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Can I travel while waiting for my DTV approval if I applied from the UK?

DTV Visa Thailand Visa Visa Application Process UK to Thailand Travel Visa Exemption Immigration Rules Expats in Thailand

Mar 13, 2025

4 days ago

Rupert *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Good 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.

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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 POSTER

Seems 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.