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Is it normal for the Thai DTV visa application to require a flight ticket before approval?
Jan 27, 2026
3 months ago
Rand ******
ORIGINAL POSTERI was requested additional documents on my application:
* Some of them I already submitted in the original application (I will resubmit)
* But they requested the flight ticket which I didn't buy yet
Providing a flight proof in advance sounds insane! Is this normal? As far as I know, having a flight ticket is not listed among the requirements of the DTV application, is it?
I would expect to spend my money on a flight only after I have been granted a visa, not before. Buying a flight upfront means I incur the risk of losing a lot of money if my DTV is denied for any reason.
Is it a common thing that they request a mandatory flight ticket to get the DTV granted? I will explore options for refundable flights, though, just in case.
But... If I buy a flight for February (as I stated in my application), I get the DTV approved, BUT I finally move to Thailand later (like JUNE), will I have any problems getting in? (I definitely don't think I can move end of February)
* Some of them I already submitted in the original application (I will resubmit)
* But they requested the flight ticket which I didn't buy yet
Providing a flight proof in advance sounds insane! Is this normal? As far as I know, having a flight ticket is not listed among the requirements of the DTV application, is it?
I would expect to spend my money on a flight only after I have been granted a visa, not before. Buying a flight upfront means I incur the risk of losing a lot of money if my DTV is denied for any reason.
Is it a common thing that they request a mandatory flight ticket to get the DTV granted? I will explore options for refundable flights, though, just in case.
But... If I buy a flight for February (as I stated in my application), I get the DTV approved, BUT I finally move to Thailand later (like JUNE), will I have any problems getting in? (I definitely don't think I can move end of February)
TLDR : Answer Summary
The author is facing a request for a flight ticket as part of their DTV visa application, which they had not expected since it is not listed among the requirements. They express concern over the financial risk of purchasing a ticket prior to visa approval. Comments from others reveal that some embassies, especially in London, do require a flight ticket, while others suggest buying a refundable ticket as a workaround. The discussion also touches on the timeline of the application and the need for clarification from the embassy.
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Adnan ********
Buy a fully refundable ticket and once you get the visa refund it......
Sterling *******
It's grifting.
Rand ******
ORIGINAL POSTERDoes the refundable flight I may purchase now need to match the flight number I used in my application? Because I don't even remember the number I used, I looked on Google Flights to get any flight number as others suggested.
Don't really thought I would need the flight before having the visa. To me this looks the other way around.
Don't really thought I would need the flight before having the visa. To me this looks the other way around.
Luit *****************
@Rand *****
it is not the other way around, but normally they ask ticket for a visa to see you will return or travel onwardReply to
Luit *****************
Reply
Elías ********
Many embassies, including the one I applied at (Seoul, Korea) do demand real fully paid flight tickets as part of the application.
Luit *****************
It happens more that they ask for a real flightticket, mostly when you apply from London embassy.
It certainly is not insane, just buy a free refundable ticket. When visa granted decide if you use the ticket or buy cheaper one, when visa rejected just cancel, no big deal I think.
It certainly is not insane, just buy a free refundable ticket. When visa granted decide if you use the ticket or buy cheaper one, when visa rejected just cancel, no big deal I think.
John **********
2 points
1. Why did you state February if your not coming to Thailand in February?
2. You can usually supply flight details without actually booking, so find flights that fit your "proposed" schedule and just supply the flight numbers and dates
1. Why did you state February if your not coming to Thailand in February?
2. You can usually supply flight details without actually booking, so find flights that fit your "proposed" schedule and just supply the flight numbers and dates
Rand ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
1. Initially (when I applied) I was planning February, but some circumstances have delayed my journey.2. I already supplied the flight number (I looked on Google Flights), but they are requesting me the "flight ticket from Spain to Thailand"
James ********
So you APPLIED for the DTV visa with the UK Thai Embassy, yet you actually are a UK Passport holder staying in Spain ??
Elías ********
@Rand *****
when they ask for tickets, it's tickets. Fully paid PDF tickets issued by the airline with the booking reference code and ticket number. You have 14 days to oblige, or else, your application will be canceled.Rand ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@James *******
Probably a confussion, I never said UK in my post. I applied in the spanish consulate as spanish citizen from Spain.James ********
Yes a bit confused... BUT NOW I know you are in Spain and applied for the DTV visa in Spain via the online Evisa application system.
Rand ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Elías *******
Oh, 14 days only to obey! Working days or calendar days? I got the request on Jan 15th. I'll try to call the Embassy in Madrid to clarify if they pick up the phone...Elías ********
@Rand *****
Casi nunca contestan, pero sí, el máximo era 14-15 días, y si no se cancela la aplicaciónReply to
Elías ********
Reply
DTV_Be*******
@John *********
a few embassies require an actual booking, such as the one in the UKRand ******
ORIGINAL POSTERDTV_BegPecker I got a refundable Booking.com room when I applied, but I didn't imagine they wanted the actual flight booking. It's weird that I have to pay 600€ for a flight beforehand. If I get my DTV denied I would lose the money of the flight... I will probably try calling the embassy and asking.
Elías ********
@Rand *****
you can book a fully refundable flight, so you cancel it once the visa is granted. Or book a very cheep non refundable one and either use it or not.Reply to
Elías ********
Reply
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