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Do I need to stay in the country where I applied for a Thailand visa until it is approved?

Thai Visa Application Visa Approval Process Travel Restrictions during Visa Application Embassy Interview DTV Visa

Mar 8, 2025

2 days ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

After I submit my application and it is pending approval, do I need to stay in the country where I applied until it is approved? Or can I travel outside of the country until it is approved? I applied online through the embassy in Hanoi.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

When applying for a Thai visa, many responses suggest that you should remain in the country where you submitted your application (in this case, Vietnam) until it is approved. This is because you may be required to attend an embassy interview or provide evidence of your stay. Although some comments imply that leaving might be possible, it is generally advised to stay put to avoid complications, especially if there are inquiries regarding your application.

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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Wannikea *********

Imagine the old days, embassy has your passport, so where you gonna go?

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Mark ********

Why is it so many DTV applicants can't read what it says when they apply and come to FB to tell them they can do otherwise?

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Christopher ******

You can probably leave.. the only requirement is you're not in Thailand really. But who knows what they have access too.

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James ********

YES 👍... STAY in the country where you Apply for the DTV visa.

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Peter *******

Thats sound very "stupid" to me I didn't find anywhere information about this but heard some embassies do the process for weeks. So for eg. Im in Paris do the application and can't travel to Madrid till its approved? I don't think so. As I read if they call to interview give a week for you to get ready? I think officially you can't be in Thailand during the process and you have to show up for interview if asked but don't have any travel restrictions.

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David ********

I agree. I’m about to apply in Australia from Brisbane, through the Sydney Embassy. That’s a 10 hour drive away so I won’t be going in for any appointments. About 10 days after I apply I have a month long trip in Vietnam what’s the difference!

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James ********

ask the Australian Thai Embassy or Consulate what their requirements are for staying in Australia while your application is under consideration.

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David ********

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James ********

thank you for sharing this. There are other Thai Embassy's and Consulates which have posted it on their website. I've tried to remember which ones. Thanks again 👍

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David ********

it didn’t really matter, I can apply in Hanoi. But I’ll be in Da Nang so still a long way for an interview

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James ********

hope all goes well for you. We are seeing reports of added documents requested by Hanoi. BUT they can be emailed to them in reply.

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James ********

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James ********

you are wrong with your reply and advice.

You are to stay in the country where you apply for the DTV visa until it's approved or denied.

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Peter *******

you still not show any evidence about this rule so what you say it’s nothing

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James ********

*******************************************************

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James ********

Paris Thai Embassy states:

"The applicant must be physically on French/Algerian/Monegasque territory when the visa is issued."

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James ********

Australia Thai Embassy states...as David French shared:

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James ********

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Peter *******

you are wrong with your reply! please copy here where do you find this information thank you

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James ********

use the search 🔍 tool top of the forum page. There's several Thai Embassy's and Consulates which have posted on their websites... stay in the country until your application has been approved or denied.

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Peter *******

no have this rule only rule you can't be in Thailand during the application and if they ask you for interview you have to show up. so please don't mislead people with wrong information!

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James ********

Good Luck 🍀 as you are not following the rules of the DTV visa. Enough! Do as you wish.

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Peter *******

please I ask again write here this rule what are you talking about! You just say nothing I know you run a visa agency and skimming off money from people for something what they can do without you for free thats ok but you don't have a straight answer where is that rule written?

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James ********

I don't run a visa agency !!!

...I am a Moderator on Thai Visa Advice forum.

...I don't have any affiliation with Thai Visa Centre in Bangkok.

...Yes they own Thai Visa Advice...but we don't allow any discussion of using any Thai Visa Agent on the forum. As the Thai Visa Advice forum " is for those who are doing it yourself" forum.

...Please get your facts straight before making such a statement about my volunteer services provided on several Facebook forums...preCovid, during COVID-19 and now as Thailand has reopened.

I suggest you ask the Thai Embassy or Consulate where you are going to make your application for the DTV visa..

Your question about the need to stay in the country where you make application until you get the DTV Visa answer approved or denied. That way you will know what that country's requirement is about the need to stay.

I have seen such a requirement posted on several Thai Embassies or Consulates websites.

Sorry if I have not pleased you with my answers. Take care 🤗

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James ********

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Andi ***********

You should stay until you are approved. You can be asked to visit the embassy for an interview. You can also be asked to send evidence that you are still in Vietnam.

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Luke ****

Yes technically you need to stay there, and later it can show through stamps so better to be there

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John **********

You need to stay in the country until the process completes

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James ********

@John *********

Correct ✅

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James ********

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