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Phnom Phen 4 Days To Get A Visa Issued


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You can only obtain a conversion to non immigrant entry if you qualify for one year extension of stay and have about a week or two remaining on current stay.

I was told two weeks, but who knows for sure?

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Go to Vientiane. They still issue double entry visas. Takes two days, and I'd rather spend two days there than in Phnom Penh.

But not me... Phnom Penh is an exciting city compared to the rural village of Vientiane with super-crooked police refusing to issue a fine-document and pocketting the money. Not that I pretend that Cambodian police is in any way better.... but at least they keep on smiling asking your 3 US$ for overspeed...

Have been to Vientiane a few times.

By car.

Once I spotted 4 policemen, having a chat together in a booth situated on a corner off the main road.

I was in Vientiane a few months back and had to ask the van driver where all the police were. I was there three days and probably only saw three, and they weren't wearing firearms like every cop in Thailand.

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Go to Vientiane. They still issue double entry visas. Takes two days, and I'd rather spend two days there than in Phnom Penh.

I agree + you can stay longer and walk/bus back into Thailand if it would take longer. At a 711 you can always pay for a flight at Udon Thani and book online with Nok Air.

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Presume the new boss has seen too many lazy, overweight staff and is finding it hard to find a parking place in the staff car park due to there being too many big cars there.

Sounds to me more like the new boss is a greedier flocker than the last one and wants his or her share of the kickbacks.
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Go to Vientiane. They still issue double entry visas. Takes two days, and I'd rather spend two days there than in Phnom Penh.

But not me... Phnom Penh is an exciting city compared to the rural village of Vientiane with super-crooked police refusing to issue a fine-document and pocketting the money. Not that I pretend that Cambodian police is in any way better.... but at least they keep on smiling asking your 3 US$ for overspeed...

Have been to Vientiane a few times.

By car.

Once I spotted 4 policemen, having a chat together in a booth situated on a corner off the main road.

I was in Vientiane a few months back and had to ask the van driver where all the police were. I was there three days and probably only saw three, and they weren't wearing firearms like every cop in Thailand.

Yea they go undercover haha, no uniform and big guns just standing in a closed city, after midnight it's all closed and quiet

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Go to Vientiane. They still issue double entry visas. Takes two days, and I'd rather spend two days there than in Phnom Penh.

But not me... Phnom Penh is an exciting city compared to the rural village of Vientiane with super-crooked police refusing to issue a fine-document and pocketting the money. Not that I pretend that Cambodian police is in any way better.... but at least they keep on smiling asking your 3 US$ for overspeed...

Lao police are lovely! Never had any problems with them, always let me through with no helmet, no ID, no license, and one time even drunk!! On the other hand, in PP, whenever seen by a police, I was always stopped and "fined" for being white, wearing a helmet, and keeping the rules.

-shatteredreams-

Than drive with a Tuk Tuk Motorbike Rikscha or a Moto Taxi jap.gif

Comparing where to go for a Visarun, with family and children, to VIENTIANE, same I just did. coffee1.gif

Alone, PHNOM PENH! because, giggle.gif more, much more to do! Some Dollar for traffic violations is no reason to change my thoughts. cowboy.gif

Edited by ALFREDO
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That's tough. The official requirement listed on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is "Evidence of adequate finance (20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family)". If the embassy is satisfied with this and if he has a way (ATM or credit card) of withdrawing this amount or its equivalent in another currency, eg US dollars, at a bank, he could do that.

As long ago as 2008 the Consulate in Singapore was requiring that people show an old style paper ticket or S$ 1,000 in cash before they would issue a Tourist Visa.. E tickets, ATM balance statements, Credit cards, Bank statements etc were not acceptable. Hotel Bookings weren't necessary if you are going stay with somebody.

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My friend went to the Embassy this morning with more than 20,000B in his pocket, the answer was still no, now they want confirmation of hotel where he is staying in BKK.

The guy at the front says he can fix it.

I think you are an Agent touting for business!!

The last time I checked you don't need to have a hotel booking to get a Tourist Visa You can say that you are staying with friends

I have a question.Who is Mr Keo? and why does everyone seem to believe him when he claims that it takes so long to process a visa? If he is a tout or agent of any form then why do people pay him if he can't get a Visa in less than 4 days?. I've just quickly looked through this thread and I can't find a single post which mentions based on first hand experience how long it takes to get a visa if you don't use an agent! I also can't find reference to any unreasonable requirements being imposed on applicants What is going on here? is this some kind of agent marketing thread intended to coerce TV members into paying an Agent? Has anyone actually applied for a Tourist visa themselves? Am I missing something here? Somebody please enlighten me

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My Thai Bank book with enough funds was accepted in Singapore Consular section for a Tourist Visa in Summer 2011. Nothing more needed.

