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Is it too early to apply for a Thai visa with a planned arrival date in January 2026?

Thai Visa Application Visa Processing Times Thailand Immigration NON-O Visa Visa Guidelines and Recommendations

Koyoto *****

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asked Dec 14, 2025

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Hey guys!

I applied through London Thai Embassy, soft power, I put on my application my intended date of arrival 5th January 2026.

1st December: Applied

4th December: Sent proof of flights

Do you think I put my intended date of arrival too far out and that I have is why I have not heard back from them yet? Or when do you reckon I will hear something, I am hoping the upcoming week.

Thank you.

Answer summary

The user inquired whether applying for a Thai visa with an intended arrival date set for January 5, 2026, was too far in advance, as they had not yet received a response from the Thai Embassy after submitting their application on December 1, 2025. Comments from other users suggested that applying early is acceptable, but typically, applicants are advised to submit their applications 4-8 weeks prior to their travel date. Additionally, public holidays in Thailand may have caused delays in processing.

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John *********

John *********

2 Thai public holidays 5 & 10 Dec will have caused some delays

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John *******

John *******

They tell you to apply 4-8 weeks in advance. You didn’t apply early.

1

ArticulateS***********

ArticulateS***********

I applied on a Monday, proof of flights and some other paperwork the next day - approved on the Wednesday evening!

0

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

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

Early January is fine. Generally people are recommended to apply at least a month prior to their departure date but not more than 3 months out.

0

Will ************

Will ************

Doesn’t matter what date you put on arrival date they are very very busy, allow 4-6 weeks at present. Always allow 6-8 week run in for visas to avoid disappointment.

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