 2-3 days if all your docs are in order.
Calvin ******
So, imagine that you’re applying from the UK… and then 4 days into your application, you’ve already flew to Spain, had a stamp in your passport from Spain. You receive an email, asking for a picture of all pages in your passport, ooops - this will then mean, your application is cancelled because you’re meant to stay in the country of application whilst it’s ongoing.
For the sake of waiting a week or 10 days max normally with the UK Thai Embassy, just hold it out, stick around.
For the sake of waiting a week or 10 days max normally with the UK Thai Embassy, just hold it out, stick around.
Anna *********
You must Stay in uk or wherever you apply until DTV is approved then go wherever you like
Dany ********
wait for the DTV approval. people allready getting all kinds of questions and some even denied on their second visa exempt entry.
be aware that it is possible that the embassy calls you in for an interview
be aware that it is possible that the embassy calls you in for an interview
Jo ******
Sorry to jump on your post but I am
Looking to get a DTV, if you leave before the 6 months say after 3 months can you re enter again a month later? Do you get 6 months again or the remaining time you didn’t use from previous stay?
Sorry if it sounds daft that bit I can’t work out ✌️❤️
Looking to get a DTV, if you leave before the 6 months say after 3 months can you re enter again a month later? Do you get 6 months again or the remaining time you didn’t use from previous stay?
Sorry if it sounds daft that bit I can’t work out ✌️❤️
Ron ******
@Jo *****
The DTV is valid for 5 years from date of issue. You get stamped in for 6 months each time you enter during that time.Jo ******
@Ron *****
thank you ✌️Reply to
Jo ******
Reply
Stuart *********
UK turnaround time seems to be typically 3 days or so. Just wait it out.
Once you have your visa it’s irrelevant how you wing your way to Thailand.
Once you have your visa it’s irrelevant how you wing your way to Thailand.
Rupert *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart ********
thank you for your reply. That is good to know, I thought I read that it takes up to 3 weeks to get approval, so if it is more like you suggest, then absolutely I'll just wait it out.Appreciate your input.
Stuart *********
@Rupert ********
They may ask for additional documentation which could delay the process but I’ve not heard of a single case where they’ve asked for an in person interview - which some embassies do around here.Reply to
Stuart *********
Reply
Brandon ************
Staying in the country is not a specific embassy rule, it's a Thailand rule. Pretend you are going to the embassy and giving them your passport and a visa application. That's how the embassy sees it, regardless of the fact that you are applying online. You must wait until you get your visa before you leave that country, and if the embassy finds out you left, they will cancel your application without refund.
Some embassies are much stricter on checking than others, but it doesn't change the fact that the rule is you must remain in the country where the embassy that you applied is.
Once you have a visa, you can enter from anywhere, as long as you enter during the validity of your visa.
Some embassies are much stricter on checking than others, but it doesn't change the fact that the rule is you must remain in the country where the embassy that you applied is.
Once you have a visa, you can enter from anywhere, as long as you enter during the validity of your visa.
Rupert *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
thank you for your reply. My issue is... I cannot find anywhere on the official websites or any agency advice websites that it IS a Thailand rule. Even though 'some' countries / embassies stipulate it. Appreciate your input.
Dany ********
well some embassies call in people for interviews and that is up to them to do so.
Brandon ************
@Rupert ********
you won't find anything that says it's a rule for every embassy because as I said, the embassies see your application exactly the same as if you went to the embassy and handed in your passport with a paper application. How could you travel without your passport? It's just assumed you're also going to treat it the same way.Rupert *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
understand... tyKool *******
@Rupert ********
they can also call you in for an interview in some cases, and if you are out of the country that can be a problem. At some point when they review your application they also check with immigration to see if you are in fact in the country.Reply to
Kool *******
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