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Do I have to stay outside Thailand while my visa request is processed?

Visa Application Process French Citizens in Thailand Visa Types Immigration Rules Non-Immigrant Visa DTV Visa Tourist Visa

Sep 16, 2025

7 months ago

Sam *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi,

I sent my request yesterday for the visa (being outside of Thailand) and I planned to go in Thailand this Sunday.

As a French citizen, I can go there 60 days without visa.

My question is: do I have to stay outside of the country while they treat my request ?

Thanks for your answers :)

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The poster asked whether they need to remain outside Thailand while their visa application is processed, as a French citizen planning a trip soon. Commenters advised that it's necessary to stay in the country where the application was submitted until the visa is approved to avoid complications, and applying a week prior to travel is risky. Some mentioned that alternatives like applying for a tourist visa might be viable.

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Sam *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

I just called the ministry of foreign affairs who told me I can go to Thailand on a tourist visa with my passport, so does someone has a recent experience linked to this one please ?

7 months ago

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

You're supposed to remain in the country of application. You may get requests for interview and/or proves of location. If caught in Thailand, your application will automatically be refused.

7 months ago

Stephan ***********

@Vincent *******

Or he can do something totally silly and just play along the rules... that's a crazy idea, isn't it? 😁

P. S. : Just because others do wrong doesn't mean he should go the same way, don't you think so...?

7 months ago

Vincent ********

You can apply inside, I know people who did it. You just need to go out and back 1 day

7 months ago

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

@Vincent *******

Sure, everyone can do whatever they want, but they aren’t allowed to cry afterward if they get denied for not following the rules.

7 months ago

Reply to

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

John **********

You need to remain in the location covered by the consulate you applied at until the visa process completes or risk losing the visa. People can be asked to attend the consulate for interview or send complete copies of your entire passport or otherwise prove your location immediately before the visa is due to be issued

7 months ago

Reed **********

@John *********

what happens if that country you are in has visa expiring in a few days

7 months ago

Reply to

Reed **********

Luit *****************

That is a very optimistic planning that might get you in trouble.

Applying for a visa less than a week before traveling is often too late.

7 months ago

Michael **********

yes, you must be in the country of the application for the whole process time. Leaving the country can possibly lead to rejection

7 months ago

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

Yes, if you are applying for a DTV you must remain outside.

7 months ago

Luit *****************

Anonieme deelnemer 532 This rule is not only for DTV, when you apply for a visa you have to remain in the country you apply till it is approved or rejected.

Not doing so might get the application rejected and the fee gone.

7 months ago

Reply to

Luit *****************

Bua *****

What kind of visa did you request ?

7 months ago

Reply to

Bua *****

Can I apply for a Thailand non-O visa in Vietnam and do a border run while waiting for the visa approval?

2 comments

8 months ago

Can I apply for a Thai visa from a neighboring country, return to Thailand, and do a border run to activate it?