Can you apply for a Thai DTV visa from Vietnam, Bali, or another country if you're currently located elsewhere?

Thai visa application DTV visa visa application process location requirements embassy procedures expat advice

Dec 30, 2024

6 days ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Can you be physically in vietnam, bali, etc and apply for DTV from your home country, ie USA?  Has anyone tried?

1,077

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The consensus among users is that you must apply for a Thai DTV visa through the embassy or consulate in the country where you are physically located. While some have successfully navigated the process from countries like the USA without issues, most experts warn against applying while misleading about your actual location, as this violates the terms of the visa and could lead to application denial or loss of application fees. Documentation of your current location is frequently required, and some embassies may ask for interviews or further proof.

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.

John **********

As part of the application process you are required to provide your current location and are directed to the appropriate consulate from there. You could lie about your location I guess but the consequences of being caught out aren't worth it.

5 days ago

John **********

There was a post just yesterday about an EU citizen being refused the visa because he applied through the country he has citizenship in but wasn't physically there.

5 days ago

Will ************

6 days ago

Christopher ********

No you shouldn’t attempt it.

6 days ago

Bob **********

You can apply in whatever country your in at the time,they do ask for proof of your location

6 days ago

Anonymous ******************

You'll need to apply where you are located. Additional documents and interviews may be requested and they are getting more frequent.

6 days ago

Anonymous ******************

Yes I did. Had no issues with USA consulate. Used my drivers license as proof of location. To the people saying they will ask you to come in to the consulate, that is absurd for the USA. There are only 3 consulates in the USA, they will not ask you to fly to the consulate to prove anything. And there has been zero reports of any of the 3 USA consulates asking for you to show up in person. Bc that would be retarded.

6 days ago

Rogerio ******

Anonymous participant 702 also did it from LA online while not being in the US.

Given the stories it seems the embassy seems to care less than people in this group care about it.

5 days ago

Anonymous ******************

Participant anonyme 702 the day someone at immigration will be bad mood and check your presence at the time of process, you’ll be f*cked.

5 days ago

Anonymous ******************

Anonymous participant 845 6 months and zero stories of that happening

5 days ago

Anonymous ******************

Anonymous participant 702 You have a new 5-year visa, don't you? While it may work for now, it doesn't mean it will be the same in the future.

5 days ago

Anonymous ******************

Anonymous participant 739 yes I do have a 5 year visa what is your point?

as with anything in life, there are infinite possibilities on what could happen. I don’t worry about what ifs.

5 days ago

Reply to

Anonymous ******************

Helen ********

Yes, people have tried and some have been successful in fraudulently obtaining the DTV but most would be smart enough not to post about it... though with this group you never know. The only thing the Thailand e-visa system does is change the method of sending in your information. It's still processed by the local Thai embassy or consulate based on where you are. The embassy can and has asked for proof you are in the country like passport pages and proof of fully paid hotel bookings. They can also ask people to come in for interviews. Put in your current location and what embassy you want to apply through and the system will tell you if you can apply. There is also this little note under current location "Your current location is a country or territory in which you remain at the time that you lodge an application" that everyone seems to ignore.

If you lie about your current location and proceed with the application you are technically" violating the terms and conditions of the visa you applied for by providing false information. That page you agree to just before submitting the application states that the information provided is accurate... saying you are somewhere you aren't would be considered false. You do you, but you do risk losing the fee if they determine you lied on the application.

6 days ago

Rob *********

@Helen *******

Fraudulent ? Well ,some people literally can buy these visas in Thailand using "agencies", there are several posts on FB groups, so... I do not know what it is better to be honest, in my case I will flight to Vietnam soon and do things in the right way, as I always did since I came to Thailand, visa's things are not for playing, and the laws should be the same for everyone. When an issue coming, these "agencies" will clean their hands and the one who will pay the problem will be the farang, not the agency.

5 days ago

Helen ********

@Rob ********

lying on a visa application is a form of deception and when it results in someone obtaining the visa it is considered fraudulent. Of course many people obtain the visas using agents. Some agents actually work within the requirements but it's common knowledge that many agents also assist people in fraudulently obtaining visas... putting money in the bank for retirees being one of the most common. Eventually, immigration cracks down and visas become harder to access like what's happened to volunteer and ED visas. I think it was 2 years, maybe even last year, some agent visa mills for ED visas were shut down in Chiang Mai and people had their visas revoked. In all probability the agencies have already opened under other names. This isn't uncommon or unheard of in most countries when it comes to immigration and will probably never end while there are loop holes to work around. Everyone should make their own decisions about how to go about it and do what they are comfortable with.

5 days ago

Anonymous ******************

@Helen *******

You're correct. People assume that immigration cannot retrieve information about application conditions and similar details, but they are wrong. The example you provided is proof of this. Random checks are conducted on all visa holders, with no exceptions, regardless of whether their visas are valid for one year or longer. Those who claim that no checks could or will be performed have absolutely no understanding of how the system works here.

The DTV is a new visa, and it may not be immediately subject to checks to market it effectively. However, the laws are already in place to control borders and ensure visa holders respect the purposes/conditions of their visas. Loopholes exist and these are getting closed with the time.

5 days ago

Reply to

Anonymous ******************

Wannikea *********

When you select your current location, you must physically be in that location.

6 days ago

John *******

You are supposed to apply via the embassy in the country you are located. So if you are in Bali, you need to go through the Thai embassy in Jakarta, etc. they literally ask where you are located

6 days ago

Reply to

John *******

Can I apply for the DTV visa from Australia while on a tourist visa in Thailand?

2 comments

24 days ago

Do I need to be physically present at the embassy when applying for the DTV visa in Thailand?

2 comments

a month ago

Can I apply for a DTV visa from a neighboring country like Vietnam while in Thailand?

12 comments

a month ago