Phnom Penh Tourist Visa

[kicking]

Just a quick update as I am in Phnom Penh now.

I ended up using an agent (almost any travel agency will do) for $19 to obtain a simple 60 Day Tourist Visa. Was quoted $15 for the "express" (same day) service but then inexplicably as I went to pay the price suddenly went up $4. At this point I couldn't have been bothered to go looking for another shop so I paid. This all occurred AFTER I personally went to the Thai embassy this morning

It's Thursday morning and here's what happened at the Thai embassy. After completing all the required paperwork I was told to come back Monday at 3 PM to pick up my passport! A five day turnaround? I asked if I could get the passport today or even tomorrow. "No, that's the rule here!" Also not possible is a multiple entry Tourist Visa. "Impossible!" as quoted by the kind lady who waited on me. Was told by a couple agents that they could do this for $75 but after endless phone calls it was "not possible."

Tips on a PP visa trip that may be obvious:

1) Book in advance on AirAsia, I couldn't and it the price was not exactly cheap.

2) Use an agent for a 60 day tourist visa unless you don't mind waiting a long time for your stamp, multiple entry visas are not issued (that was my experience).

3) Consider Vientiane instead.

[BruceMangosteen]

Just a quick update as I am in Phnom Penh now.

I ended up using an agent (almost any travel agency will do) for $19 to obtain a simple 60 Day Tourist Visa. Was quoted $15 for the "express" (same day) service but then inexplicably as I went to pay the price suddenly went up $4. At this point I couldn't have been bothered to go looking for another shop so I paid. This all occurred AFTER I personally went to the Thai embassy this morning

It's Thursday morning and here's what happened at the Thai embassy. After completing all the required paperwork I was told to come back Monday at 3 PM to pick up my passport! A five day turnaround? I asked if I could get the passport today or even tomorrow. "No, that's the rule here!" Also not possible is a multiple entry Tourist Visa. "Impossible!" as quoted by the kind lady who waited on me. Was told by a couple agents that they could do this for $75 but after endless phone calls it was "not possible."

Tips on a PP visa trip that may be obvious:

1) Book in advance on AirAsia, I couldn't and it the price was not exactly cheap.

2) Use an agent for a 60 day tourist visa unless you don't mind waiting a long time for your stamp, multiple entry visas are not issued (that was my experience).

3) Consider Vientiane instead.

Good Morning. Curious about a couple fine points if you have a second:

1. When you went to the travel agent, Thursday morning, did you get the Passport back on Thursday afternoon, Friday morning/afternoon? (yes, I can read, just want to make sure I understand)

2. Did the agent have the form or did you provide this or both?

3. While it is Cambodia, was the indication if you were denied you would get your $19.usd back?

4. Was there any indication from the agent(s) they could also do Non Immigrant type of VISA's?

Thank You

Edited September 24, 2009 by BruceMangosteen

[tropo]

You've exaggerated the wait period for your visa somewhat.

Thursday to Monday is a 4 day wait.

Is it possible that the consulate is closed today for a public holiday? If so, then the wait period is quite normal for any consulate.

[kicking]

You've exaggerated the wait period for your visa somewhat.

Thursday to Monday is a 4 day wait.

Is it possible that the consulate is closed today for a public holiday? If so, then the wait period is quite normal for any consulate.

Well, I am counting Thursday as I attempted to drop off the passport in the morning. So that's Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. To me, that's five days.

While it was a Cambodian holiday yesterday (Constitution Day) the Thai Embassy was open and fully functional. I just found it to be a bit absurd to have to wait so long for a stamp. There were hardly any people there and from what I understand it never really gets busy.

The other times that I got a Tourist Visa issued it was always the same day or the very next day and that was at Consulates all around the world. Maybe I have been lucky.

[kicking]

Just a quick update as I am in Phnom Penh now.

I ended up using an agent (almost any travel agency will do) for $19 to obtain a simple 60 Day Tourist Visa. Was quoted $15 for the "express" (same day) service but then inexplicably as I went to pay the price suddenly went up $4. At this point I couldn't have been bothered to go looking for another shop so I paid. This all occurred AFTER I personally went to the Thai embassy this morning

It's Thursday morning and here's what happened at the Thai embassy. After completing all the required paperwork I was told to come back Monday at 3 PM to pick up my passport! A five day turnaround? I asked if I could get the passport today or even tomorrow. "No, that's the rule here!" Also not possible is a multiple entry Tourist Visa. "Impossible!" as quoted by the kind lady who waited on me. Was told by a couple agents that they could do this for $75 but after endless phone calls it was "not possible."

