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What should I know about applying for a UK visa while in Thailand?
Feb 19, 2026
2 months ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERSharing my experience here with the intention of helping someone who might be thinking about or going through a similar situation.
I applied for my UK visa, waited many weeks, and since there was still no result, I had practically given up on it. I had already accepted that I would probably need to apply again because of the timelines.
I returned to Thailand, but the process was still ongoing, with my documents pending approval.
I had to come back to Thailand for a few days for personal reasons.
In the meantime, today I received a cancellation of my visa application. It was not rejected, and there is no stated reason for the cancellation.
Because of this, I realized that, differently from what some people had mentioned here in the group, there does seem to be data cross-checking that shows whether you are physically in the location or not.
So if you are thinking about applying and returning to Thailand before the process is finished, there is a high chance they will see that you left the country.
Just sharing this tip and I hope it helps.
I applied for my UK visa, waited many weeks, and since there was still no result, I had practically given up on it. I had already accepted that I would probably need to apply again because of the timelines.
I returned to Thailand, but the process was still ongoing, with my documents pending approval.
I had to come back to Thailand for a few days for personal reasons.
In the meantime, today I received a cancellation of my visa application. It was not rejected, and there is no stated reason for the cancellation.
Because of this, I realized that, differently from what some people had mentioned here in the group, there does seem to be data cross-checking that shows whether you are physically in the location or not.
So if you are thinking about applying and returning to Thailand before the process is finished, there is a high chance they will see that you left the country.
Just sharing this tip and I hope it helps.
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user shares their experience applying for a UK visa while residing in Thailand, highlighting that their application was cancelled after they returned to Thailand during the processing period. They emphasize the importance of staying in the country of application, as embassies may conduct cross-checks to verify the applicant's physical presence. The discussion includes varying opinions on the embassy's cross-checking practices, with many agreeing that returning to Thailand while a visa application is pending can lead to cancellation based on embassy rules.
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Johnny *************
Yes. You cannot enter or they cancel it. Logic
Leo ****
They state a lot of stuff on their website. The staff did not seem to be that competent to me do actually do cross checks to be honest. But it might happen automatically. The Document ID is unique and a cross check would be easy to do technically
สมองควาย ******
UK Visa….
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERสมองควาย ๒๕๖๘ DTV 🫣 applied in the uk
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Anonymous *************
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Determine*********
I don’t think the embassy would know you flying out of country and it’s nothing related about cancellation. Since I got cancelled dtv applied from my country as well . They only give me tourist visa instead and took my visa fee 400 Now I feel like I ‘m scammed.
Amornrat **********
DeterminedDeer8680 the Embassy can check in you entered Thailand.
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Amornrat **********
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Greg ********
I think the UK is particular in checking this. From other posts it would seem they check the system and if in Thailand ask people to return to UK or cancel application
Anonymous ******************
Bro you applied for a visa to Thailand that day you can't be in Thailand during the process. You passes immigration. What do you mean "cross checking"? Of course they know you're in Thailand.
They wouldn't know if you went to any other country
They wouldn't know if you went to any other country
Jonas *************
Anonymous participant 385 he said he applied for UK Visa... Lol
Anonymous ******************
@Jonas ************
Yes, but I assume he meant applying for a DTV visa inside the UK 😅Reply to
Anonymous ******************
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Anonymous ******************
Then we have different experiences. Most of the posts I've seen says, including the rules when applying, say that you have to stay outside of Thailand and should be in the country where you applied. They can also request more documents, such as later passport pages for stamps, any time before it's approved.
I didn't mean to cause you any offense and I appreciate your post. It will certainly help someone make sure they're doing it correctly 😊 Hopefully you will get the DTV accepted on your next attempt 😊 We all live and we learn
I didn't mean to cause you any offense and I appreciate your post. It will certainly help someone make sure they're doing it correctly 😊 Hopefully you will get the DTV accepted on your next attempt 😊 We all live and we learn
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER385 participante anônimo Another person trying to comment without understanding the purpose of the post. 🙄
At no point did I say I wasn’t aware of that. I’m sharing this because I saw people saying there wouldn’t be any problem returning to Thailand earlier.
What I mean by cross-check is that I didn’t see just one, but several comments saying that immigration wouldn’t be able to know that I returned earlier.
The purpose of this post is to help people, not to bring opinions without understanding the intention behind it.
At no point did I say I wasn’t aware of that. I’m sharing this because I saw people saying there wouldn’t be any problem returning to Thailand earlier.
What I mean by cross-check is that I didn’t see just one, but several comments saying that immigration wouldn’t be able to know that I returned earlier.
The purpose of this post is to help people, not to bring opinions without understanding the intention behind it.
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Anonymous *************
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DTV_Be*******
Curious, what date did you apply and what date did you fly to Thailand? Also, what date did you tell the embassy you would be flying?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERDTV_BegPecker applied 23th January. Flew to Thailand Feb 13th. Told them March 1st.
Marc ********
Anonymer Teilnehmer So you couldn't wait longer than 21 days?
DTV_Be*******
Anonymous participant London is one of the strict embassies. If they think you have left, they will cancel your application. Others sometimes get away with it because no one takes the time to check.
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DTV_Be*******
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Robert *******
It is mentioned on their website
"Despite visa services being provided online, visa applicants must remain physically in the United Kingdom (UK), Ireland, and UK Territories as the Embassy reserves the right to request an in-person interview. Accordingly, a visa application may be cancelled if the applicant departs from these countries and territories during the visa process and before a visa decision is made."
"Despite visa services being provided online, visa applicants must remain physically in the United Kingdom (UK), Ireland, and UK Territories as the Embassy reserves the right to request an in-person interview. Accordingly, a visa application may be cancelled if the applicant departs from these countries and territories during the visa process and before a visa decision is made."
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18de2bab23Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Robert ******
read again.Robert *******
Anonymous participant Yep, you left the UK for personal reasons and entered Thailand.
The Embassy did mention before you made that decision that the applilcation may be cancelled if you you depart during the processw.
What did I miss?
The Embassy did mention before you made that decision that the applilcation may be cancelled if you you depart during the processw.
What did I miss?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERYes. I never said I wasn’t aware of that. I was already prepared to apply again when I decided to leave. I’m just sharing my perspective because many people in the group mentioned that doing this wouldn’t be an issue. That’s exactly why your comment doesn’t make any sense.
James ********
His comment makes perfect sense. Directly quoting the UK Thai Embassy. AND your Post is welcomed too 🤗
Irfy****
Anonymous participant the rules are there as clear as night and day. Let the silly people talk and ill advise others.
Your post don’t make any sense. You didn’t follow the rules and the visa was cancelled. You were expecting it to be cancelled too.
What did I miss?
Your post don’t make any sense. You didn’t follow the rules and the visa was cancelled. You were expecting it to be cancelled too.
What did I miss?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERIrfy7674 oh lord. 😴
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Anonymous *************
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Sophie ******
Go to Hanoi while you there after 7 days as it’s there holiday I got my approval there im
from the UK and got approved in Hanoi in 4 working days just make sure you stay in Hanoi
from the UK and got approved in Hanoi in 4 working days just make sure you stay in Hanoi
Andi ***********
Good post...Useful for many who risk returning to Thailand pre aplroval.
Anonymous ******************
Wise advice. 👍 Technically, it can be cross-checked since all entries are recorded. They can also see the issuance date of your visa.
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Anonymous ******************
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