Singapore Tourist Visa Run Report

[jeebusjones]

I just returned from a trip to Singapore. In spite of having a passport filled with visa exemption stamps (36+) and two other tourist visas since October 2006 (from Penang and Vientienne), I was given a third tourist visa from Singapore with no problems and no questions asked.

This third tourist visa will bring me over the October 1, 2007 threshold, meaning that I've been able to stay in Thailand for a full year as a tourist since the new regulations came into effect. So, I would tell others in my situation not to worry.

Some info from the trip:

The Thai Embassy in Singapore is on Orchard Road. The nearest MRT station is Orchard Station, although I took a bus from where I was staying. Buses 106 and 77 pass directly in front of it.

Applications are taken from 9:15 to 11:15am. I would suggest you get there a few minutes before 9:15am to ensure you have enough time. As soon as you enter, you are given a number so the line is very orderly. I was number 12.

The visa fee for a tourist visa is $50 Singapore, which is a little more than 1,000 baht.

The visa is ready the following day at 2:00pm. There is no need to show up early, in fact showing up a few minutes after 2 is ideal.

Very friendly and efficient service. I saw no one else denied, and there were some dodgy-looking individuals applying (just kidding).

Transportation in the city is easy. From the airport, it is easy to take the MRT anywhere in the city for around 50-60 baht. If you're bringing Thai baht, the best exchange rate I found was at the airport, so change your money there.

Well, that's all I can think of. I hope someone else finds this useful.

[sriracha john]

In spite of having a passport filled with visa exemption stamps (36+)

36.....

That's great....

[abasbas]

any idea about my problem...

i work for a company in philippines which has a regional office in bangkok. i do technical training for our new program launch with a local thai company. i've been in bangkok for the past 180 days from which i had 2 90-days visa issued and used. my initial travel was from January to April 2007, got a new 90 day visa then I returned last May to July 2007. I need to return to our regional office to continue the training. But the consul in Thai embassy in Manila hold my 3rd 90-day visa application and was asking for a work permit #3 from my office. However, my office cannot issue this kind of work permit since there is no real permanent position available for me. What should I do next in order to obtain the 3rd 90-day visa? Will the Singapore visa run help get me the visa? appreciate your help. Thanks!

[MattW]

Great to hear, thanks for the info!

Matt

[tijnebijn]

Thats great news for a lot of expats wishing to stay in Thailand long term who cannot apply a different kind of visa.

I am happy things are still not that all to complicated unless all the changes .

Good reports are very welcome these days.

[garywee77]

I just returned from a trip to Singapore. In spite of having a passport filled with visa exemption stamps (36+) and two other tourist visas since October 2006 (from Penang and Vientienne), I was given a third tourist visa from Singapore with no problems and no questions asked.

This third tourist visa will bring me over the October 1, 2007 threshold, meaning that I've been able to stay in Thailand for a full year as a tourist since the new regulations came into effect. So, I would tell others in my situation not to worry.

Some info from the trip:

The Thai Embassy in Singapore is on Orchard Road. The nearest MRT station is Orchard Station, although I took a bus from where I was staying. Buses 106 and 77 pass directly in front of it.

Applications are taken from 9:15 to 11:15am. I would suggest you get there a few minutes before 9:15am to ensure you have enough time. As soon as you enter, you are given a number so the line is very orderly. I was number 12.

The visa fee for a tourist visa is $50 Singapore, which is a little more than 1,000 baht.

The visa is ready the following day at 2:00pm. There is no need to show up early, in fact showing up a few minutes after 2 is ideal.

Very friendly and efficient service. I saw no one else denied, and there were some dodgy-looking individuals applying (just kidding).

Transportation in the city is easy. From the airport, it is easy to take the MRT anywhere in the city for around 50-60 baht. If you're bringing Thai baht, the best exchange rate I found was at the airport, so change your money there.

Well, that's all I can think of. I hope someone else finds this useful.

Hi There

Thanks for the useful info

By the way,Im a Singaporean and I have been applying for tourist visa to Thailand one after another in Singapore

Today, the lady working at the Singapore Thai embassy told me that I can't do this over and over again,

She told me this is my last one, if not I have to stay in Singapore for 3 months before I can enter Thailand again

But I have checked this with the Thai Immigration officer back in Thailand, they told me that theres no limitation on applying for Tourist visa

All I need to do is to leave the country when the visa expire and apply for a new one before I reenter

Anyone can confirm? Thanks inadvance!!

gary

Edited August 8, 2007 by garywee77

[lopburi3]

Thai Immigration do not issue visas at a Consulate. If Singapore says no then it will be no. But you could try Malaysia.

[garywee77]

Thai Immigration do not issue visas at a Consulate. If Singapore says no then it will be no. But you could try Malaysia.

Hi

Thanks for the reply,

Maybe I need to try my luck in Malaysia,

Sorry,Just a quick question, what are the criteria to apply for non O?

[lopburi3]

Thai family (spouse) or retirement (over age 50) are the normal reasons.

[jeebusjones]

Thai Immigration do not issue visas at a Consulate. If Singapore says no then it will be no. But you could try Malaysia.

Hi

Thanks for the reply,

Maybe I need to try my luck in Malaysia,

Sorry,Just a quick question, what are the criteria to apply for non O?

Lopburi is right. I would never go to the same embassy/consulate more than twice in a row. It's a good idea to alternate between a few, like Penang, KL, Vientienne, Singapore. You shouldn't have to visit the same place more than once a year, which makes it a safer bet in the long run.

Don't know about non-O's, but I think it requires marriage in most situations.

[garywee77]

Thanks again mate!

[pass220]

... I hope someone else finds this useful.

I do indeed, thanks for taking the time to write up a detailed post!