Tips on a PP visa trip that may be obvious:

1) Book in advance on AirAsia, I couldn't and it the price was not exactly cheap.

2) Use an agent for a 60 day tourist visa unless you don't mind waiting a long time for your stamp, multiple entry visas are not issued (that was my experience).

3) Consider Vientiane instead.

Good Morning. Curious about a couple fine points if you have a second:

1. When you went to the travel agent, Thursday morning, did you get the Passport back on Thursday afternoon, Friday morning/afternoon? (yes, I can read, just want to make sure I understand)

2. Did the agent have the form or did you provide this or both?

3. While it is Cambodia, was the indication if you were denied you would get your $19.usd back?

4. Was there any indication from the agent(s) they could also do Non Immigrant type of VISA's?

Thank You

Hi-

Here are the answers:

1) Same day service at travel agents. Drop off in the morning and pick up around 6 PM the same day.

2) As I was already at the Embassy I just gave them the form that i had already filled out, but I suspect they have all required forms.

3) There was no discussion about a refund if the service was not provided. But as they had the passport they held the cards, so to speak.

4) No agents that I spoke to could do any type of Non Immigrant visas without all the required paperwork.

In short, Cambodia is not an ideal place to get a visa. In retrospect I should have gone to Lao. Alternatively, it is possible to fly in the AM and immediately drop off the passport to an agent and then pick it up at 6PM and then fly out the same day on the last Bangkok Air flight which departs at 8 PM.

Hopefully, this is useful info to somebody.

[BruceMangosteen]

Well, I am counting Thursday as I attempted to drop off the passport in the morning. So that's Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. To me, that's five days.

Since they aren't open on Saturday and Sunday, hardly seems like we should count those days. You are also counting the day you apply, which normally isn't counted in such circumstances. Thursday to Friday, Friday to Monday would be two in most circles. Up to you however.

Thanks. Seems you answered as I posted.

Edited September 25, 2009 by BruceMangosteen

[BruceMangosteen]

In short, Cambodia is not an ideal place to get a visa. In retrospect I should have gone to Lao. Alternatively, it is possible to fly in the AM and immediately drop off the passport to an agent and then pick it up at 6PM and then fly out the same day on the last Bangkok Air flight which departs at 8 PM.

Hopefully, this is useful info to somebody.

It is useful and interesting. I don't know why Lao would be better, from Bangkok. There are also options bantered about the "agent" taking the passports from PoiPet(you get there by bus/van) to Phnom Penh and you simply wait there in a Casino hotel. There was a time not long ago Phnom Penh didn't issue tourist visas at all for some reason. The agent/agency part is the most important in my opinion. There is a "way" some people still avoid leaving the comfort of their condo or suite at the Marriott in Bangkok. It cost money of course. The most recent figure bantered about is 15,000.baht for a valid 60day tourist visa.

[lopburi3]

The most recent figure bantered about is 15,000.baht for a valid 60day tourist visa.

No such visa is valid - and the person using such is the person who will pay the price if found out.

[kicking]

In short, Cambodia is not an ideal place to get a visa. In retrospect I should have gone to Lao. Alternatively, it is possible to fly in the AM and immediately drop off the passport to an agent and then pick it up at 6PM and then fly out the same day on the last Bangkok Air flight which departs at 8 PM.

Hopefully, this is useful info to somebody.

It is useful and interesting. I don't know why Lao would be better, from Bangkok. There are also options bantered about the "agent" taking the passports from PoiPet(you get there by bus/van) to Phnom Penh and you simply wait there in a Casino hotel. There was a time not long ago Phnom Penh didn't issue tourist visas at all for some reason. The agent/agency part is the most important in my opinion. There is a "way" some people still avoid leaving the comfort of their condo or suite at the Marriott in Bangkok. It cost money of course. The most recent figure bantered about is 15,000.baht for a valid 60day tourist visa.

