Answered15 days ago

How close to my intended travel date can I apply for a visa through DTV London without risking delays?

Visa Processing Times DTV London Travel Dates Visa Application Timing Workation DTV Embassy Processes

asked Oct 12, 2026

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Hey everyone, quick question regarding DTV London

I’ve seen quite a few posts about really fast visa processing times, and I’m just wondering how close everyone’s intended travel dates were to when they applied.

For example, if your visa was approved on 1st October, was that because you’d put your intended travel date as 2nd or 3rd October, or was it just down to a quick processing time?

We’d ideally like to apply for our visas as close to our moving date as possible, but we also don’t want to leave it too late and risk not having them approved in time.

Just curious whether your intended travel date seems to have made any difference to how quickly your visa was processed!

Answer summary

The discussion revolves around the timing of visa applications in relation to intended travel dates, specifically for DTV London. Users share their experiences with approval times, emphasizing that processing times vary by Embassy. Some advise applying close to the desired travel date while ensuring enough time for potential delays, as some Embassies may process based on the application date rather than the intended travel date.

10 repliesnewest first

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Paul *******

I applied for mine 5th August, telling them I aimed to travel 7th October. Was approved two days later on 7th August 🙏 mine was Workation DTV

Ellie *******

Thanks so much!

Paul *******

just bare in mind, you have to have the ACRO criminal record certificate now which has like a fairly hefty wait time (I think it’s anything between 2 weeks and a month) if you haven’t done that already. I applied before they changed the rules so didn’t have to

11 days ago

Ellie *******

@Paul ******

thank you! already got my ACRO😀

11 days ago

Henrik *****

The answer is that every Embassy has their own visaprocesses, and it takes different times and requirements are also slightly different from Embassy to Embassy.

Some Embassies process after arrival date ( to the advantage of the applicant), some process after application date

So you need to only notice answers that are about the precise Embassy which you will apply at, which is the one in your resident country.

14 days ago

Garry *******

You can only do from 3 months before. I just had mine back in just under 2 weeks, if they ask for additional info it might set you back because you’re waiting on them to look at it. Do it in good time it last five years, don’t be a ding-bat 😜

15 days ago

Ellie *******

@Garry ******

All well and good but I have a family and got to time selling our house too. More than happy to apply with enough time but just trying to figure out what would be considered ‘good time’. Thanks

14 days ago

Adam *******

I just waited for mine to be approved by the Embassy, then booked.

Saved any stress about potentially having to change / move flights.

What made the most sense in my opinion.

15 days ago

Ellie *******

@Adam ******

Thank you although i’m sure for the UK you have to have proof of flight in the application?

15 days ago

Adam *******

@Ellie ******

I just used a Thai airways flight number that made sense time wise.

15 days ago