Is it better to apply for a TR visa in Penang or online using the e-TR visa?

TR Visa e-TR Visa Visa application process Penang immigration COVID extensions Visa agents in Penang

Nov 22, 2022

2 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

I am in Penang at the moment. Would you recommend trying to get a TR visa from here, or applying for the e-TR visa online? (I have many covid extension stamps on my passport). Here's what I know so far about Penang: it's a hit or miss situation, up to the IM officer. They have new management here and now it takes 72 hrs to get a response. Only 30 applicants per day. I was told by agents that now you have to go in person so they can see you/interview you. Anybody has any recent experience with Penang? Thanks!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is in Penang and is considering applying for a TR visa either through local application or the online e-TR visa. They mention challenges faced due to recent management changes at the immigration office in Penang, including a slow response rate and an in-person interview requirement. Comments suggest reaching out to local contacts for advice and clarify that e-visas cannot be processed from Penang.

Feaky **********

hi Remus, do you have any contacts for Visa agents in Penang?

2 years ago

Brandon ************

You can't apply for evisa. You have to apply at the embassy of the country you are physically in. None of the nearby countries to Thailand currently participate in evisa.

2 years ago

Remus ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

Actually that's incorrect, I've just spoken to the secretary from the embassy from my country: I can apply, but there is a chance that they might ask to see me in person at the embassy, which I obviously can't. A friend of mine from Romania applied a few days ago while being in Dubai, and a few days later he received it, but he doesn't have any covid extension stamps, so it's a different situation

2 years ago

Brandon ************

@Remus *****

it's technically not allowed but some embassies allow it (I know the German embassy does). But the US requires you to show a flight from the US to Thailand as part of the application, same for UK.

2 years ago

Remus ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

Yes, that's what the secretary said too, that the flight ticket should be to and from my original country. However, my friend and his partner were accepted without issues, with no direct plane ticket inbound or outbound to Thailand. They went from Dubai to Bali, from there to Phuket, and outbound back to Dubai. The original homecountry (Romania) is not in the itinerary at all

2 years ago

Reply to

Remus ******

John ********

Have you talked to Jim at Jim’s place? He should be able to advise

2 years ago

James **********

I was there in Penang 2 months ago and everything was very easy for my tourist visa. However I did not have a lot of stamps as you do.

2 years ago

Remus ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *******

Jim's shop is closed. I've talked with several others, they all say it's not guaranteed, and even if you work with an agent, you still have to be there în person

2 years ago

Reply to

Remus ******

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