I was at Phnom Penh Embasy Consular section once and made a Visa for my Cambodian GF 3 years ago.

My GF gave the papers for her Visa to an Agent at the entrance and we picked the Visa up the next day.

The fee was small. I forget, so why bother to wait yourself?

As I saw since, my GF made two more Visas, last this year and she did that from Sihanoukville, 230 km away.

The Visa costs all together, 50 Dollar, 35 for the Visa and 15 Dollar for the Agent.

So, for 15 Dollar the Passport runs to Phnom Penh, delivered to the Embassy of TH, all papers filled out and runs back to Sihanoukville.

Why shall I make it or she myself, herself, when its so easy? And inexpensive.

Who cares for 15 Dollar and I sit in a stinky rat whole for two or more hours with a bunch of smelly people.

And its possible to do it from SNV, gives you freedom to sit on the beach without loosing days to apply for Visa and pick up.

Edited by ALFREDO
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This endless visa bureaucracy is one reason I have abandoned Thailand for Cambodia, which welcomes foreigners.

Were you feeling unwelcome in Thailand? What were you doing here?If you have nothing to offer the country you are bound to feel unwelcome. The last time I checked in Cambodia foreigners can't own land or ground floor condos and the 49% foreign ownership limit applies to condos. Doesn't sound very foreigner friendly to me. Oh yes and they have the most expensive Electricity in the world and unreliable too since there is no National Grid so you won't see much foreign investment heading to Cambodia till that's sorted.. Have they got a tradable currency yet or do you still pay in USD with small change in Rials? I am sure that they will let you import as much of your cash as you like to invest in a business there but can you get it out and will you ever make a profit?. I'll stay in Thailand thanks earning good money that I can export to my UK bank through online internet banking whilst sitting in my freehold condo in Bangkok. What do you see as being Cambodia's big attraction for foreigners then? Is it difficult to get a work permit and visa there? What are the salaries like for expat Technical specialists or don't they need them yet? What's the income tax rate like? Sread the word sir don't keep it all to yourself

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I have a question.Who is Mr Keo? and why does everyone seem to believe him when he claims that it takes so long to process a visa? If he is a tout or agent of any form then why do people pay him if he can't get a Visa in less than 4 days?. I've just quickly looked through this thread and I can't find a single post which mentions based on first hand experience how long it takes to get a visa if you don't use an agent! I also can't find reference to any unreasonable requirements being imposed on applicants What is going on here? is this some kind of agent marketing thread intended to coerce TV members into paying an Agent? Has anyone actually applied for a Tourist visa themselves? Am I missing something here? Somebody please enlighten me

Mr Keo operates a tour company in Phnom Penh. As I mentioned previously I now don't see the point of using an agent (and I'm sure some would agree) if there is no real benefit, like a quicker turnaround. His name has been mentioned on countless threads, by numerous members as being a helpful and trustworthy guy. When I spoke to him a week ago he told me the turnaround time and because he couldn't improve this I should go to embassy and apply myself. I used his services this time simply out of laziness but if I had to get another visa outside of Thailand I would apply, myself.

IMO if you don't meet all of the requirements or are unsure of what to do, then use an agent. Otherwise apply yourself.

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Tourist Visas are for tourists. Not for guys with accounts at the Kasikorn Bank in Udon Thani (or wherever). It is foreigners abusing the system- getting repeat tourist visas whereas in reality they are living here- over many years, that have caused the Thais to clamp down. you can't really blame them! And Cambodia will tighten its regulations in the future too, when it is affluent enough. If you've ever tried to get your Thai partner a visa for UK, you'll understand that the Thai immigration system is still very lenient by comparison.

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Go to Vientiane. They still issue double entry visas. Takes two days, and I'd rather spend two days there than in Phnom Penh.

But not me... Phnom Penh is an exciting city compared to the rural village of Vientiane with super-crooked police refusing to issue a fine-document and pocketting the money. Not that I pretend that Cambodian police is in any way better.... but at least they keep on smiling asking your 3 US$ for overspeed...