The only reason Lao would be better is because they issue a double entry Tourist Visa, so you get 2 x 60 days plus extensions. I didn't want to sit around at a casino hotel for two days with nothing to do so that's why I opted for Phnom Penh. Not much to do here either unless it's your first time, but at least there are some restaurants and of course, the internet.

Lopburi3 is right, getting a visa without actually leaving the country is very dangerous and would most likely result in dire consequences.

[BruceMangosteen]

The most recent figure bantered about is 15,000.baht for a valid 60day tourist visa.

No such visa is valid - and the person using such is the person who will pay the price if found out.

Hello. In good faith lets review some facts:

The member who started this discussion said he gave his passport, the application, and $19.usd to an agent in Phnom Penh. Agreed?(no visa fee at the moment) Who then took it to the Thai consulate and got the Tourist Visa. He/She wasn't present.

So are you saying his VISA isn't valid?

Then we work backwards, only for FUN and banter, not to offer advice okay? Nor encourage any criminal conduct.

There are for sure some Casino's in PoiPet who handle these matters for players. The "matters" I refer are the exit from Thailand and the entry into Cambodia and exit out and back into Thailand.

In addition, if you go to PoiPet on one of these packages, the fact the "agent" is in PoiPet vs. Phnom Penh seems moot to me. They are equal.

Back from that to our suite in the Marriott. Combine the "connection" to deal with the exit, entry, etc., and like magic a done deal...

In addition to this I've read and heard of another way but won't mention it here in public.

[BruceMangosteen]

I opted for Phnom Penh. Not much to do here either unless it's your first time, but at least there are some restaurants and of course, the internet.

The "ones" where you don't leave the country may in fact be extensions vs. a new visa. I may have confused myself and others.

If you are in Phnom Penh now, and bored, go to Soryo Mall and load up on DVD's including compressed versions which while not of the top quality, a great deal.($1.usd each DVD's and $1.50each compressed) Good Chinese food at either Sam Doo over near the Central Market or the restaurant ground floor of the New York Hotel. Two farang bars at night cater to all types, not just "sex tourist", Sharky Bar and Martini's. Both will contain prostitutes but don't be offended, the food is good at Sharky as is the music and Martini's is a unique place where you can dance or just chill out.

[thaiphoon]

The "ones" where you don't leave the country may in fact be extensions vs. a new visa. I may have confused myself and others.

You can only obtain a visa from a consulate/embassy outside Thailand. You can only obtain an extension of stay from immigration inside Thailand.

[BruceMangosteen]

You can only obtain a visa from a consulate/embassy outside Thailand. You can only obtain an extension of stay from immigration inside Thailand.

Retirement Visas as well as other Non Immigrant Visas are issued inside Thailand, converting tourist or even visas on arrival. But mate our topic is important, agents in Cambodia and current practices of the Phnom Penh consulate. I would assume these other questions and methods are explained and denied all over the place on this and other forums.

[thaiphoon]

You can only obtain a visa from a consulate/embassy outside Thailand. You can only obtain an extension of stay from immigration inside Thailand.

Retirement Visas as well as other Non Immigrant Visas are issued inside Thailand, converting tourist or even visas on arrival. But mate our topic is important, agents in Cambodia and current practices of the Phnom Penh consulate. I would assume these other questions and methods are explained and denied all over the place on this and other forums.

Converting is not the same as obtaining. Retirement visas are not issued in Thailand, only extensions of stay. Same for Non Immigrant visas. VOA (I assume you mean this and not visa exempt entry) I agree, for the few people that applies to.

Edited September 25, 2009 by thaiphoon

[lopburi3]

Your post was a person could stay in Bangkok and obtain a valid visa in Cambodia. That is false. Such a visa is invalid if found out. Your full quote is below:

There is a "way" some people still avoid leaving the comfort of their condo or suite at the Marriott in Bangkok. It cost money of course. The most recent figure bantered about is 15,000.baht for a valid 60day tourist visa.

I said nothing about using a visa service while in the country.

[mongoose11]

Just a quick update as I am in Phnom Penh now.

