How can South Africans obtain a SETV visa in Malaysia without permanent residency?

Feb 1, 2018
7 years ago
Hi,

My wife and I are South African and trying to get a SETV Thai visa at the Royal Thai Embassy here in Kuala Lumpur. We went to the embassy this morning, but we were told that South African's need a permanent address here in Malaysia to apply. Any advice on where we can get the SETV without having permanent residence in the country?

I appreciate your help.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation revolves around a South African couple seeking advice on obtaining a Single Entry Tourist Visa (SETV) for Thailand while currently in Malaysia. They faced a requirement for a permanent address in Malaysia at the Royal Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur. Commenters provide insights into the current visa policies, suggest contacting the Penang consulate as an alternative, and note specific requirements such as the need for a return flight ticket to South Africa. The discussion highlights challenges faced by South African citizens in obtaining tourist visas in Malaysia and possible solutions, including using a travel agent.
Danny ******
Is KL still the place to go for a 6 month METV if can't do in home country?
Kurt ********
Australia possibly
Tod *********
If you meeet ALL the requirements, yes..
Ron *******
Worth baring in mind, Penang now only process so many visas per day.
Brett ************
Being a SAFFA, I agree with Tony. Have used
@Jim **************
on several occasions for different visas through the Penang consulate. Easy hassle free and honestly an awesome all round chap who can help you out no worries at all.
Brett ************
Drop it off with him on the evening of arrival, he can do the photos and all the rest there, he will submit it the next morning whilst you relax and take in the scenes, sites and smells of Penang and then you collect around 14:30 the following day.

As said he is a top man. Contact him directly and he will even give you a heads up when to arrive and more importantly when not to arrive due to the consulate close due to Thai/Malay public holidays or there being the world and his dog arriving.
Kurt **************************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks Brett, how long does it take to get your visa with Jim normally? We will only have 2 days in Penang if we do go this route
Tod *********
KL has been like that for a couple months now, but I'd call the thai consulate in Penang and see if South Africans can get tourist visas there.

They speak english fine there.

+60 4-226 9484
Marco *********
Better you just fly back and get 30 days visa exempt on arrival, then you extend by 30 days at immigration for 1900 thb. 60 days guaranteed without any troubles
Marco *********
@Kurt ****************
unfortunately it is true, SA citizens, in order to apply tourist visa, must show original confirmed and paid ticket going back to South Africa.
Kurt **************************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Okay thanks
@Ma***
. We're currently in KL. We can go to Penang Sunday evening (4 Feb), but we have to be back by Wednesday morning (7 Feb) to catch our flight to Thailand.
Marco *********
Let me double check with my contact agent in Penang. Where do you live and around when you would apply your visa?
Kurt **************************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi
@Ma***
, it seems to be something related to the colour of our passports. I asked for the requirements and mentioned our nationality then he asked for the colour of my passport and said we would need to proof of return ticket.
Marco *********
@Ku**
, is the request of flight back to your country a peculiar proof for South African citizens?

Because Penang Consulate, in order to release a Tourist visa, requires house rental contract or hotel booking (at least 2 weeks) AND a reservation/confirmation of an onward ticket within 60 days from the visa issueing date. They don't mind about the destination of flight reservation
Kurt **************************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks Tod. Just called them. They said they would like to see our return flight back to our home country. We have an onward flight to Vietnam, but not to South Africa. How can one get around this or is an agent the best bet?
Mike ******
Following!
Tony *********
Kurt **************************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks Tony, will contact.
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