Thai visa shake-up: Southeast Asia consulates switch to e-visa only
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:
- Workcation – Tailored for digital nomads, freelancers, and remote workers.
- Soft Power – Focus on activities like Muay Thai training or cooking schools.
- Spouse and Children – For those wishing to bring their family along.
