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Why doesn't the Thai embassy in Portugal review visa applications directly?
Thai visa applicationThai embassy in PortugalDTV visavisa processing timesPortuguese bureaucracyimmigration procedures
Dec 13, 2025
5 months ago
Alfonso *******
ORIGINAL POSTERSo.... 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!
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!
TLDR : Answer Summary
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.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted DTV Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Raquel **********
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 🤞🏻
Bespoke ******
@Raquel *********
Portugal everything is very slowBespoke ******
i was in portugal 8 month . its super bored then back to thailand again
Raquel **********
@Bespoke *****
yes 😔Reply to
Raquel **********
Reply
Winter ********
Make an appointment at a Thai embassy to have it expedited. Or at least try... bringing the documents you gave them.
Ray *****
@Winter *******
there are no appointments, it is an online processReply to
Ray *****
Reply
Pedro **********
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.
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 ********
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 *********
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
Indian passport. Hold valid Residency in Portugal and applied as remote worker
DioPar******
@Adrian ********
dude, your application surely got cancelled after 45days that nothing happened. Go to check online and check the status. You must apply again if that didn't get acceptedAdrian *********
DioParco3474 of course I've checked it online. This information is current
Reply to
Adrian *********
Reply
Wannikea *********
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 ********
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 **********
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.
Mark *********
@Ian *********
I’m about to apply from the uk, could I ask if they require one month only for proof of funds.Reply to
Mark *********
Reply
DTV_Be*******
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 *****
@Alfonso ******
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.Pedro **********
@Fab ****
nope. Its worldwide. Everytime I needed portuguese embassy. It failed me.Thailand, Saudi, UAE, Vietnam, Japan. All dont pick up the phone and ignore
Johnny *******
@Pedro *********
this has absolutely nothing to do with the Thai embassy in PortugalPedro **********
@Johnny ******
I am aware. But the PT embassy in thailand is also really bad.Reply to
Pedro **********
Reply
Alfonso *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Fab ****
yeah I’m so confused… I wonder if she was just straight up lyingReply to
Alfonso *******
Reply
John **********
Doesn't sound right to me
Reply to
John **********
Reply
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