This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

Which neighboring country is best for a UK passport holder to apply for a visa to Thailand without returning home?

Feb 12, 2025
10 days ago
Molly ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Does anybody reccomend the best neighbouring country to apply from for a smooth process for a UK passport holder? Iโ€™m hoping not to have to fly all the way back home to be approved Has anyone tried Cambodia? ๐Ÿ™Œ Thank you
1,248
views
1
likes
31
all likes
17
replies
0
images
9
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
Users shared experiences about obtaining visas from neighboring countries, highlighting options like Manila for a quick process, and recommendations for Vietnam and Jakarta based on recent positive reviews. Cambodia was noted for its longer processing time but fewer requests, while Laos was praised for a relatively efficient process taking about a week, detailing an interview and payment system. One user advised applying from the UK to potentially avoid immigration questioning.
There *****
I got approved in Laos recently.

- Tuesday: entered Laos

- Wednesday: paid the fee cash in THB (you can do Mo-Fr 9-12am and need the payment QR printed)

- Thursday: got invited for an interview on Monday

- Monday: had the interview, where I was ask some personal questions and had to show my online banking

-> got approved when I left the embassy

-> 4 business days from payment
Molly ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@There ****
super helpful thank you, by online banking do you mean current savings or 6 months worth of statements ?
There *****
@Molly *******
I did 6 months just to be sureโ€ฆ read in another post that 3 months should be enough for laos
Molly ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@There ****
thanks for your help!๐Ÿ™Œ
Sean *******
Apply from the UK if you want to reduce your chances of being questioned on entry by Immigration.
Molly ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sean ******
very true although not really an option for me & donโ€™t mind the questioning as long as I can be approved n let in haha๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ‘Œ
Narek ***********
If you ready to spend two weeks in Laos definitely recommended

Process took 8 days - but you need to pay in consulate and also sometimes they request interview in consulate as well
Molly ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Narek **********
thank you! And did they ask for additional documents or just current sufficient savings & either soft power or employment? X
John *******
Cambodia takes longer but fewer requests
Molly ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John ******
I see thanks :)
Stephen ********
Manilla was fast and pain free
Molly ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stephen *******
thank you.
Christopher *******
Vietnam, Hanoi
Molly ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ray *****
Jakarta is getting really good reviews in the last few weeks
Molly ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ray ****
awesome thank you!
G ********
Tried & got it. But last year.