Singapore's Thai Embassy Has New Procedures

[LadyinRed]

I had to do a visa run so I head down to Singapore (as usual) and seems like their visa procedures have changed not too long ago.

Upon entering the embassy you have to go to a tent area on the right side (not sure if this is permanent), pick up the 'new' visa form and fill it out there.

When your application's filled you go inside the building and proceed to queue up under 'visa application'.

They don't do the queue number machine any more, and you also need to find glue to stick your picture on (a lady inside the building provided it - she's also checking that your application is complete before she lets you queue up, so you have to bear with her).

You have to show your air tickets if applying for a Tourist Visa (they will need a copy).

If you have to pay for the visa you then go to the next counter to make payment.

Not sure if anyone else have similar/ different experiences, but here's my 'report', and I hope it will be helpful.

[sjaak327]

"You have to show your air tickets if applying for a Tourist Visa (they will need a copy)."

Another one requiring air tickets out or so it seems.

[torrenova]

What a fanny on. Maybe just show them a ticket back to Singapore to get another tourist visa

[lopburi3]

Outbound ticket is a general MFA requirement for issue of a tourist visa for all Consulates. That most do not require this, at least for citizens of there country, is a local policy decision.

2. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

- Passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months

- Visa application form completely filled out

- Recent( 4 x 6 cm.) photograph of the applicant

- Evidence of travel from Thailand (air ticket paid in full)

- Evidence of adequate finance (10,000 Baht per person and 20,000 Baht per family)

- Consular officers reserve the rights to request additional documents as deemed necessary

http://www.mfa.go.th/web/2482.php?id=2489

[Captain Chaos]

I had to do a visa run so I head down to Singapore (as usual) and seems like their visa procedures have changed not too long ago.

Upon entering the embassy you have to go to a tent area on the right side (not sure if this is permanent), pick up the 'new' visa form and fill it out there.

When your application's filled you go inside the building and proceed to queue up under 'visa application'.

They don't do the queue number machine any more, and you also need to find glue to stick your picture on (a lady inside the building provided it - she's also checking that your application is complete before she lets you queue up, so you have to bear with her).

You have to show your air tickets if applying for a Tourist Visa (they will need a copy).

If you have to pay for the visa you then go to the next counter to make payment.

Not sure if anyone else have similar/ different experiences, but here's my 'report', and I hope it will be helpful.

That is helpful - thanks for posting - and it is definitely a new development.

It sounds like a response to logistic issues rather than anything else - the embassy is quite old and the fairly small visa section is regularly swamped by the number of applicants (my office is next door to the embassy so I walk past several times per day and have been wondering what that tent is for!). My observation is that the volume has increased over the last year or so, and I am making a guess that this may be because Singapore will still grant 12 mth, multi-entry visas with proof of financial means.

Can't comment about the tourist visa/onward tickets thing as I am on a Non 'O'.

Personally, I always renew my visa on a Friday, and collect the passport the next Monday. The visa section is usually almost deserted as I suppose people don't want to stay the weekend in Singapore. Took me 10 minutes start to finish in Nov 2007!

CC

[MJo]

Yep, that's how it works nowdays.

Did one year non-O two weeks ago. Tried first with "old" application form from internet and was told to use the "new" application form. Lady behind the desk provided me copy thus saving the walk outside to the tent. Only difference is that new form has text "Singapore embassy..." etc in the corner under the logo, otherwise same form as the old one.

Anyways followed Captain's earlier advice and went in Friday. Maybe 12 people in total and took me total 15 mins to submit including the time i filled the new form. Collect my passport on Monday afternoon in less than 5 mins

Almost all others, excluding agents, were trying to argue and convince the embassy staff to give them non-O, non-B and Tourist visas without any supporting doc's or to get their visa at the same day. Various claims made that "Bangkok immigration" or "the security at the embassy gate" told that it would be ok.....

People should come prepared, i spend 10 out of my 15mins visit queuing and listening these guys... I phoned the embassy previous day and in 2 mins got good advice and friendly service with following doc's needed for one year multiple non-O based on marriage:

1. Application + 1 photo

2. Copy of marriage certificate

3. Internet print out showing "over 400k THB balance" from my overseas account in europe

[comproez]

And guys, the VISA hours is now 9.15 to 11.30 instead of 12.15.

[Flhai]

Thinking of using Singapore to get my first Non B. Can anyone comment on how they think an application in Singapore may go? If no good what would be the best location? Can anyone help on this as I have to make plans now. Thanks in advance.

[Flhai]

Hi Guys... posted this and didn't get any answers as yet:

Thinking of using Singapore to get my first Non B. Can anyone comment on how they think an application in Singapore may go? If no good what would be the best location? Can anyone help on this as I have to make plans now. Thanks in advance.