Lao police are lovely! Never had any problems with them, always let me through with no helmet, no ID, no license, and one time even drunk!! On the other hand, in PP, whenever seen by a police, I was always stopped and "fined" for being white, wearing a helmet, and keeping the rules.

Personally, I really dislike Lao. The people, the system for the visa, and I understand it's cheaper. If you don't care about the money then Cambodia is a overwhelming superior choice. PP environment superior, food, people, generally a pleasant experience. I love PP. The Thai Embassy is another story. The man in the shack is the way to go but unnerving to give your passport over to a guy on the street. He got the job done for me but I lost sleep waiting for my visa wondering if he sold my passport.

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It's interesting to read the arguments back and forth about Thailand being welcoming and whether people should be given visas. I can't get a retirement visa because I'm not of age yet. But I'm retired due to enough cash in the bank (and I do personal trading). So, under the current system I'm left with no option but to do back to back tourist visas if I want to stay in Thailand. I will be doing an "education visa" with a school but it's really just a way of paying to stay here legitimately for a year. And I get to learn to read Thai. I guess the question is, how can a guy like myself stay here legally within the rules of the system?

I wasn't all that impressed with PP (been there a couple of times) or I would be headed there in a heartbeat to avoid the hassle of the visas. Is there anywhere else in Cambodia that I should check out as a place to live (been to SR too)?

Edited by Mario2008
racist statement deleted
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It's interesting to read the arguments back and forth about Thailand being welcoming and whether people should be given visas. I can't get a retirement visa because I'm not of age yet. But I'm retired due to enough cash in the bank (and I do personal trading). So, under the current system I'm left with no option but to do back to back tourist visas if I want to stay in Thailand. I will be doing an "education visa" with a school but it's really just a way of paying to stay here legitimately for a year. And I get to learn to read Thai. I guess the question is, how can a guy like myself stay here legally within the rules of the system?

I wasn't all that impressed with PP (been there a couple of times) or I would be headed there in a heartbeat to avoid the hassle of the visas. Is there anywhere else in Cambodia that I should check out as a place to live (been to SR too)?

You can always try the Philippines, it is probably better than PP. If you are doing trading I guess you need stable internet which I assume you can only get in PP in Cambodia.

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Tourist Visas are for tourists. Not for guys with accounts at the Kasikorn Bank in Udon Thani (or wherever). It is foreigners abusing the system- getting repeat tourist visas whereas in reality they are living here- over many years, that have caused the Thais to clamp down. you can't really blame them! And Cambodia will tighten its regulations in the future too, when it is affluent enough. If you've ever tried to get your Thai partner a visa for UK, you'll understand that the Thai immigration system is still very lenient by comparison.

They're clamping down because they're on the up and up. You think people just recently started abusing 'the system'...?

and more on topic... <deleted> is 'mr. Keo'?

Posted with Thaivisa App http://apps.thaivisa.com

Edited by happysanook
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Just got back from PP and I got my O visa (single entry) it was delivered to me at 6.30pm on the friday so 3 full days so suggest i anyone is going to go (not that I would recommend it) I would plan to be there on a sunday ready to hand your paperwork in on the monday as the time required to receive a visa was quoted anywhere from 3 days to a week and that is even if you actually get it.

It seemed both Mr Keo and other agents were throwing around different timelines, not really knowing when or if it would be issued but quoting money will take care of it.

I would choose an easier location next time.

I missed my flight back to Thailand because of the delay so decided to spend some time an explore Cambodia and the beach and I have to say I was suprised at how welcoming Cambodia is to foreigners and can certainly see the attraction that has attracted the expats there.

Some of the Positives and negative and comparisons I saw.

Not that each applies to me but are things that certain people will find good or bad depending on what you are looking for

NO BULLSHIT in Cambodia as far as Visas etc its very very easy and they seem very very welcoming and make it extremely easy to live there year round very very inexpensively without the visa BS we are subjected to here.

