Thai visa shake-up: Southeast Asia consulates switch to e-visa only

[snoop1130]

 

Getting a Thai visa in Southeast Asia is about to become a high-tech affair. Starting next week, several Thai consulates across the region will be switching entirely to online e-visa applications, leaving traditional walk-ins a thing of the past.

 

In a surprise move, consulates in Vietnam (Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kota Bharu), and Cambodia (Phnom Penh) will close their doors to in-person visa applications. Some of these have already shut their consular services in anticipation of the e-visa launch, scheduled for Tuesday.

 

Meanwhile, for those preferring the personal touch, consulates in Laos (Vientiane, Savannakhet) and Myanmar (Yangon) will continue to accept walk-in visits, albeit with a twist—you’ll need to book an appointment online to gain entry.

 

However, it’s not all change, reported ASEAN Now. Consulates in Indonesia (Jakarta), Taiwan (Taipei), and the Philippines (Manila) will maintain their operations as usual with no appointment necessary, providing a glimmer of hope for those who prefer the classic approach.

But there’s a catch: aspiring visitors must physically be in the country of their chosen Thai consulate to use the e-visa system. Moreover, travellers hankering for the now-elusive year-long multi-entry Non-O visa—once popular in Ho Chi Minh City—will need to rethink their strategy. For this coveted visa based on marriage, Savannakhet and Yangon remain the go-to spots, according to recent reports.

 

The shift to digital is set to streamline the visa process, but it is clear applicants need to adjust their plans and embrace the online future of travel documentation.

 

In related news, Thailand has just introduced the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), an exciting new option that allows expats and travellers to stay for up to five years without the hassle of frequent renewals. Ideal for those wanting to dive deep into Thai culture, the DTV offers three main qualifying routes:

 

1. Workcation – Tailored for digital nomads, freelancers, and remote workers.
2. Soft Power – Focus on activities like Muay Thai training or cooking schools.
3. Spouse and Children – For those wishing to bring their family along.

 

By Bob Scott

Picture courtesy of Royal Thai Visa

 

Source: The Thaiger

-- 2024-10-07

 

RELATED TOPIC:

S/E Asian Thai Consulates going to eVisa online system effective

https://aseannow.com/topic/1339993-se-asian-thai-consulates-going-to-evisa-online-system-effective-tuesday-oct-8th/

 

 

[madone]

this is insane and defeats the entire purpose of an "e" visa

 

also what prevents people from using a VPN? do travelers need to pick up the "e" visa in person?

 

Edited 14 hours ago by madone

[mdr224]

Would be fine if any of their websites ever worked right

[JemJem]

Well, for many nationalities, the tourist visa has lost its relevance actually, now that visa exempt stay is 60 days (with a 30-day extension possible inside Thailand).

 

Of course, for other types of visa, it is a different case. 

Edited 14 hours ago by JemJem

[soi3eddie]

 

Last few years it seems "E-Visas" are the norm already so what's really new here? I have obtained two tourist E-Visas for Cambodia and one tourist visa for Myanmar in the last two years. I have also helped a British friend obtain a marriage E-Visa for Thailand twice (2023 & 2024). I have also helped my GF obtain two visit visas for the UK online in 2023 & 2024 (still have to go and submit passport and biometrics at an office in Bangkok). We had to file pre-entry permits for Singapore easily online when we went in 2023. I really don't see what the issues could be. Who wants to go to an embassy when it can all be done from the comfort of a hotel room or at home online?

 

[shdmn]

10 hours ago, madone said:

this is insane and defeats the entire purpose of an "e" visa

 

also what prevents people from using a VPN? do travelers need to pick up the "e" visa in person?

 

They can match it up with the stamps in your passport, so if you were to get a DTV from Cambodia your passport would need to have stamps showing you were there at the time it was issued.

Edited 4 hours ago by shdmn

[Johno57]

The reliability of internet sites & SECURITY of these sites has always been lacking & will remain the same so I will not see my document  privacy being sold on the dark Web or to any body else...

[hotchilli]

A step forward or a step backwards.. time will tell?

[Skeptic7]

No surprise at all. This "less work - less services" trend is chronic at all Embassies and Consulates worldwide. They don't want to deal with the people they are supposed to be assisting. Governments suck and are getting suckier with every passing year. 

[Gottfrid]

4 hours ago, soi3eddie said:

Last few years it seems "E-Visas" are the norm already so what's really new here?

That you still have to travel to the country to use the e-visa system. 🤣

 

It´s like one of the most idiotic thing I´ve ever heard!