Answereda year ago

What should I do if my visa hasn't arrived before my flight to Thailand?

Visa Approval Delay Travel Planning Visa Types DTV (Digital Tourist Visa)Thai Embassy Regulations Expats in Thailand

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

asked Aug 2, 2025

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Hi there, did it happened to anyone that you didn't get the visa on time before your flight ? Since I had to book it in order to apply for it... Thank you :)

Answer summary

Many expats face the situation of their visa not being approved before their scheduled flight to Thailand. Several commenters shared personal experiences, suggesting that it's common for visa approvals to be delayed. In some cases, travelers opted to no-show their flights to extend their stay or plan alternative travel arrangements once their visa was approved. It's recommended to check embassy guidelines regarding flight bookings, as sometimes a real ticket isn't necessary for the application.

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Joe **********

Hi there. Yes, my visa approval didn't come till after my scheduled departure. I just no-showed for the flight and extended my hotel stay a few days at a time. Luckily I was able to apply for a refund of the return portion of the flight and it came a few weeks later. Once my DTV got approved, I just booked a bus ticket to depart the next day.

a year ago

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

@Joe *********

What embassy was it ? And how long did it take you to get the visa then ?

a year ago

Henrik *****

Flightnumbers are like busnumbers, they describe a specific route, but not any date or time.

Always check the website of intended Thai Embassy to be used, for details on visaprocessing time.

a year ago

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

Thank you. Yes embassy said 4 weeks so I should be fine, its just me panicking 😃

a year ago

Wannikea *********

Did the embassy you applied at demand that you have a ticket? The application form just asks for the flight details of your intended proposed arrival.

a year ago

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

@Wannikea ********

Yeah apparently any flight number was enough... ha well!

a year ago

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

Yes. I flew back to Thailand on a visa exempt before my dtv was approved (the day after). After a few weeks I travelled to another country then returned and stamped in on the dtv for 180 days. This was last year when it was so much easier. These days I read a lot about people getting called in for interviews or further proof they're still in country. If you can, maybe postpone your trip. If not, hope for the best.

You didn't have to book a real ticket to apply by the way. Any flight number would have sufficed.

a year ago

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

Participant anonyme 246 Alright thank you. I'll just postpone if needed then. I've got 5 weeks in total so hopefully will be enough.

I didn't think any flight number would be enough cos I dont see the point of asking for it then, but that's good info for future people :)

a year ago