  • Business Visa costs $25 then take into any travel agent withing the first 30 days pay $275 for a year visa which is renewable every year and you never have to leave the country or do a visa run VERY VERY REFRESHING
  • Very Laid back and did not feel for a second we are unwelcome which is the feeling here in Thailand for many of us.
  • Beer 15 baht a beer compared to 50-60 baht here in Thailand in fact in Sanoukville it was only 7.5 baht a beer in some places if your a drinker you know this is where most of your money goes and in Cambodia you can get as drunk as you want and you will hardly notice the money going out.
  • Lots of farang food to be had for very inexpensive Chili dogs 30 baht or $1, Full English 90 baht or $3 Fish and Chips 4 BIG beer battered fish and chips tartare sauce etc $3
  • Long term Accomodation from $100 for a nice sized room including Cable and electricity month up
  • Tons of foreigners working in all sorts of business's without any problems and doing so openly
  • Jammers and Musicians have no fear of being arrested in Cambodia, JAM as much as you want without fear of arrest the way it should be
  • Poker is legal, as is Gambling so if you love a game of NL hold em or weekly tournaments then a game can be found easily without fear of being arrested
  • I would say Cambodia is 60% cheaper than here in Thailand and that is across the board
  • 8% Interest on Bank Deposits if your brave enough to put your money in the Bank there.
  • CORRUPTION is there as it is in thailand but even that is cheaper, pulled over for no helmet = $2 fine (60baht)
  • Bars can Open 24/7 without any Police intervention (Corruption is paid checked with one guy very Large bar and guesthouse attached he paid $40 month)
  • Talking to the guys living there seems Cambodian girls are not as cut throat as Thais never heard a story of a guy losing everything to a girl maybe the guys living in Cambodia are smarter than those living in Thailand or maybe the girls are not as bad
  • Not my thing but many people were smoking POT openly and it seemed it was tolerated and nobody was worried in the slightest about having a problem by doing so. There was a small problem in a nightclub when a guy lit up but he was told to just put it out as it was not allowed in there.
  • Electricity was mentioned so I asked and a normal home bill is about $30 a month although Business's the cost can be high

Negatives depending on how you look at it

  • Only KFC is there out of the big fast food franchises so if you like a Big Mac or Burger King your outta luck
  • Very dirty garbage everywhere which spoils the place a bit
  • PP traffic is as bad as Bangkok (maybe even worse drivers)
  • No Thai Food or very little to be found.

Overall I think Cambodia would be a good alternative to Thailand for those sick of the BS here, all the expats I met were very happy and many lived here before and moved to Cambodia and all said they wished they had done it way earlier.

Thailand is way more advanced that Cambodia in many ways but just the ease of the Visa issue and the ridiculously cheap cost of living Cambodia could be a great alternative to those looking to stay in Asia but sick of Thailand and the visa crap they make us jump through.

I agree with all you say and add.... you really need your own vehicle because of no real public transportation and the tuk-tuk/motorbike method will empty your wallet fast. Much cheaper in the long run to have your own car or motorbike.

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Is there anywhere else in Cambodia that I should check out as a place to live (been to SR too)?

Check out Sihanoukville, Kampot and Kep all on the coast. The second two very quiet so and not the nice beaches than SNV. I like it in Cambodia!

Edited by ALFREDO
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I have a question.Who is Mr Keo? and why does everyone seem to believe him when he claims that it takes so long to process a visa? If he is a tout or agent of any form then why do people pay him if he can't get a Visa in less than 4 days?. I've just quickly looked through this thread and I can't find a single post which mentions based on first hand experience how long it takes to get a visa if you don't use an agent! I also can't find reference to any unreasonable requirements being imposed on applicants What is going on here? is this some kind of agent marketing thread intended to coerce TV members into paying an Agent? Has anyone actually applied for a Tourist visa themselves? Am I missing something here? Somebody please enlighten me

Mr Keo operates a tour company in Phnom Penh. As I mentioned previously I now don't see the point of using an agent (and I'm sure some would agree) if there is no real benefit, like a quicker turnaround. His name has been mentioned on countless threads, by numerous members as being a helpful and trustworthy guy. When I spoke to him a week ago he told me the turnaround time and because he couldn't improve this I should go to embassy and apply myself. I used his services this time simply out of laziness but if I had to get another visa outside of Thailand I would apply, myself.

IMO if you don't meet all of the requirements or are unsure of what to do, then use an agent. Otherwise apply yourself.

.......and more on topic... <deleted> is 'mr. Keo'?

Posted with Thaivisa App http://apps.thaivisa.com

<deleted> is Mr. Keo? Did you read the whole thread before you posted this ???

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as much as it is inconvenient the way this is now, have you ever tried to get a thai national into your own country for a visit,let alone an "long stay

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At the embassy counter in PP it's difficult for foreigners to obtain any type of visa directly.

They ask for 1. air ticket to leave Thailand or return to your country

2. bank statement

3. reservation for hotel in Thailand

And the documentation must satisfy the person you hand the application to.

