I successfully got my DTV from the Thai Embassy in Ho Chi Minh City. The process was a bit tricky but manageable. They didn’t ask me many questions. And it’s best to make an appointment at least two weeks in advance.
Here are the documents I submitted as a freelancer:
1. Completed Application Form
2. Photocopy of my passport info page
3. Six months of bank statements (Put the latest bank statement at the top and highlight the total balance.)
4. A few pages from my portfolio
5. CV
It took two working days to process.
Try to submit as few documents as possible until they ask for more. Giving too many documents can make things harder for them and lead to unnecessary questions that you might not be able to answer. Be ready to take extra time to submit any documents they might ask for later. When I was there, it seemed like everyone else was waiting to re-submit something they did not have the first time. *Resubmit the document; do not request additional appointments.
Make sure all your documents are in English; if they’re not, get them translated first. I submitted a portfolio with screenshots of my web design work, but it was not in English. Because of that, I was asked to translate it.
The next day, I returned with my translated portfolio, but then the other staff said they also needed my CV. Luckily, I had my MacBook with me, so I printed it out and went back within 30 minutes (before they closed for lunch) from a nearby photocopy shop (just a 5-minute walk; you can find it on Google, located southwest of the consulate).
Finally, make sure all your USD bills are in "perfect" condition because "good" condition isn't enough. It's a shame that I always carry some US dollars just in case I need them, which I get from an ATM in Hong Kong. They all have an authenticated crop mark on the back. Even though the bills are new, many places won't take them. There are money exchange shops in HCM city D1 area where you can buy USD; I bought some and carefully checked each bill for perfect condition. When the embassy staff accepted my bills and gave me a receipt, I felt so relieved. *One of my $20 bills was rejected, probably because the corner wasn't sharp enough.
I got my passport back on Friday afternoon after applying on Wednesday. So, it’s better to make your appointment on a Monday or Tuesday rather than later in the week; otherwise, you’ll have to wait until the next week to pick up your passport.
Always bring your laptop for quick replies. It's a good idea to have a USB A flash drive with you for the printing shop, as they may not have USB C connections. If you're using a Mac, make sure to format the drive in FAT32 or ExFAT so it works with Windows OS. Otherwise, many printing shops allow you to email your files for printing. Good luck~
