Why doesn't the Thai embassy in Portugal review visa applications directly?

Question

So.... apparently the Thai embassy in Portugal doesn't review visa applications AT ALL?

I applied for my DTV visa last week. I have my flight booked for the 31st. With Christmas and NY in the way, Portugal can get quite slow until the New Year, so naturally I am bit nervous about it.

So I gave the embassy a call to ask them if they could kindly look at my application prior to my flight.

And the lady on the phone told me... they don't review applications at all? She said that all visa applications go directly to Thailand and that Thailand notifies the embassy if they need more documents or not. So they don't even know about my application or anyone else's for that matter.... what?

I've been reading non-stop on this group that embassies deal directly with the applications, so I am wandering if this lady was just trying to push me away? She didn't even want to know my name. I was polite and respectful the whole time (as was she).

I also emailed them twice over the last 2 weeks and they never even replied.

I am Portuguese myself, applying through soft power cooking course.

Any thoughts/help would be much appreciated!

Ask Thailand · Answer

The author recounts a recent experience applying for a DTV visa through the Thai embassy in Portugal. After applying, the author expressed concern about the processing time due to the holiday season and contacted the embassy for updates. They were told by an embassy staff member that applications are not reviewed by the embassy but are sent directly to Thailand for processing, which raised doubts about the accuracy of this information based on the author's prior readings. Multiple comments from the community echoed frustrations with the Portuguese bureaucracy and shared similar experiences with the Thai embassy, highlighting the inconsistency in how applications are processed based on the applicant's country.

Raquel ********** · Answer

As Portuguese , I agree that all public services in Portugal are terrible, but I must also admit that my experience with the Thai embassy in Lisbon was very good. I read here that embassies take departure dates into account and usually respond promptly. Don't lose hope 🤞🏻

Winter ******** · Answer

Make an appointment at a Thai embassy to have it expedited. Or at least try... bringing the documents you gave them.

Pedro ********** · Answer

I am portuguese and this doesnt surprise me one bit. I needed an emergency passport while being literally detained in thailand immigration for 2 days and they didnt pick up the phone once.

I called and emailed 300+ times. Had to get my brother to go there physically.

Anything related to portuguese bureacracy is the worst in the world.

P.S. Yes. I am portuguese.

Jason ******** · Answer

relax, Thai embassy is one of the easiest in the world to work with. you kinda just gotta make sure you have everything done properly and then send it and trust it will all work out 😅😅 and then it all tends to come together of the own. they’ll get you done.

Adrian ********* · Answer

I applied on 24th sep. It has been in pending approval state since the 29th of September. I've sent 3 emails to the embassy and haven't received a reply.

Indian passport. Hold valid Residency in Portugal and applied as remote worker

Wannikea ********* · Answer

I'd say major embassies do the legwork onsite/in country with maybe a bit of input from Bangkok, and minor embassies pass on the requests to Bangkok for most of the approval process.

Greg ******** · Answer

It was said some applications would be decided in Bamgkok. Some South Asian countries were mentioned specifically. If this applies to others??? If all applications were sent to Bangkok the MFA would need a lot of resources in Bangkok.

Ian ********** · Answer

Although we all apply online to the same URL the applications are not handled centrally because if they were then all the rules would be the same, and they are not. I applied from the UK and they don't require the funds to be seasoned for 3 months, but if you apply from another country they do.

DTV_Be******* · Answer

Last week probably means enough time hasnt passed to even have reviewed.  The 5th and 10th were both Thai holidays.  It can take up to 6 weeks to process

Fab ***** · Answer

[mention redacted] the Thai embassy in Lisbon is the problem, they are famous for failing everything they are supposed to do. And I mean everything. Both Thai and Portuguese staff.

John ********** · Answer

Doesn't sound right to me

Why doesn't the Thai embassy in Portugal review visa applications directly?

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