Answered9 months ago

Where should I apply for a DTV visa for medical treatment: France, Sri Lanka, or other countries?

Medical Visa DTV Visa Visa Application Process Thailand Immigration Thai Visa Types Expat Visa Advice

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

asked Jan 29, 2026

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Where and when to apply?

Hi everyone,

I’m planning to apply for a DTV for a medical reason (I have a motor disability) and I’ll be requesting a 6-month treatment plan. I meet the financial requirement (500k THB).

I’m currently trying to figure out where and when it’s best to apply from, and I’d love some feedback from people who’ve already done it.

I have a few options:

Applying from France (I’m French and will be there this summer), but in that case the treatments would only start in October.

Applying from Sri Lanka

Or possibly from Laos or Philippines 

I’ve seen mixed info saying that some applications made from Europe were approved but with shorter validity (3 years instead of 5), or that the process took quite a long time.

So I’m wondering:

Has anyone successfully applied from France with a medical reason? 

It’s better to do it in Laos or the others country in my list ? 

Any real experiences or advice would be super helpful 🙏

Thanks!

Answer summary

The user is seeking advice on the best location and timing to apply for a Thailand DTV visa for medical reasons, specifically for a motor disability requiring a 6-month treatment plan. They are considering applying from France, Sri Lanka, Laos, or the Philippines, and are looking for experiences from others who have successfully navigated this process. Commenters suggest applying in France for convenience but mention potential delays and mixed results with shorter visa durations from Europe. They also discuss the importance of having a comprehensive treatment plan and whether it's advisable to request longer treatment durations to avoid issues with visa validity.

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

Thanks for your advice 🙏

9 months ago

John **********

If you have a signed off treatment plan from a recognised doctor at a recognised hospital which is over 6 months you should be able to apply anywhere. The problem with just 6 months is an METV would cover the requirements

9 months ago

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

@John *********

thanks for your response.

So, you think I need to ask for 7 months or more ?

9 months ago

Kool *******

You need a treatment plan to deal with your medical condition. You don't get to choose how long it will be. Your medical doctor determines that.

9 months ago

John **********

Anonymous participant i do

9 months ago

Tapan ********

Since you have a clear cut case and provided you have all the requisite documents available, you can apply in France for the sake of convenience while it does take more time to get the approval.

Vietnam is another good option for fast approvals. Usually is less than 10 days in Hanoi.

Given that it's for medical reasons, they will be considerate for sure.

Example:

********************************************

Best for health to you! Stay strong 🙏🏻

9 months ago

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

@Tapan *******

Thanks you. Do you think 6 months is enough or I need to ask for more?

9 months ago

Tapan ********

See, the thing is till last year say till probably September, 5 year visa was being granted for even 1 month of soft power courses and then something changed and some people (not all) who had signed up for shorter courses were given METV instead.

I applied with a 6 months cooking course and showcased extremely strong financials and was granted the DTV and in my cover letter I had mentioned about me having plans to further explore Thai culture in the times after my cooking classes were done. Which is actually my genuine plan.

So, unfortunately there is no right answer to this.

But you have options:

1. 6 months program

2. > 6 months program

3. Genuine communication from the doctor that for now you are signing up a 6 months treatment and are likely to continue treatment thereafter.

Note: Also, keep in mind that even if your treatment is for 190 days (>180 days) then you'll require a DTV because METV has validity for only 180 days.

The decision is yours to make🙏🏻.

9 months ago

Tapan ********

Have you already made consultations in Thailand?

9 months ago

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

@Tapan *******

yes 🙂

9 months ago