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Is it a problem to apply for a Thai visa while traveling from the US, and what should I do if my application is still pending?

Thai Visa Application Visa Processing Travel During Visa Application Entry Requirements Thailand Non-O Visa

Jan 3, 2025

7 days ago

Mike **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

bit worried I applied while in the states, but am sitting on a plane leaving now. my paperwork hasn't been processed and I submit a KUL-KBV trip Jan 13 as entry, none before. 

What I'm doing is US to Tunis for a week, then Tunis to KUL. I'm worried they'll ask for more flights, and I'll be able to show them originating in the US after my application - although no longer being there... 

Anyone been through something similar, and how did it pan out?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The concern raised is about applying for a Thai visa while in the US and traveling to different countries before entering Thailand. The user is worried about their pending visa application and potential challenges at entry points. Comments suggest that it might be acceptable to apply while traveling, as long as proof of the application location is presented, although some users experienced scrutiny over similar situations. They advise clarifying the travel intentions in writing and recommend presenting the proper documentation and flight details upon re-entry to avoid issues.

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Dom ********

It’s fine mate, if and when you’re approved essentially do a boarder run, on re-entry show them your dtv there shouldn’t be any issues with that, you can even prove with your current flight ticket that you were in US when you applied for the visa. No harm done 👍

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

Unfortunately, not always anymore. Some embassies are now requiring proof of location as additional documents after a few days.

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

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Donna ******

I had successful applications after travelling, but sent letter making it clear no travel to Thailand and returned to country of application. They can come back asking for proof of location - they did in my case, hence I went back.

It's not true that you can't generally travel during visa applications, many countries allow this. It's not clear though whether it's generally permissable for Thailand. Also different embassies may treat differently. But I was successful after making it clear that I had.

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Mike **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

ohpa i really don't want to have to return to country of application. probably easier for me to just get denied and try to do it from a SE asia country instead. what did you provide for proof of location?

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Donna ******

@Mike *********

Wait and see. It might be ok. I didn't have to return for HCM - I provided Entry Stamp, stamped receipt from hotel. Did not get asked for more.

In Jakarta, I only provided a stamped hotel letter (addressed to Embassy). They asked for photo of the entry visa and stamps, but the exit was stamped over the entry - so they could see we'd left while they were processing. It was easy for us to go back, and armed a better bet than starting over, but maybe you get lucky.

If they do ask for proof, I suggest including an explanatory letter.

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Donna ******

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John *******

what embassy did you apply through and where did you travel to?

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Donna ******

First location HCM, didn't provide letter, as not asked for proof of location again. Second was Jakarta (from Lombok). Travelled to Singapore, then back to Indonesia (Batam). Provided letter stating this with both entry stamps. We basically just jumped on a ferry when they asked for the stamps.

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John *******

- so you applied via HCMC and they asked for stamps when you were in Jakarta?

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Donna ******

No, HCM approved, then I applied for Dependent visas from Jakarta. Jakarta asked for the Indonesia stamps (after we had left), so we went back to Indonesia (it's a ferry ride from Singapore) and got fresh stamps, which they accepted with a letter of explanation (where I said we travelled to Singapore for holiday festivities - "tugging at the heart strings").

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Donna ******

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Christopher ********

You were supposed to wait. For any visa you are usually supposed to to.

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Mike **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Christopher *******

well to be clear, i'm not really on my way on thailand, just close to it. i don't actually have the flight from KUL-KBV yet. but i did fly out of the US jan 2 and am on my way to tunis now. after a week i have a flight to KUL. i can linger in KUL if i need to for doc review and approval, my worry is getting a denial and having to start something over again and from somewhere.

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Alma ***************

@Mike *********

that's something no one can predict. Just keep fingers crossed!

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Alma ***************

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Donna ******

@Christopher *******

Not always true

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Christopher ********

“usually” yes it depends on a lot of things.

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Donna ******

@Christopher *******

So does "any"? ;) Yeah travel to the country of application not advisable, but people travel with visa applications in all the time.

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Donna ******

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Alma ***************

I would say some can be lucky like me who travelled back to Thailand while dtv is still pending..so now that it's issued, I just need to fly out and reenter to activate it. In my opinion as long as the last status is pending approval it is almost certain as opposed to pending doc review, then waiting is the key Bec they might really ask for more docs so better to stay put..

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Mike **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Alma **************

hmm mine is pending doc review. submit

*****

.

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Alma ***************

@Mike *********

so better stay put..

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Alma ***************

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