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Why am I not eligible for a Thailand eVisa while in Vietnam?

Thailand eVisaVisa EligibilityVisa Application ProcessThai EmbassyVisa TypesExpat GuidanceImmigration in Thailand
Sep 15, 2023
a year ago
Terry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Just when I thought I had the new eVisa system figured out…

I came here to Vietnam and started to apply. When I answered the question as to my current location, I got an error message saying that I’m not eligible, that I have to apply in person. What is the point of an eVisa if you have to be in a specific place?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user encountered an issue applying for a Thailand eVisa while in Vietnam, receiving an error message stating they must apply in person. Responses clarified that the eVisa system's eligibility is influenced by the applicant's location, as not all Thai embassies in Southeast Asia participate in the eVisa system, requiring in-person applications instead. The importance of selecting the correct current location in the application process was emphasized, along with advice that some applicants have circumvented issues by using different strategies or locations.
Ling *****
Australian passports are also not eligible for an evisa.
a year ago
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Lauren **********
I just selected my home country and bought a ticket from onward travel to upload. I was still in Thailand when I applied and it was approved
a year ago
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Gianpaolo ******
@Lauren *********
 I thought of this trick too! My worry is not about not getting the visa but about being rejected at immigration! So they let you into Thailand without any problems? They didn't ask you why (I assume the date of issue should be on the visa) when they issued your visa you were already in Thailand
a year ago
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Lauren **********
@Gianpaolo *****
 yes no issues! I came back in through a land border but I have also come in via air many times and never once have they looked at my previous stamps or asked any questions. I’ve heard of some people applying for their visa late too or issues with the embassy issuing them late so you could always use that excuse I guess!
a year ago
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Lauren **********
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Terary **********
@Lauren *********
 THANK YOU!!!
a year ago
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Terary **********
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Thomas *******
Start again
a year ago
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Nishant ************
You can still enter Thailand on the basis of visa exemption now.
a year ago
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Terry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nishant ***********
 that’s true but I’ve already done it twice and I may need the extra time to covert to Non O for retirement.
a year ago
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Nishant ************
@Terry *******
 oh, okay. Are you in Vietnam on a multiple entry visa of 3 months?
a year ago
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Nishant ************
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Andrew *******
Do the letters VPN mean anything to you
a year ago
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Terry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andrew ******
 yes. I thought about that and I think it would be a problem when uploading travel information.
a year ago
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Terry ********
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Frank **********
Yeah it's always rough when you find things out the hard way.
a year ago
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Henrik *****
You are supposed to apply from the country you have residence ( permanent adress in at least 6 months).

To apply from anywhere else is taking a chance and cut corners, and up to the discretion of the embassy where you apply.
a year ago
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Terry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Henrik ****
 that would be Thailand and I can’t apply from there.
a year ago
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Henrik *****
You are trying to tweek the visa system to your personal needs, instead of going by the book, and apply from your homecountry or get the right visa for the stay in Thailand.
a year ago
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Henrik *****
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Steve *******
Vietnam doesn't use the evisa system as you have just found out!
a year ago
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Bob **********
You have to apply in your home country
a year ago
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Terry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bob *********
 no, you don’t. I played with it and I can apply from Hong Kong or Europe. There are probably more places.
a year ago
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Bob **********
@Terry *******
 Good luck what are you going to do for your flight ticket they require,by time you do all that you could have got a TV from a consultant
a year ago
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Terry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bob *********
 I plan on going to the consulate. You said “you have to apply from your home country”. That’s not true.
a year ago
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Bob **********
@Terry *******
 if your going to the consulate it’s not an E-Visa it’s just a tourist visa
a year ago
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Terry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bob *********
 I understand that Bob. Have a good night.
a year ago
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Terry ********
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Jody *******
Don't expect Western logic with anything Thailand related.

TIT = this is Thailand. That's something people say to sum up the phenomenon. ;)
a year ago
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Terary **********
Oddly I just did this. I don't recall it asking my current location but it did ask me about my country of residence and my nationality. Legally both are USA.
a year ago
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Terary **********
I see what you guys are talking about now.. The 'Am I eligible' question. Its weird that is not part of the application process. I just ignored it.

Also, noteworthy.. when I select that I am a US passport holder and I select

Denmark, Canada, Bahamas, it says that I am eligible. There are probably some others as well.

Like said, the 'eligible' question isn't part of the application process. The application ask about nation of origin (birth nation) and current residence.
a year ago
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Nippanut ***************
@Terary *********
 US citizen is possible (even when you are outside US) but you must select current location as US too
a year ago
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Terry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nippanut **************
 no, you can select other countries.
a year ago
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Nippanut ***************
@Terry *******
 No. If you select other countries as current location, your e-visa will be submitted to Thai Embassy in that location
a year ago
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Nippanut ***************
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Michael *******
a year ago
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John **********
You are in Vietnam. Vietnam is not part of the e-visa system. You need to go to the Thai embassy
a year ago
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Terry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
 most people seem to go to Hanoi. I’ve gone there a couple of times myself. Is there anything wrong with going to Saigon?
a year ago
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Terary **********
@Terry *******
 I want to HCMC (Saigon) a few years ago. I don't recall if they asked for all documents but its a good idea to bring them. I do remember that they only accept USD and the bills have to be in mint condition. Both drop-off and pick-up was quick and painless.
a year ago
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Brandon ************
@Terry *******
 each embassy has its own requirements. Check the website of each to see if you meet them.
a year ago
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Terry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 I have and they are pretty much the same. The only difference I see is that in Saigon you need an appointment but in Hanoi you don’t.
a year ago
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Terry ********
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Phil ******
@Terry *******
 yep. Location is important. Head back to your home country and the eVisa system will work.
a year ago
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Robert ***********
@Phil *****
 VPN back and get it where you are.
a year ago
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Phil ******
@Robert **********
 might work
a year ago
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Phil ******
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Brandon ************
You could have figured this out by putting your passport and the location you'd be applying from in the tool on the front page of the evisa website that says "Am I eligible to apply online?"

The only thing the Thailand evisa system does is change the method of sending in your information. It's still processed by the local Thai embassy or consulate based on where you are. Therefore each Thai embassy and consulate makes the decision if they will be using evisa or not. None of the Thai embassies in SE Asia are on the evisa system.

In these countries you must submit your application in person.
a year ago
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Shea *******
@Brandon ***********
 also, you have to be in your home country, or country of residence.
a year ago
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Brandon ************
@Shea ******
 you don't. Only certain visas and certain consulates require that.
a year ago
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Shea *******
@Brandon ***********
 yes you are right I just checked. Last year it did specify being in your home country, I know because I got rejected for that lol.
a year ago
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Shea *******
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