Answereda year ago

What are the experiences and recommendations for applying for a DTV Visa in Vietnam?

DTV Visa Visa application process Thailand immigration Vietnam consular services Visa approval updates Travel recommendations

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

asked Apr 28, 2025

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Hello and firstly thank you to all those in this group who make the application process so much smoother. My son had his DTV Visa approved. He applied in Hanoi, submitted Sunday evening when he arrived, change to pending document check on Monday, change to pending approval on Wednesday, nothing at all until Saturday. He was due to fly out on Sunday so he sent them a polite email asking for an update. No update came so he left back to Thailand, two hours after he arrived home he received approval. Now he’ll have to go out and come back again to activate the Visa but this is to remind everybody that this office works both Saturdays and Sundays! Although official hours are not on the website, his approval email came at 7:34 pm on a Sunday. 

And yes, we know officially he should stay in the country until it is approved, but he had to come back for personal reasons .

Answer summary

An expat shares their son's successful experience in obtaining a DTV Visa from the Thai consulate in Hanoi. The visa application was submitted on a Sunday, processed over the week with approval received on a Sunday night. Despite concerns about leaving Thailand before the visa approval, they were fortunate to receive their approval shortly after returning. Comments from other users provide additional support and advice on activating the visa and necessary documentation.

8 repliesnewest first

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

Steve *****

which embassy?

a year ago

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

@Steve ****

it says HANOI

a year ago

John **********

I am constantly amazed by the "personal reasons" excuse. What would your son have done if he'd been called in for interview or been asked to supply copies of all passport pages. He knew to stay where he was, he was lucky

a year ago

Tim ***********

@John *********

He probably booked a round-trip and just took his flight back.That's why I love Laos, because you don't have to book flights and you're not dependent on any changing flight prices. You just take the bus and it always costs the same.

a year ago

David ********

@Tim **********

same Vientiane embassy staff also very helpful one officer has good English

a year ago

James ********

Thank You for your helpful report your son has been approved for the DTV visa.👍

Congratulations 👏👏👏

As he already has entered Thailand and likely received a 60 day visa exempt entry...anytime from NOW to the ending date of his current stamp... depart Thailand and reenter Thailand to Activate the DTV visa. He will be stamped in for 180 days.

PRINT OUT THE EMAIL THAT HAS YOUR DTV VISA.

That's what you should do... print it out.

You may have to show PROOF of your DTV Visa to airline staff on check-in for your flight ✈️ to Thailand...even to the connecting airline staff. Or to the land border crossing entry Thai Immigration Officer.

Upon arrival into Thailand, show the DTV visa to the Thai Immigration Officer and look at the STAMP placed in your passport to be sure you are STAMPED in for 180 days.

a year ago

James ********

Have him also Carry with him a copy of the documents he submitted to get the DTV visa.

Just in case he was ASKED any questions by Thai Immigration Officers.

He should have no problem reentering Thailand.

What is his passport nation?

Where in Thailand is he living ?

a year ago

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

@James *******

he’s British 🇬🇧 & lives in CMai

a year ago