I ended up using an agent (almost any travel agency will do) for $19 to obtain a simple 60 Day Tourist Visa. Was quoted $15 for the "express" (same day) service but then inexplicably as I went to pay the price suddenly went up $4. At this point I couldn't have been bothered to go looking for another shop so I paid. This all occurred AFTER I personally went to the Thai embassy this morning

It's Thursday morning and here's what happened at the Thai embassy. After completing all the required paperwork I was told to come back Monday at 3 PM to pick up my passport! A five day turnaround? I asked if I could get the passport today or even tomorrow. "No, that's the rule here!" Also not possible is a multiple entry Tourist Visa. "Impossible!" as quoted by the kind lady who waited on me. Was told by a couple agents that they could do this for $75 but after endless phone calls it was "not possible."

Tips on a PP visa trip that may be obvious:

1) Book in advance on AirAsia, I couldn't and it the price was not exactly cheap.

2) Use an agent for a 60 day tourist visa unless you don't mind waiting a long time for your stamp, multiple entry visas are not issued (that was my experience).

3) Consider Vientiane instead.

Thanks for posting this update kicking,

Just to clarify:

Did you have many previous 60 day visa stamps in your passport? With all the hoo-haa about what potential questioning the thai authorities may quiz you with, I take it this wasn't happening?

Thanks !

[BruceMangosteen]

Your post was a person could stay in Bangkok and obtain a valid visa in Cambodia. That is false. Such a visa is invalid if found out. Your full quote is below:

There is a "way" some people still avoid leaving the comfort of their condo or suite at the Marriott in Bangkok. It cost money of course. The most recent figure bantered about is 15,000.baht for a valid 60day tourist visa.

I said nothing about using a visa service while in the country.

My remarks didn't indicate in Cambodia. However, lets not argue or dwell on the hypothetical.

The agent aspect in Cambodia remains crucial and should be our continued focus. I'm not sure, perhaps someone can answer, is this also possible in Laos? A small fee, someone does the waiting in lines and running around? I still think a few nights in a nice hotel in PoiPet with all the gaming and other entertainment available would not be such a bad thing. In another section I saw or wrote something about where to reserve said four star hotels and remain unable to find them using search engines. It is a mystery why these properties aren't marketed in the newspaper etc.. Thanks.

[BruceMangosteen]

Converting is not the same as obtaining. Retirement visas are not issued in Thailand, only extensions of stay. Same for Non Immigrant visas. VOA (I assume you mean this and not visa exempt entry) I agree, for the few people that applies to.

Good morning. I'm not sure why you are saying once again they are not issued in Thailand.

I have two friends who did the following, in 2008...

Entered Thailand without any VISA. Were granted a visa "on arrival" at the airport. (What I mean by VOA)

Proceeded to the American embassy within a few days and got an income statement/letter.

Opened a bank account. (despite some claims to the contrary, some banks do in fact allow this) Deposited 10000baht. Ten Thousand.

Made the various copies, knowing 21 days remaining was a key element.

Presented this package and were given a Retirement Visa, format was a rubber stamp, not sticker. Good for one year. They then purchased a multi re-entry permit.

Now mate, I don't know if this "Retirement Visa" was an extension of the visa (VOA) itself(I doubt it), but I saw it, a full page stamp indicating retirement visa with number assigned etc.. This in Pattaya.

This same process was followed by another friend who had an issued Tourist Visa. He then got a job and this Tourist Visa turned in to a Non Immigrant, same deal, full page rubber stamp in his passport. This in Bangkok.

[Lite Beer]

They were issued a Non Imm O Visa as part of the process for applying for a 12 month extension of stay based on retirement.

That is the only way a Visa will be issued by Immigration. As part of the extension process.

From Immigration Website. http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/en/ba...p?page=service#

[thaiphoon]

They arrived here on visa exempt entry (that is not a visa).

They then went through 2 stage process (with short term conversion of visa exempt entry by immigration to Non-O) to facilitate extension of stay based on retirement.

What you have seen in the passport is 12 month extension of stay from immigration (that is not a visa).

You can do conversion to extension of stay from tourist visa too as part of 2 step process.

[eljeque]

On my last trip to PP three months ago, I turned in my passport and tourist visa application on Monday morning. I was told that I could not have my visa the next day, Tuesday. I informed the lady that I had a flight the next day, and she was kind enough to get me my visa on Tuesday afternoon.

She said that the standard now is.....

Turn in your passport on the morning of day X, receive your pasport back in the afternoon of day X +2.

