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How will the DTV process change with the introduction of the e-visa in Thailand?
DTV Processe-VisaThailand ImmigrationVisa Application ProcessThailand Consular ServicesVisa Requirements for ExpatsResidencyTravel to Thailand
Sep 12, 2024
2 years ago
Jackie *********
ORIGINAL POSTERHow is the DTV process going to change once it switches to e-visa? It sounds like it would be easier but with a closer look it seems like you have to apply from your home country. Anyone have any information about the e-visa? For example, I called Jakarta embassy and they said they will not accept in person appointments starting in October.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The transition to an e-visa system for Thailand's DTV (Digital Tourist Visa) is expected to simplify the application process but may impose new restrictions, such as requiring applicants to be physically present in the country where they apply. Several users discussed their understanding of the requirements, with mixed experiences and anecdotal information suggesting that many embassies in Southeast Asia will not only cater to nationals but also accept applications from long-term residents. The specific implementation date in Jakarta is unclear, although changes are anticipated soon. Users are concerned about whether it's still possible to apply for a DTV without utilizing the e-visa.
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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Alessandro **********
it will be soon possible to do e-visa in Indonesia, and it will be available for non resident !
Jackie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Alessandro *********
but you need to be in Indonesia....hmReply to
Jackie *********
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Patrick ******************
is it still possible to do DTV without EVISA or something? I be next week in TH , then i think to go out TH just for make the DTV . I planning to move to thailand for a few years because i want to live with my family .
Daniel *******
I would guess it will change. For example, my home country has Thai evisa services, but, I can’t use it from abroad. I have to be actually there. So the same “might” apply to SEA countries too once they all switch
Paul *******
When does Jakarta start on the e-visa system? I understand while it may begin in October, the exact date isn't mentioned yet.
Andi ***********
@Paul ******
Heard the same, no exact date known.Reply to
Andi ***********
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Jeff **********
I checked 100+ different embassy/consulate websites and found
*****
countries that have evisa did not explicitly accept residents of that country. 13 of those 20 I think are open to many passports but the other 7 were questionable.Jeff **********
I should note that ZERO websites stated they accept passports from anyone. The ones who might accept all do not even talk about what nationality is eligible. There is a list of countries that cannot use Evisa.
Tod *********
@Jeff *********
there are only a few that have their application process on the eVisa system locked down to "legal permanent residents" most all the rest of the consulates that are on the system just make you show that you're legally IN the country when you applyJeff **********
If you find official contradictory information please share. The "?" means it's unclear. Everything checked "ALL" does not state anyone can apply there. It just does not mention only residents can apply. Practically all of Europe is for residents only.
Tod *********
@Jeff *********
the thing is that "residents" usually just means you're legally IN the country not that you have any resident status IN that country. Tonz of people go to countries, use the eVisa system, apply for a visa by showing their entry stamp, visa to that country, hotel reservation and successfully apply
This is how I think the eVisa system will be set up for the thai consulates in S/E Asian countries when they switch over to it
Jeff **********
@Tod ********
In parts of Europe they are asking for a utility bill or bank account in your name with a local address as proof you are inside that country. Idk how things will happen in ASEAN countries. All Greek banks require residency (the actual physical residency card) to open a bank account. If you do not live there long-term and have a lease most will not have a utility bill in their name in that country. Poland wants similar documents. This is why people should email the given embassy they choose to use if they are not residents so they do not lose their application fee.Tod *********
@Jeff *********
I could be wrong but think right now there are only 48 consulates on the eVisa system right now.Jeff **********
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Jeff **********
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Christopher *********
I am a USA citizen I applied in Jakarta Indonesia.
Greg ********
Certain embassies now only accept applications from their nationals or from those resident with a long term visa. I can see this becoming more prevalent going forward. It is extra work for staff and I suspect they get nothing out of it.
Tod *********
with a closer look it seems like you have to apply from your home country. <- that is not correct,
It is highly unlikely that the nearby S/E Asian consulates will make it "country of passport origin" for their visa process <- that's because MOST of the visas they issue are to people NOT from the country where the embassy is located (the consulates around here sell thai visas to foreigners from other countries)
It is very likely indeed that you will be required to be IN the country whose embassy you're applying for a visa for on the online program, and have to upload your, visa/entry stamp, hotel booking etc to show you are indeed in the country when you apply
It is highly unlikely that the nearby S/E Asian consulates will make it "country of passport origin" for their visa process <- that's because MOST of the visas they issue are to people NOT from the country where the embassy is located (the consulates around here sell thai visas to foreigners from other countries)
It is very likely indeed that you will be required to be IN the country whose embassy you're applying for a visa for on the online program, and have to upload your, visa/entry stamp, hotel booking etc to show you are indeed in the country when you apply
Jackie *********
ORIGINAL POSTERAh ok. Got it. I'll def go to Jakarta asap. It's the best situation for me.
James *********
@Jackie ********
how did you even get through to the embassy? I've called multiple times and left a message with no response. I'm flying there Sep 27th and the next day the embassy is open is Mon, Sep 30th, now I am even more anxious 🥴😮💨Tod *********
@James ********
why would you be anxious?James *********
If they bring the e-visa system forward and introduce it on Monday the 30th rather than Tuesday the 1st of October. In case there is a sudden new rule introduced that non-residents cannot apply there. In case they deem that my application for soft power DTV Muay Thai is better suited for an education visa? Obviously rules around visas and immigration can change suddenly...
Reply to
James *********
Reply
Jackie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tod ********
when I went to the e visa website, I tried to apply from a different country but I was only given the option to apply from US on the Thai e visa website or to apply in person somewhere else.Tod *********
@Jackie ********
If you're trying to pick a consulate in a country that DOESN'T participate in the eVisa system you're right, you can't pick it. You can pick that you're american and that you're in a country whose thai consulate IS on the eVisa system and apply fine. (like usa/uk, usa/australia, usa/canada, etc)
You can't say you're american and try to pick a country around here as it won't let you.
Jackie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tod ********
so for example..I cannot apply in Vietnam on e-visa as a US citizen? Or I can if I am in Vietnam.Tod *********
@Jackie ********
the consulates in S/E Asia are not on the eVisa system SO no you can't.
HCMC, Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kota Bharu, Yangon, Vientiane, Savannakhet, Phnon Penh, Jakarta, Taipei are all NOT on the eVisa system
Jackie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tod ********
but whenever they begin the e-visa system for example in October then I could.Tod *********
@Jackie ********
how about we WAIT until they actually roll out the eVisa system in those countries and then go to their website and see if there are restrictions on who can apply? You sound like you're grasping at straws..
I'd say IF you're already in S/E Asia, just slog over to a consulate and apply in person for the visa, wait the processing time, pick your passport w/the visa in it up and come back to thailand
Reply to
Tod *********
Reply
Ray *****
I thought you had to apply from the country you were in. Not necessarily your home country
Jackie *********
ORIGINAL POSTERBut I'm in Thailand. So can't apply from here.
John *******
@Jackie ********
- evisa system still requires you to be in the country where you are applying, you just don’t have to physically go to the embassy. So you would still need to travel to Indonesia, but instead of waiting in Jakarta, you could travel to Bali, apply through evisa, show evidence you are in Bali and wait for approval. As someone mentioned, some embassies don’t accept applicants from non-residents though. Not sure if that changes when an embassy moves from in person to evisa.Reply to
John *******
Reply
Jeff **********
Most countries*
Greg ********
@Ray ****
Some countries will only accept your application if you are resident ie holding long term visa etc. Singapore is like this. I think it may become more prevalent too.Reply to
Greg ********
Reply
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