Is Penang becoming stricter with issuing tourist visas, and what alternatives do you recommend?

Mar 25, 2018
7 years ago
Selina *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Are people finding that Penang is getting stricter with issuing tourist visas? I was thinking of going there (my first time there) next month, but based on a quick search of the group it seems that people were issued warning stamps even without multiple visas? Curious if that's the case.

If so, where might you recommend instead? I've been to Vientiane so I'd prefer somewhere else, and need a relatively short plane ride due to an injury.

Last question -- has anyone in Chiang Mai gotten the medical extension on their visa (sorry, don't know the specific name)?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The community is discussing recent changes in visa issuance in Penang, with reports of increased scrutiny and warning stamps being issued even to visitors without prior multiple visas. Some point out that while it may be stricter, using a visa agent can simplify the process. Travelers are also sharing experiences regarding medical visa extensions in Chiang Mai, explaining the required documentation and processes. Alternatives for travel are suggested, particularly Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, which appears to have a more streamlined visa application process.
Andrew ********
Just got back from Penang with my Ed Visa 24th. They want all your docs. I did not have my Bank account details and showing the guy cash from my wallet (over 20k). Was not enuff. I asked to see his supervisor (I suspect the kid is new) and they accepted the application.

I am going to send an email to the consulor there and let him know the embassy is getting a bad reputation. And one to Penang tourism as they will go have a word with the embassy and apply some pressure

But go see Jim. Nothing but good reviews and I was going to but he was not open when I headed off to the embassy. He cost not much more than the taxi fare to go yourself and saves you a few hours standing in the heat
Malcolm *******
Jim is opposite the Chulia Heritage hotel or just up from Chulia mansion hotel which is the same side of the road, I would recommend the Chulia mansion rather than Chulia Herritage. Monday Jim is always very busy so try and plan another day
Tod *********
@And***
, just so you know and are clear.

IF you are required to show proof of funds at a thai consulate to get a visa you cannot show cash. It can only be a printed bank statement

AND

IF you are required to show proof of funds when entering the country at passport control it cannot be a bank statement. It can only be cash.

With that being said, an ED visa doesn't require any proof of funds..

FWIW: That thai consulate is not getting a bad reputation, it's straightening up it's act after running fast and loose for YEARS handing out visas willy nilly. It's only comin' in line with the other thai consulates in the area.
Selina *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Good to know! I'll be sure to bring all the paperwork. Glad the supervisor accepted your application :) and yeah, I've had several people recommend him so I think I'll go that route to avoid standing in line with a boot on my leg haha
Malcolm *******
I did Penang two months ago just remember to take anything that might be needed, I had flight out of Thailand booked just in case, and rental agreement ( take copies as you don't get them back)

I used Jim on Chulia street, costs only Β£10 more but no hassle for yourself dropped my Documents on Tuesday morning, had them back by 2.30 wednesday
Selina *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you, Malcolm!
Jeremy ********
Hcmc in Vietnam is easy to get a visa at
Jeremy ********
@Nemo ******
yes drop off in the morning pick up next day afternoon
Nemo *******
isn't it usually drop off morning, pick up afternoon next day?
Jeremy ********
@Christine **********
as long as there are no Vietnamese or Thai holidays scheduled, yes that is doable...you might need a visa for Vietnam before going so do your research...I went last month...it’s a 1.5 hour flight from BKK/DMK..left on a Sunday came back on a Friday...went to to embassy on a Monday received visa on Tuesday...very easy
Christine ***********
last time you went and how long do they take? Dropping off on Tues, collecting on Thurs possible?
Nancy ******
I've been in Chiang Mai on medical visas for the better part of a year now. They are issued for a maximum of 90 days at a time. You will need a medical certificate and a medical report from the doctor/hospital by which you are being treated, plus there's an immigration form (entirely in Thai; I can send you a blank copy, if you need it) that must be filled out by your doctor. Your doctor must state for how long you will be unable to travel. Every page of the medical documents must have the hospital's official stamp on it. Please note that the 90 (or however many you are approved for) days of the visa validity will begin on the date on which the medical certificate was issued, not the date on which you apply/are granted the visa, so don't get the certificate too far in advance.
Nancy ******
I sent you a message.
Selina *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you for all the detail, Nancy. That's incredibly helpful. I'd love a blank copy of the form.
Ivan ************
Medical extension the hospital has to provide you with documentation requesting it. It's possible for sure but not trivial, you'd want to be seriously unable to travel and have a hospital willing to back you up on that. Your first step in asking about it would be the hospital you are being treated at.
Selina *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Good to know,
@Mal****
. I'll find out this week whether or not I'm cleared to fly, and I'll keep Ram in mind if I need assistance with the paperwork.
Malcolm *******
@Selina ******
I was in the Ram, Chiangmai in 2014 they photographed me in the hospital bed and went to immigration with all proof that I had been admitted after an operation, but the Ram has a special department that deals with everything like that, had no problems and the doctor told he could keep me as long I liked, still had to pay the 1,900 baht
Selina *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Okay, perfect. Thank you!
Ivan ************
If so you may need to go directly to immigration at Promenada and ask them, and get the forms for the hospital. But I'd start with the hospital. If it's a big hospital like Maharaj even if not so frequented by foreigners they probably have someone in the administration that knows what to do. Good luck.
Selina *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Oh, I actually don't think the hospital I go to is frequented by many foreigners so that's a good consideration to have.
Ivan ************
If it's a hospital that deals with foreigners frequently they will have people that know how to deal with the visa extension.
Selina *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Okay, great. I have an appointment with my doctor Friday so I'll find out then, but looks like there's a risk of blood clot so I'm going to see what they say.
Louisa *******
Prepare on non-existent wifi besides Coworking spaces and terrible mobile data. I am here right now :) Besides that it's a lovely place to spend 2-3 days in.
Steve *******
@Louisa ******
. I think you need a new phone, Ive never had a problem with wi-fi in Penang
Louisa *******
I'm in George Town 🀷 I really tried the wifi of some coffee shops, found it too slow, then hotspotted from my phone and it was even worse πŸ˜ƒ

I get like 60 mb/sec outside - so I am pretty sure they hide some kind of weird things in the walls here that disturbs the signal πŸ˜ƒπŸ˜ƒπŸ˜ƒ
Chris *******
@Louisa ******
you get 0,5mb/sec with the maximum speed plan? you must be in a really remote area to have this problem.. had this problem only with celcom because their coverage is simply bad quality.
Chris *******
depends on the area where are you, check your location according opensignal website and your operator... MAXIS (hotlink) beats anything else I've used in Malaysia so far.
Louisa *******
I have hotlink 😐 It works a little better when I am outdoors but no matter where I am indoors it's like 0.5 mb/sec - maybe there's something in the walls that block the signal?🀷
Chris *******
If you use Hotlink your mobile data is excellent, but using the cheapo digi or celcom - bad choice.
Selina *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Haha oh man, that's difficult. At least you get more peaceful time to spend πŸ˜„
Flemming ********
No, it's still easy, you just need a ticket out of Thailand, but they now have a limit of 200 applications a day, so use a visa agent, it only costs small money.
Selina *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Okay, great, good to know! Thanks!
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