Then it takes 4 days.

However,

an alternative is the fellow outside the embassy with a handful of passports.

For $30 extra he'll get your visa in one day but you still need airline ticket.

Note:

That handful of passports collecting an extra $30 each is paying for someone's Lexus SUV

I suspect.

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as much as it is inconvenient the way this is now, have you ever tried to get a thai national into your own country for a visit,let alone an "long stay

Yes, I tried and got, -Schengen Visa- Embassy Austria, Since 2001, 11 Visa for 5 different woman, 4 Thais, 1 Cambodian Passport holder, without rejection.

-wijar- you cannot compare that. I do not know how many Falang work in TH without work permit.

But I believe, an overwhelming group of Falangs does not work in TH and brings his money to TH!

Nearly all of the Thais-mostly Ladies bring after their holyday, money out of her boyfriends or customers country to TH.

Not same, same!cowboy.gif

Edited by Maestro
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I have to agree with Alfredo in the fact that, you can't compare the two. Wijar has a point that it's difficult to get a Thai into other countries, which is true. Canada is very strict on Thai immigrants (or even tourist visas for fear they will not leave). And yet, Canada is a country full of immigrants. They don't permit Thai's because they typically (not always) are under educated by Canadian standards and may not have the ability to support themselves (legally). Sure enough, there are plenty of Thai nannies working under the table though. The reverse is not true. I am no burden on the Thai society in a financial sense...quite the opposite.

I'm not saying I deserve to be in Thailand or they should welcome me with open arms. I, simply, would like to have a way to apply to stay here legally for longer periods of time. I agree...I'm not a tourist and should not be here on back to back tourist visas but what other options do I have?

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My friend went to the Embassy this morning with more than 20,000B in his pocket, the answer was still no, now they want confirmation of hotel where he is staying in BKK.

The guy at the front says he can fix it.

I think you are an Agent touting for business!!

The last time I checked you don't need to have a hotel booking to get a Tourist Visa You can say that you are staying with friends

I have a question.Who is Mr Keo? and why does everyone seem to believe him when he claims that it takes so long to process a visa? If he is a tout or agent of any form then why do people pay him if he can't get a Visa in less than 4 days?. I've just quickly looked through this thread and I can't find a single post which mentions based on first hand experience how long it takes to get a visa if you don't use an agent! I also can't find reference to any unreasonable requirements being imposed on applicants What is going on here? is this some kind of agent marketing thread intended to coerce TV members into paying an Agent? Has anyone actually applied for a Tourist visa themselves? Am I missing something here? Somebody please enlighten me

NO Numb Nuts Im not a visa or tourist agent as you claim. There is plenty of evidence in this thread to confirm what I have said.

I usually reply or post information to help others, unlike yourself.

I think you had better take a look at yourself, going by some of your post on TV all you seem to do is attack other members.

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My friend went to the Embassy this morning with more than 20,000B in his pocket, the answer was still no, now they want confirmation of hotel where he is staying in BKK.

The guy at the front says he can fix it.

I think you are an Agent touting for business!!

The last time I checked you don't need to have a hotel booking to get a Tourist Visa You can say that you are staying with friends

I have a question.Who is Mr Keo? and why does everyone seem to believe him when he claims that it takes so long to process a visa? If he is a tout or agent of any form then why do people pay him if he can't get a Visa in less than 4 days?. I've just quickly looked through this thread and I can't find a single post which mentions based on first hand experience how long it takes to get a visa if you don't use an agent! I also can't find reference to any unreasonable requirements being imposed on applicants What is going on here? is this some kind of agent marketing thread intended to coerce TV members into paying an Agent? Has anyone actually applied for a Tourist visa themselves? Am I missing something here? Somebody please enlighten me

NO Numb Nuts Im not a visa or tourist agent as you claim. There is plenty of evidence in this thread to confirm what I have said.

I usually reply or post information to help others, unlike yourself.

I think you had better take a look at yourself, going by some of your post on TV all you seem to do is attack other members.

You shouldn't be so sensitive.I am not attacking you or anyone else. I asked if you are an agent because it seemed to be possibility given that u and other posters seemed so keen to get people to use the touts because somebody asked your friend to show a hotel booking which I know isn't a requirement for issue of a tourist visa. At the time of posting I couldn't find any posts which quoted first hand experience of applying for visa without using an agent which makes me question the advice given

Posted with Thaivisa App http://apps.thaivisa.com

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