ask
Search
Ask
Answered9 months ago

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

Khris ******
asked Jan 22, 2026
1.1k
views
6
replies
2
likes
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!
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.
6 repliesnewest first
7

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

Onyeso ********
Onyeso ********
Arun ***************
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!
Shin ******
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!🤷🏾‍♀️
Kurt *************
Kurt *************
I did on hanoi,
Kim *****
Kim *****
Vietnam, Lao and Phnom Penh are all friendly embassies, but Phnom Penh applicants had issues due to the border conflict.
Tapan ********
Tapan ********
In SE Asia, consider Vietnam.

Activity

7 joined
Khris ******
Khris ******
Khris ******
Khris ******
Khris ******
Khris ******
7
people
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)
...members
Member 1
Member 2
Member 3
Member 4
Member 5
Member 6
Member 7

Related

25
What was the experience of getting the DTV visa as a British citizen in Thailand?
528135mo
Can I use funds transferred from my mother to apply for a DTV visa in Thailand?
2.6k2975mo
Can I apply for a dependent DTV visa for my son from a country other than Vietnam?
553356mo
Does applying for both Muay Thai and cooking classes increase the chance of DTV visa approval?
9606116mo
Which embassies are more flexible with the 500k THB requirement for Thai visa renewal?
2.4k21207mo
How long does the DTV approval process take for Australians applying from Canberra or Sydney?
1.9k16178mo
Has anyone successfully obtained a DTV visa while in India?
2.6k2888mo
How long does it take to get DTV approval after applying from Vietnam?
2.5k13149mo
What is the best way to present my employment situation when applying for a DTV visa in Thailand?
600419mo
What are the best visa options for someone working offshore in the oil industry, considering a 5-year DTV visa?
5.2k493310mo
Why is applying for a visa in Kuala Lumpur challenging for expats?
2.2k18181y
What challenges did you face as a dual citizen entering Thailand with multiple passports?
2.1k17141y
Does a DTV activate automatically upon entry to Thailand or can I delay switching until my Non-O extension ends?
473221y
Should I mention my online degree in my DTV application cover letter?
2.5k22211y
What should I know about the interview process for the DTV visa application in Indonesia?
1k751y
How do I apply for a visa in Thailand with a zero-hour contract and freelance income from abroad?
97691y
What documents are needed for applying for a DTV visa for my son as a dependent?
3k23271y
What are the experiences of applying for a DTV visa in neighboring countries of Thailand?
2.3k21122y
Can I obtain a DTV visa in Thailand for CrossFit activities instead of Muay Thai?
3.3k28242y
Should I include my Vietnamese address when applying for a DTV visa online?
1.6k1192y
Can I apply for a DTV visa in Vietnam as a UK resident currently in Phuket?
1.5k1172y
Does having a long-term client as a freelancer impact my visa application at the Los Angeles Consulate?
567312y
What information should a forex trader provide when applying for a DTV visa in Thailand?
69612y
What are the new eVisa application procedures for Thai consulates in Southeast Asia starting October 8, 2024?
13.1k571722y
Can I apply for a DTV visa if I have an overstay history of 63 days on my EDU visa?
2.6k19212y

Resources

Need help with your DTV visa?