On this page
Since 31 August 2026, you can apply for a Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) only at a Thai embassy or consulate in a country where you are a national or a permanent resident, and you must add a criminal-record clearance. Each embassy sets its own list of accepted documents, so check your embassy's e-Visa page before you apply. This means you can no longer apply as a visitor at an embassy in a neighbouring country, such as Malaysia.
This page explains what changed, who it affects and what to check. It's general information, not legal advice.
What changed on 31 August 2026
Two things changed for DTV applications:
- Proof of nationality or permanent residence in the country where you apply. This replaced the earlier "current location" document at many embassies.
- Criminal-record clearance that meets the embassy's rules: which country issues it, how recent it must be, and whether it needs translating or certifying.
In practice, where you can apply now depends on your nationality or permanent residence, not on where you happen to be staying.
Who is affected, and what if you applied before 31 August?
Thai embassies have published the change on their own pages. Applications submitted in the e-Visa system before 31 August 2026 are processed under the previous requirements.
If you're unsure about your residence status, check the embassy's own notice before you travel.
Which embassy can you apply at?
The embassy or consulate in a country where you are a national or a permanent resident. What counts as proof of permanent residence, and how recent the criminal-record certificate must be, varies by embassy. Check your embassy's e-Visa page before you apply.
If your situation isn't clear, don't guess: an application filed at the wrong embassy may be refused, and visa fees are non-refundable. Our Document Review checks your documents against your own embassy's current checklist before you file.
Criminal-record certificate
You need a criminal-record clearance that meets the rules of the embassy you apply to: issuing country, how recent it is, and translation or certification. These rules differ between embassies. See our full guide to the DTV criminal-record clearance.
Proof of permanent residence
Accepted documents differ by embassy: typically a residence permit or permanent-resident document from the country where you apply. Our guide to DTV proof of permanent residence explains what to look for.
Dependants (spouse and children under 20)
A spouse or child under 20 may need their own proof of permanent residence and their own criminal-record certificate. Check your embassy's e-Visa page.
They apply with the main applicant's DTV and proof of the relationship.
FAQ
Can I apply for a DTV in Malaysia or Laos? Only if you're a national or permanent resident of that country. Since 31 August 2026 you apply where you're a national or permanent resident, so you can no longer apply there as a visitor.
What counts as permanent residence? It depends on the embassy, usually a permanent residence permit or equivalent from the country where you apply. Check your embassy's e-Visa page.
Do I need a criminal-record certificate, and from which country? Yes, a clearance that meets your embassy's rules. Which country must issue it, and how recent it must be, varies by embassy.
Does the rule apply at every embassy? Thai embassies have published the change. Check your own embassy's notice.
I applied before 31 August. Does this affect me? Applications submitted in the e-Visa system before 31 August 2026 are processed under the previous requirements.
Do my spouse and children need the same documents? They may need their own proof of permanent residence and criminal-record certificate. Check your embassy's e-Visa page.
Not sure which embassy you can use? Check my eligibility (free) – the check takes your nationality and where you live into account. Want your documents checked against your embassy's list? Check my documents (THB 5,000). If your residence status is unclear or you've been refused before, Talk to a lawyer: a 40-minute video call with a Thai lawyer.
This guide is general, preliminary information, not legal advice. Requirements differ by embassy and can change at short notice. The Thai authorities decide every application.
Last updated from official sources: 11 October 2026. Written by: Thailand Visa Corp Team · Last reviewed: 12 October 2026.
Check your own situation, free
Answer a few short questions to see which visa fits you. The result is preliminary, not a legal opinion.