What are my options for traveling to Thailand for a wedding when facing delays in my DTV application?

Question

DTV Application: London
Applied: 1 December 2025

Request for information: 06 January 2025

- London have requested a flight atleast 4 weeks from todays date.

- a confirmation letter stating i will remain in the UK.

- letter confirming what i do and that i wont do business with thai companies (i have already sent this)

I have a family wedding in Thailand on the 19th January. What are my options here? I'm honestly not going to book a flight thats over 4 weeks away as it defeats a large part of the purpose of my trip. Ive already had to cancel a flight on 31 December. If I'm unable to fly before the wedding, I'll just cut my losses and do Vietnam instead.

Any help or sharing of similar experiences is appreciated.

Ask Thailand · Answer

A user has applied for a DTV visa at the Thai Embassy in London and faces a delay requiring a flight confirmation over four weeks away, conflicting with their planned attendance at a family wedding in Thailand on January 19. Responses from the community suggest options including booking a changeable/refundable ticket, considering visa exemption entry for the wedding, or letting the DTV application lapse altogether. The challenges with the embassy's requirements and various suggestions to handle the situation reflect common bureaucratic hurdles expats face.

John ********* · Answer

Family wedding? Close family, can you provide evidence if so email London and tell them about your dilemma, that might speed the process up, however,if you have ticked all the boxes you should get a decision very quick, because Thai PH’s etc NY etc Maybe you will hear something next week.. still plenty of time, chill out 🤷🏾‍♀️

Martyn ******* · Answer

I cannot understand why you do not just travel and obtain a 60 day exemption on arrival. Is there something I am missing or you are not telling ?

Gregory ********* · Answer

Bureaucrats are not the brightest bunch and seem to lack empathy and understanding. Easy to supply a new letter stating the same that they missed the first time. The hardest part is the confirmation letter that you will stay in the UK...  In a WW2 type scenario since it is signed under duress it has no effect.  Do what you can with the hand you have been dealt. Ultimately all the things they are asking for are irrelevant to your application but that is how Bureaucrats operate. Tick some boxes job done next. They have never applied for anything themselves. Try again but have a plan B

John ********** · Answer

Your problem is that they are asking you to confirm you will remain in the UK. If you agree to this you really can't travel. It might be easier in your situation just to let your application lapse and write off the application fee

BluePoo******* · Answer

Thank you for informing us of this and I am sorry to hear you are having to go through this hurdle.

It seems that the London Embassy is requesting a flight from everyone so far - from what I have read?

To echo what other people have said - can you not book a refundable/changeable ticket 4 weeks ahead, hope they approve and then change it back to the date if needs be? You’ll have to book a ticket out regardless?

Lynnette ******* · Answer

Send what they ask for. Book a refundable/changeable ticket. Should have done that asap. Or as someone else said, fly in on the exempt entry and hope the DTV still gets issued.

Graeme ****** · Answer

It sounds like you may have to forfeit this DTV application and look to come to thailand for your family wedding on visa exempt ( assuming you haven't had a history of entering thailand many times for long durations previously) otherwise you'll miss out on the occasion. Maybe then look to apply for DTV in a neighbouring country if you want to stay longer? Its a tough one either way

Brandon ************ · Answer

You don't really have any options.  You provide what they ask and hope for the best, or you give up and try something else.  The embassy works on their schedule, not yours.

You can provide everything they are asking for and just go on your trip and hope they send it by the time you leave, or even after you arrive in Thailand.  It happens sometimes, even though it's not supposed to.  You might get lucky.

What are my options for traveling to Thailand for a wedding when facing delays in my DTV application?

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