I am flying to PP on Sunday Oct 4, and will turn in my passport on Monay morning, and plan to pick it up on Wednesday afternoon, and rush to the airport for the AirAsia flight back to Bkk.

[kicking]

Thanks for posting this update kicking,

Just to clarify:

Did you have many previous 60 day visa stamps in your passport? With all the hoo-haa about what potential questioning the thai authorities may quiz you with, I take it this wasn't happening?

Thanks !

My passport was brand new with only a transferred Non Imm O visa in it. I'm not sure it would have mattered.

[mongoose11]

Thanks for posting this update kicking,

Just to clarify:

Did you have many previous 60 day visa stamps in your passport? With all the hoo-haa about what potential questioning the thai authorities may quiz you with, I take it this wasn't happening?

Thanks !

My passport was brand new with only a transferred Non Imm O visa in it. I'm not sure it would have mattered.

Thanks. Can anybody else confirm that having previous 60 Day stamps in passport didn't raise any eyebrows?

Cheers.

[welo]

So no real news here.

* Phnom Penh has a X+2 day rule for issuing Tourist Visas

* Use an agent for 15 USD for same-day service

* People in the tourist business don't always play fair

If we follow OP's counting we could easily have posts titled "4 days waiting for a tourist visa in Vientiane!!!!!"

Could a moderator pls fix the misleading title?

News on the politics with multiple back-to-back TVs would be interesting indeed!

welo

[jitenshaman]

Just a quick update as I am in Phnom Penh now.

I ended up using an agent (almost any travel agency will do) for $19 to obtain a simple 60 Day Tourist Visa. Was quoted $15 for the "express" (same day) service but then inexplicably as I went to pay the price suddenly went up $4. At this point I couldn't have been bothered to go looking for another shop so I paid. This all occurred AFTER I personally went to the Thai embassy this morning

It's Thursday morning and here's what happened at the Thai embassy. After completing all the required paperwork I was told to come back Monday at 3 PM to pick up my passport! A five day turnaround? I asked if I could get the passport today or even tomorrow. "No, that's the rule here!" Also not possible is a multiple entry Tourist Visa. "Impossible!" as quoted by the kind lady who waited on me. Was told by a couple agents that they could do this for $75 but after endless phone calls it was "not possible."

Tips on a PP visa trip that may be obvious:

1) Book in advance on AirAsia, I couldn't and it the price was not exactly cheap.

2) Use an agent for a 60 day tourist visa unless you don't mind waiting a long time for your stamp, multiple entry visas are not issued (that was my experience).

3) Consider Vientiane instead.

This is pretty normal...i just picked up a Cambo visa at the embassy in Bkk....submitted on a Monday, it takes 3 working days, meaning it was ready Wed morning. If I had submitted on a Thursday, would have had to wait until Monday....in Vientiane, it is a day faster, so if you submitted Thursday would have been ready Friday, but if on Friday, not until Monday...not really a 5 day turnaround, i think you just need to time your visa runs appropriately if time is a factor and you dont want to hang out in a place...for 5 days, i think PP is pretty okay, certainly enough to do, some decent restaurants and bars as others have posted

[tropo]

If we follow OP's counting we could easily have posts titled "4 days waiting for a tourist visa in Vientiane!!!!!"

Could a moderator pls fix the misleading title?

In actual fact it's only a 2 day wait, extended to 4 days over weekends, but it's meaningless to count weekend days when consulates are not open.

[welo]

If we follow OP's counting we could easily have posts titled "4 days waiting for a tourist visa in Vientiane!!!!!"

Could a moderator pls fix the misleading title?

In actual fact it's only a 2 day wait, extended to 4 days over weekends, but it's meaningless to count weekend days when consulates are not open.

Exactly. Wasn't that what I said?

If you apply in Vientiane on Friday, pickup will be on Monday. OP counts the day of application, too. This would then be a headline saying '4 day wait in Vientiane!!!!'.

Facts (for tourist visas):

* Phnom Penh has a waiting time of 2 days compared to 1 day in Vientiane.

* Other members reported that showing an airplane ticket will get you the ticket in 1 day (=the next day), but that might be risky.

* 15$ will give you same day service with an agent or travel office. Pickup between 16:00 and 18:00.

* Single Entry only (with or without agent)

No reports yet whether Phnom Penh does or does not give 'red stamps' for 'long-term tourists'.

welo