Also now thinking of KL... better then singapore? And what to do in KL?

[MJo]

Hi Guys... posted this and didn't get any answers as yet:

Thinking of using Singapore to get my first Non B. Can anyone comment on how they think an application in Singapore may go? If no good what would be the best location? Can anyone help on this as I have to make plans now. Thanks in advance.

Also now thinking of KL... better then singapore? And what to do in KL?

Like said, multiple one year non-imm O went very smooth in Spore. I also have couple of mates that have done non-B's in Spore and elsewhere and claimed that Spore was the easiest. At least what comes to amount of supporting company doc's etc.

Give it a try, and if you can stay over weekend, ie submit friday and collect monday there's no waiting in a que...

[Prakanong]

Hi Guys... posted this and didn't get any answers as yet:

Thinking of using Singapore to get my first Non B. Can anyone comment on how they think an application in Singapore may go? If no good what would be the best location? Can anyone help on this as I have to make plans now. Thanks in advance.

Also now thinking of KL... better then singapore? And what to do in KL?

Like said, multiple one year non-imm O went very smooth in Spore. I also have couple of mates that have done non-B's in Spore and elsewhere and claimed that Spore was the easiest. At least what comes to amount of supporting company doc's etc.

Give it a try, and if you can stay over weekend, ie submit friday and collect monday there's no waiting in a que...

Is that single entry Non-Imm "B's" - I was told they will not give out multi-entry ones.

[MJo]

Yes, it was single entries without hassle.

I understood that one year multi from Spore would require the whole deal of Thai company registrations doc's etc etc. So not that convenient option. This was some 6 months ago so propably system has changed since

Some years ago you were able to apply re-entry permits in-country but have no idea if this is still the case.

[Prakanong]

Yes, it was single entries without hassle.

I understood that one year multi from Spore would require the whole deal of Thai company registrations doc's etc etc. So not that convenient option. This was some 6 months ago so propably system has changed since

Some years ago you were able to apply re-entry permits in-country but have no idea if this is still the case.

I work for a household name MNC and we have both Singapore and Thai LOC's as well as being on the London and New York Stock Exchanged but was told by our Visa consultants who get visa's for a multitude of nationalities that a multi-entry B was out of the questio.

I know some senior guy's at banks etc as well that could not get them even though they have a regional role as I do.

[Flhai]

Thank for the info guys I think Singapore it is. One more question.... What where the exact requirments in Singapore for the Non B single entry? I know the full requirments but what do they want in Singapore?

[cm das]

I'll be heading to Singapore for a multiple entry non-imm o soon. Applying on Friday & picking up Monday sounds good, but I'm not sure I can swing it with my schedule. If I apply on Monday, is the line going really to be horrendous? And can I then pick up the passport on Tuesday? Or might a Tuesday-Wednesday plan be better?

Also, this will be my first trip to Singapore. Any decent & not too expensive hotel recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Prakanong]

I'll be heading to Singapore for a multiple entry non-imm o soon. Applying on Friday & picking up Monday sounds good, but I'm not sure I can swing it with my schedule. If I apply on Monday, is the line going really to be horrendous? And can I then pick up the passport on Tuesday? Or might a Tuesday-Wednesday plan be better?

Also, this will be my first trip to Singapore. Any decent & not too expensive hotel recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks.

I know nothing about Embassy but hotels are bloody expensive here.

I have heard New Seventh Story Hotel in Bugis is affordable

[cm das]

Oh, and one more question: What are the hours for picking up a passport? I'm trying to figure out what flight I can make back to Thailand.

[lapamita]

afternoon 2 pm until 4pm next workingday after aplication

[JacknDanny]

I'll be heading to Singapore for a multiple entry non-imm o soon. Applying on Friday & picking up Monday sounds good, but I'm not sure I can swing it with my schedule. If I apply on Monday, is the line going really to be horrendous? And can I then pick up the passport on Tuesday? Or might a Tuesday-Wednesday plan be better?

Also, this will be my first trip to Singapore. Any decent & not too expensive hotel recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks.

Whenever I have gone to Singapore, I have never had to wait too long.

Get there around 9am, have to queue outside the gates, normally around 10 people in front of me.

Go inside, get the ticket, within 30-40 minutes hand i application.

Pick up the following day after 2pm, never any queues , get served immediately

[cm das]

Wow, thanks for the quick replies.

[Prakanong]

Airport from Orchard I would say 30 minutes in Taxi

Depending on airline rules I normally get there an hour before flying unless I am planning a bevy in the lounge