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Why do visas need to be applied for at the embassy in the country you are visiting?

Visa Application Process Embassy Procedures Thailand Immigration Visa Types Expats in Thailand Vietnam Consulate Documentation Requirements

May 16, 2025

2 days ago

Bobby *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I’ve noticed applying at other embassies seems to be the norm. I’m curious as to whether we can apply with our home countries embassy while abroad? Do we need to apply with Vietnam just because we’re there? I got mine before my wife as she was unsure which visa she wanted but now we’re here already for some time and need to leave soon and get hers sorted out. So my question is this : why does everyone apply with the embassy of where they are visiting?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

When applying for a visa, you must do so at the embassy or consulate located in the country where you are physically present. This means that if you are in Vietnam, you need to apply at one of the Thai embassies or consulates in Vietnam. You cannot apply at your home country's embassy unless you are in your home country. Documentation proving your location is required for the application, and it's advisable to apply where you are currently located.

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Henrik *****

You have to be Physicaly in the country you apply in for the duration of the whole visa processing.

Can be an advantage to apply in your passport country, where also all the documentation has been issued.

2 days ago

Wannikea *********

You apply where you are physically present except for Thailand. For many people already in Thailand they go to a nearby country and apply instead of heading all the way back home to Timbuktu.

2 days ago

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

You CAN'T apply to another country's embassy. You need to apply to the one in the country YOU ARE. And you'll need to check if that embassy accepts tourists or foreigners. The best would be to apply in your country when you're there. Otherwise, choose the embassy where you stay for quite some time (you're not supposed to apply and leave before confirmation).

2 days ago

Johan **************

Because each embassy covers a certain area that they are responsible for. And you can only apply when you are in their area. For example if you are in Laos then you apply through the embassy in Laos. If you are in your home country then you apply there. You have to proof your location during the application too so you really need to physically be there. Good luck.

2 days ago

Bobby *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Johan *************

I didn’t have to prove mine at all. I just gave an address. This is why I was curious because there was no real time verification required or any method at all to show where was. Washington embassy I believe it was.. Never asked for much at all

2 days ago

Johan **************

@Bobby ********

I hear you, bit similar for me but location proof is a required question in the online application but whether they really check is up to the embassy. I guess we got lucky. But you know, the other day there was a post here of someone that had to provide a picture of himself with a recent receipt in the country (I think it was Vietnam) so it really does happen but possibly only if they suspect something is wrong.

There is also the matter of possible interview so imagine if you are invited and are not in that country..

2 days ago

Reply to

Johan **************

John *******

You are supposed to apply via the embassy in the jurisdiction where you are physically located. So if you are physically in Vietnam, you apply via one of the two embassies/consulates in Vietnam. You should only apply via your home country if you are actually in your home country.

2 days ago

Bob **********

You have to apply in the country you’re in

2 days ago

Tod *********

You upload proof you're in the country whose consulate you're using (visa/entry stamp)

So if you're IN Vietnam you use Hanoi or HCMC

You can't use the thai consulate in your country if you're not IN your country 😕

2 days ago

Tod *********

the minute you select you're IN Vietnam for example it defaults to the vietnam consulates

Unless you lie and select you're in your country (when you're not) 😕

2 days ago

Reply to

Tod *********

Why can't I apply for a Thai visa online through the London Embassy while currently in Thailand?

20 comments

a month ago

Do I need to stay in the country where I applied for a Thailand visa until it is approved?

26 comments

2 months ago

Can I apply for a visa online from Phu Quoc, Vietnam, or do I need to be in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City?

2 comments

3 months ago