What should I consider when applying for a Thai visa from an embassy outside my home country?

Oct 28, 2024
2 months ago
Jamie **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thought I'd post this while waiting on my DTV in Hanoi. If your going to apply from a Thai embassy outside of your home I would advise that you book your stay as a holiday not as a 3-4 day anxious waiting experience that basically ramps up anxiety and keeps you rebooking accommodation. Also, on a personal note, if you want a peaceful quiet experience while waiting, don't stay in the old quarter, it's crazy !
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TLDR : Answer Summary
When applying for a Thai visa (DTV) from an embassy outside your home country, consider treating the application process like a holiday to reduce stress. Staying longer than the suggested processing time is advisable to avoid potential complications. Many recommend avoiding busy areas like Hanoi's old quarter for a more peaceful waiting experience. Additional concerns from other users include the taxation of digital income by Thailand and the U.S., and inquiries about visa fee payment timing and required documentation.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Charles **********
How many months bank statement needed for hanoi
Henrik *****
Cherk the processing time at the Embassy website
Klaus ***********
How did u pay the visa fee?
Martha **********
When did you pay the visa fee? When you applied? Or only after you got approved?
Somari *********
@Martha *********
when you apply
Alessandro *********
This is just common sense, I would never understand people that want to apply in another country and expect to do it exaclty in the timeframe suggested by the embassy. Stay 2 weeks and have some margin, even if the embassy says 5 days, why take the risk of having to leave before you get it, move the flight or some other stuff?
Paul *******
@Alessandro ********
Indeed, especially if applying using the e-visa portal, processing times are unpredictable.

If applying in person, it's more predictable but you should still allow extra time in case you need to go back and submit more documents, which will cause processing to be delayed until such time as all documents are satisfactory. In most cases, this is just one extra business day, but do prepare to stay a couple of days extra.

If flying in to a walk-in consulate, I'd allow 5 days if the standard processing time is 3 days (meaning submit on Monday, receive your visa on Wednesday afternoon).

If it's an e-visa consulate, allow up to 2 weeks.

it's less stressful if you travel by land, without a fixed outbound ticket. From Thailand, you really don't need to fly to Cambodia or even Vietnam. Saves you a lot of headaches having to purchase new tickets in case your originally purchased fare is non-changeable and non-refundable (except for airline taxes).
Somari *********
I applied last week for the second time. I actually have no interest now in it due to finding out my digital income will be taxed by them and the United States. I don't know how to get around this.
Somari *********
@Bob ********
tell me about it. One downsize to this amazing new visa.
Bob *********
Yep!…and that 180 day tax resident thing may not save you legally…a lot of people on that visa are admittedly disclosing evidence of there intent to do remote work in Thailand…you could be liable for tax on the days you actually work in Thailand weather or not your even paid in Thailand…check out sect 41 on the Thai revenue in English website….first paragraph…interesting to see how that may be interpreted as any business carried on in Thailand etc…can be subject to tax…hope I’m wrong but this could be a nightmare….good luck!
Simant ********
@Somari ********
Don't stay over 180 days in Thailand to not be tax resident. But takes time for the world wide income tax law to be implemented. Even if they do, it's highly unlikely they can enforce it in next few years.
Somari *********
@Simant *******
My plans exactly now is not to stay over 180 days which is a bummer, because my main purpose in applying was to get the best condo lease terms for a year. At least for now I'll have to limit my rentals in the high month to month charges.
Martha **********
@Somari ********
did you apply in Vietnam?

When did you pay the visa fee? When you applied? Or only after you got approved?
Somari *********
My plans exactly now is not to stay over 180 days which is a bummer, because my main purpose in applying was to get the best condo lease terms for a year. At least for now I'll have to limit my rentals in the high month to month charges.
Somari *********
@Martha *********
No applied in the United States. I applied October 22nd. No decision yet
Mar *****
@Somari ********
not strictly so,

I'm not sure how they can enforce it and if not brought into a Thai Bank Account too
Simant ********
@Mar ****
Not anytime soon but they might implement CRS (Common Reporting Standard) which most developed nations do to share financial information to avoid tax evasion.

Also to legally not pay taxes in Thailand, just don't stay over 180 days there.
Patrick **********
Good advice…im flying to Hanoi next week and going to rent a motorcycle and ride the Ha Giang loop while I apply.
James ********
Very good advice ✅
Andi ***********
Good advice, treat the application as a holiday and enjoy yourself while waiting. DTVacation,