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What are the best countries in Southeast Asia to apply for a DTV visa as a freelance worker?

DTV visa Freelance visa Visa application Thailand immigration Vietnam SE Asia visa process Embassy application tips

Jan 22, 2026

3 months ago

Khris ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello everyone! I plan on applying for the DTV visa as a freelance worker. I have all my documents, and even providing a cover letter just for additional clarification. I am aware that you are supposed to apply to the embassy where you are currently residing, but I plan on traveling to SE Asia first. Based on experience what country/cities are the best chances of being approved with a smooth process? I’m hearing lots of good things about Vietnam but I would like to ask the group initially. Thanks!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A user is seeking advice on applying for a DTV visa as a freelance worker while traveling in Southeast Asia. They inquire about the best countries or cities for a smooth application process. Responses suggest that while applying from a home country may be best, countries like Vietnam, Laos, and the Philippines have friendly embassies. However, it's noted that Vietnam might face application limits. Some commenters recommend applying from the US for better turnaround times.

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@Khris *****

3 months ago

Arun ***************

Hello Khris! Like some others have mentioned, the best place to apply the visa from would be your home country (with some exceptions like Chinese passport).

Alternatively, other options nearer to Thailand are Laos, Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam. Based on our experience, these are the best countries for applying the DTV visa under soft power in terms of speed and ease of attaining the visa.

Vietnam is a popular destination for applying the visa. That said, since they deal with a large quantity of applications, it may affect the approval rates or processing time if each embassy has a monthly limit they can process.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Happy to share that we've had assisted over 400 successful DTV visa applications through our cooking programs so we're quite familiar with the process. All the best with your application!

3 months ago

Shin ******

Just my opinion. Apply while in the US the one in California has a a good turn around time and will also give you the opportunity to get docs if you're missing somethin, and not just deny you. You can apply while in the US before you take off to Vietnam and once approved head to Thailand. You just can't be in Thailand when you apply!🤷🏾‍♀️

3 months ago

Kurt *************

I did on hanoi,

3 months ago

Kim *****

Vietnam, Lao and Phnom Penh are all friendly embassies, but Phnom Penh applicants had issues due to the border conflict.

3 months ago

Tapan ********

In SE Asia, consider Vietnam.

3 months ago

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Tapan ********