Anyone got a single tourist visa in Penang since the 13th Nov?

[mat999]

I know single entry tourist visas are supposed to be unchanged, but this webpage indicates that the new METV rules are being lumped in for the single entry option too. I am just hoping someone could put my mind at rest as I will be going to Penang soon.

http://www.thaiembassy.org/kualalumpur/th/services/962/18989-Required-Documents.html

When I change the kualalumpur in the url to penang it just leads me to an out of date pdf.

[ubonjoe]

I am certain many people have gotten single entry tourist visas in the past week at Penang. If there were any changes there certainly would of been posts about it.

The KL websites info is a a mess just ignore it. It does not apply to Penang or anywhere else.

[mat999]

Thanks for the reassurance ubonjoe. I had assumed the same. I will be sure to post here if there is any hassle.

You don't happen to know if they still have agents that do it for you in Penang do you? It would be nice to have the free time to do some sightseeing rather than applying then collecting the visa. I have booked a room where the agents are based, so will easily find out when there.

Also I have seen smatterings of needing 20K Baht. Do you know if that is when applying for the visa, crossing the border to come back, or rarely ever needed? We are two and coming back on the boat from Langkawi to Ko Lipe, where I would of assumed rules would be more lax.

Thanks again.

[ubonjoe]

You can use an agent and not even have to go to the consulate.

Only reports of people being asked for the 20k at at the Sadao crossing.

[CrankyCarrot]

On a related note: I have a double entry Thai visa and have extended both entries. No overstays and just that one double entry visa stamp in the passport for 2015.

Noting the above, what are the chances I'll be knocked back if I apply for a single entry tourist visa in Penang?

[ubonjoe]

On a related note: I have a double entry Thai visa and have extended both entries. No overstays and just that one double entry visa stamp in the passport for 2015.

Noting the above, what are the chances I'll be knocked back if I apply for a single entry tourist visa in Penang?

You should not have any problem getting a visa in Penang.

[CrankyCarrot]

@ubonjoe Thanks for fast response and good news.

[CrankyCarrot]

It's tempting to get ticket to fly to KL instead of Penang (from Phuket) as you save a few bucks, but after reading all the horror stories about the embassy in KL I guess it makes sense to avoid it in favour of the Penang consulate.

From what I've read here, it sounds like Penang don't concern themselves with onward flight tickets and accommodation receipts where KL obsess over them. Is that the case?

I don't nail down my plans re hotels and flights/travel months in advance, but I also don't overstay or sleep on the beach.

[BritTim]

At last report, a SETV in Penang required just application form, copy of identification page and entry stamp of passport, two photos and 110 MYR (if applying in person). Many choose to use agents instead which is well accepted (a little more expensive, but hassle free).

[CrankyCarrot]

So Penang it is then. Question remains whether to go via plane (more $$, more planning) or minivan (much, much more discomfort, less $$). One agent quoted B3900 to go by minivan using A&B (who use the least homicidal drivers last I checked). They pick you up and drop you off everywhere, and give you a couple of modest meals plus a night at the Continental Hotel in Penang. Of course there's the small matter of being cooped up in a van for 12-15 hours or so (?) each way, which is kind of a nightmare.

Then there's the B20,000 they ask to see at the borders - is that going on now?

[CrankyCarrot]

Just spoke to the visa company. They said they're using the Sadao border (which I've heard has been a bit of a no-go recently). Regarding the B20,000 requirement, she wasn't sure about British or Australian citizens, but said people from the Ukraine or South Africa definitely needed to show it. Hmmm...

[mat999]

From Chiang Mai there was a reasonably priced flight to Penang via Kuala Lumpur with Air Asia. I think it was around 3,500. The stop over in KUL is less than 2 hours. Maybe there is something similar from Phuket. The flight from KUL to Penang is only about 35 minutes, so it's probably faster than the 45 miles or km taxi from KUL airport to the city.

[CrankyCarrot]

Firefly and Air Asia fly direct to Penang from Phuket from around B2400 each way, but at late notice it's hard to get flights at that price on days that fit around dropping off and picking up a visa.