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Which neighboring country is best for a UK passport holder to apply for a visa to Thailand without returning home?

Feb 12, 2025
a year ago
Molly ********
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Does anybody reccomend the best neighbouring country to apply from for a smooth process for a UK passport holder? Iโ€™m hoping not to have to fly all the way back home to be approved Has anyone tried Cambodia? ๐Ÿ™Œ Thank you
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Users shared experiences about obtaining visas from neighboring countries, highlighting options like Manila for a quick process, and recommendations for Vietnam and Jakarta based on recent positive reviews. Cambodia was noted for its longer processing time but fewer requests, while Laos was praised for a relatively efficient process taking about a week, detailing an interview and payment system. One user advised applying from the UK to potentially avoid immigration questioning.
There *****
I got approved in Laos recently.

- Tuesday: entered Laos

- Wednesday: paid the fee cash in THB (you can do Mo-Fr 9-12am and need the payment QR printed)

- Thursday: got invited for an interview on Monday

- Monday: had the interview, where I was ask some personal questions and had to show my online banking

-> got approved when I left the embassy

-> 4 business days from payment
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Molly ********
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@There ****
super helpful thank you, by online banking do you mean current savings or 6 months worth of statements ?
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There *****
@Molly *******
I did 6 months just to be sureโ€ฆ read in another post that 3 months should be enough for laos
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Molly ********
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@There ****
thanks for your help!๐Ÿ™Œ
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Molly ********
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Sean *******
Apply from the UK if you want to reduce your chances of being questioned on entry by Immigration.
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Molly ********
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@Sean ******
very true although not really an option for me & donโ€™t mind the questioning as long as I can be approved n let in haha๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ‘Œ
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Narek ***********
If you ready to spend two weeks in Laos definitely recommended

Process took 8 days - but you need to pay in consulate and also sometimes they request interview in consulate as well
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Molly ********
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@Narek **********
thank you! And did they ask for additional documents or just current sufficient savings & either soft power or employment? X
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John *******
Cambodia takes longer but fewer requests
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Molly ********
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@John ******
I see thanks :)
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Stephen ********
Manilla was fast and pain free
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Molly ********
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@Stephen *******
thank you.
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Christopher *******
Vietnam, Hanoi
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Molly ********
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Ray *****
Jakarta is getting really good reviews in the last few weeks
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Molly ********
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@Ray ****
awesome thank you!
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G ********
Tried & got it. But last year.
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G ********
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