What are the current visa application processes for Cambodia and neighboring countries for expats in Thailand?

Visa Application Thailand Tourist Visa Exemption DTV Visa Cambodia E-visa Laos Visa Regulations Immigration Expat Advice

Sep 24, 2024

2 months ago

Jess *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hey guys… 

Im in Thailand for another month and a bit, still on a tourist visa exemption, planning to leave Nov 1st to a neighbouring country and apply for my DTV which Im quite confident I will be approved for. 

My first question: I heard Cambodia is changing in october from in person applications to Evisa only, and apparently I have to be back in my home country to do the Evisa application. Anyone able to confirm this? Got a source?

Second question: anyone know any neighbouring countries that most likely will remain doing in person DTV applications? I heard Laos should be fine so I will probably go there, but I would like to know if theres others that I can use as a backup plan.

Thank you!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

An expat in Thailand is inquiring about changes to visa application processes for Cambodia, specifically the shift to E-visa applications starting in October, and whether it's necessary to be back in their home country to apply. They are seeking confirmation of this information and looking for neighboring countries that still allow in-person applications for DTV visas, with Laos mentioned as a likely option.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

Ze ****

E-visa requires you to be in the country of application (Cambodia in your case) during application. Effectively this means you need to show a passport page with a Cambodia entry stamp.

2 months ago

Jess *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ze ***

gotcha, thank you. I think Ill just go do it in person in Laos, seems like less of a headache.

2 months ago

Reply to

Jess *******

Tod *********

Just because those consulates switch to eVisa online system doesn't mean you can't apply there for a visa. You just have to be legally IN that country when you file the application online.

Phnom Penh Cambodia, Hanoi/HCMC Vietnam, Kuala Lumpur/Kota Bharu/Penang Malaysia, all announced they will switch to eVisa in Oct.

I think these are the countries that haven't announced the switch; Vientiane/Savannakhet Lao, Yangon Burma, Jakarta Indonesia, Taipei Taiwan as options right now

2 months ago

Paul *******

@Jess ******

The main con is the possibly extended processing time but this is highly variable. In many cases, it doesn't take any longer.

2 months ago

Paul *******

@Tod ********

Jakarta have announced they will switch in October. Yangon by the end of the year. Only Laos and Taipei haven't made a formal announcement yet.

2 months ago

Jess *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Paul ******

gotcha. What are the cons of doing evisa application anyway? Do both take the same amount of time to process or what? Really appreciate the information btw!

2 months ago

Jess *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Paul ******

so should I just keep an eye on this site to see if Laos changes as well?

******************************

Or is there a better source for me to keep an eye on… thank you.

2 months ago

Paul *******

@Jess ******

also follow their Facebook page.

2 months ago

Paul *******

@Jess ******

Yes. Keep your eye on it. From what I can tell, they're still taking appointments until at least late November so they'll probably be among the last to switch. Of course being Thailand, they're likely to suddenly announce the switch and this means appointments booked in advance may be canceled without notice.

For the time being though, anything booked for the next 2 months seems to be safe.

If they did switch to e-visas all of a sudden, then it's best to choose another consulate or put up with the evisa system.

2 months ago

Reply to

Paul *******

Jess *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks again todd!

2 months ago

Reply to

Jess *******

What does the switch to eVisa for Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam mean for travelers?

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2 months ago