Is it likely that I could get a free single entry visa in Penang now?

[GoGet]

Is it likely that I could get a free single entry visa in Penang now?

 

Hi there,

 

I have a Swedish passport.

Now I am in Hua Hin.

The passport has one old transferred ED visa, one double entry visa and three single entry visa (from Savannakhet).

The passport is ok and there is no red stamp in it.

 

Penang consulate seems to be dishing out free visas now but I want to be sure.

 

Three questions:

 

1. Can I have a free single entry visa for sure (or with very high probability) if I come down to Penang now?

2. If so, what documentation if any is required? 

3. Someone said it is required to show 20000 THB at the border when returning, is this correct or not?

 

BP

Hua Hin

[ubonjoe]

1. You can get a free single entry tourist visa in Penang like every other embassy and consulate in the world..

    They only count visas they issued so you will not have a problem getting the visa.

2 Your passport and a visa application form with photos attached to it.  Form here: Penang.pdf

3. It depends upon the crossing you use for entry. Sadao has a history of asking to see 20k baht.

[GoGet]

1 hour ago, ubonjoe said:

1. You can get a free single entry tourist visa in Penang like every other embassy and consulate in the world..

    They only count visas they issued so you will not have a problem getting the visa.

2 Your passport and a visa application form with photos attached to it.  Form here: Penang.pdf

3. It depends upon the crossing you use for entry. Sadao has a history of asking to see 20k baht.

 

When you say Sadao you refer to the Ban Dan Nok crossing?

 

You recommend using the Padang Besar crossing instead?

[ubonjoe]

9 minutes ago, GoGet said:

 

When you say Sadao you refer to the Ban Dan Nok crossing?

 

You recommend using the Padang Besar crossing instead?

Most people refer to it as the Sadao crossing instead of Ban Dan Nok.

Pedang Besar is a better crossing to use.

[overherebc]

Might be a good ixea to avoid Monday and Thursday. Gets v busy with a lot of Russian tourists getting visas before returning to Phuket.

My line number was 235 when I got there about 10am on the Monday. I think that did include numbers issued to a couple of agents but gives you an idea.

[GoGet]

2 minutes ago, overherebc said:

Might be a good ixea to avoid Monday and Thursday. Gets v busy with a lot of Russian tourists getting visas before returning to Phuket.

My line number was 235 when I got there about 10am on the Monday. I think that did include numbers issued to a couple of agents but gives you an idea.

 

Ok. By the way, will the Penang consulate issue the visa overnight or is there a 2 day or more waiting period?

[ubonjoe]

Just now, GoGet said:

 

Ok. By the way, will the Penang consulate issue the visa overnight or is there a 2 day or more waiting period?

You apply the morning of one day and pick up the next after noon.

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

[overherebc]

1 minute ago, GoGet said:

 

Ok. By the way, will the Penang consulate issue the visa overnight or is there a 2 day or more waiting period?

 

Submit morning and pick up the following day at 2pm.

So overnight in Georgetown is your best bet.

I've never used an agent but many do.

Banana guest house has been mentioned for that service but I don't really know.

[thepoo]

I am in Hua Hin and get the train down to Butterworth then the ferry over to Georgetown. I have always had the 20k with me at Padang Besar but never been asked to show it. I have used Jim,s Place on Chulia Street for my visa,s , take your passport and photos he has the forms , very easy .

[GoGet]

2 minutes ago, thepoo said:

I am in Hua Hin and get the train down to Butterworth then the ferry over to Georgetown. I have always had the 20k with me at Padang Besar but never been asked to show it. I have used Jim,s Place on Chulia Street for my visa,s , take your passport and photos he has the forms , very easy .

 

Ok. How much is the train from Hua Hin to Butterworth by the way?

[lee b]

Good timing for me again, got my single entry in HCMC about 10 days ago, and spent 40$. Oh well at least I have a visa, thats all I was worried about.

[thepoo]

24 minutes ago, GoGet said:

 

Ok. How much is the train from Hua Hin to Butterworth by the way?

Train 35 Hua Hin to Padang Besar was about 900 baht , then it,s 11 MYR from Padang Besar to Butterworth , the ferry is about 2.5 MYR , one way prices. 

[thaibook]

Is Penang the nearest Thai consulate to the southern provinces or is there one nearer the border?

[ubonjoe]

1 hour ago, thaibook said:

Is Penang the nearest Thai consulate to the southern provinces or is there one nearer the border?

There is a consulate in Khota Bharu Malaysia. Website: http://www.thaiembassy.org/kotabharu/

Note that they are closed on Fridays but open on Sunday.

[JayBird]

Interestingly enough (at least first time I noticed this).  The web site for the thai embassy/consulate in Kotabharu shows an advertisement for the Thailand Elite Card.

 

 

[4evermaat]

There is a consulate in Khota Bharu Malaysia. Website: http://www.thaiembassy.org/kotabharu/
Note that they are closed on Fridays but open on Sunday.

It might be physically a few km closer.... But is it easier or more practical to get to?

[ubonjoe]

15 minutes ago, 4evermaat said:

It might be physically a few km closer.... But is it easier or more practical to get to?

I was just answering his question.

I think it is closer to the Thai border crossing in Su-ngai Kolok than Penang is from crossings  to there

There are trains that go from Hat Yai to Su-ngai Kolok.

[BritTim]

4 hours ago, 4evermaat said:

It might be physically a few km closer.... But is it easier or more practical to get to?

 

The most likely reason why some in Thailand might prefer Kota Bharu is the ability to apply on a Sunday and return to Thailand Monday. As you suggest, the logistics are problematic.

[GoGet]

On 12/5/2016 at 2:33 PM, thepoo said:

I am in Hua Hin and get the train down to Butterworth then the ferry over to Georgetown. I have always had the 20k with me at Padang Besar but never been asked to show it. I have used Jim,s Place on Chulia Street for my visa,s , take your passport and photos he has the forms , very easy .

 

Ok. By the way, what are the opening hours for submitting the visa application at the Thai consulate in Penang?

[GoGet]

6 minutes ago, GoGet said:

Quote

Ok. By the way, what are the opening hours for submitting the visa application at the Thai consulate in Penang?

 

[ubonjoe]

8 minutes ago, GoGet said:

 

Ok. By the way, what are the opening hours for submitting the visa application at the Thai consulate in Penang?

Quote

Consular Hours: 9.00 am - 11.30 am (Visa Application).                                   

                                    2.00 pm - 4.00 pm (Visa Collection).    

Source: http://www.thaiembassy.org/penang/th/organize/17353-วันหยุดราชการวันเวลาทำการ.html