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What should I do if my UK visa lacks sufficient validity for my Thai visa application?
Visa application challengesUK visa validityThai visa categoriesEmbassy proceduresExpat challenges in Thailand
Aug 16, 2025
8 months ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERI applied through the London embassy. After they requested e-tickets to Thailand and a stamped bank statement from a local branch, I spent a lot of money to purchase the ticket and convert my dollars from my Wise account into pounds. Then they told me I needed to renew my UK visa because it did not have enough validity remaining.
I have been on a post-graduate visa in the UK for almost two years, and there are a few months left on it. Nowhere on their website does it state how much validity is required on my UK visa, and they are refusing to refund my money.
Is there any way around this? Is it possible to apply through the embassy of another country without actually being in that country?
I have been on a post-graduate visa in the UK for almost two years, and there are a few months left on it. Nowhere on their website does it state how much validity is required on my UK visa, and they are refusing to refund my money.
Is there any way around this? Is it possible to apply through the embassy of another country without actually being in that country?
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user shared their experience applying for a Thai visa through the London embassy while on a UK post-graduate visa. They faced issues when the embassy requested a renewal of their UK visa due to insufficient validity, despite lacking clear information on required validity from the embassy's website. The user is seeking alternatives, including the possibility of applying at an embassy in a different country without being physically present there. Community members advised against applying from another country and suggested contacting the embassy for assistance or applying from a neighboring country instead.
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Anonymous ******************
Apply from your home country its always easier
A. ************
You usually can't travel internationally with less than 6 months validity left on your passport, so I'm not sure that you're going to be able to go to another country to apply until you get a new passport.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERA. Nony Mous The issue is not my passport. They have asked me to renew my UK residence permit, which is not that easy.
A. ************
Anonymous participant Ah! Got it. Unfortunately, it sounds like you've found yourself facing one of those curveballs that no one sees coming. What passport do you carry? I'm curious because I don't see what your UK visa status has to do with anything.
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A. ************
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Wannikea *********
You haven't stated your nationality. some embassies initiate extra scrutiny from some nationals of foreign nations. These extra requirements are usually noted on the embassy website.
James ********
@Wannikea ********
he replied to me...James Miller I have two citizenships, Iran and Grenada. I applied with my Grenadian passport, but my nationality on my UK residence permit (visa) is Iranian. This is one of the other things they also mentioned that my nationalities don’t match beside my uk visa validity period
Wannikea *********
@James *******
I see, he'll have to use the passport he entered the UK on.Reply to
Wannikea *********
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Anonymous ******************
Did you get your application rejected yet or have they just asked you to renew your visa (and you can’t)?
Firstly can you call or visit the embassy to talk about the situation?
As you say, explain that it does not mention visa validity anywhere and you’ve made a lot of effort to apply in London and it’s your current location and home for 2yrs, you meet all the DTV criteria etc and you’ll be leaving for Thailand straight away.
It might be possible to get approval on this application, if you speak to them and explain the situation.
For example, how much longer do they want on your visa? Would getting a tourist visa after this one expires give you enough time?
The London embassy seems to have been very quick and efficient with processing. I would speak to them and appeal for them to reconsider.
I would not suggest applying from a country you’re not in. They ask for proof like passport stamp and it’s against the DTV conditions and you could get blacklisted if caught.
Good luck with it
Firstly can you call or visit the embassy to talk about the situation?
As you say, explain that it does not mention visa validity anywhere and you’ve made a lot of effort to apply in London and it’s your current location and home for 2yrs, you meet all the DTV criteria etc and you’ll be leaving for Thailand straight away.
It might be possible to get approval on this application, if you speak to them and explain the situation.
For example, how much longer do they want on your visa? Would getting a tourist visa after this one expires give you enough time?
The London embassy seems to have been very quick and efficient with processing. I would speak to them and appeal for them to reconsider.
I would not suggest applying from a country you’re not in. They ask for proof like passport stamp and it’s against the DTV conditions and you could get blacklisted if caught.
Good luck with it
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 467 Thank you for your comment. I tried calling them today, but no one answered. Based on their Google reviews it seems they do not pick up the phone at all. However they did reply to my email, stating that they require a UK residence permit (visa) with at least 5 years of validity which I don’t think is possible for most UK visas. I will email them again to see what happens.
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Anonymous *************
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James ********
What is your passport nation?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@James *******
I have two citizenships, Iran and Grenada. I applied with my Grenadian passport, but my nationality on my UK residence permit (visa) is Iranian. This is one of the other things they also mentioned that my nationalities don’t match beside my uk visa validity periodReply to
Anonymous *************
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DTV_Be*******
The requirement is that you are supposed to be in the country though which you apply. You will need to show evidence that you are there. Many require residency as well. Your best option is to fly to a neighboring country in Southeast Asia and apply. Unfortunately your fee for the UK-based application won’t transfer.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERDTV_BegPecker Do you know the embassies of which countries don’t require long term residency and only require you to be there before applying?
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant Jakarta embassy has good feedback on this group.
Elías ********
Participante anónimo notably Vietnam and Laos, they say. But you might need a visa to enter those countries, depending on your passport.
DTV_Be*******
Anonymous participant Mostly just the neighboring ones, but you need to check with each embassy to check their policy,
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DTV_Be*******
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Elías ********
First of all: no refunds, no matter what.
As per the visa, it seems they want to be sure you're "a resident" in the UK. But I understand that in most cases we can't just extend visas whenever we want. In Korea, for example, long term residents can extend their current visas only when less than 4 months remain on it.
As per the visa, it seems they want to be sure you're "a resident" in the UK. But I understand that in most cases we can't just extend visas whenever we want. In Korea, for example, long term residents can extend their current visas only when less than 4 months remain on it.
Elías ********
As per applying in other country without being on it: it normally won't work, as they'll always request a proof of residence and/or that you're physically located there.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Elías *******
Thanks for the info. I'm going Turkey next month. Is Turkey embassy a good one to apply from?Elías ********
Participante anónimo You need to enquire directly with them whether non-residents can apply, or, are you a Turkish national?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Elías *******
No, I’m just going there as a tourist. I'll try to ask 👍Elías ********
Participante anónimo usually it's written on their website
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Elías ********
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Anonymous ******************
Totally possible but runs the risk of rejection if found out
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 107 What documents do they usually ask for to make sure you are there?
Wannikea *********
Anonymous participant don't consider this
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant some embassies request a photo of every page of your passport (even empty pages), but usually you would provide entry stamp, visa for that country if relevant and accommodation confirmation pdf. Some people also add a photo in front of hotel, phone location on Google, receipt with location on etc
Luit *****************
Anonieme deelnemer They can ask for all kind of proof or just invite you for an interview at the embassy. It is just not a good idea to try getting a visa by fraud.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant entry stamp in your passport
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Anonymous ******************
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